Into the Mountains
Located two hours east of Seattle, Leavenworth, Washington is a quaint town nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. Each year, nearly two million tourists flock to Leavenworth to enjoy the area’s natural beauty, seasonal festivals and BAVARIAN vibe.
Yes, I said Bavarian.
Photo by: dfinney 2016
But how did Leavenworth become Bavarian?
History
Native Americans were the area’s first inhabitants. Tribes in the region included the Yakima, Wenatchee and Chinook. In the 1800’s pioneers arrived in search of furs, gold and farmland. By the 1890’s a permanent settlement was established. The area began to thrive thanks to a sawmill and the arrival of the Great Northern Railroad.
Unfortunately the boom was short lived. In the 1920’s the railroad rerouted leading to the closure of the sawmill. Leavenworth was left a shell of it’s formal self. Over the next 30 years the town came close to shuttering completely.
Rebirth
In a last ditch effort to save the community, a local task force was established. This committee, known as Project LIFE (Leavenworth Improvement For Everyone) partnered with the University of Washington to investigate options for revitalizing the town. Inspired by the success of Solvang, California, city planners decided to capitalize on the region’s alpine beauty by turning Leavenworth into a Bavarian styled village.
Photo by: dfinney 2016
Committed to this new path forward, business owners began remodeling building facades to compliment the new German theming. Similarly hotels changed their names and restaurants updated their menus to fit the town’s new architectural style. The city also introduced a series of festivals in line with a true Bavarian experience. These include Maifest, the Autumn Leaf Festival, Oktoberfest and the Christmas Lighting Festival.
Photos by: dfinney 2016
Visiting Today
Leavenworth offers a plethora of unique experiences, making it a perfect getaway for every season. Year round tourists enjoy shopping, wine tasting and visits to the Nutcracker Museum.The village is also has several restaurants serving the finest bratwurst, schnitzel and spaetzle.
Photo by: dfinney 2009
Nutcracker Museum
Photo by: dfinney 2009
During Spring and Summer visitors enjoy golf and outdoor art exhibits under the warm eastern Washington sun. The area also attracts nature enthusiasts with white water rafting, fly fishing and rock climbing.
Photo by: dfinney 2016
When the weather cools, Leavenworth is one of the best spots in Washington to enjoy the fall colors. The Autumn Leaf Festival welcomes visitors with parades and Bavarian brass bands, and plenty of beer, pretzels and Lederhosen can be found during Oktoberfest.
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Photo by: dfinney 2009
Photo by: dfinney 2016
Winter is magical in Leavenworth. Thousands of people gather on the Main Street to watch the annual Christmas Lighting and beautiful hand blown glass ornaments are sold in the Kris Kringl shop. Snow on the ground also provides the perfect opportunity for a sleigh ride or downhill skiing at the nearby Steven’s Pass Resort.
Photo by: dfinney 2009
Photo by: dfinney 2009
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Photo by: dfinney 2009
Photo by: dfinney 2009
For more information visit: http://leavenworth.org
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