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



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.

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!
Harbor seals are extremely curious and friendly! You'll likely spot one of these residents while in Gig Harbor.
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 $495-$850. To inquire about availability, please fill out the form on the "Contact Us" page and we'll get back to you!
Please reach us at info@harbornook.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Our pricing varies depending on the type of accommodation selected. Prices range from $495-$850 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.
Please reach out directly to us to inquire about your needs. The meeting house is not fully ADA.-10
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 very 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'll 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).

Denise Ivie is your host for the weekend. She's a 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, 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!
We love our customers, so feel free to reach out with questions!
Gig Harbor, WA 98335, USA
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 |
A full payment is required to reserve your spot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Harbor Nook is a community rooted in respect, and inclusivity. Discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
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.
By completing your retreat registration, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
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