Eat. Be. Hoop. 💫 Retreat Travel & Packing Guide
A gentle companion for your hoopy visit to Burlington, Vermont 🌳🌲
🌿 What to Pack (June in Vermont)
(Quick List)
Comfortable clothes for movement + workshops
A cozy layer for cooler mornings and evenings Expect average highs around 70–75 °F and lows in the 50s °F — warm days with cooler mornings/evenings common.
You may wish to have a rain-resistant top layer
Supportive shoes (sneakers or walking shoes for campus + outings)
Any personal medications or daily essentials
A refillable water bottle
Something small that helps you settle in (journal, shawl, favorite layer)
🌀 Your Hoop & Props
If you have favorite travel-friendly hoops, you’re welcome to bring them 💫
Good news ~ there will be plenty of hoops available to use throughout the weekend, especially larger waist hoops that are tricky to travel with. A variety of sizes will be available, along with:
Some sets of double/twin hoops (approx. 26–29)
Basic LED hoops and few sets of LED poi
For the fire🔥 workshop, we’ll be supplying palm torches and all required fire supplies/equipment. There’s no need to travel with anything fire-related.
You’re welcome to bring personal props if you enjoy traveling with them, but nothing is required.
Email subscribers and ticket holders will receive additional guidance on traveling with hoops, including folding and breakdown tips for flights. Traveling with hoops is a whole thing ~ but you won’t have to figure it out alone 😄
What’s already provided (no need to pack):
Bedding, pillows, and fresh linens — all included with your private room
Hoops to borrow and explore throughout the retreat
Bring extra hoops only if you love having options. 💫
🌿 What Not to Worry About
A certain skill level
Fancy gear
Performance-ready flow
You DO need:
Curiosity
Openness
A willingness to arrive as you are
✈️ 🚙 🚆 Traveling to Vermont
🛩️ If you’re flying, you’ll arrive at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV). It’s a small, calm airport and about a 10–15 minute drive from campus
We stay in Butler Hall at Champlain College Conference & Event Center ~ 316 Maple Street, Burlington, VT
🚆 Amtrak's daily Ethan Allen Express provides direct service from New York City to Burlington Union Station ~ a journey of approximately 7.5 hours that terminates right on the scenic Lake Champlain waterfront.
🚙 Drive into Burlington via I-89 from the north (Canada/Montreal) or southeast (NH/Boston), or take I-87 north to Route 7 from the west (NYC),
*ensure you have valid travel documents for the Highgate Springs border crossing if coming from Quebec.
I’m still gathering everyone’s arrival details, so I don’t have a formal shuttle/pick up schedule yet. As the retreat gets closer, I’ll help coordinate shared rides or arrange pickups for those who prefer not to use Uber or Lyft ~ while I am not able to promise anything specific just yet, no one will be left unsupported 💖
⏰ Check-in: Thursday, June 11th at 1:00 pm
⏰ Check-out: Sunday, June 14th by 10:00 am
Arriving Wednesday, June 10th can allow for a more relaxed travel day, especially when flying.
🏨 Staying an Extra Night (Optional)
*Additional lodging before June 11th or after June 14th is not included in ticket.
Popular downtown options include:
Hotel Vermont ~ lake view rooms, rustic modern, walkable downtown vibe, home of Juniper restaurant, lots of amenities
Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain ~ on the water with beautiful views, home of Lily May’s cafe, lots of amenities.
Blind Tiger Burlington ~ boutique lodging experience just steps from the retreat venue. something unique
My Cousin’s Place ~ clean, cozy & convenient to Church Street. private bedrooms and shared everything else.
* Anchorage Inn ~ an affordable, local favorite located in bustling South Burlington ~ 3 miles from BTV airport + indoor pool
If you’re looking for something nature-focused/out of town & hiking-friendly, start here or feel free to reach out.
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🚐 Transportation During the Retreat
Once the retreat begins, transportation will be provided for all off-campus group activities, including our Saturday evening talent showcase outing.
You won’t need to arrange transportation on your own during the retreat.
🌿 Arrival Day ~ What to Expect (Thursday June 11th)
Arrival day is intentionally spacious and gentle.
You’ll have time to:
(1pm 6/11) Check in and settle into your room
Explore campus, downtown Burlington, or simply rest
Enjoy dinner on your own, as you feel called
(there may be an optional group dinner out or picnic on the lawn)
Join our opening ceremony at 7:00 pm 6/11, followed by a relaxed evening flow jam
We ease in together
🗓️ 💫 Sample Daily Flow (Overview)
A more detailed schedule will be shared with ticket holders closer to the retreat.
Friday 6/12 & Saturday 6/13 ~ Full Retreat Days
Optional gentle morning movement
Breakfast hour together on campus
Morning workshops (one at a time ~ no overlapping sessions)
Lunch hour together on campus
Afternoon workshops and integration time
Dinner hour together on campus
Evening experiences:
Friday: Fire workshop + flow jam
Saturday: Talent showcase + glow flow jam
Sunday ~ Breakfast hour together
Closing circle for reflection and integration
Check-out by 10:00 am 6/14
The schedule is intentionally designed to allow presence, rest when needed, and the ability to experience every offering without choosing between sessions.
🍽️ Meals & Campus Dining
Meals during the retreat will be shared together in the campus dining hall located just steps from our workshop spaces. Eating together is part of the rhythm of the weekend ~ a chance to relax, connect, and refuel between sessions.
The campus dining team is experienced in accommodating a range of dietary needs, and we are thoughtfully planning for vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-aware options so everyone can feel nourished and supported.
🌲 What Surprises People
how peaceful Vermont feels:
Lush green landscapes of the Champlain Valley
Lake Champlain framed by the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west
No billboards
A quieter & slower pace
It often feels like stepping out of the busy world and into something calmer and more spacious.
Retreat tickets are available with two options: pay in full, or choose a 50/50 payment plan. Tickets can be reserved on our website eatandbehoopy.com or via instagram link in bio
💫 A Note From Me
Traveling for a retreat can feel like a big decision, especially if Vermont is new to you. You’re always welcome to reach out with questions. My hope is for your experience to feel supported from the very first moment.
~ Karla Jones
Organizer & your go-to flowmie 💫
Eat. Be. Hoop.