Leavenworth had its rail line connected at the end of the 19th century and saw an explosive population increase thanks to the booming logging and sawmill business. However, when the industry suffered downtrend and the rail was rerouted, Leavenworth turned into a ghost town. After decades of scraping by, the town had an idea to revive its economy—to offer an experience of the Bavarian Alps to its visitors. The entire downtown went through a facelift while community leaders came up with plans for year-round festivals. These efforts led to the rebranding of Leavenworth as the best tourist destination not just in Washington, but across the Pacific Northwest region as well.
February is usually considered a quiet month, but not in Leavenworth. The town holds special celebrations under the theme of ‘Village of Lights: Love from Leavenworth.’ For visitors who travel after the busy Christmas season, the downtown stays lit up with over half a million holiday lights. The abundance of snow makes it a paradise for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sleighing. Near the downtown is the Leavenworth Ski Hill where people can enjoy skiing at an affordable price, and at a 45-minute drive are two famous ski resorts. Meanwhile, local wineries provide special wine and chocolate tasting services scheduled for the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend.

Whatever the reason may be for your trip to Leavenworth, there are some local must-haves. Pretzel, a traditional Bavarian snack, right out of the oven is one of them. At JJ Hills Fresh Grill, pretzels are served with a special home-made cheese sauce and local beer during Happy Hour which lasts from 2pm to 5pm. Order a refreshing draft beer and get a seat in the outdoor balcony offering a view of Tumwater Canyon and Icicle Ridge. Get a taste of jagerschnitzel and chicken schnitzel for your fill of Bavarian special dishes.

In addition to having a relaxed vacation, one way to fully immerse in the benefits given by the natural environment of Leavenworth is to try different outdoor activities there. Icicle Creek Road that runs along the Icicle River is famous for its beautiful scenery. Rivers near Blackbird Island, a wildlife haven for ospreys and eagles, overflow with salmon twice a year. Other popular outdoor activities in the area include hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, and golf. Bouldering, more approachable than rock climbing, and tubing down a river could be enjoyed as special local leisure activities. There are also rafting spots. The Wenatchee River is the most popular whitewater rafting venue in Washington, with activities peaking in spring and summer when the water level goes up due to the snow melting in the mountains.

Remember to check out Leavenworth Summer Theater if you want to give yourself a memorable experience of a summer night in a foreign land. The most beloved repertoire of any year is “The Sound of Music.” Without a doubt, it is a Bavarian-themed musical perfectly suited for the natural environment of Leavenworth. A star-studded night sky and an uplifting entertainment experience will round off your perfect day and become a cherishable memory.

Opened in September 2020, LOTTE HOTEL SEATTLE is located in the 44-story building on 5th Avenue in Midtown, Seattle. The hotel’s glassy facade mirrors sunlight and the surrounding downtown area. Creative designs with a modern flare used in 189 rooms and suites were inspired by the beautiful landscape the city offers. Near the hotel are some of the major tourist destinations including Space Needle, Pioneer Square, and Pike Place Market. LOTTE HOTEL SEATTLE is a rising landmark of the city suitable for both business travelers and tourists.

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