Away with Words is a one-of-a-kind destination on Front Street in historic downtown Poulsbo, combining an independent bookshop with a handcrafted bath and apothecary boutique — known locally as Away with Words & edit apothecary. Husband-and-wife owners Bittina and Kevin Sheen took over the shop in 2022 (the same year they got married and launched the Poulsbo Film Festival) and have made it a warm, community-centered gathering spot that’s as much about connection as it is about shopping.

The book selection is thoughtfully curated with an emphasis on indie authors, signed copies, titles featuring strong female leads, and local Pacific Northwest stories. The shop carries audiobooks through Libro.fm and offers an online bookshop through bookshop.org for those who can’t make it in person. On the apothecary side, you’ll find handmade bath bombs, soaps, body lotions, and other small-batch self-care products — all sourced from small brands and artisans committed to quality and sustainability.

The shop hosts community events, offers personalized book recommendations, and has cozy seating to linger a while. It’s one of those places that’s easy to stumble into and hard to leave — a true highlight of any downtown Poulsbo stroll.

Open Monday–Friday 11am–5pm, Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm.