Bookings are open! Complete contact page to see what's available.

Harbor Nook Retreat
Home
About
Activities
Accommodations
FAQ
Harbor Nook Retreat
Home
About
Activities
Accommodations
FAQ
More
  • Home
  • About
  • Activities
  • Accommodations
  • FAQ
  • Home
  • About
  • Activities
  • Accommodations
  • FAQ

Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026

Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026








Contact me for other genre-themed weekends or to create one for you and your book-loving friends!

Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026

Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026Escape. Exhale. Explore...one page at a time. September 18-21, 2026








Contact me for other genre-themed weekends or to create one for you and your book-loving friends!

Discover Harbor Nook Retreat

Our Cozy All-Inclusive Atmosphere

At Harbor Nook Retreat, we provide a warm and inviting space for women who love books, which includes your meals, accommodations, and optional activities. Nestled in the beautiful community of Gig Harbor, WA, our retreat home and bookish activities (optional, of course!) are perfect for escaping into your favorite books.

Fall 2026 genre focus: Small Town Romance with Julie Farley

Meet Julie...

Julie Farley is the author of seven books, co-author of five novellas, and the co-founder of Fog House Press, an independent boutique publishing company. She loves crafting stories filled with big families, lots of love, and plenty of laughs. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and four amazing kids. Many of her books have been published internationally, reaching readers around the world. Julie has a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate degree from DePaul University.

Bookish (and non-bookish activities) offered...

Proposed schedule:

Friday: Settle in, enjoy the view, go through your swag bag, and meet your fellow retreaters. Dinner will be at the retreat house tonight so everyone can relax and enjoy the sunset.

Saturday: Sleep in or watch the sun rise over Mt Rainier while you sip coffee or tea. We'll enjoy a continental breakfast and then begin our bookish activity/craft or quiet reading time. Before lunch we'll welcome our guest author, Julie Farley, who will talk with us about writing small town romance. Lunch is at the retreat house before afternoon free time - you may choose to relax and read at the house (be on the lookout for bald eagles and orcas) or  head down to the waterfront (shop our adorable boutiques or grab a snack at one of our wonderful eateries). You can sample olive oils and balsamic vinegars at For the Love of Spice. You may want to set aside some time to visit the Harbor History Museum! Saturday dinner will be at the retreat house. (transport to/from waterfront provided by Harbor Nook Retreat)

  • other options - enjoy a glass of wine at the Hidden Harbor Wine Library and for those who would like more activity you may be able to rent a kayak or SUP (additional fees)

Dinner will be at the retreat house.

Sunday: Sleep in or enjoy the sun rise over Mt Rainier. We'll enjoy a continental breakfast and then choose between quiet reading time or another bookish activity/craft. We'll have lunch at the retreat home before heading back to the waterfront for a presentation at our local bookstore, Invitation Bookshop, to learn about the amazing writers we have right here in the Pacific Northwest. We'll have time to peruse in case anyone would like to make a purchase, but there are no expectations. Dinner will be at the retreat house.

Monday: Enjoy your last continental breakfast with your retreat friends before preparing for re-entry to "REAL LIFE".  Make plans to make more wonderful memories at the next Harbor Nook Retreat!

Escape to Harbor Nook Retreat, Sept 18-21, 2026

Accommodations:

Choose between a private room (king or queen bed), double occupancy (share a bed with a friend - you supply) or select "single bed" for a bed in the downstairs living room for less privacy but great value!

Watch harbor seals, bald eagles, and learn the history of our charming town while enjoying your weekend at Harbor Nook Retreat

Harbor seals are extremely curious and friendly! You'll likely spot one of these residents while in Gig Harbor.


    Harbor Nook Retreat: meeting house accommodations

    Kitchen with a view

      Accommodations

      All-inclusive weekend package prices depend on your accommodation selection (single bed, private or shared room, private or shared bathroom, king or queen bed) and range from $510-$875. To inquire about availability, please fill out the form on the "Contact Us" page and we'll get back to you!

      Looking for another genre or want a bespoke retreat for your

      I'll be adding other genre-themed retreats in the future, but if you don't want to wait, reach out and we'll custom-design your dream weekend. If your book club wants something specific, I'll do my best to make it so delightful that you'll want to come back annually! After planning, I can be as involved or as invisible  as you'd like during your weekend.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Please reach us at denise@harbornook.com  or use the "chat" button if you cannot find an answer to your question.

      Our pricing varies depending on the type of accommodation selected. Prices range from $510-$875 for the 3 night, all-inclusive weekend. If you need to fly into SeaTac, airfare is NOT included.

      Not at all! Bring your favorite book and settle on in. The only thing that will be geared toward our small-town romance genre will be the visiting author and book signing event. Many readers dip in and out of various genres and we all love to learn about the latest standouts in any genre. Our bookstore visit will highlight more than just local romance authors. In fact, best-selling author Gregg Olsen is a local resident and owns a great local market/gift store about 15 minutes away! The infamous setting of Starvation Heights is just around the corner from his market.

      Absolutely! Writers started as readers, afterall. We love writers here in Gig Harbor. If you need privacy to concentrate...we've got you! If you need readers to help you choose subplot A or subplot B... we've got you! Need the perfect name for your fictional town bakery? You guessed it... we've got you!

      Please reach out directly to us to inquire about your needs. The meeting house is not fully ADA.

      While Harbor Nook Retreat doesn't require you to buy travel insurance, it's always a good idea. That way, you are protected by the insurer in case you have a change of plans or experience an unforeseen event.

      For Fall 2026, we plan to limit the retreat to no more than 8 women (excluding the organizers), BOOK EARLY!

