Join acclaimed artist and instructor Durinda Cheek for a creative watercolor class inspired by the timeless beauty of food, vegetables and flowers.

Your still-life vignette will be artfully created by Andiamo Lodge owner and photographer Colleen Duffley, whose distinctive visual compositions have appeared in national magazines and advertising campaigns. Drawing on the rich still-life tradition of artists such as Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse, Durinda will guide you through capturing color, form, light and texture in your own unique way.

Whether you are an experienced painter or picking up a brush for the very first time, this relaxed and inspiring class is for you. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Just bring your curiosity—and come ready to create!

Price includes supplies and snacks 

Join us at Andiamo Lodge for an unforgettable culinary evening as Chef Emily Roy presents A Taste of Tokyo—a vibrant dinner experience inspired by the flavors, artistry, and traditions of Japanese cuisine.

Chef Emily is a familiar and much-loved presence at Andiamo Lodge, where she regularly shares her talents through teaching, cooking, and inspiring creativity in the kitchen. Her passion for bringing people together through food shines in everything she creates, and this special evening promises to be no exception.

For A Taste of Tokyo, Chef Emily will take guests on a delicious journey through thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate the beauty of Japanese flavors—from delicate and savory to bright, bold, and unexpected. Expect an evening filled with beautiful presentation, exciting tastes, and the warmth and hospitality that make dining at Andiamo Lodge so special.

Come hungry, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to have your taste buds dazzled. A Taste of Tokyo with Chef Emily Roy is more than dinner—it’s an experience designed to inspire, delight, and bring everyone together around the table.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening of incredible food, creativity, and connection at Andiamo Lodge.

Born and raised in England Chef Notter started baking at a young age, then attended culinary school while working part time in a bakery. After graduating she had the opportunity to work in Germany for Konditorei Heinmann where she spent 3 years learning about European pastries and confections. Switzerland followed and more experience with chocolate at Confiserie Bachmann in Luzern and Confiserie Honold in Zurich. While working in Zurich she started taking sugar classes with Ewald Notter, Susan then joined the school full time gaining more experience with pulled and blown sugar and eventually teaching classes alongside Ewald. The school grew and became internationally renowned, this led to world- wide travel, including the USA to teach and demonstrate the art of pulled and blown sugar to many chefs.

In 2000 she moved to Alabama to open the Pastry and Baking division of Cuilinard, at Virginia College. Chef Notter has spent many years in the education field, teaching and as program director of pastry arts programs. In addition to this she has represented the country multiple times and the Culinary Olympics in Germany, placed 3 rd at the Queen of Pastry in Italy and successfully coached 1 st and 2 nd place winners at the same competition. She has appeared on numerous Food Network shows including Halloween Wars where she had the honor of being part of the winning team on the first season.

After spending the past 4 years as one of Felchlin‘s Corporate Pastry Chefs based in the USA representing the company with technical support for the US market she has now opened her own Chocolate boutique – Elizabeth Moore Chocolates in Pelham AL< where she creates fine European chocolates, teaches classes and designs dessert programs to meet the needs of chefs in the current market.

Enjoy single origin sourced chocolate from the world's finest growing regions including Ecuador, Madagascar, Bolivia and Venezuela. 

Paired to complement and enhance the flavor profiles of selected spirits from renowned Alabama distiller John Emerald.

Each participant will receive a tasting guide to follow while sampling, savoring and discussing how the flavors interact together.

Dinner included.

Mold, carve, and decorate your very own chocolate owl. In this class, you will learn how to handle chocolate, mold, sculpt, and shape correctly. Decorating with modeling chocolate creates the features and brings the owl to life. Each participant will also create decorative elements such as fall leaves, mushrooms, and berries to enhance their showpiece.

We are so excited to welcome cookbook author Jimmy Proffitt back to Andiamo Lodge for two special experiences celebrating Appalachian food, storytelling, and hospitality.

Join us for an intimate evening at The Gallery by Andiamo where guests will have the opportunity to meet Jimmy, purchase a signed copy of his cookbook, and enjoy a few sips and nibbles while gathering around good conversation and Southern hospitality.

Set inside the beautiful Gallery at Moon Lake Village, this relaxed evening offers the perfect chance to connect with Jimmy and celebrate the traditions, flavors, and stories that inspire his work.

We look forward to welcoming you for this special evening at The Gallery by Andiamo.

Throughout Appalachia, cornbread set many a table, and every family had their own recipe. Jimmy will walk you through developing your family recipe, which will be something you can pass down through the generations. You will not only create your cornbread recipe, but you will prepare it for the whole class to sample, and you get to sample theirs, as we gather around the Andiamo table for a true Appalachian supper. Starting with a kilt salad, followed by warm bowls of soup beans and your cornbread, sides of deviled eggs, sour corn, bread & butter pickles, and fresh garden harvest still warm from the sun. We'll finish with a homemade banana pudding for dessert.

