February 11, 2021
About Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington is the closest a person can get to Europe in the United States. This Bavarian-style town rests in the shadow of the stunning North Cascade Mountains in central Washington. Sitting on the Wenatchee river, the town hosts Alpine-style buildings, cobblestone streets, and multiple festivals. Restaurants serve gourmet food and German beer. Giant trees surround main street and shine thousands of Christmas lights.
This logging town turned little Bavaria is a true getaway in every season. Visitors flock to Leavenworth for the Autumn Leaf Festival, Octoberfest, Maifest, and the popular Christmas Tree Lighting Festival.
Where To Stay in Leavenworth: The Post Hotel
Because I was celebrating a big birthday, we chose to stay at The Post Hotel. The Post is modeled after European Spas and brings those wellness concepts from the Alps. This adult-only 55-room spa resort boasts saunas, steam rooms, relaxation lounges, and European hydrotherapy traditions.
Each room has a fireplace, marble tub, king bed, and tasteful, beautifully classic decor. And on top of that, the views are absolutely breathtaking. The Post is fully booked year round, so be sure to make reservations in advance. It’s a splurge but so worth it! I don’t know of any place quite like it.
Where to Eat in Leavenworth
Breakfast and lunch are included in The Post Hotel price and the food is delicious. The dining area is light and bright, and many come to meals straight from the spa in their bathrobes. We were “ready and robed” for much of the weekend!
Mana Mountain Restaurant
I cannot even begin to describe the EXPERIENCE we had at Mana Mountain in Leavenworth. This is the second time I’ve been and every time it has been exquisite. I am someone who loves to cook and appreciates good, wholesome, creative, fresh food and no one manifests this better than Mana.
I once had a meal in the countryside of Bordeaux, France that was the six course meal of my dreams, and this rivaled that. Enough said!
There is only one reservation each night and you choose a wine pairing or elixir pairing to go with each course of the meal. I highly recommend trying the elixirs. They are absolutely incredible.
We had dinner in the glass greenhouse. And it was snowing! It could not have been a more magical night. Honestly, I know I went on and on about The Post Hotel, but I MUST go on and on about Mana as well. It’s so special.
Like The Post, make reservations well in advance and they are only open on certain days of the week. You’ll see why. The work that goes into the dinner experience (it’s not just a meal) is significant.
The Yodelin
The other restaurant we visited was The Yodelin Broth Co. They are committed to fresh, healthy food with an Asian flair, though I think hamburgers were also on the menu. We loved it and it lived up to it’s claim. They create Asian Fusion meals, at least when we were there, and it was delicious.
Winter Activities in Leavenworth
The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is just a few short minutes from downtown and boasts a mini ski hill, sledding, and snowshoeing trails. We went snowshoeing and didn’t see another soul on the trail.
Icicle River Nordic Skiing Trail
Cross Country skiing on the Icicle River Nordic Skiing Trail was a highlight of the trip for us. We caught it on a sunny day and the views were nothing short of spectacular. The trail follows the creek and river and were extremely well maintained. The Post Hotel’s sister hotel has Nordic ski gear you can use, or you can rent some and bring it with you.
Shopping: Downtown Leavenworth
Of course shopping main street in downtown Leavenworth is a must. They have darling shops and a cute park in the middle of everything where kids can play.
This town is straight out of Jan Brett storybook! I hope you visit.
Let me know if you end up visiting Leavenworth!
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