Please join us for our first ever Readers Retreat! All of the events are a la carte so that local and visiting readers can all pick and choose the events that work for their schedules.

Friday, February 3, 2023 at 7pm we will welcome Ali Hazelwood live and in-person at The Sycamore at Mallow Run! Tickets include her latest book. Here’s a link to purchase tickets.

Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10am we will be joined by Anne Bogel at the Barn at Crystal Spring Farm! Tickets include a copy of her reading journal, coffee and pastries from Main & Madison. Here’s a link to purchase tickets. (This event is sold out. Email us if you would like to be added to a wait list.)

For those attendees who aren’t joining us at the Barn on Saturday morning, Coffeehouse Five (Franklin location) is hosting a breakfast with Franklin Jewelers from 9-11am. Stop by for jewelry, giveaways, as well as complimentary ‘karat’ cake and coffee samples.

Saturday afternoon, attendees can enjoy some free time to explore Franklin or just rest and read. Alternatively, if you would like to make a candle, there will be three reservation spaces available at Middle Davids. Here’s a link to hold your spot.

The Grove-Botany Boutique is also open in Franklin and has a build-your-own succulent bar.

Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 7pm - Ticket holders for either Friday or Saturday are invited to browse the bookshop after hours and meet new bookish friends. We will have light refreshments.

Looking for a uniquely Franklin experience? The Artcraft Theatre Sponsorship party doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets are available here. The Artcraft Sponsorship Lounge party puts the fun in fundraiser. At the event, the theatre will announce the 2023-24 film and event series. Admission to this ​21-and-over event is $40.

Sunday, February 5, 2023 - Free Book Swap on the bookshop porch from 10am-12pm! Feel free to write your social media handle in the book you are leaving if you want to hear from the person who reads it.

Looking for a yoga class before you head home? Drop in to my friend Toni Breeden’s 11:00am vinyasa style yoga class at Style Dance Academy (1632 Amy Lane Franklin, IN 46131) close to downtown. Her class is accessible to all fitness levels. She has loaner mats available if you are flying in. Toni is a registered yoga alliance instructor (RYT 200). The class is $12. Space is limited. Reserve your spot here.

*Additional Options:
Stop in Festival Country’s Visitor Center in Franklin and enjoy the free photobooth and information about things to see and do.

Toodleydoo Toys in downtown Franklin is offering 10% off your transaction (in-store only) for those participating in the Readers Retreat.

Franklin is known for it’s unique shopping and locally-owned restaurants. We have lots of vintage and antique stores, a new knit shop, a bike store, a record store, boutiques, and restaurants. Gluten free? Check out 1823 Bakehouse while you are in town.

Pick and choose what sounds good to you. We hope you relax, find inspiration and meet other readers.