Escape to the Smokies
Ready to trade the daily grind for fresh mountain air, nonstop laughs, and an adventure that proves sober is anything but boring? The Great Smoky Mountains are ready to show you what really feeling alive looks like!
Join us June 18–22, 2025, for five days of magic in the Smokies. We’ll be staying in a cozy lakefront lodge on Douglas Lake, where mornings kick off with yoga to wake your soul, and the days are packed with incredible adventures: hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Plus, workshops designed to spark joy and connection in ways you never imagined.
This retreat is all about YOU—letting go of the old “you need a drink to have fun” narrative and embracing a life that’s as exciting as it is meaningful. Laugh until your cheeks hurt, connect with women who truly get you, and find out just how much adventure there is in sobriety.
Let’s show the Smokies how it’s done.
Adventure level: 3/5⛰︎
About the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for their misty, ethereal fog that rises from the forests, giving them their "smoky" appearance.
With jaw-dropping views, lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, it’s no wonder people are enchanted!
But the Smokies aren’t just a pretty face—they’re rich with history and culture too. Wander through preserved cabins, mills, and churches that whisper stories of early Appalachian settlers, or soak up the local traditions, music, and crafts that make this place feel so special.
In the Smokies, it’s not just the views that take your breath away—it’s the sense of peace and renewal they bring to your soul.
The best part? Our amazing co-host Maria lives nearby and is ready to show us all the hidden gems that make this area unforgettable.
Home Base
We'll be bunking up summer camp style in a sprawling 6,000 sq. ft. cabin perched right on Douglas Lake (just 27 minutes from Gatlinburg).
This 5-bed, 5-bath haven offers dreamy lake views that’ll make your morning coffee taste extra magical. Mornings will be shared sipping coffee in our PJs on the deck while soaking in the stunning lakefront views. We have our own private dock, perfect for watching sunsets/sunrises or journaling sessions. A hot tub is a must because, let’s be honest, our muscles are going to need it after all the epic adventures.
Private rooms? Not here. We’re going all in on slumber party vibes. Besides, what’s more fun than bunking up, swapping stories, and bonding with your new besties in the coziest camp-like setting ever? Your inner-child will thank you.
Amenities:
- Private Dock w/ picnic pavilion
- Hot Tub
- Game Room w/ pool table
- Lakeside Picnic Pavillion
- Fireplace
- Washer/dryer
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1 Wednesday
5:00 pm – Check in (tentative)
5:00 pm – Snacks, meet & greet, and icebreakers
6:00 pm – Family dinner
7:30 pm – Firepit hangout and share circle by the lake
Day 2 Thursday - Hike Day!
7am-9 am – Self-serve, continental style breakfast.
8am - Morning stretch session by the lake
9 am – Depart for day hike (11 miles round trip, level moderate. Elevation gain: 2,800 over five miles)
12:30 - Picnic lunch on top of hike
1:30 pm – Hike back down to trailhead, drive home.
3-5:00 pm - Chill time
5:30pm - Mocktail & Workshop
7 pm –Family dinner
8 pm – Firepit hangout and share circle by the lake
Day 3 Friday - Lake Day
7-9 am – Self-serve, continental style breakfast
9am - Morning workshop by the lake
11-4am – Kayaking, paddleboarding, tube floating, beach hang on Douglas Lake by the house
1pm - Lunch at the house.
5pm - Mocktail party
7pm - Family dinner
8pm - Firepit & share circle.
Day 4 Saturday - Whitewater Rafting Day
7-9 am – Self-serve, continental style breakfast
8am - Yoga & breathwork by the lake
9-10am - Pack lunch/snacks for the road!
10am – Depart for whitewater adventure on Upper Pigeon River (Level: Easy, Class II and III)
3pm - Return to house
5pm - GAME NIGHT!
7pm - Family dinner and chill
Day 5 Sunday
7-9 am – Self-serve, continental style breakfast
10am - Checkout
*Please note we may modify our itinerary as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.
Meet your Hosts
Laura Van Antwerp
Home: Reno, Nevada
Sober time: 7 years
Bio: Laura is a full-fledged adventure junkie who can’t resist the call of the wild! From hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing to whitewater rafting, snowboarding, mountain biking and canyoneering—if it’s outdoors, she’s probably already done it (and planned the sequel).
As a backpacking and hiking guide with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a guest speaker at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the proud recipient of the 2022 Windfeldt Inspire Award, Laura brings a mix of expertise, passion, and laughter to every adventure. She's on a mission to empower women to find connection, joy, and HAVE FUN in sobriety!
Some of Laura’s most epic escapades include conquering Snake Dike on the front face of Half Dome in Yosemite, trekking nine unforgettable days through the Andes mountains in Peru, and whitewater rafting the Kern River with her Sober Pals (proving sobriety and adrenaline are a perfect match).
When she’s not blazing trails, you’ll find Laura tending to her 132 (and counting) houseplants, fostering dogs with her husband (to the eternal side-eye of their cat), or whipping up laugh-out-loud reels on Instagram at @yoursoberpal.
Certifications: Wilderness First Responder | CPR | Leave No Trace Level 2 | Trauma-Informed Care Provider
Maria Borisevich
Home: Asheville, North Carolina
Sober time: 6 years
Bio: Maria is a nature enthusiast who spends her free time embracing the great outdoors—hiking, kayaking, running, skiing, or backpacking, you name it! A health coach, nutritional therapy practitioner, and personal trainer, she’s passionate about making wellness approachable and empowering others to live their fullest lives.
Maria is also the co-founder of the Sober & Sober Curious Meet Up in Asheville, where she fosters connection and support. Having embraced a life without alcohol for over six years, she’s committed to authenticity, joy, and living fully.
