to the stars who listen…

captain whidbey - whidbey island, wa

november 7-9th, 2025

Reading Retreat for Women and Femmes

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Picture this.

You arrive at a historic inn nestled amidst Pacific Northwest forest to meet a gaggle of other fantasy lovers to swap fan theories and swoon over your favorite book boyfriends with.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend your time quietly reading in a cozy nook with some herbal tea and a blanket.

Maybe you’d like to venture outside and kayak or visit a local geographical wonder, just like your favorite fantasy characters.

No matter what you choose, we know there is magic waiting for you at this enchanted fantasy retreat.

Photo credit: Captain Whidbey

This retreat is for you if:

  • You want to connect with other women and femmes who love to read fantasy and just get you (aka, you’re looking for your “inner circle”)

  • You need people in your life who know what you’re talking about when you bring up Chapter 55 or “wingspan”

  • You want more bookish friends to swap fan theories with

  • You want to make lifelong friendships with people who have similar interests

  • You know your like-minded squad exists, but you can’t find anyone near you, or none of your friends like the same books as you

  • You are just as happy to curl up in a cozy nook with an herbal tea as you are to wander into the forest and be absorbed into the moss-covered floor

  • You are 21+

what can i expect?

RESTORATION. ENCHANTMENT. CONNECTION.

DAY ONE:

  • Hotel Check-In at 3pm

  • Meet & Greet

  • Bookish Trivia

DAY TWO:

  • Free Time - Hike, Read, Explore!

  • Book Club

  • Creative Writing Workshop

  • Craft/Knitting Circle

  • Bookish Games

DAY THREE:

  • Breakfast and Closing Circle

  • Check-Out at 11am

All meals will be included, and all activities are completely optional. Whether you want alone time for a few days just to read and relax, or to build community and find your new bookish bestie, this is for you.

Itinerary items are subject to change.

Take it from our past guests

  • Jan New York 2025

    “The Forest and Fawn team has truly exceeded expectations with the warm, welcoming community they’ve built and flawless retreats they’ve put together. I feel so grateful to have gone on a retreat where I was able to have fun bonding over a favorite series, laugh so hard my body hurt, and make new friendships with some really amazing women from all walks of life. I can not urge you enough to take the chance! Stepping out of your comfort zone is so worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime memories you’ll make on these retreats and the lifelong friendships you could go home with. Thank you Forest and Fawn team for all that you do! I hope to see you all on another retreat very soon.”

  • Jan New York 2025

    “I can honestly say attending this book retreat with F&F was one of the best decisions of my life. The immediate community and friendships I built as soon as I arrived made every nervous/anxious thought disappear from my mind. I had the greatest time with my new best friends talking about our shared interests, learning new skills, and overall just enjoying each other’s company. I truly could not recommend these retreats enough, and I cannot wait until the next one!”

  • Jan New York 2025

    “Attending this retreat was such a wonderful experience! I registered without knowing a single other person who would be attending, but left with so many new life-long friends. Being surrounded by so many amazing, similar-minded women made it so easy for me to step outside of my comfort zone and get to know new people. Thank you so very much to all of the hosts for creating such a warm and welcoming environment!! 💖”

  • Jan New York 2025

    “Everything was so inclusive and truly enjoyed getting to know everyone. The planned events were so fun and never felt pressured to participate in thing if I didn't want to. I would do an other one in a heartbeat!”

  • Jan New York 2025

    “I can’t suggest F&F enough! What a positive way to reignite your faith in humanity while finding other likeminded individuals.”

  • Nov Washington 2024

    “I came to this retreat looking to make friends of a like mind and I definitely got what I bargained for. The group of women I had the privilege of spending the weekend with are lifelong friends that I have in every part of the country now. I’m so grateful for Forest & Fawn retreats.”

  • Nov Washington 2024

    " This retreat was everything I could have asked for. The genuine kindness and enthusiasm everyone exhibited absolutely filled my heart. Getting to unabashedly talk about an interest of mine isn’t something I get to do often, and being in a community who all share that interest was incredibly fulfilling. The accommodations were lovely to boot."

  • Nov Washington 2024

    "Spending a weekend with an incredible group of likeminded humans in the woods was everything my heart and soul needed! Being surprised with a Q&A session with the author of the books was UNREAL and having my book signed by everyone is such a special memento from an unforgettable weekend with new, lifelong friends. The adult summer camp vibes were top tier!"

  • June Washington 2024

    "If you’re asking yourself, should I buy this ticket and meet up with random people I’ve never met? The answer is 100% absolutely!! I have never experienced such an immediate connection. The level of enthusiasm, acceptance, and just overall ✨women supporting women energy✨ at this retreat has blown my mind. Days later I am still riding the high of this trip. From late night talks, wine tasting, and the best charades ever, this is not a trip you want to miss out on. Thank you to Sarah and Alli for putting together such an amazing event!"

