A Weekend Designed for Mahjong Lovers
Three days of American Mahjong, friendship, exceptional hospitality, and the beauty of fall.
Gather with fellow players from across the country for a thoughtfully curated autumn getaway featuring guided and open play, delicious food, charming accommodations, and plenty of time to relax, connect, and enjoy the season.
September 25-27, 2026 • Historic Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Your Fall Into Mahj Experience
Play
Guided & open play, strategy sessions, and plenty of time around the table.
Connect
Build friendships, share stories, and spend time with women who also love Mahjong.
Indulge
Thoughtful touches, delicious food, welcoming spaces, and Southern hospitality.
Explore
Discover local treasures, historic downtown charm, and the beauty of autumn in North Carolina.
Weekend Highlights
Thoughtfully curated experiences designed to help you play, connect, indulge, and explore.
Welcome Reception
Begin your weekend with a warm Southern welcome, delicious bites, and the chance to meet fellow guests.
Guided & Open Play
Enjoy plenty of time at the table with organized sessions and opportunities for relaxed play.
Strategy Sessions
Sharpen your skills, learn new approaches, and gain confidence in your game.
Signature Dinner
A special evening of great food, conversation, and celebration.
Historic Downtown Charm
Explore boutiques, cafés, and the welcoming atmosphere of Fuquay-Varina.
Farewell Brunch
Gather one last time before heading home with new memories and new friends.
Weekend Highlights
Thoughtfully curated experiences designed to help you play, connect, indulge, and explore.
Welcome Reception
Begin your weekend with a warm Southern welcome, delicious bites, and the chance to meet fellow guests.
Guided & Open Play
Enjoy plenty of time at the table with organized sessions and opportunities for relaxed play.
Strategy Sessions
Sharpen your skills, learn new approaches, and gain confidence in your game.
Signature Dinner
A special evening of great food, conversation, and celebration.
Historic Downtown Charm
Explore boutiques, cafés, and the welcoming atmosphere of Fuquay-Varina.
Farewell Brunch
Gather one last time before heading home with new memories and new friends.
The Weekend at a Glance
A relaxed and thoughtfully curated weekend designed to help you slow down, connect, and enjoy the season.
Friday | Arrive & Unwind
- Welcome Reception
- Guided & Open Play
- Evening Social
Ease into the weekend, meet fellow guests, and settle into the relaxed pace of Fall Into Mahj.
Saturday | Play, Connect & Explore
- Breakfast
- Strategy Sessions
- Guided & Open Play
- Free Time to Explore
- Signature Dinner
A full day of Mahjong, friendship, delicious food, and memorable experiences.
Sunday | Savor the Moment
- Farewell Brunch
- Final Play Sessions
- Awards & Farewell Celebration
One last opportunity to gather around the table before heading home with new memories and new friends.
Why You'll Love Fall Into Mahj
You'll feel welcome.
Whether you come solo or with friends, you'll find a warm and welcoming community waiting for you.
You'll have time to recharge.
Slow down, relax, and enjoy a weekend designed to help you step away from your everyday.
You'll make meaningful connections.
Gather around the table with women who share your love of American Mahjong and leave with new friendships.
You'll make memories that last.
Thoughtful details, Southern charm, and the beauty of autumn will create memories you'll treasure long after the weekend ends.
The Ellie Inn
Nestled in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, The Ellie Inn is where historic charm meets modern hospitality. The Inn is a restored 1900s schoolhouse perfect for intimate gatherings and special events. Relax in this spacious and serene space.
Reserve Your Spot
Secure your seat for a thoughtfully curated autumn weekend of American Mahjong, friendship, and Southern hospitality.
Early Bird Registration
$599
through July 31st
Standard Pricing
$699
starting August 1
Your Weekend Includes:
✓ Welcome Reception
✓ Guided & Open Play
✓ Strategy Sessions
✓ Saturday Breakfast
✓ Signature Dinner
✓ Farewell Brunch
✓ Retreat Gift
✓ Prizes & Giveaways
Accommodations & Lodging
Stay at The Ellie Inn
A limited number of guest rooms are available at The Ellie Inn for retreat attendees who wish to stay on property. With just four beautifully appointed guest rooms, staying at the Inn offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Fall Into Mahj experience.
On-site accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not included in retreat registration.
The prices below are for the entire retreat weekend (Friday–Sunday) and are not charged per night or per person.
Private King Room
1-3 Guests
King bed + Twin bed
One room available
+$250
Entire Weekend
Shared Queen Room
2 Guests
Two rooms available
+$200
Entire Weekend
Shared Twin Room
2 Guests
Two rooms available
+$175
Entire Weekend
All guests staying at The Ellie Inn share access to two full bathrooms.
Prefer a Hotel?
We've procured a block of rooms at the Comfort Inn, which is 0.4 miles from The Ellie Inn and minutes from downtown Fuquay-Varina.
Join Us This Fall
Three days of Mahjong, friendship, laughter, and Southern charm await.
Whether you're coming with friends or arriving on your own, you'll leave with new memories, meaningful connections, and a weekend you'll treasure long after autumn ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come by myself?
Absolutely! Many guests attend on their own, and it's one of the things that makes the retreat so special. You'll quickly find yourself among friends who share your love of American Mahjong, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect throughout the weekend.
Do I need to be an experienced player?
Experienced/expert, no, but you should already know the basics of American Mahjong and be comfortable reading the NMJL card. Guided play and strategy sessions are designed to support a range of skill levels, and help is always available—but this retreat is not intended as a beginner class.
Is lodging included?
Retreat registration and lodging are booked separately. A limited number of guest rooms are available onsite at The Ellie Inn for an additional fee, and we've also arranged a nearby hotel option for guests who prefer more traditional accommodations.
Can I choose my roommate?
Absolutely! Guests staying in shared accommodations are encouraged to coordinate with friends or fellow players before registering.
If you'd prefer more privacy, you may reserve a shared room for yourself, based on availability. At this time, we are not offering roommate matching, so guests should plan their accommodations accordingly.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations made in writing before August 1, 2026 will receive a full refund.
Cancellations between August 1, 2026 and September 1, 2026 will receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee.
After September 1, 2026, registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another guest or applied as credit toward a future Mahj with McMillan event if your spot can be filled.
