Tuesday, August 26, 2025

“A Relaxing Summer Getaway in Plain & Leavenworth: Live Music, Wine, and Scenic Adventures”

 

A Perfectly Unplanned Getaway



We just got back from a quick Thursday–Saturday stay at Poofy’s, and it turned out to be exactly what we needed—no plans, just a few relaxing days that unfolded in the best way.

Day 1: Music in the Mountains

We arrived in Plain and made our first stop at Just Plain Grocery for some basics. Next door at the hardware store, I did my usual ritual—checking the community bulletin board to see what’s happening. Lucky us: there was live music that night at Mountain Springs Lodge as part of their Music @ the Mountain series.


After a casual dinner at home, we headed over to the lodge’s lawn with a glass of rosΓ© in hand. Larry Murante, guitarist and singer-songwriter, played an engaging set of originals and uniquely done covers. The food being served looked tempting, but we made room instead for some fresh-baked cookies to end the evening. A simple, perfect start.



Day 2: Bikes, Books, and River Time

Friday was all about Leavenworth. My husband, an avid mountain biker, hit the trails at Ski Hill, while I brought along my book club pick (which I needed to both start and finish!). I found a shady spot on the patio overlooking the hill, and even though the mountain hut cafΓ© wasn’t open yet (they start serving beer, wine, coffee, and snacks at 3 PM), I had the whole view—and quiet—to myself. Did I mention it was 90 degrees that day? Shade was essential!




In the afternoon, we wandered to the river park, where we spread out a little picnic of snacks and lazed on the grass. This section of the park is especially family-friendly with a playground, skate park, pump track, and (bonus!) bathrooms.






Heading back to Plain on the scenic Chumstick Highway, we decided pasta with jarred sauce at home didn’t sound exciting. Instead, we made a spur-of-the-moment stop at Plain Cellars, and what a win that was! A Taste of Plain food truck was parked there, serving up crispy fish & chips and juicy Kobe sliders on Hawaiian rolls. Paired with another chilled glass of rosΓ©, it was—once again—perfection.

Day 3: Waffles & Wind-Down

Saturday morning was slow and sweet—waffles on the patio, a couple of chores, and then packing up to head home. On the way back, we made our traditional stop at the Alpen Drive-In in Startup for milkshakes, plus a quick fruit-stand visit for some juicy nectarines. By early afternoon we were back in Seattle, with the whole weekend still ahead of us to enjoy with friends.



Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t plan at all.




Thursday, August 7, 2025

Vacation rental Leavenworth

 The Story Behind Poofy’s Paradise: How We Found Our Little Mountain Haven

It was fall of 2015 when we officially became the owners of what’s now known as Poofy’s Paradise. But the love story started a few years earlier.

Almost 15 years ago, we were headed to a friend’s wedding near Wenatchee and needed a place to stay for the night. Nothing close by felt quite right—until we stumbled across a sweet little house in Plain, Washington. We’d never heard of it. But the moment we drove into the Plain Valley, we were smitten. Towering trees, winding roads, fresh air—it felt like a hidden gem.

Leavenworth is a gorgeous short scenic drive away.

Us back then!


Back home in Ballard, we were already lucky to live close to the water, but we dreamed of a place in the mountains. Something simple, somewhere our family of four (plus doggo!) could escape to.

A couple of years later, we got serious about looking. We worked with a real estate agent, even made an offer on a house near Leavenworth—but it was a stretch, and the owners held firm on price. That “no” turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened.

Spring wildflowers

Winter wonderland

Summer fun

The drive into the neighborhood in its full fall glory.

...winter wonderland!


When we were ready to try again, we called the same agent—and this time, Poofy’s was the very last place we looked at. It was a bank foreclosure, and before we even stepped inside, we knew. The setting, the quiet, the trees—it had us at hello.

The house didn’t need major renovations. We tidied up the woodwork in the living room, gave the main floor bathroom a much-needed refresh, and moved in. Over the years, we’ve added:

  • A large covered outdoor patio space

  • An electric barrel sauna (hello, aprΓ¨s-snowboard steam!)

  • A few cozy upgrades to make the space feel like home

As an avid snowboarding family, we’ve made countless memories at nearby Stevens Pass. And our sweet pup adored the freedom of roaming the property off-leash.

One of our favorite stories? Our very first Christmas at Poofy’s, we asked our then-10-year-old daughter to head outside and see if she could find a tree we could use. She came running back, wide-eyed and thrilled:
“Mama, Papa—I found a whole Christmas tree farm!”



Turns out, the property had once tried to be a small Christmas tree farm. So now, each year, we “thin the forest” and cut a fresh tree to decorate the house. I’m partial to the Charlie Brown trees—a little quirky, a little sparse, but just right.

Oh—and the name? That’s the most asked question we get.
Our daughter, who was 10 at the time, named the house after one of our beloved pet chickens: Poofy, an Appenzeller with a very fancy hairdo. πŸ” Mystery solved.




Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Spring Getaway at Our Leavenworth Vacation Rental: Fire Pit, Sauna & Mountain Views

 Spring at Poofy’s: Our Favorite Time of Year

We had a lovely weekend up at Poofy’s, catching up on spring chores and enjoying the fresh mountain air. Everything’s greening up, and the patio is ready for summer guests—but honestly, spring is still our favorite season here.

The days are warm, the nights are cool—perfect for snuggling around the potbelly fire after a relaxing sauna. Leavenworth is just a short drive away and makes a great stop for lunch or dinner, especially this time of year when things are quieter than the holiday rush.


 


 

Summer rentals are booking, but if you’re looking for a peaceful spring escape, now’s the time!