  • June Washington 2024

    "What really made this retreat stand out was the women who attended and the activities. From TOG trivia and charades to spas and hiking, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Sarah and Alli were super passionate about the book series and had everyone laughing / debating during our book club and trivia sessions. It was so great to be surrounded by women who love the SJM universe just as much as I do! Overall, I would highly recommend Forest & Fawn to anyone looking for a fantasy book retreat. I truly feel I have made friends and connections for years to come! Thank you Sarah and Alli for an unforgettable experience!"

  • June Washington 2024

    Although I did do this retreat to meet new people and widen my circle, the main reason I did it was to do something new and exciting. I feel like we often get stuck in our routines as we age. It was fun to put myself out there, push myself and give room to grow. If you want to surround yourself with strong, body positive, smart, kind, supportive people who love books, this is the retreat for you.

  • June Washington 2024

    "The only trip I have ever booked because of Instagram and it was the best decision ever! I didnt expect such lasting connections with all of these amazing humans to be built in two days. Everyone was so open, kind, fun, smart and absolute book nerds in the best way 🫶🫶🫶 #smutconferenceinthewoods created a core memory for this millenial 😂"

  • June Washington 2024

    "This retreat was everything I hoped it would be! The accommodations were stunning, luxurious, and peaceful. I appreciate the camaraderie we built as a group and the amazing women I met. I will definitely do another retreat with Sarah & Alli again!"

  • April Washington 2024

    "Without trying to sound dramatic this was life changing. Connecting with friends at camps is something we take for granted as kids and is so precious as an adult. Being surrounded by so many wonderful women, bonding over a shared interest, and existing in a beautiful location brought back a piece of magic in my life that I’d been struggling to find. I now have soul sisters that I will have for the rest of my life, you can’t put a price on that. This was my first time ever traveling for something where I knew nobody, it’s intimidating but so worth while. These girls will always be in my life and we’re all already planning our next adventure together. I’ve never had this type connection with a group of people before. I found my tribe."

  • April Washington 2024

    “Thank you Alli and Sarah for your devotion to bringing this vision to life! You held space for a whimsical, enchanted, delightful, this-feels-like-home, magical experience for all of us! Returning to fantasy reading in my 40s helped me fall in love with myself all over again, to feel brave, and curious, and look at the world as brilliant and expansive. This retreat was proof of how special it is share that experience with others. I will be back for many, many Forest and Fawn retreats...and if we're ever at Captain Whidbey Inn again, maybe we'll get another glimpse of the mermaid in the cove under the moon."

  • April Washington 2024

    "This was, by far and away, one of the most memorable and fun trips I've ever taken. The accommodations, the itinerary, the gift bags, and the incredible friends made were top notch. I wish the weekend didn't have to end! I'm so glad I decided to join the first Forest and Fawn retreat and have not stopped telling everyone I know about it. This was the most comfortable I've been in a group/social setting in a long time. As a relatively quiet introvert, it was incredibly refreshing to connect with everyone right away and be able to talk books all weekend long. 11/10!"

  • April Washington 2024

    "This quite honestly was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I get socially drained quickly and I didn’t feel like this drained me much at all. Thank you for creating such a safe space for us to all get to know each other. ❤️"

  • April Washington Retreat

    "This retreat was the perfect bookish weekend! Everything from the accommodations to the activities to the snacks were so beautifully planned to create a welcoming and inspiring space amongst new friends"

  • April Washington 2024

    "I had an incredible time. The retreat was a great balance of scheduled and non-scheduled time. The location was amazing, and the people really made this experience next level. I felt comfortable, welcomed, and just that I could generally be myself, and I cannot say enough amazing things about this community."

  • April Washington 2024

    "Book the retreat! I was not prepared for how amazing this weekend was. The book chat, the new friends, the location, the events, the food (omg the food!)-- all 10/10. Forest & Fawn have created the warm, cozy book sisterhood we all need. Thank you!"

Photo credit: Captain Whidbey

What’s included?

  • The historic Captain Whidbey rests on Whidbey Island, Washington. With your own private room decorated to make you maximum amounts of cozy, this will be the perfect place to unwind and create space for creativity.

  • All meals are included starting with dinner on Thursday night and ending with breakfast Sunday afternoon. Coffee and tea will be provided throughout the days to keep you cozy.

    Have an allergy or other kind of food restriction? You’ll have an option at checkout to tell us what your specific needs are!

  • Are you a seasoned fantasy writer? Brand new and want to try it out? Attend a creative writing workshop where you can let your imagination run wild and share your writing with the group.

  • Throughout your stay, there will be cozy crafting supplies available for you to drop in and use whenever you'd like.

