Last Updated
If you haven’t heard of Leavenworth, WA, you’re missing out. Nestled away in a lush, evergreen valley a few hours outside of Seattle, Leavenworth has everything you would expect from a charming small town. This Washington town has a unique twist, though: from the local shops to the architecture of the buildings themselves, Leavenworth has a German theme that makes it look more like a European village than an American town. Here are 7 reasons why you should visit this summer!
1. There’s No Shortage Of Great Food
Leavenworth has absolutely no shortage of places to enjoy a delicious meal. There are several local shops that follow the theme of the town, offering traditional German/Bavarian fare. Check out Munchen Haus for a casual dining experience that features bratwursts and a beer garden. If you’re in the mood for some more formal dining that is still in line with the town’s theme, meanwhile, Mozart’s Steakhouse offers both European and Pacific Northwest-inspired fare. Those who aren’t in the mood for German fare won’t be disappointed either. The town has a wide variety of options ranging from Italian food at Visconti’s to offerings of burgers at spots like the Soup Cellar.
2. It’s Home To Year-Round Events
One of the best reasons to visit Leavenworth is how festive the town is! No matter what time of year you go, there’s sure to be a celebration of some sort going on. Some such festivals include fall’s Oktoberfest and the annual Christmas Light Lighting ceremony in the winter. If you’re visiting this summer, Village Art In The Park is an outdoor art market that features live music and runs throughout the season.
3. There’s One Of A Kind Shops
Leavenworth’s Bavarian theme makes it the perfect place to find shops you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for some one-of-a-kind souvenirs, the perfect gift for a loved one, or even items for day-to-day use, there’s a shop in Leavenworth that has you covered. A couple of popular ones include Kris Kringle, which offers a year-round Christmas wonderland, and The Nutcracker Shop and Museum. Don’t miss some of the specialty shops either, though, including The Krampus Cave for comics and games, and A Paw Above for picking up treats for your furry friends.
4. It’s A Haven For Outdoor Recreation
Another fantastic reason to visit Leavenworth is its location! Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest forests, the area around Leavenworth is a nature lover's dream. If you’re looking to stay close to town, spend some time exploring the Blackbird Island area. It’s only a few minutes' walk from downtown Leavenworth and is a great place for a nature stroll. Enjoying the Wenatchee river is another popular choice for outdoor recreation close to town. There are several small sandy beaches perfect for lounging on, as well as groups in the area that offer float trips down the river later in summer.
5. There’s Countless Options For Accommodations
You won’t have any shortage of lodging options if you do decide to visit Leavenworth! From cozy inns overlooking the Mainstreet to rentals in the gorgeous surrounding woods, there’s an option perfect for everyone. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, Posthotel Leavenworth offers lush rooms as well as a swimming pool overlooking the nearby Wenatchee River. Meanwhile, Icicle Village Resort is a great option for families traveling – it features a pool, an arcade, and a mini-golf course on site.
6. It’s Both Family And Pet Friendly
Leavenworth’s wide variety of activities makes it ideal for many sorts of travelers. If you’re looking for an outdoorsy, memorable experience, a cabin or campsite nearby town is sure to satisfy, plus you’ll get to add visiting a unique town to your trip! If you’re traveling with children, kids are sure to love the various ice cream and candy shops in the town, as well as the fun theme. The array of local wineries and boutique shops means adults won't be left out either. There’s even something for furry friends – many businesses in Leavenworth are pet-friendly.
7. It’s A Truly Unique Experience
Finally, one of the best reasons to visit Leavenworth is the one-of-a-kind experience the town offers. While there are other European-themed towns in the United States, they’re few and far between, and Leavenworth is the only of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The wide variety of nearby activities adds to the experience. This elevates it from a fun, touristy stop to a great vacation destination for all kinds of visitors.
Read More:
Travel Insurance that Covers Covid-19
Top 10 Small Towns On The West Coast To Visit In 2022
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.