      We'll do our very best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but you should reach out directly to us before booking to make sure we can accommodate your specific needs. 

      Yes, because we will have wine available, all attendees must be at least 21.

      If you're coming for just the three nights of the retreat, you won't need a car (and parking at the meeting home is limited). Transport will be provided from the meeting house to the waterfront for whoever would like to explore the amazing boutiques and restaurants. The Gig Harbor waterfront is small and walkable. You can get from SEA airport to Gig Harbor via airport shuttle and Harbor Nook Retreat will get you to/from your Gig Harbor shuttle location to the meeting home. However, if you plan to tack on any days before or after your retreat, you'll need to do so on your own. You can easily rent a car at SeaTac Airport.

      You can drive, or make your own arrangements to fly into Seattle International Airport (SEA) and from there, the easiest way to get to Gig Harbor is by the Kitsap Airporter shuttle. A link will be sent to you well in advance of your arrival so that you can secure a seat. Harbor Nook Retreat will pick you up from the Gig Harbor Inn (the shuttle's Gig Harbor stop) and deliver you to either the meeting house.

      No. While there will be wine available for those who enjoy a glass (or two), no one is expected to drink. All of the activities will be optional so if you prefer to avoid alcohol entirely, you can simply skip any activities that include it. That being said, the few activities that might include an option for alcohol, can also be enjoyed by non-drinkers (the live music, for instance, at Hidden Harbor Wine Library). 

      Meet your host, Denise Ivie

      About Denise

      Denise Ivie is your host for the weekend. She's an avid traveler, Gig Harbor resident, writer (both fiction and screenplays), mother to two amazing grown daughters (and one neurotic dog), raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind (currently on break), member of the Gig Harbor Dragonboat team, and lover of books. Denise adores the Gig Harbor community and will be sure you have the best time... whether you choose to participate in the bookish activities on offer, test our beautiful calm waters in a kayak/paddleboard rental, stroll along our charming waterfront for shopping or harbor seal spotting, or simply want to hang out on a couch and read your latest book! 

      Harbor Nook Retreat Inclusions and Exclusions:

      Inclusions:

      Inclusions:

      Inclusions:

      • 3 -night stay in meeting home
      • 3 dinners (Fri, Sat, Sun)
      • 3 continental breakfasts (Sat, Sun, Mon)
      • 2 lunches (Sat, Sun)
      • Coffee, tea, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, wine available in the evening
      • Optional activities (walking tour, history museum - admission included, bookstore presentation, visiting author chat)
      • Transfer from airport shuttle stop in Gig Harbor to meeting house on Friday and back to Gig Harbor shuttle stop on Monday
      • Goodie bag to include copy of visiting author's book
      • Camaraderie or solitude - your choice! 



      Exclusions:

      Inclusions:

      Inclusions:

      • Airfare to/from SEA airport
      • Travel insurance
      • Transfer from SEA to Gig Harbor and back to SEA
      • Kayaking or paddleboard rental
      • Goodies to take home from wine library, or other charming Gig Harbor boutiques
      • Books purchased at our local bookstore



      Contact Us

      Drop us a line! To inquire about availability, please complete the form below and we'll get back to you.

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Join us Sept 18-21, 2026!

      We love our customers, so feel free to reach out with questions!

      Harbor Nook Retreat

      Gig Harbor, WA 98335, USA

      Hours

      Mon

      09:00 am – 05:00 pm

      Tue

      09:00 am – 05:00 pm

      Wed

      09:00 am – 05:00 pm

      Thu

      09:00 am – 05:00 pm

      Fri

      09:00 am – 05:00 pm

      Sat

      Closed

      Sun

      Closed

      Subscribe to learn about the next retreat first!

      Terms and Conditions

      Reservation and Payment

      A full payment is required to reserve your spot.

      Cancellations and Transfers

      All payments are non-refundable under any circumstance. However, reservations may be transferable to another individual at least 14 days prior to the retreat start date. If you are unable to attend, you may be able to transfer your spot or sell it to another party with our approval. We are not responsible for reselling or reassigning your spot.

      Changes or Cancellations by Us

      Harbor Nook Retreat reserves the right to make changes to the retreat itinerary, accommodations, or facilitators due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness, weather, venue issues). In the rare event that we must cancel the retreat in its entirety; you will receive a full refund or credit toward a future retreat. We are not liable for additional costs incurred by the participant, such as airfare, transportation, or lodging outside the retreat dates.

      Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability

      By participating in a retreat, you acknowledge that travel and group events involve inherent risks, including but not limited to physical activity, transportation, illness, inclement weather, or other unforeseen events. You agree to assume full responsibility for any personal injury, illness, property damage, or other loss sustained during the retreat. You release Harbor Nook Retreat LLC, its owners, affiliates, facilitators, and vendors from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of or related to your participation in the retreat. 

      Travel and Insurance

      You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the retreat unless otherwise stated. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes in your plans. 

      Medical and Health Requirement

      You certify that you are in good health and capable of safely participating in retreat activities. You are responsible for managing your own medications, allergies, and health conditions during the retreat.

      Code of Conduct

      Harbor Nook is a community rooted in respect, and inclusivity. Discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated. 

      Photography and Media Release

      By attending the retreat, you grant permission to Harbor Nook Retreat to use any photos, videos, or written content shared during the retreat for promotional purposes, unless you request otherwise in writing prior to the event. 

      Agreement to Terms

      By completing your retreat registration, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.



      Explore Harbor Nook Reading Retreat on Instagram

      Copyright © 2025 Harbor Nook Retreat - All Rights Reserved.

      Powered by

      This website uses cookies.

      We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

      Accept