The Weekend Experience
What to Expect
From Friday evening arrival to Monday morning farewell — here's how your Harbor Nook weekend unfolds.
Friday
Evening Arrival4:00 – 6:00 PM
Arrival & Check-In
Settle into your room, take in the views, and get comfortable. Your retreat home for the weekend awaits.
6:00 PM
Welcome Goodie Bags
Every retreater receives a curated goodie bag filled with bookish surprises and Harbor Nook treats to kick off the weekend.
6:30 PM
Welcome Dinner
Gather around the table for a warm welcome dinner. Share where you're from, what you're reading, and what brought you here. This is where friendships begin.
Saturday
Full Day of RetreatMorning
Casual Breakfast
Start the day at your own pace with a relaxed breakfast. Grab a coffee/tea, find a cozy spot, and ease into the morning.
Mid-Morning
Free Time
Wander the harbor, curl up with your current read, or simply breathe in the Gig Harbor air. This time is entirely yours.
Late Morning
Bookish Craft
A hands-on creative activity with a literary twist. Come ready to make something fun to take home as a keepsake from the weekend.
12:30 PM
Lunch Together
A leisurely midday meal with your fellow retreaters. Good food, good conversation, and plenty of time to linger.
Afternoon
Author Talk
The highlight of the weekend — an intimate conversation with a featured author. Ask questions, get your books signed, and be inspired.
Evening
Dinner
Cap off a full day with a wonderful dinner together. Swap book recommendations, share your favorite moments from the day, and savor the evening.
Sunday
A Day to ExploreMorning
Casual Breakfast
Another unhurried morning with good food and good company. No agenda — just coffee, conversation, and a gentle start to the day.
Mid-Morning
Free Time
Read, rest, journal, or simply sit with the harbor view. A quiet pocket of time before the day picks up.
Late Morning
Bookish Craft
A second chance to get creative with a bookish hands-on activity — another keepsake to take home.
Midday
Explore the Waterfront
Stroll the charming Gig Harbor waterfront, browse the local shops, and soak in the scenery. A harbor cruise may be on the agenda — details vary by retreat.
Afternoon
Lunch
Gather back together for a midday meal after your waterfront adventures. A great time to share what you discovered and pick up a few last recommendations.
Afternoon
Free Time
One last stretch of open time — finish a chapter, revisit a favorite shop, or simply linger in the harbor air before the evening.
Evening
Dinner
A final dinner together to close out the day. Reflect on the stories shared, the books discovered, and the friendships made.
Monday (for retreats that are 3-night stays)
Farewell MorningMorning
Farewell Breakfast
One last meal together before everyone heads home. A relaxed morning to reflect on the weekend, exchange contact info, and say your goodbyes.
Late Morning
Pack Up & Depart
Head home refreshed, inspired, and with a bag full of new book recommendations — and hopefully a few new lifelong friends.
Ready to Join Us?
Spots fill quickly. Reserve your place at the next Harbor Nook Retreat.
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