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Sauna, Stars & Springtime Hikes: A Leavenworth-Area Cabin Escape

 

Springtime in the Cascades 🌲🌞

We had a beautiful, snowy winter season... but it’s time for spring!

This is one of our favorite times of year in Plain. Warm days and cool evenings make it perfect for snuggling up by the chiminea, stargazing without the glow of city lights, and soaking in the peace and quiet—just you and the trees.





Here’s our idea of a perfect day:
Start with a morning hike—maybe Dirtyface, Nason Ridge, or one of the trails nearby. Follow it up with a refreshing plunge in Lake Wenatchee, then head home to warm up in the sauna.




Need a snack or a drink? You’ve got everything you need at home. Fire up the BBQ, settle in under the covered outdoor seating, or gather around the big picnic table. Play a round of outdoor giant Jenga or cozy up inside with a good board game or book.




Looking for something a little different?

Plan B: Make a dinner reservation at Wildflour at Kahler Glen Golf Course—great food and just minutes away. Or swing by Plain Cellars for an afternoon wine tasting and grab lunch from the A Taste of Plain.



Plan C: Head into Leavenworth—there are endless options for shopping, dining, and wandering.




However you spend your day, it’s all about slowing down, enjoying the outdoors, and unwinding in our little corner of the Cascades.


Thursday, February 20, 2025

❄️ A Cozy Winter Escape: Fresh Snow & Relaxation at Poofy’s Near Leavenworth

 



There’s nothing quite like waking up to a fresh blanket of snow ❄️ at Poofy’s—our cozy retreat near Leavenworth! Named after our beloved pet chicken, Poofy πŸ”, this little getaway is the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and modern comforts. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Poofy’s is where PNW winter magic happens!




❄️ Snowy Strolls & Sauna Bliss

The weekend kicked off with peaceful walks 🚢‍♀️ through the snow-covered neighborhood and around the property. The crisp mountain air was invigorating, making every step feel refreshing and meditative.

While a snow plunge πŸ₯Ά might be a little too hardcore for me, the sauna was absolutely heavenly! πŸ”₯ Stepping into its warmth after a chilly outdoor stroll? Pure bliss.



πŸ• Comfort Food = Ultimate Cozy Vibes

After a day of soaking in the winter wonderland, it was time for some comfort food—because what’s a getaway without delicious eats? 🀀

Here’s what was on the menu:
Sheet pan nachos – quick, cheesy, and perfect for munching by the fire πŸ”₯
Shortcut pizza on naan – crispy, satisfying, and so easy πŸ•
Arugula, avocado & pear salad – tossed in a homemade lemon, EVOO, parmesan & black pepper vinaigrette πŸ₯—πŸ‹



πŸ₯Ύ Snowy Adventure on the PCT

No trip to the Cascades is complete without a little adventure! We wrapped up the weekend with a hike down the Pacific Crest Trail 🌲❄️. It was the perfect way to soak in the peaceful, snowy scenery before heading back to reality.



🌟 Why Poofy’s is the Perfect Getaway

Whether you're looking for a cozy retreat to unwind or a basecamp for adventure, Poofy’s has everything you need:

Blazing fast WiFi + dedicated workspace – perfect for remote work πŸ’»
EV charging station – because road trips are better when you’re fully charged πŸš—πŸ”‹
πŸ›‹️ All the modern comforts in a peaceful setting – the best of both worlds!

πŸ“ Ready for your own relaxing escape? Book your stay at Poofy’s here: www.airbnb.com/rooms/4448878

Come experience the magic of Poofy’s in winter! ❄️πŸ”️✨



Thursday, January 9, 2025

"Celebrate 10 Years of Cozy Comfort at Poofy’s Paradise: A Peaceful Vacation Rental Near Leavenworth, WA"

Happy New Year, Friends!

Poofy’s Paradise is turning 10 years old as a vacation rental in 2025! πŸ₯³ We’re so grateful to have shared our cozy spot in the Cascades with so many wonderful guests over the years.

Located in Plain, Washington, Poofy’s is the perfect launching spot for exploring Leavenworth, enjoying miles of groomed cross-country trails, or hitting the slopes at Stevens Pass.



Holiday lights are twinkling until mid February.
SkiPlain, 5 sno parks within 20 minutes drive featuring groomed classic and skate.



Stevens Pass!

Over the years, we’ve added thoughtful upgrades to make every stay special. Poofy’s features:
✨ A beautifully decorated interior with 3 separate bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and it sleeps 6 comfortably
✨ A wood-burning stove with a stunning Mexican tile hearth
✨ A washer and dryer for your convenience
✨ A curated selection of books, plus indoor and outdoor games for all ages

MAster bedroom with ensuite bathroom, dedicated work space, sofa sleeper and outside balcony.
Main floor bedroom with queen size bed and closet.
Twin size solid bunkbeds, Curious George and Winnie the Pooh included.


Wood burning stove, 2 sofas, bring your own guitar.

Breakfast Bar in the kitchen. Features Moka pots, french press and drip coffee machines.
Cozy built in eating area in the living room.

Panorama of Poofys with the sauna, patio area and house.


But the magic really happens outside:
🌲 A large covered outdoor patio area perfect for all seasons
πŸ”₯ An electric barrel sauna for ultimate relaxation—try the snow plunge in winter before warming up in the sauna!
⚡ A dedicated electric vehicle charging spot

Poofy’s sits on spacious acreage, offering a beautiful, peaceful, and private retreat to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Whether you're seeking snowy adventures, cozy evenings by the fire, or quiet moments in the sauna, Poofy’s Paradise is ready to make your getaway unforgettable. Cheers to another amazing year!





Hope to see you soon!!!