Our 2020 Celebration event has been postponed.

We will communicate new dates and details as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding, and our best wishes to you in the meantime.

WILLIAMSBURG LODGE
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
JUNE 7-9, 2020

$1,200 Single Occupancy
$2,150 Double Occupancy (includes 2 attendees)

Join Editor-in-Chief Phyllis Hoffman DePiano for three days of creative inspiration and fellowship as Southern Lady Celebration returns for 2020! Gather the special ladies in your life and enjoy a full lineup of delightful events, with an included stay at the historic Williamsburg Lodge. This luxurious hotel, just steps away from sightseeing, has welcomed visitors to Colonial Williamsburg since the 1930s and now offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and traditional elegance.

Keynote speakers Kathryn Greeley, Alexandra Stoddard, Susan Davis, and Anna Addison Davis share insight on beautiful tabletop décor, the blessings of letter-writing, antique jewelry traditions, and more, along with experts offering guidance on topics that include floral design, new looks for heirloom china, etiquette, and a window into the lifestyle of Colonial ladies. Plus, you’ll have the chance to shop our on-site collection of Southern Lady books, gifts, and home décor.

Reservations are first come, first served, so make plans with your loved ones and mark the date: June 7-9, 2020. Don’t miss this opportunity to make fond memories and kindle connections with the women who are dearest to you! Register today.

What’s Included

  • Accommodations at Williamsburg Lodge from Sunday afternoon, June 7, to Tuesday morning, June 9
  • A Southern Lady welcome bag
  • Afternoon tea on Sunday, June 7
  • Professional digital photographs of you and your companions
  • Continental breakfast on Monday, June 8
  • Lunch at the Shields Tavern on Monday, June 8
  • One admission pass per guest for Colonial Williamsburg
  • Southern Lady special evening event on Monday, June 8
  • Sessions, book signings, and meet and greets with host Editor-in-Chief Phyllis Hoffman DePiano and keynote speakers

What’s Not Included

  • Transportation to and from the event
  • Hotel parking
  • Dinner on Sunday, June 7
  • Dinner on Monday, June 8
  • Optional hotel amenities not included in the event itinerary

Have a question about this event? Contact us.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND SESSION LEADERS

 
Sunday, June 7
Retreat to Williamsburg Lodge, located in the heart of historic Colonial Williamsburg near Virginia’s Eastern Seaboard. Our event kicks off late in the afternoon with a relaxed traditional tea and a welcome speech from Southern Lady Editor-in-Chief Phyllis Hoffman DePiano. Afterward, pose for keepsake photos with your companions, taken by our professional photographer, before you enjoy dinner on your own in one of Williamsburg’s many excellent restaurants (reservations recommended where available, required at some venues).

Suggested attire: smart casual.

Monday, June 8
The morning begins with a continental breakfast and the chance to shop our collection of books, gifts, decorative items, and other treasures on-site. Keynote speaker Kathryn Greeley, an acclaimed interior designer and author, leads the morning session on the legacy of creating a beautiful table. Join Kathryn afterward for a meet and greet and book signing before settling in for our expert-led sessions on floral arranging, new looks for heirloom china, and more. At midday, we’ll make our way to the Shields Tavern for a delicious lunch in an 18th-century atmosphere. Take the afternoon to explore Colonial Williamsburg at your leisure, stepping back in time as you chat with characters from history, watch skilled artisans at work, and shop the boutiques. After dinner on your own, gather for a special program that’s sure to end the evening on a high note.

Suggested attire: smart casual with comfortable walking shoes.

Tuesday, June 9
Linger over a continental breakfast before keynote speaker Alexandra Stoddard takes the stage to offer a talk on the art of old-fashioned letter writing and its role in the relationships we hold dear, followed by a meet and greet book signing. Then, mother-daughter duo Susan Davis and Anna Addison Davis share the story behind their antique jewelry designs. Shop their creations in person, then take one last moment to pick up a few mementos from our Southern Lady boutique. Depart for home midday with a smile on your face and a heart full of sweet memories.

Suggested attire: smart casual.


Booking
Half of the event cost (50%) is due at booking. The second half of event cost (50%) is due May 8, 2020. Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of payment. We accept payment by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. Trip prices are in US dollars.

Costs
The price of the event includes all hotel accommodations, speakers, scheduled activities, admission to Colonial Williamsburg, and some meals.

Single- and double-occupancy rates are available.

Since the trip is nonrefundable, we suggest buying trip insurance through a company like Travelex. You can also check with your credit card company to see if they provide travel insurance.

If you don’t purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation by you.

Your credit card will be charged by Hoffman Media, the parent company of Southern Lady.

Cancellation
We will cancel the event if fewer than expected participants have signed up by May 8, 2020. We will send an email confirmation to all participants when this number has been met. If Southern Lady initiates the cancellation, we will refund all payments. If cancellation is initiated by Southern Lady, Southern Lady is not liable for any other expenses incurred in the event of trip cancellation.

Have a question about this event? Contact us.


What happens if the event is canceled or I cannot attend after I have registered?
If for some reason Southern Lady must cancel the event, you will be notified and refunded your payment. However, we will be unable to refund any guest for an individual cancellation due to an emergency or sudden change in plans. Since the event fee is nonrefundable, we suggest buying trip insurance through a company such as Travelex. You can also check with your credit card company to see if travel insurance is provided. If you don’t purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation by you.

Will I need to pay for airfare separately, or is it included in the event cost?
Travel to and from Williamsburg is not included in the cost of the event. Whether you fly, drive, or live nearby, it will be your individual responsibility to arrive at Williamsburg Lodge on the afternoon of June 7, 2020.

Is the event suitable for children?
We welcome children aged 12 and up.

Do I have to stay at the Williamsburg Lodge, or can I choose another hotel?
Due to the nature of this event, we request that all guests stay on-site at the Williamsburg Lodge. We cannot separate accommodations pricing from the total event price in order to accommodate guests who wish to stay elsewhere.

Is there a commuter rate for local residents?
At this time, we are not able to offer a commuter rate for the event. We will update our registration information online if that should change.

What expenses will not be included in the event?
A listing of programs, meals, and other items that are included in the event can be found on our Itinerary tab. There are certain expenses that you may need to cover out-of-pocket. These include transportation to and from Williamsburg Lodge and Colonial Williamsburg, hotel parking, meals that are not provided with the event, shopping, alcohol, and any additional hotel amenities.

When is final payment due?
Final payment is due May 8, 2020. If you put down a deposit instead of paying in full, you will receive an email notification alerting you when the remaining payment is due, and a link to your account will be provided. Payment must be completed by this deadline in order to secure your place at the event. Failure to do so automatically forfeits your place, and your deposit will not be refunded.

What is the nearest airport? How can I get from there to the event?
There are three airports located less than one hour from Williamsburg. Richmond International Airport (RIC) is approximately 50 minutes to the north; Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is approximately 50 minutes to the south; and Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is approximately 30 minutes to the south. Each airport has rental car services on-site.

How do I get to the Williamsburg Lodge, and where should I park?
The Williamsburg Lodge is located at 310 S England St, Williamsburg, VA 23185. View driving directions and parking information here.

What is the best way to get around historic Colonial Williamsburg?
A shuttle bus is available to transport guests within the historic area (cars are not permitted). The bus is free of charge to Colonial Williamsburg ticket holders and guests staying at official Colonial Williamsburg hotels, including Williamsburg Lodge.

How do I register for the event?
If you have not yet registered, you may do so through our online form. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for your spot before it’s filled!

How do I make my hotel reservation for the event?
Your hotel will be reserved automatically when you register for the event. If you have any special requirements for your room, they should be noted in your registration. If you have already registered, please contact us with any change requests. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate late changes.

Can I extend my stay at the Williamsburg Lodge?
We have a limited number of rooms available for the evening of Saturday, June 6, if you plan to arrive in Williamsburg a day early. To include one of those rooms in your package, place “Hotel add-on for Saturday, June 6” in your cart at checkout.

What are check-in and check-out times at the hotel?
Check-in time is at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. The Williamsburg Lodge staff can check baggage for those arriving early and for guests attending functions on departure day.

What meals will be included in the event?
Southern Lady will provide various meals throughout your stay. These include afternoon tea on Sunday, continental breakfast and lunch on Monday, and continental breakfast on Tuesday. Guests will be responsible for their own meals for dinner on Sunday and Monday. Restaurants at Williamsburg Lodge that are open for dinner include Traditions (reservations required) and Sweet Tea & Barley. View a complete list of Colonial Williamsburg dining venues (please note reservations information).

What if I can’t make it to part of the event?
While we hope you are able to enjoy the entirety of the activities we’ve planned for our guests, we understand that there may be some time conflicts. You are free to arrive late or leave early from the event if you need to do so. However, there will be no discount to the cost of the event.

Will my dietary restrictions be accommodated in the provided meals?
Please note any dietary restrictions in the followup form you will receive after you register, and we will do our best to accommodate your food needs. If you have already registered, please contact us with any change requests. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate late changes.

Is the event handicap accessible?
The Williamsburg Lodge event rooms are handicap accessible. If you require a handicap-accessible room for your overnight stay, please indicate this in the followup form you will receive after you register. If you’ve already registered, please contact us with your information. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate late changes. Detailed accessibility information for Colonial Williamsburg can be found here.

What is the weather typically like in Williamsburg this time of year?
Williamsburg in June has an average high temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 64 degrees. We hope not to experience rain but suggest you check weather forecasts before packing. Please note that our activities will continue rain or shine.