Book Huddle’s Going to Maine (Again)!
With our last Maine reading retreat selling out in record time—something we've never experienced before!—I recognize the surprise and disappointment among our Book Huddle Club members, especially since only 42 could secure tickets.
So, I’m thrilled to share that we’re adding a second retreat, "Maine Weekend 1," from October 4th to 6th, 2024, to double the opportunities to experience this reading retreat.
Book Huddle Club members can access early sale tickets on Mar 27th at 8am PT. The link will be emailed to you, not posted in Discord, to ensure it’s limited only to people who didn’t get tickets to Maine Weekend 2.
It will be the same venue, programming, and more, just taking place a few weekends before Maine Weekend 2. Details are below!
A few quick points to share:
I'm so moved by your enthusiasm and support for Book Huddle. You’re incredible. If you miss out on Maine Weekend 1, don't worry—more retreats are coming, with even earlier access for Book Huddle Club members who aren’t coming to either Maine weekend. I’ve got your back, I promise!
This weekend is for you, dear Book Huddle Club member! I won’t promote this event on social media or the Book Huddle mailing list until March 28th.
Starting Mar 21st, we will conduct a random draw for early ticket access for four BHC members. This is one of many steps we're taking to make the ticketing process as fair and stress-free as possible. If your name is drawn, you will have 24 hours to confirm if you’d like to secure a ticket.
You’re amazing! If you have any questions, please email hello@bookhuddle.com.
Now for the details!
Maine Reading Retreat Dates & Location
Our retreat (Maine Weekend 1) will be held at The Lodge on the Cove in Kennebunkport, Maine, from October 4th to 6th, 2024.
Think of a reading retreat as a book club over a weekend. You’ll choose from a selection of books, read the book before, and discuss the book with your huddle over the weekend! It’s the perfect bookish getaway, complete with plenty of reading, book chats, and opportunities to make new friends who love books as much as you do.
For our Maine retreat, I wanted something that felt very East Coast casual, almost like a motel vibe where people could spend much time in comfy clothes and nature. That’s why I was so thrilled to find this spot in a seaside town about 30 minutes from Portland, ME's airport. It’s about a 20-minute walk away from the main Kennebunkport area, so it’s the most pedestrian-friendly reading retreat yet!
The best part? We'll have the whole venue to ourselves! So, everyone you see over the weekend will be a fellow huddler.
Sleeping Accommodations
I’m a bit high-maintenance when it comes to sleeping, and I’m so excited about The Lodge on the Cove’s adorable rooms. You'll have the choice of either single (king bed) or shared room (two queen bed) room.
The property has multiple buildings, and every building has a unique colour palette, so your room will be delightfully unique.
All guest rooms have:
Full bathroom with shower/tub (King ADA room has a walk-in shower, no tub)
Separate vanity and dressing area
Soothing bath amenities
Hair dryers
Flat screen TVs with DVD players and HD cable
Mini refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave
Air conditioning
Ironing board with iron
Wireless internet access
If you’re going for a shared room option, you can pre-select a roommate or be paired with a fellow attendee after you get your ticket!
Book Huddle’s Values
Over 200 people have chosen to come to Book Huddle’s reading retreats, and it’s my mission to create a space where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Books create spaces for us to understand and value diverse experiences. I am deeply moved by the lifelong friendships formed at our previous retreats. Inclusivity and safety are paramount to me, and I can guarantee that you will be in a safe space that’s happy to have you!
Itinerary and Activities
I want these retreats to leave you more refreshed than you arrived. All activities are optional so you can follow your heart in the moment!
This retreat’s activities include:
Book huddles to discuss your weekend book
Time spent reading by the fire in the main lodge
An off-site lunch at a nearby restaurant
A lobster bake (!) for one of the dinners
A private book fair (a Book Huddle staple )
Outdoor walks in the perfect fall weather
Games like ping pong in the clubhouse building
Weekend Books
The weekend will have four book options: fiction, thriller, romance, and fantasy. All of the books will be recently published and vetted by yours truly. I prioritize women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC authors and/or storylines with the book selections.
Ticket Prices
All ticket prices include:
Sleeping accommodations for Friday and Saturday nights
Meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages from Friday afternoon check-in through Sunday lunch
Activities for the entire weekend from Friday at 4pm through Sunday at 4pm
A welcome bag full of bookish goodies
Your chosen book that is sent to you in advance in your preferred format
This will be a sober-friendly event, but there will also be a cash bar if you'd like to add some bubbly or booze to your weekend activities (which I plan on doing)!
Solo ROOM Ticket
If you’d like your own single room, the retreat ticket fee per person is $1,849 USD. There will also be a payment plan of $354 per month for six months.
SHARED ROOM TICKET
The retreat ticket fee per person for a shared room is $1,449 USD. There will also be a payment plan of $277 per month for six months.
Ticket Sales Schedule
Here's the ticket sales schedule!
Thu March 21st - four names randomly selected and emailed for early ticket access; if I don’t get a response in 24 hours, I will draw the next name.
Wed March 27th at 8am PT - Maine Weekend 1 ticket sales link will be emailed to all Book Huddle Club members who didn’t get tickets to Maine Weekend 2. Please check your inbox at this time!