Includes: 2 gourmet dinners / 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch / Plus snacks and beverages
Price per person: $ 800.00 if staying; $900.00 if not staying

* Room price not included

Spend three days honing your craft with Village Editorial president, Anna Hartzog. Retreat from the distractions of everyday life in the beautiful mountains of Mentone, Alabama at Andiamo Lodge. Take time to renew your zest for writing, learn more about the publishing industry, and work on your own novel, non-fiction book, or short story. Now in its third edition, the retreat is expanding to include branding and visual storytelling from acclaimed photographer and branding expert, Colleen Duffley.

About Colleen – For more than 30 years, Colleen Duffley has built a career around the art of storytelling—as an international photographer, creative director, brand manager, and longtime contributor to the publishing and advertising world. Whether interpreting an editorial assignment, photographing a destination, or helping shape the identity of a brand, Colleen has always approached her work with the same question: What is the story, and how do i make someone feel it?

In her session at Andiamo Lodge, Colleen will explore how storytelling goes far beyond the written word. A photograph, a color palette, a tagline, a typeface—even the smallest visual detail—can become part of a larger narrative. Drawing from decades of creating imagery and developing brands, she’ll share how to find a unique voice and then carry that voice consistently through visuals, words, and the details that make a story unmistakably your own.

Highlights:

Creative Writing Workshops – Delve into your creativity through directed, theme-specific prompts that focus on improving your writing skills. As we work together on creating compelling opening lines, meaningful dialogue, believable characters, and dynamic settings, you’ll strengthen your writing skills and spark new story ideas.

Professional Direction – Anna will share knowledge gained through years of writing and editing for national magazines and ghostwriting for best-selling books. She now works with authors as an editor and coach to help them through their writing and publishing journeys. Colleen will share how to tell your story as an author through personal branding and photography leading to a more robust digital presence and increased opportunities within the creative communities.

Hands-on Editing and Coaching – Anna will meet with each writer to review pages, outlines, etc. and discuss next steps for writing, editing, and publishing.

Devoted Writing Time – Writers will have dedicated time to focus on furthering their work while relaxing in the inspirational setting of Andiamo Lodge in north Alabama.

Publishing Seminars – Are you curious about your publishing options? Anna will outline the pros and cons of traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing options. She will share tips about finding agents, planning a book launch, using social media for marketing, and more!

What past attendees are saying…

“Getting to collaborate with other writers and meet one on one with Anna was just what I needed to renew my craft and have some clear next steps. The writing activities pushed me beyond my own creative boundaries. Learning about the different publishing options was insightful. I loved the opportunity to be a part of the retreat! My only regret is that I didn't stay at the lodge longer! The setting was perfect.” – Brittany  

“What a fun and rejuvenating experience! I loved being an overnight guest at Andiamo and experiencing all it had to offer, including the incredibly comfortable beds. Colleen’s elaborate European-style breakfasts and gourmet meals were just the fuel we needed to make real progress in our writing. I was encouraged by the conversations had around the table that sparked creativity and pushed my craft to the next level. I look forward to coming back.” – Laura

“The writing retreat was collaborative, creative, and what I needed to improve my writing skills. I love the group and personal exercises, as well as sharing and getting feedback. It not only renewed my confidence but also made space for more creativity. The lodge was the perfect calming space. I can’t wait for the next experience!” – Jackie  

Village Editorial Writing Retreat Schedule

Tuesday, November 3

3:00 – Check-in

3:45 – Gathering and introductions

4:00 – Discussion – What’s your story/passion?

4:15 – Storytelling Workshop 1 – Nonfiction writing: Telling Your Own Story

5:15 – Storytelling Workshop 2 – Branding: Presenting Your Story to an Audience

6:15 – Head back to rooms to settle in

6:30 – Cocktails on the back porch

7:00 – Dinner – Storytelling through song with special musical guest, Corey Curtis

Wednesday, November 4

8:30 – Breakfast and coffee

9:30 – Storytelling Workshop 3 – Fiction writing: Telling a story through dialogue, character development, and point of view

10:30 – Storytelling Workshop 4 – Crafting the Story: Plot and Outline, plus the steps to writing a novel or nonfiction book

11:30 – Independent Writing Time / Individual Meetings with Anna

1:00 – Lunch

2:00 – Storytelling Workshop 5 – Visual Storytelling: A lesson in iPhonography

3:00 – Storytelling Workshop 6 – Setting the Story: The importance of place and time

4:00 – Independent Writing Time / Individual Meetings with Anna

6:30 – Cocktails on the back porch

7:00 – Dinner

Thursday, November 6

8:30 – Breakfast and coffee

9:30 – Storytelling Workshop 7 – It’s in the Details: Learning what it means to “show not tell.”

10:30 – Publishing Seminar – Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2026

11:30 – Closing reflections

12:00 – Check-out

You are invited to an extraordinary evening at Andiamo Lodge as we welcome our dear friends, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo India Hicks and David Flint Wood, for the next installment of our exclusive “Conversations at the Andiamo Table” series.

With only 10 seats available, this intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to share a beautifully prepared meal—and wonderfully spirited conversation—with two remarkable storytellers whose lives have been shaped by design, hospitality, travel, family, and adventure.

