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Published: September 18th 2009
Leavenworth, Washington
Thursday August 29
It’s been a hot sunny day and we’ve been traveling for hours on this winding two-lane rural highway. The road crosses Stephens pass through the Cascade Mountains then follows the Wenatchee River down through the valley. We leave the national forest and suddenly town of Leavenworth appears at the base of the mountains. Leavenworth is a mock alpine Bavarian village that would almost have you thinking that your visiting Germany. This created town is an interesting stop for Karen to get in some shopping and for me to have a cold beer. In 1962 town was failing because the timber industry had slowed and the Great Northern railroad yard had moved out of town. The town fathers decided to save the community by making the town a tourist destination. To us it appears that their efforts were a real success. The town of 2,000 residents is overrun with visitors. The town has completely embraced the Bavarian theme. Whether it’s zoning or cooperation every building in town looks the part. Even the McDonald’s has a Bavarian flair.
We stroll around the town enjoying the sights and find a lovely park the at center of town.
It offers a peaceful walkway that crosses an island and follows the Wenatchee River. We watch as children and families visiting the town swim and ride tubes in the river current. Jane and Maya walked out into the river and cool their feet. We stop at the P.O. Saloon, a local sports bar for a refreshing draft beer. Karen leaves the tavern and gets in some power shopping in the quaint boutiques along Main Street before we continue our journey. In late after noon we get in the car and head east toward Wenatchee.
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Tracy Pennington
non-member comment
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is definetly great. My wife and I have been many times. We drive there via a winding rural Hwy 2. I have trouble with authenticity only because I've never been to Germany. Kris Kringl the christmas shop is a year round christmas must see. Restraurants are excellent. The Lighting of the christmas tree and Octoberfest and the Maypole dance are big attractions. Also see Withrop as another themed town worth seeing as a wild west motif not too far away.