If you're a serious writer (or artist or musician or dancer) in need of an idyllic yet stimulating environment in which to create new works, you should know about the 2-6 week residency programs at The Ragdale Foundation. Ragdale artists come from all over the country and around the world to the historic summer home of Arts and Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, in a peaceful setting adjacent to over 50 acres of prairie in Lake Forest, Illinois — 30 miles (one hour by train) from downtown Chicago. Visit Ragdale's website.