Throughout the evening, India and David will share stories from their life together, from their beloved island home in the Bahamas to their travels around the world, their creative endeavors and the beautiful chaos of entertaining. India will offer a glimpse into her newest book, Entertaining with a Side of Chaos, while David will share the story and inspiration behind Idle Assembly Rum.

The evening will begin with a welcome cocktail featuring Idle Assembly Rum, followed by an exceptional dinner for two prepared by our very own Chef Steve Carpenter. Guests will gather around the Andiamo Table alongside India and David for an evening filled with delicious food, genuine connection, laughter and the kind of conversation that lingers long after the final course.

The experience for two includes dinner with India and David, a one-night stay at Andiamo Lodge, our signature gourmet breakfast the following morning, and an incredible, thoughtfully curated swag bag.

Priced at $1,950 per couple, this is far more than a dinner or an overnight stay. It is an invitation to slow down, pull up a chair, and become part of a truly unforgettable evening at Andiamo Lodge—where folks arrive as strangers and leave as friends. 

Sold Out .. send email to Colleen@andiamolodge.com to get on the waiting list .

For those attending the Conversations at the Andiamo Table, we are delighted to extend a special rate for an additional night at Andiamo Lodge. The extended experience includes a private open house at the Gallery by Andiamo Lodge, followed by a gourmet pizza dinner and fireside s’mores. On Sunday morning, we’ll send you off with a beautiful gourmet brunch—the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend with Andiamo Lodge.

A magical winter evening gathered around the fires at Andiamo Lodge. Guests will sip warm cocktails beneath the stars as Kelsey shares the art of live-fire cooking, followed by an intimate seasonal feast filled with smoke, flame, and wonderful winter flavors. We’ll end the evening around the fire with house-made s’mores, warm nightcaps, and the kind of conversation that always seems better beside glowing embers

Grow What Matters: What a Garden Can Teach Us About Living Well

Imagine spending an evening around the table with Donna Letier, entrepreneur, storyteller, and passionate advocate for the wellness benefits of gardening.

What begins with a simple herb garden quickly grows into a conversation about something much bigger. Together, guests will plant an Everyday Good Garden of seasonal herbs while exploring the lessons gardens teach us about patience, resilience, connection, and the power of tending what matters most.

As founder of Gardenuity, Donna has spent years helping thousands of people discover that gardening isn't simply about growing plants. It's about creating moments of pause in a world that rarely slows down. It's about reconnecting with nature, nourishing ourselves and those we love, and finding joy in the simple act of helping something grow.

Throughout the evening, Donna will share stories from her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned from gardens and gardeners across the country, and reflections on why tending a small garden can have such a meaningful impact on our well-being.

Guests will leave with a planted herb garden, fresh inspiration, and perhaps a new perspective on growth itself.

Because sometimes the smallest things we nurture end up changing us the most.

Conversations at the Andiamo Table are designed to nourish both body and soul. Through thoughtful conversation, shared experiences, and memorable meals, guests discover the joy of gathering around a table where stories, ideas, and connections flourish.

Learn the art of fly fishing at Andiamo Lodge, where the rhythm of the river becomes part of the experience. Guests will be introduced to the fundamentals of fly fishing — from understanding the difference between conventional and fly fishing to learning the anatomy of the rod, reel, line, and leader.

Along the way, we’ll explore casting techniques, the beauty and purpose of fly selection, and the unique ecosystem of Little River and Little River Canyon. Nestled within the remarkable Mobile Basin — often called “America’s Amazon” for its extraordinary biodiversity — these waters offer an unforgettable setting to connect with both nature and tradition.

Whether you’re stepping into the river for the first time or simply looking to slow down and learn something new, this experience is about more than fishing — it’s about immersion, storytelling, and the timeless pull of the water. Price includes drinks and snacks.

Salt is the most powerful ingredient in the kitchen — and the least understood. Join Colleen Duffley for a guided tasting experience at Andiamo Lodge that explores the world of gourmet salts, from the subtle crunch of Maldon to the smoky depth of sea salts kissed by fire. Equal parts education and indulgence, this is a master class in flavor — with a pinch of humor, naturally. It’s part tasting, part travelogue, and entirely seasoned to perfection.

Come grow with us! Join us as we welcome the founders  of Garduenity for a hands-on experience at Andiamo Lodge, where you’ll dig into the art and joy of gardening,  Lets get Dirty 

Pull up a chair for yet another “Conversations at  the Andiamo Table.”  This time with the amazing Bo Walker .

Learn  the story behind Bo Walker’s journey from Beer maker to small-batch rum maker. Expect tales of craftsmanship, a splash of adventure, and a taste (or two) of the liquid magic that makes his rums unforgettable.

Join Andiamo Lodge for a foraging adventure like no other — at the world’s longest yard sale! Hunt for hidden treasures, snag the best deals, and discover what’s trending, then return for food, drinks, and a lively roundup where we share the spoils of the day. Who says treasure hunting can’t come with cocktails?