The Backyard Bird Chronicles
Members Retreat
A Membership Exclusive from Book Society x Fair Travel Co.
Dates
Feb. 21-22, 2025
Duration
2 days, 1 night
Group Size
Intimate
Activity Level
Light
Travel Style
Elevated Escape
Starting at
$695
%20-%20Final.gif "Backyard Birds Video (1080 x 1080 px) - Final")
Join us for a cozy, weekend escape—Inspired by Amy Tan's The Backyard Bird Chronicles—to Northern California's stunning coast.
When Amy turned her attention to the birds beyond her window, she discovered something extraordinary: a world of wonder, rhythm, and beauty that had been there all along, waiting to be noticed. What began as simple observation became a profound practice—a way to savor quiet moments, connect more deeply to the natural world, and rediscover joy in the everyday.
We invite you to do the same—and in exceptional company.
Venture to West Marin, where hundreds of thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl gather each winter in one of nature's most spectacular displays. Through expert-led birdwatching, a playful sketching workshop, and plenty of time to simply be, you'll cultivate the art of noticing and uncover beauty that might otherwise go unseen.
But the magic of this weekend extends beyond the birds. Picture wine-paired dinners with fellow book lovers, morning walks along windswept coastal trails, solo time with a good book in a beautifully designed space, and conversations that linger long after you've returned home. This is a chance to unplug from the noise, reconnect with what matters, and remember what it feels like to be fully present—in nature, in community, and in yourself.
Ready to Explore Your Itinerary?
Reveal your full itinerary—curated with details, hotel photos, travel tips, and everything you need to see if this trip’s right for you. Like it? Easily share it. You're only one click away from the start of your adventure.
Trip Highlights
Escape. Discover. Unwind.
-
Retreat to Point Reyes National Seashore with its wild coastal beauty and stay at Olema House, a storied boutique hotel perfect for curious travelers
-
Witness nature's grand gathering during expert-led birdwatching as we seek herons, egrets, plovers, hawks, warblers, and hundreds more birds species
-
Learn to draw birds! Discover your inner artist in an intimate sketching workshop—no experience needed, just a pencil and good humor!
-
Connect with kindred spirits over locally sourced meals, wine by the firepit, and shared moments where conversation flows naturally and everyone belongs
-
Carve out time that's truly yours—enjoy intentional solo hours to cozy up with a book, explore at your own pace, or simply breathe without an agenda
-
Bring your favorite person along—members can share this experience with a non-member guest (because good company makes life worth living)
What's Included?
With a boutique partner, you don’t just travel—you gain insider access, thoughtful curation, and extraordinary moments you simply can’t book online.
Includes:
- Pre-trip Book Club event
- Complimentary welcome gift
- 1-night stay at Olema House, an elevated Palisades Mosaic hotel
- Sketch Journal Workshop
- Guided birdwatching
- Lunch and leisurely walk and on the coast at the Point Reyes National Seashore
- Relaxation hour for reading and rejuvenation
- Dinner party at Due West, including a three course meal with a glass of wine
- After-hours activity with wine tasting
- Light breakfast
- Packing list and other helpful details
- Donation to the Marin Audubon Society
Exclusive Benefits:
- Members may bring a non-member guest
- Pre-trip planning & coordination
- Travel app for information and easy communication
- Exclusive cost savings extended for our community (this trip is a $1,300+ value)
- Environmentally aware itinerary
Optional Add-Ons:
- Morning Zen Activity—a Traveling Book Club take on "Sunday in the Stacks." A private instructor from West Marin will lead us in a gentle morning practice. Make the most of your retreat and add on this class!
- The Backyard Bird Chronicles—Order your copy
- The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America—Order your copy
- Delivered Essentials—Travel accessories and personal care items waiting in your room upon arrival.
- Special requests—we can help you plan additional travel days, make reservations, add locally sourced goodies to your room, and more!
Excludes:
- Transportation (we'll carpool from Book Society)
- Individual Binoculars (we'll have some for the group)
- Gratuities
Field Notes
-
West Marin's rich eelgrass beds, tidal mudflats, and coastal lagoons provide an abundant food supply for migrating birds. The region's mild winter climate and protected bays make it an ideal refuge when northern breeding grounds are frozen and inhospitable.
-
February's Migrating Birds:
-
Expected arrivals: Allen’s Hummingbird, Violet-green Swallow
- Expected departures: Heermann’s Gull
-
-
Winter Weather: February brings crisp, dynamic weather to Point Reyes, a triangular peninsula with ~80 miles of shoreline. Expect daytime temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s°F, with mornings and evenings dipping into the 40s.
Booking Terms
Deposits are non-refundable. Any additional payments may be refunded when canceled more than 60 days prior to the expedition date. Deposits may be transferred once to another trip departing within 12 months and incur a $100 rebooking fee. Book Society Members may also extend their deposit to Fair Travel Co.'s private trip planning concierge service.
We use these deposits not only to reserve your space on the trip, but also to lock in our favorite boutique hotels and expert guides while honoring our commitments to the local partners who make this trip extraordinary.
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance is required to protect you and your investment in the expedition. We are happy to advise you on any insurance considerations. Just ask!
If you prefer not to purchase travel insurance, please sign our opt-out waiver.
Pre-Reading Opportunities
We encourage you to connect with nature and find a little (or a lot) of joy while doing so. These reads provide opportunities to savor quiet moments and discover the intricate lives of birds.
Not traveling with us? No problem! You can purchase a ticket to join the book club conversations, passport free.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles
by Amy Tan
Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.
The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America
by Matt Kracht
A national bestselling book, perfect book for the birder and anti-birder alike. Take a humorous look at 50 common North American dumb birds. This snarky, illustrated handbook is equal parts profane, funny, and—let's face it—true.
Let's Talk Travel. Book a free consultation call
Need more information? Book an inquiry session to get all your questions answered.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
See what people are saying about Fair Travel Co.
Boutique travel means experiences curated especially for you!
Mary Cate was an amazing tour guide, incredibly kind, and knowledgeable. She took great care of us and introduced us to some wonderful places we would have never found on our own. Would highly recommend booking this tour, and we can’t wait to come back again!
Very personable customer service, selection and flexibility. The vehicle is way more comfortable than one of the bus tours and really a lot of fun. Mary Cate made several contacts leading up to the appointments and incorporated what I wanted to get from the experience. Could not recommend Fair Travel enough and can’t wait to come back.
I had a great time! Excellent tour guide. I received plenty of personal attention and would highly recommend!
Want to Learn More?
Fill out the form below to join the interest list, receive more information, or ask us a question. We're here to help. No curiosity is too big or too small.
.png?width=400&height=200&name=Books%20Main%20Image%20(400px%20x%20200px).png "Books Main Image (400px x 200px)")
Discover More Book Worthy Adventures!
Are you wondering what exactly is a traveling book club? Learn how it works and explore more journeys that blends literature, culture, conversation and connection.