Leavenworth Washington is one of the most unique towns in the whole State. Why? Because of its Bavarian design but the city was not always this way. In Leavenworth’s early years the area was home to three native tribes: Yakima, Chinook and Wenatchee. But then in the later part of the 19 century it started to grow because of the booming timber industry and construction of the Great American Railroad.
After a period of hustle and bustle in the early 20th century the city began to experience problems and for more than thirty years the city was in danger of becoming a ghost town similar to what happened to the city of Monte Cristo. When the timber industry started to fall apart and the railway was re-routed many jobs were lost and the local economy suffered.
Then in the 60’s the towns people got together and made a major decision and the result is what we see today. Investing in tourism and focusing on a Bavarian feel, due to the surrounding mountain scape of the Cascade Mountains reminded them of Germany mountain towns, and gave new life to a city on the verge of disappearing.
The architecture is the first thing that you notice as you enter the city and the most notable was Heintz Ulbricht. Street side shops have large front windows for all the shoppers and from every direction it seems that aromas of various types of food tempt the senses. There is also a lot of accommodations right down town so you can enough food and drinks just a few steps out the hotel door.
Leavenworth does not resemble its railway and timber heritage but that is okay by me. This weekend I drove up Highway 2 to play in the snow at Stevens Pass and after getting quite wet we ventured on to Leavenworth for some food and fun. So if you have time, in any of Washington’s’ four seasons, take some time to drive to Leavenworth and experience this Bavarian town first hand. Just make sure to bring an appetite and a thirst.
Toby’s Choice: 2 Brauts smothered in kraut and a dark beer or two to cap it all off.
Driving Distance: 2 Hours from Marysville, 100+ miles
Information Links
– Leavenworth City Website
– Leavenwoth Tourism Website
– Go Northwest, Leavenworth
6 Comments
Thanks for the kind words about our village. The Christmas Lighting Festival is just around the corner. If you have visited in December, it’s a special time of year here. (Good Morning America is going to be here again to kick of the holidays this year.)
Your welcome Geordie! I am planning on attending the Fesitval for the first time this year. Do you have a link for the Good Morning America or a place to get more information?
Toby-
Here is info about the live coverage on Good Morning America from the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.
I try to keep my blog a good source of all Leavenworth news, not just about real estate, but haven’t done a post on the Good Morning America visit yet.
Geordie, thx for the link. It looks like I missed seeing the Good Morning America Team but there are some other opportunities when the live feed happens on the 29th but it is at 4-5am to visit with the crowd. That is really early so I will probably miss that one too
My grandson proposed to his girl just after the tree lighting this December 1. What a romantic he is.
That would be special and memorable way to propose and I wish your grandson and his fiancé many happy years!