The town of Leavenworth may be big on charm, but this teeny Bavarian village in the Cascade Mountains is only home to about 2,000 residents and makes for an incredibly cozy getaway, especially during the wintertime! Whether you’ve visited the area before or you’ve never been, here are 10 reasons why everyone should plan a trip to this delightful German town in Chelan County:
- First and foremost, the location is ideal.
Flint Weiss / Flickr Hidden away in the heart of the Cascades, this charming community can be found in Central Washington near Cashmere and is only about a two and a half hour drive to Seattle and three hours from Spokane.
- The tiny town is full of culture!
leomom1999 / Flickr From the unique storefronts to overall atmosphere, there aren’t many communities in Washington with as strong of a cultural influence as this German village! It’s almost like being able to experience Munich, but without having to leave the state.
- You’ll be able to score all kinds of unique items.
Laurie Crow Nociar / Flickr Whether you’re just window shopping or you’re on the lookout for the perfect gift, there’s a wide variety of stores around here to check out with items like cuckoo clocks, beer steins, music boxes, handcrafted soaps, candles, specialty chocolates and so much more! While you’re out and about, be sure to stop and take a look around Washington’s premiere Christmas store, Kris Kringl, which is open year round.
- There’s some of the most breathtaking scenery around here!
Leavenworth Leavenworth has places everywhere to discover in the great outdoors! Waterfront Park in particular offers a relaxing site by the Wenatchee River and numerous trails you can take even during the winter months.
- Skiing and snowboarding opportunities are endless.
Leavenworth There’s also a small skiing area in town that offers easy slopes for beginners and families, or if you’re a little more experienced on the mountain, Mission Ridge and Stevens Pass are only about a half hour away.
- If you love a nice cold beer, there’s a spectacular local brewery to try downtown.
Rate Beer Icicle Brewing Company has some fantastic winter selections on tap! There’s also the smaller Doghaus Brewery on 9th Street as well as a number of distilleries and wineries.
- You can taste some of the most delectable and authentic German food.
Somer Breeze-Hanson While you’re in town, be sure to stop by Munchen Haus on Front Street and try one of their amazing warm pretzels or artisian Bavarian sausages, which pair perfectly with their beer garden.
- The festivals are unlike anywhere else.
PhotoBliss/Alamy / CN Traveler Between the Christmas Lighting Festival, Autumn Leaf Festival, Bavarian Icefest and one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany, the excitement in this town never ends!
- Where else could you find an adorable Nutcracker Museum?
pahphotos / Flickr This quirky museum on Front Street features over 6,000+ different kinds of nutcrackers to check out from old-timey models to themed ones like Star Wars and the Wizard of Oz.
- And last but certainly not least, it’s a picture perfect Christmas village!
slug214 / Flickr From the magical lighting all over town to the strolling Christmas carolers, horse-drawn sleighs, and places to go sledding, there aren’t many better storybook settings to celebrate the holidays!
This really only covers the surface of all the excitement that Leavenworth has to offer. Have you been to this charming small village before?? Where else would you recommend visiting in town?
Flint Weiss / Flickr
Hidden away in the heart of the Cascades, this charming community can be found in Central Washington near Cashmere and is only about a two and a half hour drive to Seattle and three hours from Spokane.
leomom1999 / Flickr
From the unique storefronts to overall atmosphere, there aren’t many communities in Washington with as strong of a cultural influence as this German village! It’s almost like being able to experience Munich, but without having to leave the state.
Laurie Crow Nociar / Flickr
Whether you’re just window shopping or you’re on the lookout for the perfect gift, there’s a wide variety of stores around here to check out with items like cuckoo clocks, beer steins, music boxes, handcrafted soaps, candles, specialty chocolates and so much more! While you’re out and about, be sure to stop and take a look around Washington’s premiere Christmas store, Kris Kringl, which is open year round.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth has places everywhere to discover in the great outdoors! Waterfront Park in particular offers a relaxing site by the Wenatchee River and numerous trails you can take even during the winter months.
There’s also a small skiing area in town that offers easy slopes for beginners and families, or if you’re a little more experienced on the mountain, Mission Ridge and Stevens Pass are only about a half hour away.
Rate Beer
Icicle Brewing Company has some fantastic winter selections on tap! There’s also the smaller Doghaus Brewery on 9th Street as well as a number of distilleries and wineries.
Somer Breeze-Hanson
While you’re in town, be sure to stop by Munchen Haus on Front Street and try one of their amazing warm pretzels or artisian Bavarian sausages, which pair perfectly with their beer garden.
PhotoBliss/Alamy / CN Traveler
Between the Christmas Lighting Festival, Autumn Leaf Festival, Bavarian Icefest and one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany, the excitement in this town never ends!
pahphotos / Flickr
This quirky museum on Front Street features over 6,000+ different kinds of nutcrackers to check out from old-timey models to themed ones like Star Wars and the Wizard of Oz.
slug214 / Flickr
From the magical lighting all over town to the strolling Christmas carolers, horse-drawn sleighs, and places to go sledding, there aren’t many better storybook settings to celebrate the holidays!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
