Where is Leavenworth, WA?
Leavenworth, Washington is about a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle/Tacoma. This "Bavarian Village" is located in the cusp of the Cascade Mountains and is known for its Alpine-style buildings that house local artisans and restaurants that serve German beer and food. During the winter holiday, Leavenworth is famous for its Christmas-lighting ceremonies and Bavarian Ice Fest.
Our family stayed 1-night at Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA Holiday in a Large Deluxe Cabin. The large deluxe cabins can accommodate 6 people (1-queen bed, a bunk bed, and a full-sized pull out couch) and are fully equipped with linens and kitchen essentials to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Cost of 1-night in Large Deluxe Cabin during NYE: about $300.00
Upon our afternoon arrival and early check-in, we planned to pay-to-play in the snow at a nearby sledding hill, but opted to take advantage of the snow we had right outside our doorstep–– after all, we did pay to stay. The boys attempted to build a snowman, but after the amount of work it took to build just the bottom layer, they left Dad to it and started throwing snowballs at one another.
I was looking forward to using our sleds, so we ventured away from the cabin in search of a good sloped hill. Just a few cabins down, we found a gem–– a slope with just enough incline to walk to the top, and enough decline to enjoy a speedy ride down. After a few runs, we found ourselves a patch of untouched snow. The boys enjoyed plopping down to make snow angles and starting a snow fight against Mom and Dad.
Cost to play in the snow: Free (We brought our own sleds and snow shovels were provided)
After some fun in the snow and a quick recharge, we headed into town to see the magical sights of Leavenworth at night.
In the winter, Front Street transforms into a winter wonderland–– lights, holiday decor, and even a sledding hill (if weather permits). On the evening of our visit, we knew we made a mistake by not wearing the appropriate shoes. While the sidewalks were clear for patrons to easily walk, they were definitely wet and slushy from the rain and melting snow. So, if you're looking to visit during this time of year, we suggest wearing the proper shoes for walking in wet, cold weather.
Where we stayed in Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA Holiday
Our family stayed 1-night at Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA Holiday in a Large Deluxe Cabin. The large deluxe cabins can accommodate 6 people (1-queen bed, a bunk bed, and a full-sized pull out couch) and are fully equipped with linens and kitchen essentials to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Cost of 1-night in Large Deluxe Cabin during NYE: about $300.00
Upon our afternoon arrival and early check-in, we planned to pay-to-play in the snow at a nearby sledding hill, but opted to take advantage of the snow we had right outside our doorstep–– after all, we did pay to stay. The boys attempted to build a snowman, but after the amount of work it took to build just the bottom layer, they left Dad to it and started throwing snowballs at one another.
I was looking forward to using our sleds, so we ventured away from the cabin in search of a good sloped hill. Just a few cabins down, we found a gem–– a slope with just enough incline to walk to the top, and enough decline to enjoy a speedy ride down. After a few runs, we found ourselves a patch of untouched snow. The boys enjoyed plopping down to make snow angles and starting a snow fight against Mom and Dad.
Cost to play in the snow: Free (We brought our own sleds and snow shovels were provided)
What is there to do in Leavenworth, WA?
From local "Made in Leavenworth" shops to visit and German food to try, I made a list of possible places to visit and things to do while we were in town.
"Made in Leavenworth": Food
- European-style chocolates: Schocolat, Icicle Coffee and Chocolates
- Meats and cheese: Cured by Visconti's, Cheesmonger's Shop
- Sweets: Homefires Bakery
- Pizza: Blewett Brewing Company, Tumwater Bakery and Pizza
- German pastries: Bavarian Bakery
- Ice cream: Whistlepunk Ice Cream, Viadolce at Visconti's (Italian Ice Cream)
Family-Friendly Activities in Leavenworth
- Nutcracker Museum
- Nutcracker Hunt Activity 1-4pm
- Cost of Admission: Adults, $5; Youth 6-16, $2
- Ice Skating
- Lions Club Park, $15/pp
- Sledding @ Golf Course, $9/pp (bring your own sled)
Shopping:
- Kris Kringl: Christmas store
- Black Swan: souvenir shirts
- Village Alps: 80 flavors of taffy
- Wurlygigz: interactive play and game shop
- A Book for All Seasons: book store
- Leavenworth Shirt Company: apparel
After some fun in the snow and a quick recharge, we headed into town to see the magical sights of Leavenworth at night.
