Accommodations in Birmingham

The Valley Hotel is located in downtown Homewood, just over the mountain from our test kitchen. From the hotel, you can walk to dozens of locally owned boutiques and restaurants. The hotel has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a cozy area to relax outside by the firepits.

Booking

Half of the retreat cost (50%) is due at booking. The second half of the retreat cost (50%) is due April 1, 2025. We accept payment by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. Trip prices are in US dollars.

Travel to and from Birmingham

Guests are responsible for getting themselves to Birmingham and to the Valley Hotel on Thursday, October 10, when the retreat commences. Guests will be responsible for getting themselves from the Valley Hotel to the airport or their next destination on Monday, October 13. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is located a quick 5 miles away from the hotel.

Costs

The price of the trip includes hotel accommodations, baking classes, breakfast and lunch on baking days, and the welcome wine reception.

Single-occupancy, double-occupancy, baking participant plus non-baking guest, and commuter rates are available.

Your credit card will be charged by Hoffman Media, the parent company of Bake from Scratch.

Cancellation

Since the trip is nonrefundable, we suggest buying trip insurance.

If you don’t purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation or costs related to COVID-19. Due to COVID-19, there may be limitations relating to activities. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result of changing circumstances. Please know that we are working closely with our partners to plan and execute a safe baking retreat for our guests, but there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 when traveling. By booking this baking retreat, you acknowledge and assume these risks associated with travel. 

We reserve the right to cancel this retreat if fewer than 24 participants have signed up by September 1, 2025. We will send an email confirmation to all participants when this number has been met. If Bake from Scratch initiates the cancellation, we will refund all payments.

Have a question about this baking retreat? Email events@bakefromscratch.com.

Can I extend my stay at the hotel?

If you’d like to inquire about additional nights at the hotel, please email events@bakefromscratch.com.

I live in Birmingham. Can I attend and not stay in a hotel?

Please email us at events@bakefromscratch.com if you are a Birmingham resident and would like information on a commuter package. Proof of residence in Birmingham is required to book a commuter package.

Is breakfast included?

Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast will be provided each morning.

Are children able to attend this retreat?

All participants must be 18 years old or older to attend this baking retreat.

What will I bake?

This retreat is all about fall baking! You’ll make baked pumpkin doughnuts, fried apple fritters, Thanksgiving stuffing biscuits, an apple-spice Basque Bundt cake, and maple-pecan bear claws.

What should I plan to wear during baking classes?

Casual clothing and nonslip, closed-toe shoes. Long hair should be pulled back. Aprons will be provided.

Are the baking classes hands-on?

Yes, all baking classes are hands-on. You will have your own kitchen space, stand mixer, equipment, and oven to use.

Is this retreat better suited for professionals or home bakers?

Our retreats are geared toward passionate home bakers, but professionals are always welcome.

Will we have any free time?

You will have some free time in the evenings to explore Birmingham.

I want to bring my travel companion, but they don’t want to participate in the baking classes. What can they do?

Your non-baking companion is invited to the welcome reception and for a casual lunch in our test kitchen on baking days if they’d like to stop by and see what you’re up to in the kitchen. Otherwise, your travel companion can explore Birmingham on their own.