Leavenworth - a Bavarian Village

On the way to Montana I decided to take a little side trip to Leavenworth, Washington. After driving through Yakima I turned onto a small highway and into the northern Cascade mountains. Leavenworth is a small Bavarian-style village - I expected it to be a bit "Disneylandish" but was pleasantly surprised. This is a beautiful thriving town, and didn't feel touristy at all. Locals were patronizing the many shops along the main street. The town is spotlessly clean, and flowers are everywhere. I'd love to come back in the winter time.

Leavenworth was officially incorporated on September 5, 1906. A small timber community, it became the headquarters of the Great North Railroad in the early 1900s. The railroad relocated to Wenatchee in the 1920s, greatly affecting Leavenworth's economy.
The city struggled until 1962, when the Project LIFE (Leavenworth Improvement For Everyone) Committee was formed to transform the city into a mock Bavarian village to revitalize its economy.[6] Owen and Pauline Watson, owners of a business on Front Street, formed the committee after visiting Solvang, California in 1958 and thought it was an excellent idea for Leavenworth. (This information from the Chamber of Commerce.)

I bought cheese in the Cheesemonger shop, and an almond pastry - gluten free! - in the Danish bakery.

The Icicle River RV Park is about a mile out of town, and is one of my favorite camps. I will definitely return! What a great view, and a perfect spot to relax with a book. Koka loved this place!

I had planned to stay here for one night, then two, then...I ended up staying 5 nights. It was difficult to leave, but on to Montana!