Sometimes there is nothing better than a quick weekend getaway. The change of scenery, a different walk, a new restaurant or a coffee shop allow you to re-energize and refresh. This winter, my husband and I decided to spend 3 nights in Leavenworth, a quaint Bavarian-style village just on the east side of Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle, so it’s not too bad. Just check the pass conditions before heading there as snow, accidents, and avalanche danger may cause unexpected pass closures. Here is how to spend a winter weekend in Leavenworth, WA.
How to spend a winter weekend in Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth offers lots of attractions all year round. From strolling across town, to hiking, biking, beer drinking or wine-tasting, every visitor will be able to find something to keep them entertained. The town may be a little overdone but for a couple of days it’s a fun place to visit. If you haven’t been, why not check it out?
#1 Stroll along Front Street
The reason why Leavenworth is so popular is because architecturally it resembles, at least at first glance, a Bavarian village. It is in a fabulous location with the Cascades encircling the town. The buildings are manicured to perfection, almost overdone, mimicking German towns. Stroll along Front Street, poke your head into the shops, or just find a place to sit down and admire the buildings. Regardless of what you think about the authenticity of the town itself, you must admit the residents have done a great job redesigning the logging town and turning it into a tourist destination.
#2 Visit the Waterfront Park
Leavenworth has done a nice job building a system of trails along the Wenatchee River. You can just walk along the Waterfront Park but if you want a longer walk in a wooded area by the river, go all the way to Blackbird Island. There was hardly anyone there during our morning stroll, which was a plus, since we were in Leavenworth during the Covid pandemic.
#3 Go Skiing at Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass is only 45 minutes away from Leavenworth, so if you’re a skier or snowboarder, the town makes for a nice home base. We typically ski at Stevens and so on this trip as well we incorporated skiing into our itinerary. Stevens Pass is now part of the Vail Resorts, so if you get the Epic Pass, you can ski in Colorado, Utah, or right here in Washington. It was fun to spend half a day on the mountain and then return in early afternoon to a welcoming mountain town. You can read more about skiing at Stevens Pass here.
#4 Have a beer at a brewpub
You’re not going to have a problem finding a pub in town. We stopped by the Icicle Brewery and had some really tasty IPAs. Their patio was great, with heat lamps and tables that easily allowed for social distancing. I was wishing we had brought our growler with us, as their beer was really good. Another fun place for a beer or dinner is the Rhein Haus with an upstairs patio overlooking the town square. There may be a line but it is well worth waiting for a seat.
#5 Grab a Danish pastry
I think there is nothing better than a fresh pastry and a latte when you’re on a trip. The Danish bakery in town, right on Front Street, definitely has some nice treats. They didn’t open till 9 am, which seemed a bit late, but the delicious pastries made up for it. We stopped there, grabbed a few things, and with a coffee in hand, headed to Blackbird Island. It was a nice mellow way to start the morning.
Want more suggestions for a weekend getaway?
Consider Port Townsend, especially in the summer time. Check this page out for some ideas.
