Central Reservations Blog

This past July 4th weekend the Central Res staff attended the Methow Valley Arts Fest, put on by the Methow Arts Alliance and held in the Twisp Park. While we didn't learn to juggle, we did have a great time.

The Arts Fest had great child-oriented activities. Kids were having a fun time building sailboats and then sailing them in a large above-ground pool. There were long lines at the face-painting booth and at the tie-dye your own shirt booth. There were mosaic booths, beading booths, painting booths, and too many others to mention. A very patient horse stood in the middle of the park allowing children to approach and pet him.

Onstage, there was continuous entertainment throughout the day, including music, dancing and a comedy show.

Come hungry! We made the mistake of eating beforehand, but we still indulged in some goodies from Arrowleaf Bistro, which had a booth there. Also available were hot dogs, cold drinks, tacos, candy and healthy snacks such as energy bars and fruit rollups.

Admission was $5 per person. Most of the activity booths charged from $1 to $5, but some were free. Food was extra but the entertainment was included in the price of admission. Next time you are visiting the valley over the 4th of July weekend be sure to check it out!

We are now selling tickets to the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival! The dates are July 29th through August 7th. If you are a classical music lover, this is a must see event.

With our surprisingly wet spring this year the Valley is lush, green and beautiful. The rivers are all running very high and fast which makes now a great time to enjoy river rafting!

Photo courtesy of Blue Sky Outfitters

The Central Res staff thought we should experience rafting on our very own Methow River and did a really fun trip a couple weeks ago with Blue Sky Outfitters. We had an extremely knowledgable and competent guide who was able to keep the beginners and the more seasoned rafters from getting bored. All the gear (including wetsuits) was provided and it even included a steak dinner afterward.

We would highly recommend Blue Sky Outfitters to anyone who wants to do some great white water rafting. We will definitely be doing more rafting in the future. In addition to the Methow River, Blue Sky Outfitters also has trips on the Wenatchee River for those who are staying with us in Leavenworth too!

Over the past couple of months, we've added several listings to our webpage. With summer coming up, we thought we'd do an overview of our newest selections.

Firefly Cabin is located just off Highway 20, about two and one-half miles from Mazama and about 11 miles from Winthrop. It is very close to A-Cute Cabin so if you plan to vacation with another family, give these two cabins a look. Firefly is a large and roomy cabin with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, located near the trails. It is pet-friendly so your dog can come along and enjoy the outdoors with you.

Stone's Throw Cabin is located near the Mazama junction, a doable walk from the newly-remodeled Mazama Store and the Mazama Country Inn. It is an elegantly furnished home located in a flat area of dense trees with a private feel to it. You can walk to easy hiking trails, and more adventurous trails are a short drive away. Mountain bikers can hit the trails from the front door. Stone's Throw has three bedrooms and two bathrooms; Siskun Song and The Cabin at Fawn Glen are both a short walk away for larger groups needing more space.

The Rendezvous Huts are not new but Rendezvous Hut and Gardner Hut are now available for use in spring and fall (no summer usage due to the burn ban and high fire danger). We highly recommend a high-clearance vehicle such as an SUV or a Subaru to drive into the huts. Hiking in is not practicable for most people as all the water you plan to use must be packed in and your trash must be packed out. As in winter, the huts have no running water but they do have propane cooking facilities and lights. The Huts are a fantastic way to truly experience and enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer.

Twisp River Inn Bed and Breakfast is a charming B&B on beautiful grounds. Better yet, it is both pet- and child-friendly. Those of you who have not been able to experience the relaxation and camaraderie of a bed and breakfast because you can't leave the dog or the kids (or both!) behind now have a great option. Check out the Bunk Room, which is intended for families who want a separate room for the youngsters.

Last but not least, we have just listed The Cabin at Fawn Glen. This light and airy, well-furnished and spacious cabin is located near Mazama on a 3-acre parcel. While enjoying wooded privacy, you are a short walk away from the Mazama trails and the community center. The cabin has 3 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths, including a separate soaking tub and shower in the master bedroom bathroom. This is the perfect spot for groups that include both those who want to relax and unwind in a beautiful setting and those who enjoy mountain-biking and hiking as it easily accommodates all these activities. Siskun Song and Stone's Throw are located within an easy walking distance from The Cabin at Fawn Glen for large groups or multiple families needing more space.

Along with these new listings, we have cabins and rooms to suit just about any vacation style. If you find that searching on our website quickly overwhelms you, call us! We can work with you to zero in on the best rental for you and your budget, and we are more than happy to help.

The North Cascades Pass is open, the hillsides are greening up, and the Arrowleaf sunflowers are nearly out in full bloom. It's our personal favorite time of the year in the Valley with the warm days, colorful flowers, and fresh coat of green! With the pass open, it's a great time to enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

Lots of fun events and activities are coming up in the next few weeks. The MVSTA is kicking off the fun on May 1st with their 30th annual Sunflower Relay and Iron Event, which includes a marathon course this year. The following week, May 7-9, is Winthrop 49'er Days, a local celebration of the town's western heritage and roots, complete with a parade, jamboree, and of course lots of tasty barbecue.

And last but not least, fishing season opens this weekend!