A two-hour drive from Seattle, east of the Cascades, lies a Bavarian-styled mountain town known as Leavenworth. All buildings in the main commercial district fully embrace the German theme, featuring intricate wood trim and decorative painted detailing for extra charm.
Courtesy Leavenworth COC
Explore the major shopping and dining draws along Front Street, where stores and galleries sell everything from nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks (Nussknacker Haus) to unique clothing (JT Blu), sweets (Fudge Hut), and playful hats (The Hat Shop).
When it comes to food and drink, the German theme continues with a multitude of restaurants, bars, and wineries taking a hint from Bavaria. Indulge in grilled sausages and pretzels at München Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden, where an outdoor patio is popular in summer. Sip over 30 locally made or imported beers at Gustav’s, or stop for a pint of over 55 draft brews and ciders at Stein Leavenworth. When it’s time for a sweet treat, The Gingerbread Factory is a quaint bakery serving traditionally decorated cookies. Other musts are award-winning white wines and lush reds at the Icicle Ridge Winery tasting room, roasted pork knuckles at Ludwig’s Gasthaus, and sweet and savory crêpes at Crêpe Cafe Sisters.
Leavenworth has plenty to entertain throughout the year, but special seasonal events and festivals make things extra special. Time your trip during Oktoberfest—a monthlong celebration of beer in the fall—when polka bands, beer halls, and family-friendly festivities fill the entire town. During spring’s Maifest, authentic clothes, dances, and performances bring Bavarian traditions to Washington, while throughout December, Leavenworth transforms into Christmastown, with carolers, twinkling lights, and holiday decorations.
Summertime is especially popular with the active crowd. Book a river-rafting trip with one of the local companies such as Osprey Rafting or Blue Sky Outfitters. And in winter, Hans Christian Andersen Carriage Co. picks up passengers in downtown Leavenworth for a horse-drawn, open-air carriage ride through cobblestone streets. Just outside of downtown, the 30.5-meter-tall Leavenworth Ski Hill features the perfect slope to slide down on an inflatable inner tube.
Travel Info: Leavenworth is a two-hour drive (193 kilometers) from Seattle. Take I-5 to I-90 east. Take exit 10A for I-405 north toward Bothell/Everett. Take exit 23 for WA-522 east. After 30 kilometers, exit for US-2 east toward Wenatchee. Continue on US-2 for 121 kilometers and arrive at Leavenworth.