Front Street Park
In the winter, Front Street transforms into a winter wonderland–– lights, holiday decor, and even a sledding hill (if weather permits). On the evening of our visit, we knew we made a mistake by not wearing the appropriate shoes. While the sidewalks were clear for patrons to easily walk, they were definitely wet and slushy from the rain and melting snow. So, if you're looking to visit during this time of year, we suggest wearing the proper shoes for walking in wet, cold weather.
As wet and cold as it was outside, the boys couldn't resist passing up an ice cream shop. Whistlepunk Ice Cream Co. serves handmade ice cream with uniquely named flavors. They were serving 11 different flavors; some that I can remember were Vanilla Bean, Caramel Apple Pie, Salted Caramel, Cookies + Dreams, Kakow Pow, Candy Cane and a chocolate vegan option. LP opted for Kakow Pow (chocolate flavored ice cream with fudge swirls), and SG chose to have Cookies + Dreams (their version of Cookies and Cream).
Cost for two kids sized scoops with cone + cup: $12.47 (tax + tip included)
Stein Beer Hall and Bottle Shop
Across the street from Whistlepunk, we discovered Stein Beer Hall. From the sidewalk, you can't help but notice a mini arcade with two Skee-ball machines and an Alien arcade game. Peering at their menu, we were excited to find "Bavarian Style Pretzel: Hot Buttered Pretzel served with Beecher's Cheese Sauce" on their menu. Upon entering, we were overwhelmed with the amount of tables that were reserved, but luckily found a tabletop for three open within the arcade area to enjoy our pretzels.
Cost of two pretzels + two bottled waters: $22.21
Starbucks
Cost of breakfast for four at Starbucks: $14.02 (with Partner discount)
The Taffy Shop
What enticed us to enter The Taffy Shop was the life-sized Ninja Turtle seen in the window by LP. As you enter the store, you're taken back into time–– collectible lunch tins with your favorite cartoon characters, tin signs and candies from back in the day. But, who can say no to so many flavors of melt-in-your-mouth taffy. We sure couldn't! The Taffy Shop prices for taffy was about $7/lb, which is about 60 pieces of taffy.
Cost of a bag of various taffy + packet of gummy bears for LP: $7.02
Icicles Coffee + Chocolates
Icicles Coffee and Chocolates was mentioned as a "Made in Leavenworth" shop, so I thought it would be worth checking out. And, I'm so glad we did! There were a plethora of different flavored truffles and huge fudge bars to indulge in. But, we ended up purchasing different truffles to try for $1/each (2- Irish Cream, Coffee, Banana, Orange and Cappuccino), only to later find out that the truffles were from a shop in Vermont, and the fudge was made in-house. So next time we visit Leavenworth, I'll definitely be trying their fudge.
Cost of a 6 truffles: $6.00
Leavenworth may be our new go-to winter getaway, just like Lake Tahoe was for us back in California. I'm looking forward to our next trip back to experience more of what Leavenworth has to offer, or maybe go back in July for Leavenworth's Where's Waldo Extravaganza!
Winter Getaway: Your Turn!
Where do you love to bring your family for a winter getaway? Let us know in the comments below.
2 Comments
This looks like so much fun... and reminds me of Solvang, minus the lights and snow. LOL.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin! We definitely enjoyed our time, especially playing in the snow. I had to Google Solvang, and didn't realize it was in SoCal. There's so much of CA we have yet to explore..lol!
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