Become a Literary Explorer

Three Tiers. One Goal: A New Way to See the City. Discover a travel experience designed for the reader who loves to explore. Stay by the Book curates city adventures; we turn city maps into literary trails. guiding you to the best independent bookshops, local eateries, and storied landmarks.

Choose our Hardcover tier for a premium, high-end city exploration, or opt for a Paperback adventure for an authentic, indie-inspired crawl. For the reader who wants the complete story, our Duology option offers the ultimate experience by bridging both worlds for an extended, immersive stay. Every itinerary balances a deep dive into the local culture with dedicated time to get lost in your current read—leaving you pampered, inspired, and ready for the next chapter.

A shelf filled with multiple books, including titles related to health and personality. In front of the books, there is a collection of jewelry including a bracelet with the word 'INSPIRE' engraved on a gold-colored band, white and brown beaded bracelets, and a silver ring with a green stone.
A shelf filled with multiple books, including titles related to health and personality. In front of the books, there is a collection of jewelry including a bracelet with the word 'INSPIRE' engraved on a gold-colored band, white and brown beaded bracelets, and a silver ring with a green stone.
Three women in casual clothing and sunglasses standing outdoors near a lighthouse, and three women sitting indoors on a couch wearing matching sweatshirts that say "BESTIE."
Three women in casual clothing and sunglasses standing outdoors near a lighthouse, and three women sitting indoors on a couch wearing matching sweatshirts that say "BESTIE."

Meet the Authors

Erin | The Plot Line Pilot

Erin is the logistical heartbeat of Stay by the Book. With a professional background in the legal world and a personal passport stamped in over 25 countries, she knows exactly how to bridge the gap between a wild adventure and a perfectly executed plan. Whether she’s negotiating hotel blocks or engineering a minute-by-minute city itinerary, Erin’s love for a good spreadsheet is matched only by her taste for global cuisine and spontaneous detours. When she isn't mapping out our next destination with her husband, George, you’ll likely find her deep into a gripping thriller , a twisty mystery novel or a cozy romance.

René | The Bibliotherapist

René is the creative visionary and literary heart of Stay by the Book. With a passion for exploring the world through the pages of a book, she has spent years scouting 36 states and 4 continents to find the "spirit" of a story in physical locations. As our Lead Curator, René hand-picks the literature that serves as the foundation for every retreat, ensuring the travel experience mirrors a beautiful narrative arc.

When she isn't vetting new destinations for us, you can find her cheering on the Dallas Stars with her husband, Brad, and their two boys. An almond croissant connoisseur and outdoor enthusiast, René thrives on finding the perfect balance between a vibrant city bookstore crawl and a quiet afternoon reading by the water. While she reads across all genres, her heart belongs to literary fiction—a love she pours into every "hidden gem" discovery and arrival gift she selects for our guests.

Sara | Director of Reading Relations

Sara is the welcoming voice and community architect of Stay by the Book. As our Director of Reading Relations, she ensures every guest feels like the main character of their own story long before they arrive. From managing pre-trip communications to sourcing the perfect locally made treasure for our welcome kits, Sara is dedicated to fostering the "little details" that make a retreat unforgettable.

A true outdoor enthusiast and self-proclaimed adventure junkie, Sara loves exploring everything from rugged mountain trails to sunny tropical locales with her husband, Josh, and their two boys. When she isn't busy building relationships with our favorite local artisans and shop owners, you’ll find her tucked away in a quiet reading spot with an iced tea in hand. While she’s a fan of gripping contemporary authors like Brynne Weaver and profound works like A Little Life, her heart truly lies in stories—fiction or non-fiction—that celebrate the great outdoors.