This is the very first post in a new segment dedicated to small towns across the country. The point? To showcase some great local businesses, shops and eateries! So whether you live in these small towns or you live in big city and are looking for a fun place to visit on your next road trip or stay-cation there’s something for everyone.
Want your small town to be featured here? Email me at thefamilypracticeblog@gmail.com
Destination: Leavenworth, WA
Guest Post by Stephanie
Leavenworth is about two hours outside of Seattle, WA. 150 miles from Seattle, 180 miles from Spokane.
A relatively tiny town, the population is just under 2,000 people. The town is German themed; even the corporate places have followed suit – from the Starbucks to the Safeway store everything has a Bavarian feel. The town was set up to look like this in the mid ‘60s. As the railroad was moved out of town and business got slower, two business men who thought the areas orchard and hills looked like Germany saw an opportunity for tourism.
The town is really only about four blocks but there are several shops, cafes and numerous wineries.
Where to Shop and Eat
- Simple Treasures has a wide variety of things from artwork to knives and figurines and wine holders.
- A Matter of Taste has some great spreads and hot sauces. People often stop in to dare each other to try the samples and end up burning their mouths off.
- The Oil and Vinegar Cellar is new and has some great flavors to taste while you are there.
- Black Swan is great if you need a funny T-shirt.
- The Taffy Shop is wonderful and has been in town since 1987.
- Kris Kringle is a 2 floor shop entirely for Christmas decor, sold year round .
- A new brewery, The Icicle Brewing Company is owned by Munchen Haus and serves brats and brews in an outdoor setting.
When to Go – Festivals and Other Activities
Maifest and Oktoberfest are some of the favorite summer festivals and the town gets pretty busy with tourists milling about the town square.
The Christmas Tree Lighting is also a family favorite – so popular, in fact, that the city does it twice each weekend for three weeks straight just to make room for all the people who make the trek.
In the summer you can come to town to shop or go for bike rides, river rafting or take hike on some amazing trails such as the Icicle River Trail where you can walk out to Blackbird Island. For the last 18 years there has been a summer theater where you can sit in an outdoor setting and watch the sound of music. In the winter you can go skiing just up the mountain and snowmobiling. There is a tubing hill in town as well.
Whether you go in the summer or the winter, there are activities for every type of vacationer – the active, athletic folks, the avid shoppers, the foodies and also those that want to reconnect with nature.
About the Contributor
Stephanie lives just outside of Leavenworth and works at one of the shops in town. She was kind enough to provide the information and several photos. She also happens to be my sister 
Convenient, no?
Plan a Trip of Your Own
Be sure to check out the Chamber of Commerce website to see what festivals and events are going on during your proposed stay. Check out the Lodging Guide to find the perfect place to stay.
***UPDATE***
One of my readers emailed me several photos after this post inspired her trip to Leavenworth for Oktoberfest. Thankfully, she gave me permission to share them with you all.
Awesome shots along the river on the drive to Leavenworth from Seattle. These photos are just outside of Leavenworth.
Lots of lovely flowers along the street.
We stopped in for a chocolate and caramel covered apple and to enjoy the Oktoberfest preparations for the evening activities.
Thanks for sharing your photos with us! Now, who else is inspired to head up to Leavenworth?
