A small village hidden in the middle of the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington is a Bavarian-style themed village they call Leavenworth. This town is the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure with Germatic style pubs overlooking the trails of the Casecades. The place I planned on spending my birthday weekend was the perfect spot for some Pacific Northwest outdoor adventure and Bavarian-style partying, aka beers and brats!
Leavenworth Village Exploring
You can make a trip to Leavenworth at any given season and there is so much to do. During Winter, the town puts on winter markets and the decorated in holiday lights. Hotels sell out everywhere as people make a trek for winter festivities. We came to Leavenworth the end of summer, to trek the countless trails in the Enchantments.
Walk Around Town
Most of the Front Street in “downtown” Leavenworth are just packed full of your typical tourist shops. One unique thing I found about their shops are a lot are catered to Bavarian-style themed trinkets. There were a lot of small kinetic toys moving in windows as we walked by.
Blackbird Island
We actually stumbled across this island while walking to town from our Airbnb. A tiny island in the middle of the river that is a great place to go unwind. I loved walking around here and provides some nice view of the Cascades.
Our favorite gift stored we stumbled across. They offer fair trade gifts created directly by a non-rpofit. Make a stop in here and support artists form around the world.
Icicle Brewing Company
We stopped here after a long day of hiking Colchuck Lake. The place has the majority of seating outside with a tiny nook on the side of the bar for seating. They boast their name using water form Icicle Creek less than a mile from the brewery. A must stop for a beer and music.
Gingerbread Factory
A cute, year-round Christmas style spot dedicated to all things Gingerbread. We made a stop in here to get a small dessert for my birthday candle. A nice change of pace from all the pubs.
Beers and Brats
We made a trip to a few Bavarian-themed pubs. To me, the restaurants were all kind of the same. I wouldn’t highly recommend one over the other, but look for one with great outdoor views and live music. Oh, don’t forget a pretzel. My favorite part of the pubs!
Going Hiking
During the winter, people come here for skiing. During the warm months, people come here for the endless Pacific Northwest adventures. That was why I decided to come here for my birthday. The enchantments were calling my name.
I knew exactly where I wanted to spend my birthday and Colchuk Lake was it. The hike itself will take most of the day and is pretty strenuous. This glacier melt lake was stunning having a picnic here for my birthday.
Icicle Ridge
The closest day hike with maximum value. Right outside to the west of Leavenworth, is a decent hike that goes up the ridge and overlooks Leavenworth. Perfect for easy to moderate hikers who aren’t looking for an all-day trek.
Lake Wenatchee
A state park that has a little something for everyone. You can relax around the beach or hike some of the trails around the state park. You can’t go wrong no matter what you decide to do here.