Summer is the time to spend with family and friends, enjoy some adventure and explore the great outdoors. With many families work schedules and budgets traveling close to home is becoming more popular. Located in Central Washington lies the quaint Bavarian village of Leavenworth; a perfect vacation on one tank of gas for Washington residents. The Bavarian village was plucked right out of a small German town and landed in Washington State. The fantastic German inspired shops, wonderful eateries and outdoor adventures at your fingertips make Leavenworth the perfect local getaway for every age, budget and traveler.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, bring your fishing pole, golf clubs, rock climbing shoes, bike and hiking boots and explore thousands of acres of trails, rivers, lakes and mountains. The Wenatchee National Forest is just a short drive away from Leavenworth and is home to 2.2 million acres of protected forest land and over 2,500 miles of trails. The Wenatchee National Forest is a great place to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a secluded getaway with your loved one or family. And don’t forget your binoculars; Audubon selected the Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth area as some of the best bird watching in Washington State.
Summer time also brings the Leavenworth Outdoor Summer Theater at the Ski Hill Amphitheater. This year, the performances will include the signature production of The Sound of Music as well as Annie Get Your Gun and Thoroughly Modern Millie. The Leavenworth Summer Theater began in 1994 and has been hugely popular in Washington State. Ski Hill Amphitheater is the largest theater between Seattle and Spokane and is expected to draw over 20,000 people for this year’s productions.
For those less thrilled about an outdoor adventure Leavenworth is packed with shopping, restaurants and a rapidly growing list of wineries and tasting rooms. You will be sure to find something to please your palette with nearly 50 restaurants in Leavenworth. Whether you are in the mood for authentic German beer and bratwurst or a fine dining experience you will be sure to walk away full. Leavenworth is filled with everything from charming diners and cafes on Main Street, to bars and brewery’s overlooking downtown and even the most elegant, upscale dining. As for shopping, Leavenworth is a shoppers dream! In downtown Leavenworth you will find one of a kind shops filled with unique treasures and handcrafted items you can’t find anywhere else. Fill your shopping bag with handmade soaps and lotions, fudge and candies or a wide variety of clocks, trinkets, clothing and more (and as I mentioned earlier, there are plenty of breweries and tasting rooms along the way if a full day of shopping doesn’t sound like fun to your entire party!)
If there is too much to do in just one day, lodging is not hard to find. Leavenworth is home to many hotels and overnight accommodations; but for a more pampered and luxurious experience visit one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area. A short drive from Leavenworth on 22 private acres is Pine River Ranch Bed and Breakfast, a unique and enjoyable overnight accommodation. Unlike your traditional BnB, at Pine River Ranch homemade breakfast is delivered right to the privacy of your front door and rooms are located in private cabin suites for a guaranteed romantic and unforgettable experience. Like many Bed and Breakfasts in the area, if you completely fall in love with Leavenworth, they are also a wedding venue!
So next time you want to just “get away” think about the short, scenic drive to Leavenworth for a day or weekend filled with fun and memories. Have a favorite thing to do in Leavenworth or a favorite place to eat? Let us know!
 [ home ]