An adventurer at heart, Maria thrives on travel and personal growth through exploring new places and cultures. At home, she’s a proud fur mom to Jolene the beagle and her three cat “gremlins,” Walter, Larry, and Ren, who run the household with love and plenty of antics—just the way she likes it!
Certifications: CPR/AED/First Aid & Wilderness First Aid Certified | ACE Health Coach & Personal Trainer | Nutritional Therapy Practitioner | NBHWC Credentialed
Your Retreat Package Includes
5 Days, 4 Nights in stunning lakefront cabin
Bomb-diggity homecooked meals (4 Breakfast, 4 Dinner, 3 Lunch, & Unlimited Snacks) - including Laura's world famous Thai curry
A fridge PACKED with NA beverages
Transportation to daily activities
Guided white water rafting trip (for all experience levels)
Entrance and commercial permit fees to National Parks and public lands
Kayak & paddleboard rentals
Professionally trained guides for all activities
Unlimited access to paddleboards and beach floaties
Workshops
Exclusive Goodie Bags (journals, adventure caps, and more!)
Access to ALL the amazing photos/videos we take on our trip so you can be extra present (we make sure everybody gets a few epic adventure photos)
Access to the private YSP Adventures Facebook community where you can connect with other sober, adventurous pals
Not Included:
Transportation to the house
Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the physical requirements?
All activities on the Smoky Mountains Retreat is considered active due to our hike on day 2. The hike is 11 miles round trip with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, which is considered moderate to an experienced hiker and strenuous to a novice hiker. The whitewater rafting trip is accessible to all levels. Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands of this adventure!
Do I have to participate in every activity?
Definitely not! If there's a day you prefer to stay back and relax, that's totally cool! Our cabin is nestled on a lake with access to hiking trails, water activities and more!
What do I need to bring?
If your application is accepted, we'll be sure to send you a detailed packing list! You'll also be invited to a private IG chat for this retreat where you can connect with your retreat group.
How sober do I have to be?
This retreat is specifically crafted for women who are committed to sobriety. While we welcome women at all stages of their journey with alcohol, it’s important to note that the retreat environment centers around open and vulnerable conversations about sobriety and personal growth.
If you are sober-curious or early in your journey, we ask that you reflect on whether you are ready to engage in a supportive, safe space where sobriety is a shared commitment among participants and openly discussed. Most importantly, we seek to create a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels supported in their unique path in sobriety.
I can't really afford this right now. Do you offer payment plans or scholarships?
We totally understand. Please know your financial health and healing journey are important to us. While we do not offer scholarships (yet), we do provide a payment plan for those who cannot afford to pay in full.
We also ask that you do not apply if you are struggling with living paycheck-to-paycheck and/or credit card debt. Please prioritize your financial health and keep an eye out for our FREE day hikes or upcoming scholarship opportunities!
If you are struggling with credit card debt, visit this link below to set up a free session with a nonprofit credit counseling service.
Let's Do This!
Shared Rooms
Queen Bed: $2,900
Double Bed: $2,700
Twin Bed: $2,500
*Please note all rooms and bathrooms are shared summer camp style
*Payment plans available!
Payment Plan & Cancellation Policy
Payment Plan
We’re all about making this dream adventure as accessible (and stress-free) as possible. If you opt for the payment plan, here’s how it works:
Deposit: Non-refundable $200 to secure your spot
Payment 1: 4 months before the retreat
Payment 2: 3 months before the retreat
Payment 3: 2 months before the retreat
Payment 4: 1 month before the retreat
You’ll get a friendly email reminder a few days before each payment is due, so keep an eye on that inbox.
We know life can get a little messy sometimes, so we’ve built in a seven-day grace period for each payment. If a payment is overdue by 14 days, a $25/week late fee will be applied (but don’t worry, we’ll do our absolute best to reach you before that happens!).
If payments fall 30 days overdue, your spot on the retreat may be canceled without a refund, which we really don’t want to happen—so please keep us in the loop if you’re having any issues. We’re here to help!
Let’s make this adventure happen, stress-free and on time!
Cancellation Policy
We get it—LIFE HAPPENS. This cancellation policy is designed to be as flexible and compassionate as possible because we truly understand the unexpected, but it’s also here to protect the blood, sweat, and (occasionally happy) tears the Sober Pal team pours into crafting these magical retreats.
Here’s the deal:
- Cancel within 60 days of your deposit: Full refund (except deposit amount)
- Cancel after 60 days of your deposit: Get 50% back
- Cancel within 30 days of your retreat: No refunds, no exceptions.
But here’s some good news: retreat bookings are transferable! If you find someone who wants to take your spot (and their application is approved), they’re in—just make sure this is done at least one week before the retreat.
We know no one signs up for an adventure like this planning to cancel, but we’ve learned (the hard way) that last-minute changes cost us big in time, energy, and resources. While we’d love to make exceptions, we simply can’t—for any reason, including weather, illness, personal emergencies, or other unexpected life curveballs.
This is why we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance—trust us, it’s worth it! Trip insurance can cover fees if you need to cancel for medical reasons, flights, lost luggage, and more.
If you’re looking for a good travel insurance option, here’s a link to one past attendees have used and loved: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
We’re here to help make your experience as smooth as possible—just remember, a little prep goes a long way when it comes to protecting your investment in yourself and this epic adventure. 💛
Apply to join!
If you are interested in participating in this retreat, we ask that you please fill out this application. This helps us ensure that all participants are aligned with our mission: creating a sober space where you can feel seen, supported, and free to show up as your whole, authentic self. That’s where the real magic happens—and we can’t wait for you to be part of it! ✨