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No matter how old you are, a getaway with the girls is just good for the soul. I’ve been especially missing my Houston pals since our big move last summer and this trip to Leavenworth was just what I needed to rekindle our friendships and reignite my adventurous side too! I can’t imagine a better winter weekend destination than Leavenworth, Washington for our Girls’ Getaway. From fast-paced activities in the snow to relaxing sleigh rides, wine tastings, shopping, and delicious dinners, our three-day weekend here was jam-packed with new and novel adventures.
I’m sharing a peek into our Leavenworth getaway and rounding up everything we did, where we ate and several of the best shops and sights to see on your next visit here too. More below!
This time of year, Leavenworth is a winter wonderland that can be found nestled in the Cascade Mountains, right in between Seattle and Spokane. The town is designed to imitiate Germany’s Bavaria as the mountain views from here have no comparison except to those of the alpine hills in Germany. Leavenworth hosts festivals year-round, with tourism being its number one industry. As a tourist here, you’ll feel as if you’ve hopped the pond without paying the hefty price tag! You’ll also never run out of things to do as Leavenworth as oodles and oodles to offer.
Getting to Leavenworth WA in the Winter:
We flew into Seattle and rented our own car. The 130-mile drive from the airport to Leavenworth takes you along Highway 2, one of the most scenic drives in the entire United States!
Things to Do in Leavenworth WA in the Winter: Where to Stay:
Steps from the center of town sits Enzian Inn, a Bavarian-style hotel with sweeping views of the mountains outside of almost every window. This charming inn was the perfect retreat each evening throughout our girls’ getaway. The rooms were spacious with comfortable beds and hand-carved Austrian furnishings throughout. The lobby was just gorgeous, with a roaring fireplace and baby grand piano nearby encouraging guests to hop on and play a tune (which Rebekah totally did – much to our amusement!)
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There’s a pool for warm sunny days and a steaming hot tub open year-round. We didn’t take advantage of either during our stay but we did wake up early each morning in order to catch the Alphorn serenade – a daily tradition at Enzian Inn.
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The Most Important Meal of the Day:
Breakfast was included each morning and served buffet style in an upstairs ballroom with stunning views of the Cascades everywhere you turn. There were so many different dishes to choose from each morning but I always made sure to grab a cinnamon roll first. You simply must try them if you’re visiting! I went back for seconds and thirds almost every day during our stay. Oh, and the omelet bar was just as divine!
The Best Things to Do in Leavenworth WA in the Winter: the Best Activities
Snowshoeing in Leavenworth WA
This being my first snowy destination vacation, I never really pondered over whether or not I’d one day try snowshoeing. Living in the South, this isn’t something you think about too often. When the opportunity to try it presented itself, our group was over the moon to take on the adventure. Snowshoeing is an activity for any skill level – and one I can’t recommend enough during a visit to Leavenworth.
If you like hiking, you’ll most likely love snowshoeing. You can rent snowshoes from various outfitters in town or opt to rent them and join in on a group hike at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. For only $12 a person, naturalists will take you on a trek over the river and through the snow while educating and entertaining you along the way.
Sleigh Rides in Wintery Leavenworth WA
Referenced in many holiday songs, a sleigh ride sounds like the most quintessential and classic winter weather activity. Again, living in the South, I never dreamed I would go on a ride in a one-horse open sleigh, let alone a two-horse open sleigh in Washington’s winter wonderland! Red Tail Farms made all of my winter dreams (that I didn’t even know I had) come true during our visit.
Their Belgian and Suffolk Draft Horses whisked us away on sleighs adorned with jingle bells, taking us on an adventure dashing through the snow. We stayed warm under wool blankets as we enjoyed the beautiful views all around us. At the end of our ride, we were able to “meet” the horses then congregate with all of the guests inside a teepee as we sipped on piping hot chocolate! Sleigh rides are $20 per adult and $10 per child.
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Cross Country Skiing in Leavenworth WA
Another perk to staying at the Enzian Inn is that cross country ski rentals are included in your reservation for FREE! The four of us loaded our trunk with skis and poles then headed out to Icicle River Trail. This is one of the most popular Nordic trails for families in town because of its beautiful views, dependable snow, and mild terrain. We were all beginners for the most part and this trail’s mild terrain was just what we needed!
Prior to this trip, I had never skied before. I did try snowboarding once in college- and I ended up with a concussion 30 minutes into it! That’s what happens when you don’t take lessons, I suppose. I felt as if I conquered my fears while cross country skiing this trip – now I’m itching to bring the family back here one day and try it again all together!
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Exploring Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village
With 20 festivals a year here, there is always something going on in Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village. During our visit – it was the Timberwoods Musical Festival. Even if you’re not opting to attend a festival, there is still so much more to see in do in town. Dozens upon dozens of unique boutiques and shops line the streets along with restaurants boasting German fare and dishes you’ve never dreamed to try but have always been curious about: Schnitzel with Noodles for example? I tried it during our trip and YUM!!
Best Things to Do in Leavenworth WA in the Winter: Where to Shop
We didn’t have time to pop into every shop in town, but we did peek inside quite a few and found some definite favorites. Rounding up those below!
Kris Kringl – where it’s Christmas every day all year long!
The Bubblery – Beautiful Bath Soaps Galore
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – Fudge, Chocolate Candies & more. This is where I picked up sweet treats to take home to Patrick & Annie.
Mountain Modern Supply & Co. – Mountain lifestyle goods & adorable gifts for everyone in your family. Rebekah and I both picked up an adorable children’s book about bears in the Pacific Northwest to bring home to our little ones.
The Cheesemonger’s Shop – a plethora of exotic cheese to sample and take away with you!
The Nutcracker Store – an extension of the famous Nutcracker Museum, this shop sells exquisite hand-carved Nutcrackers for families to purchase & cherish for many Christmas seasons to come.
Best Things to Do in Leavenworth WA in the Winter: Where to Eat:
One of my favorite things about traveling is trying new tastes and experiencing the different cuisine of the destinations I’m visiting. Leavenworth is a resort town with countless eateries and fine dining spots, making it hard to narrow down which to try next. We had some great recommendations that I’m happy to share below. Each meal was unique and different from the next!
Sulla Vita – Italian & Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with wood friend pizzas and delicious pasta. Oh and the meatballs are absolutely divine as well!
Icicle Brewing Company – a great spot to sip on a pint during happy hour. We poured a pitcher of the Kickstand Pale Ale and pared it with jumbo pretzels & cheese sauce. A wonderful way to warm up after spending the day in the winter weather, if I do say!
Andreas Keller Restaurant – Traditional Bavarian cuisine in a traditional German setting. You’ll climb down a flight of stairs to step into this underground restaurant hideaway. You can often find traditional Bavarian music played here throughout the day. Definitely a great spot for Schnitzel too!
Tumwater Bakery – a wonderful lunch spot in the center of town. You’ll find tasty pizzas and sandwiches and some of the most delicious artichoke dip you’ve ever tried. (Or at least, that’s what I found!)
Mozarts Restaurant – Save Mozarts for the last night of your trip so you can splurge on steak and dine in style at Leavenworth’s premier steakhouse. I recommend starting your meal off with a pot of hot cheesy fondue for your group to share. 
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After this wonderful winter weekend adventure, I’m thinking I’m going to have to add cold-weather destinations to my yearly travel calendar from here on out. I had no idea what I’ve been missing all this time!!
Thanks so much to Visit Leavenworth for inviting us out and filling our weekend with the most fabulous adventures. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Lone Star Looking Glass possible.
