The key, I've found, to summer 2020 is exploring the PNW. If I can't travel abroad, at least I can road trip to places within Washington that feel a little foreign. So at the beginning of the summer, Ryan and I made a list of places we wanted to explore. At the top of the list was Leavenworth.
Mostly known as the Bavaria of Washington State, Leavenworth is a quaint little town nestled within the mountains about 2 1/2 hours outside of Seattle. With heavily German influenced architecture, beer gardens lining the main street, and its annual big to-do for Oktoberfest, Leavenworth feels like it belongs in the Alps, rather than the Wenatchee and Stuart mountain ranges.
Here's our guide to a day trip in Leavenworth, including a recommendation on where to stay should you decide to really indulge in the Leavenworth ales and make a night of it.
Where to Eat and Drink
Touting itself as a Mediterranean restaurant, but really is an Italian restaurant in disguise, Sulla Vita was an unexpected gem. The perfect balance between casual and fine dining, Sulla Vita had excellent service, perfectly priced happy hour drinks, and a surprising number of vegan and vegetarian offerings. Highlights included the roasted balsamic brussels sprouts, the warm bread served with olive oil, and the house salad with pistachios, olives, and tomatoes. Everything was fresh and in season, and their patio was not only safe with plenty of distance between tables, but it was also a great spot to people watch as the tourists flowed through downtown Leavenworth. We will happily return to Sulla Vita on our next trip!
This cider house rules. Their dog friendly patio faces the highway, but gets plenty of sun and feels more private than the beer gardens that line the main pedestrian street in downtown Leavenworth. We loved that they have 24 rotating taps of ciders, meads, and beers. Ryan enjoyed a whiskey style cider that truly had a bourbon or whiskey like taste. I enjoyed a local can of wine. But before you turn your nose up, it was wonderful, perfectly chilled, and was well more than two full glasses. The Bushel & Bee is not your touristy faux German beer garden - it's a bonafide taproom with great drinks.
The cutest little walk-up espresso bar located at the edge of the main pedestrian street in Leavenworth. I love their "hipster toast" which is avocado toast but beautifully plated, as well as their chewy vegan trail mix bars and oat milk lattes. Yum.
Where to Play
This easy 4.5 mile loop is mostly flat and has plenty of viewpoints along the river. Heavily trafficked and dog-friendly, this trail is great for beginners and children. We saw a number of families making the loop, though we did hear of the presence of a bear as we were beginning the trail. There was enough shade that we felt comfortable doing the trail on a hot day. Additionally, there are several river access points from the trail should you want to wade, take a dip, or float for a bit. Be sure to bring cash - the parking and trail maintenance fee is about $5. If you follow the directions from Google maps, it stops short. Just keep going. Eventually, you'll hit a gravel patch of road which you follow for what feels like forever, but is actually only about 15-20 minutes. Eventually you'll see signs. The parking lot and trailhead are well marked. This site has great driving directions.
Where to Stay
Honestly, the Post Hotel was booked the weekend we ventured to Leavenworth or else we would have made it an overnight instead of a 15 hour day trip. A beautiful boutique style hotel, the Post sits right below the main part of town. One of my favorite facts about the hotel is that it's adults-only. Vacation words to dream of when it comes to the pool, which you won't want to miss because the hotel features numerous European hydrotherapy style spas and saunas. Though they book out well in advance, we are hoping to be able to stay at the Post Hotel for Ryan's birthday this fall - stay tuned!