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LOGISTICS

T he Beaver Island Writers Gathering is held at the Bluebird Farm, located roughly three miles from the town of St. James on Beaver Island. The property is surrounded by hundreds of acres of meadows, woodlands, trails, an apple orchard and beaches. Beaver Island’s pristine beauty and small town charm offer writers the perfect balance of nature and community, and the residents welcome visitors into one of this country’s most unique island cultures. A Tony Award-winning playwright, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, national and regional artists, musicians and many other creative souls call the island home…for at least part of every year.

Writers Gathering participants will need to find lodging at one of the island motels, bed-and-breakfasts. cottage rentals or campgrounds. Once you are registered, you can use the BIWG listserv to find room- or cottage-mates. Prospective attendees are encouraged to apply, register and find lodging as early as possible, as classes and accommodations are expected to fill quickly.

Regularly scheduled ferries and air taxis to Beaver Island are available from Charlevoix, Michigan. Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is the closest major airport, and is a 45-minute drive from Charlevoix. During the summer months these airlines serve Cherry Capital. There is shuttle service between Traverse City and Charlevoix, as well as taxi service from Quickie Cab (231.237.9705). Rental cars are also available at Cherry Capital. Opportunities to save money by sharing rides will be available to attendees, once registered, via the BIWG listserv.

Please check back as we are currently negotiating rates and sponsorships with a variety of local transportation and lodging businesses. You can learn more about getting to and staying on Beaver Island here and here. Charter flights directly from Traverse City to Beaver Island are also available via Fresh Air Aviation.

For those who plan to drive, Charlevoix is a four-hour drive from Detroit, and about six hours from Chicago. Maps and driving directions are available at Mapquest. Cars can be taken to the island by ferry, but space is limited, so make reservations as early as possible. Cars, mopeds and bicycles are available on the island as well.