Where to Stay

Traveling to study with us?

We’ve gathered a selection of comfortable, convenient accommodations near our Florida studio and our North Carolina summer retreats.

Sand pathway leading to the beach with wooden posts and ropes on either side, surrounded by greenery, under a sunset sky with clouds over the ocean.
Colorful houses along a waterway with a small boat in the foreground, palm trees, and a dock during sunset.
A waterfront scene with a wooden pier, lush green palm trees and bushes, and a bridge across a calm body of water under a partly cloudy blue sky.

MURPHY,

NORTH CAROLINA

A peaceful mountain setting—perfect for deep creative focus and retreat-style learning.

Cabins

(Highly Recommended)

  • Mountain cabins with views, porches, and quiet surroundings

  • Riverfront cabins near Hiwassee River

  • Options range from rustic to luxury

This is the signature Murphy experience—immersive, quiet, and restorative
Cabins are widely available starting around ~$119/night depending on season

Hotels & Lodges

  • Stonebrook Lodge – Clean, affordable, highly rated

  • Hampton Inn Murphy – Reliable and convenient

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Murphy – Comfortable and central

Best for easy check-in, predictable comfort

Unique Stays

  • Angels Landing Inn (B&B) – Charming downtown option

  • Boutique rentals and historic homes near Murphy River Walk

Ideal if you want something personal and memorable

Resort-Style Stay

  • Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
    More amenities, dining, and entertainment in one place

Wagonmaster Ranch Resort Wagon Wheel Event Center with a metal roof and porch, surrounded by green grass and trees.

STUART, FLORIDA

A relaxed coastal town with easy access to beaches, riverfront walks, and charming downtown shops.

Boutique & Character Stays

  • Old Colorado Inn – CALL: +1 772 215 3437‍ ‍A favorite for visiting artists; walkable to downtown, beautifully designed rooms

  • Local B&Bs & Guesthouses – Quiet, personal, and often closer to the studio

These are ideal if you want a more intimate, creative retreat feel

Beachside & Resort Options

(10–15 min drive)

  • Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa – Oceanfront, serene, great for extending your stay

  • Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort – Full-service resort with beach access

Perfect if you want to combine workshop + vacation time

Convenient & Reliable Hotels

when making a reservation at any CHOICE HOTEL - Go to http://www.choicehotels.com :

click the rate box and select SPECIAL RATE/ Corp ID- Enter Corporate ID 00214760 then CONFIRM Affiliate Program

These are the most commonly used by students and offer good value and comfort

Budget-Friendly Options

Best for shorter stays or keeping travel costs lower

Vacation Rentals

  • Downtown cottages, riverfront apartments, and Hutchinson Island condos are widely available
    Great for longer workshops or sharing with another student

A small town main street with colorful storefronts, parked cars, a traffic light, and a hanging flower basket in the foreground.
A rural scene featuring a house with a red roof, a forested hillside in the background, and a grassy area with trailers and small structures, near a road.
A scenic view of rolling mountains covered in colorful autumn trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.
Logo for Wagonmaster Ranch Resort- Murphy NC

WagonMaster Ranch Resort

Many of our workshops and retreats are held at WagonMaster Ranch Resort, a quiet mountain setting designed for immersive, focused studio time.

Located approximately 30 minutes from Murphy, North Carolina and McCaysville, Georgia, the ranch offers a peaceful environment surrounded by forest and open land—ideal for extended creative work and retreat experiences.

The property is about:

  • 2.5 hours from Atlanta (ATL)

  • 2 hours from Chattanooga, TN

  • 2.5–3 hours from Asheville, NC

Wagonmaster Ranch Resort in Murphy, NC, surrounded by trees, and a lawn with a few trailers and outdoor structures.
Front porch of Wagonmaster Ranch Resort Cabin, surrounded by trees.

What to Expect

WagonMaster Ranch provides a relaxed, communal setting that supports both studio work and time in nature.

  • On-site lodging and shared accommodations (LIMITED RUSTIC CABINS)

  • Dedicated workshop spaces

  • Quiet, natural surroundings

  • Opportunities for rest and reflection outside of studio hours

Address: 359 Adventure Ranch Rd.

Murphy, NC 28906

(828) 215-2357

Contact Wagonmaster Ranch Resort

Additional details, including accommodations and travel guidance, will be provided upon registration for workshops held at the ranch.