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Leavenworth, WA - Almost like Germany

All the years I have lived here in Washington, I have never made it to the town of Leavenworth - until now.

Leavenworth is a small mountain resort town 2 hours east of Seattle. The town is modeled after a Bavarian village theme. When people learn that I'm German, they invariably ask if I've ever been to Leavenworth and then proceed to rave " It's just like Germany there". The reason I never had a desire to take the drive to Leavenworth was my fear that I would just be too repulsed by the "Kitsch" (cheap imitation) effect.

Well, I finally took the plunge over Thanksgiving weekend and was very pleasantly surprised. Leavenworth turned out to be a charming town with an alpine mountain backdrop. The food in the local German restaurant (Andreas Keller) tasted authentic, even down to the German mustard. The rolls and pretzels from the bakery were like any you would get in Germany. The shops are very touristy, but one can find German table cloths, curtains, groceries, music CDs, and of course Hummel figurines, nutcrackers and wooden smokers.

Many of the local sales people wore traditional Bavarian attire, such as Dirndls, Lederhosen and knit sweaters and most stores played traditional German music. The entire town was lit-up for Christmas and there was even a German Christkindlmarket.

It was a great experienced and I had a great time. Leavenworth is no substitute for a trip to Germany, but it's the next best thing.

Sandy Nelson
Realtor for Olympia area real estate
www.sandynelsonrealestate.com

Posted by Sandy Nelson Realtor® Olympia Real Estate on 11/29/2007 03:46 PM

Comments (13)

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13 Comments on Leavenworth, WA - Almost like Germany

NOV

2007

Wow! I wish we lived near there. I so miss Germany at this time of the year! I think it is by far my most favorite duty station ever! Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories.

Hi, Sandy

It sounds wonderful. There are quite a few global destinations left on my to-see list but it's amazing what we can find in our own backyard.

NOV

2007

Sandy, One year I took my boys there the week after Christmas - what fun!! We went for a sleigh ride, went sledding and of course did some snowmobiling!! It is so pretty and it was so much fun!! I am glad you were able to go!!

DEC

2007

Looks like Leavenworth, WA is a treasure. What fun for you to have a place so interesting and fun close by. The photos made really do like Bavaria. It's been a long time but I had fun one Oktoberfest in Munich.

It sounds like Leavenworth is a beautiful place to visit during the holidays. Try to get there some time for the Oktoberfest. You'll have a wonderful time.

Cheers, Kathleen

DEC

2007

Jo and Kathleen, I'll definitely go back. They also have a Mayfest, Octoberfest and a fall leaf festival. All great occasions for another trip.

Sandy

DEC

2007

Wow, this place looks awesome! My in-laws have traveled the country with their kids and I'll ask them if they've been here. If not I won't be surprised if they make a trip out! Thanks for posting!

Krista, come with them if they take a trip to Washington. It's a great place to visit.

Sandy

DEC

2007

Sandy - Thanks for the nice article about our little village. I highly recommend coming in the fall to either Autumn Leaf Festival or to Oktoberfest. We sell quite a number of vacation homes in the area and would be happy to assist any friends or clients who may be interested in a second home.