FAQ
Below you will find answers to commonly-asked questions.
The Guild is located in Plain, a small unincorporated community about 15 miles north of Leavenworth. Unfortunately, there is no transit system that stops in Plain. The nearest transit hubs are Leavenworth (Amtrak and Greyhound) and Wentachee (Alaska Airlines, Amtrak, and Greyhound). If you fly into SeaTac airport, you can take the Wenatchee Valley Shuttle to the Peshastin Park’n’Ride.
For connection to Plain, consider Leavenworth Shuttle & Taxi. Guild staff may also be able to offer local pick-up. Possible pick-up spots and pricing is listed during registration, through which you can submit your request for pick-up. We will review your request and let you know if we are able to accommodate a pick-up.
The Guild’s main address is 19003 River Road, Leavenworth, WA 98826.
Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions depending on the season in which you visit. Please check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Winter temperatures generally hover between 20F – 40F but it can get colder. The average annual snowfall at the Guild is 100 inches. We recommend packing warm clothing layers, waterproof outerwear, snow boots, and snow/ice traction devices.
Summer temperatures at the Guild can range anywhere from the mid-40s (in the evening) to the low 100s (in the afternoon). We recommend packing layers, a hat, comfortable shoes, sandals/flip flops for use while showering, a bathrobe, sun screen, and insect repellent (for summer). Our dress is casual and comfortable at the Guild.
Although we do not have an ideal swimming location on campus, there are swimming areas available at various places along the Wenatchee River and at Lake Wenatchee. If you plan to do any swimming or use the Guild’s sauna, please bring a swimsuit.
We recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp for walking after dark. Please bring your own toiletries. Do consider packing a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the week. If you are interested in exploring local hiking trails, please bring appropriate footwear. If you plan to send mail, please bring appropriate postage stamps.
There will be fresh fruit, bread (with peanut butter and jam), and other snacks available 24/7 in our Dining Room. If you would like to bring your own snacks, you are welcome to do so. If you want to keep any food in your room with you, please bring airtight and rodent-proof containers (ex. tupperware) in which to store food. The kitchen has some available if you need one or two – please stop in to the kitchen after your arrival and ask for one.
Yes, we have laundry facilities available for free to our staff and guests, with a supply of powder detergent available for use. If you need to do laundry while at the Guild, please consult with a staff member to schedule a time.
Yes, you may bring alcohol to the Guild for responsible consumption. Alcohol is available for purchase through local grocery stores, breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Please note that glass is no longer recyclable in Chelan Country – if you bring items in glass containers, please consider packing them out with you if you are returning to or traveling through a location that recycles glass.
From June 1 through October 1, our area is under a general burn ban due to wildfire risk. Thus, no outdoor fires are allowed on campus during summer program unless facilitated by Guild staff. No open flame is allowed in any indoor spaces, except in programmatic spaces under supervision by Guild staff.
To minimize risk of wildfire and health hazards associated with secondhand smoke, smoking is allowed on campus only in the gravel parking lots of both Centrum and the Pottery Studio. Please be mindful of risks associated with smoking and fully extinguish butts before discarding.
The Guild provides all bed linens, blankets, and towels. You may bring your own if you choose, but the Guild has ample supply.
See our Pet Policy here.
Yes, the Guild has space for RVs and van camping. We have one RV electrical hook-up (30 amp/120 volt) that is reservable through your registration, as well as two 20 amp outlets. There is a water spigot with potable water nearby. The Guild does not have water or sewage hook-up for RVs. Bathroom facilities are available in nearby buildings.
Your balance is due upon arrival. You may pay at check-in with cash, check, or credit card. You may also settle your bill online before arrival. You will receive information for online bill payment after you register.
You are encouraged to pay your bill in full before your arrival using the link in the email your received from the Guild.
At the Guild, we strive to walk as lightly upon the earth as possible. In our shared foodlife, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint while creating a menu filled with flavor, nourishing nutrients, and variety. We use produce from our garden, when available. We strive to source things as locally as possible. Animal proteins are available at most meals. We prepare meat and fish two or three times per week, with eggs and dairy available at all times.
Meals are served buffet style during scheduled mealtimes. Outside of mealtimes, an assortment of food is available for snacking – fresh fruit, breakfast cereals, homemade bread with peanut butter and jams, and various baked goods and snacking items prepared by the kitchen. Coffee and tea is available at all times.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please ensure that your registration reflects those restrictions. The kitchen makes every effort to accommodate, and we have strategies in place to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination. But please note that the Guild kitchen is not an allergen-free facility. If you wish to bring food to supplement your meals, there is a “community fridge” available for your use in our Dining Room.
The Guild is in a small community, and the nearest large grocery store is in Leavenworth (Safeway, about 15 miles away). There are, however, some small local stores and restaurants in Plain to explore.
- Plain Hardware – a hardware store, giftshop, and coffeeshop all in one
- Just Plain Grocery and Gas – a small grocery store featuring Umpqua ice cream
- Old Mill Cafe – a small cafe within walking distance of the Guild, featuring brisket and biscuits
- Wildflour – restaurant near Lake Wenatchee featuring homemade pasta and seasonal cocktails
- Yodelin – restaurant in Leavenworth featuring various soups, bowls, and sandwiches
- Plain Cellars – Plain’s local winery, located just across the Wenatchee River from the Guild
- There are plenty of outdoor opportunities in the area, including Lake Wenatchee State Park.
- If you want to explore more, check out the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce for an up-to-date list of local businesses, events, and opportunities.
USPS offers pick-up and delivery once daily (except Sunday and federal holidays) to the Guild. If you want to mail something from the Guild, please place in our main mailbox (in front of Centrum) and raise the box’s flag. If you send mail to the Guild, please inform Guild staff so we know to look for it. If something arrives for you while you are onsite, we will let you know. The Guild does not offer mail forwarding. If anything arrives after your departure, it will be returned to its sender.
The Guild does not sell postage, though stamps are available for purchase at Plain Hardware. A post office is available in Leavenworth.
Most programs include morning matins (a time to gather in community and be inspired for the day’s creative work) and evening vespers (a time of reflection and gratitude). While all who are present are invited to participate in these gatherings, they are by no means mandatory.
Whatever your background and beliefs may be, you can expect to be welcomed into community with open arms and respected as a sacred individual.
The Guild is a non-judgmental, open and safe place to truly be yourself, to express your faith, to explore your creativity and make your art in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. At the Guild we have a mug station that holds the creations of master potters at the height of their craft alongside the very first efforts made in a beginning pottery class. We love and use all of the mugs. That is Guild culture.
Yes – See our COVID Policy here.
Please review our Quotes, Cancellations, and Refund Policies here.
