Why Leavenworth is Seattle’s Über Fun Getaway

Tucked in Washington’s majestic Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a charming town modeled off of Germany’s Bavarian villages. A little over two hours east of Seattle, it’s an excellent spot to day trip, or to spend a long weekend. In Leavenworth, you can enjoy a taste of Europe without the 12-hour flight or expensive plane ticket. Here are some of our favorite things to do in this fun little mountain town.

Nutcracker Museum

This museum is home to over 6,000 nutcrackers, with the oldest dating back to Ancient Rome. Made of ivory, porcelain, wood, even pure silver, if you’re a nut for all things Christmas, you won’t want to miss this quirky menagerie.

Icicle Gorge

The Icicle Gorge Trail is a gentle, 4.2 mile loop along the Icicle River in Wenatchee National Forest. Enjoy the splendors of the ruggedly mountainous area without any huge physical exertion. This hike is perfect for families with young children.

Ziplines

Riding Leavenworth’s ziplines is another amazing way of taking in all that the beautiful Cascades have to offer. Starting at the Mountain Spring Lodge, these ziplines stretch 190 feet above the valley floor. Get your thrills out at the lodge, then settle in for a more mellow afternoon at one of the city’s best breweries--Icicle Brewing.

Enchantment Lakes

The Enchantments are aptly named. Located within the Alpine Lakes region, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, it’s one of the most spectacular scenic areas in the country. Immense granite peaks, stunningly blue, serene alpine lakes, and gently braying mountain goats are just a few wonders you can expect to encounter.