  • Because no retreat is complete without a few things for you to take home that will serve as reminders of your magical time with Forest & Fawn retreats. Whether this weekend brings you a new critique partner or simply a much needed break from a hectic day-to-day so you can create room for creativity, we want you to remember this time forever.

  • You’ll have access to a private group forum before and after your retreat. This is a great chance to connect with other fantasy-lovers (if you choose) and keep in touch once the retreat is over. Say hello to your new besties!

  • It’s all taken care of! All you have to do is book your travel, then sit back and relax!

accommodations

Sitting on the shores of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, Captain Whidbey is a historic lodge built in 1907 that offers the coziest rustic nautical vibes, perfect for a weekend exploring your imagination.

Rooming options include a King Suite, Queen Room, or Shared Lagoon Room.

  • King Lodge Suite

    Early Bird: $1,850

    Full Price: $1,950

    Enjoy a luxurious King Suite in the Historic Lodge building. Note: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.

  • Queen Lodge Room

    Early Bird: $1,750

    Full Price: $1,850

    This ticket is for a Queen Room in the Historic Lodge.

    Notes: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.

  • Private King Lagoon Room

    Early Bird: $1,950

    Full Price: $2,050

    This ticket is for a luxurious Private King Lagoon Room, and has a maximum occupancy of one.

    This room comes with a private bathroom.

  • Shared Lagoon Room

    Early Bird: $1,550

    Full Price: $1,650

    This ticket is for Queen Bed in a double Lagoon Room. This is perfect for those traveling with a friend or those who are looking to have more quality one on one time with another writer.

    This room has a private bathroom.

meet your hosts

Forest & Fox

  • Alli

    "FOREST"

    Co-Founder of Forest & Fawn, Fantasy Writer, and Storytelling Extraordinaire.

    Also the President of All Things Cozy and can definitely communicate with woodland creatures (might even be one).

  • Liz

    "FOX"

    Community Manager, Writer, and Expert of All Things Witchy and Woo-Woo.

    Plus the most nurturing spirit you’ll ever encounter. What are the kids saying these days? “Mother”?

You Deserve a Weekend Like This.

This isn’t just about reading. It’s about remembering who you are when life gets quiet.

Getting there

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: Check in starts at 3:00 pm on Friday, November 7th, 2025. Check out is at 11:00 am on Sunday, November 9th, 2025.

Plane: The closest major airport to Whidbey Island is Sea-Tac International Airport. There are also a number of smaller airports closer to the island if you wish to take that route.

Car: If you are driving from the South, note there is a ferry crossing. As we get closer to the retreat dates, you can access ferry schedules here.

You can access Captain Whidbey’s travel recommendations here.

Want first access to registration?

join our membership!

Be part of The Reading Nook membership for fantasy readers, The Writer’s Corner membership for fantasy writers, or both!

With features like a monthly book club, creative writing workshops, bookish virtual events, critique partner matchup, and more, these memberships will encourage you to let your imagination run wild and connect with fantasy lovers all over the world.

Want to know more about what these memberships have to offer?

FAQs

  • Our retreats are created to serve women and femmes who love to read and/or write fantasy/romantasy. We work hard to make sure our events are inclusive, safe spaces.

  • There will be a maximum of 25 guests.

  • Yes! Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the inn bar, but if you prefer herbal tea, that will be available all day at no extra cost!

  • Ticket prices include a $250 non-refundable deposit. A refund on a ticket (minus $250 deposit) is contingent on whether or not Host can fill the Participants slot within 60 days before the event, for sold out events only. For non-sold out events there are no refunds on payments made, and you are responsible for the entirety of your payment plan.

    In the rare case of a retreat cancellation by the Host (Forest & Fawn), The Host will offer a transfer to another retreat (if possible) or a full refund of your payment within 14 days. The Host is not responsible for any expenses or damages incurred as a result of retreat cancellation including preparation costs, airline tickets, travel documents or other expenses.

  • Lagoon Rooms are a shared accommodation. If you have a specific roommate you’d like to be paired with, please give their name at checkout! Otherwise we will pair you with another guest.

  • Yes! Well, as long as you take breaks to eat and use the restroom. This retreat is made for YOU. All activities are optional.

  • We collect food restrictions before the event and do everything we can to be sure you are taken care of. If you have a severe allergy, please notify us so that we can plan accordingly.

  • Yes! You can choose to check out with AfterPay at checkout for orders up to $2,000.

  • This retreat is for YOU. That means that nothing is mandatory. If you want to curl up and write in your luxurious bed all day, go for it. If you want to take your lunch on the road and see the natural wonders of the area, by all means. Our activities are solely here as options to enhance your experience.

  • Due to the capacity of our venue, daypasses are not available for this retreat.