Looking for a different type of romantic getaway? Check out our guide to Leavenworth.
Leavenworth Chamber of CommerceThe perfect setting for a romantic escape is Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian-inspired town tucked in the Cascades. The village offers couples delicious German food and beer, along with many activities to bond and reconnect. Winter is the ideal time to go because the town is beautifully decorated with festive lights that stay up well into February.
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Insider tip: It's simple, but one of the best things to do is walk down Front Street, Leavenworth's main thoroughfare, when it's snowing and all lit up like something out of a Hallmark movie.
Leavenworth's Front Street looks like something out of a Hallmark movie.
Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Pangborn Memorial Airport is within a 40-minute drive to Leavenworth; another option is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and drive two-and-a-half hours into town. Pack your bags and check out our recommendations for a romantic weekend escape.
Leavenworth hotels
Located in the heart of downtown and within a seven-minute walk to the waterfront, the Bavarian Lodge offers 90 alpine-style rooms, including some with fireplaces and balconies. Book the Turret Suite for your romantic weekend as it features a king-size bed, stunning mountain views and a luxurious soaking tub. The lodge has a year-round outdoor heated pool, which is perfect for a nighttime soak after a day of winter activities. A complimentary hot breakfast is included. Rates start around $175.
The 16-room Hotel Pension Anna is a true delight. Family owned, the hotel prides itself on offering guests an authentic “gasthaus,” or small inn experience. Each of the rooms is furnished with many handmade pieces imported from Bavaria. Start your day with a hosted breakfast served in the dining room. With a delicious mix of meats, cheeses and soft German bread, you’ll be ready to head out and explore. Rates start around $200 for Valentine’s week.
Enzian Inn is named for the bright blue trumpet-shaped flowers known to flourish in Europe’s mountains. The inn offers many options from queen and king guest rooms to suites, which are all lovingly designed with Austrian antiques and furnishings. Couples should book the newly built Enzian Falls Hutte, which is a short walk from the main inn. It is a two-story log cabin that features a fireplace, large living room, spacious dining area and private balcony. Indulge in your own hot tub and sauna. Traditional live alphorn performances take place every morning, so make sure to head over and take in the experience. There is also a nearby 18-hole putting course where guests play free. Rates start around $270 amid the holiday.
Take a horse draw sleigh ride through the snowy hills of Leavenworth.
Leavenworth Chamber of CommerceThings to do in Leavenworth
Front Street is a draw in the village, lined with restaurants, pubs and small boutiques. A stop at Kris Kringl is a must for the huge selection of ornaments, artwork and much more. The Bubblery is the perfect place to stock up on bath and skincare products. The store is also a great stop to pick up gifts. All items are handmade, using mostly local ingredients. Build a charcuterie board at Cured by Visconti, which offers a selection of cured meats and cheeses.
Book a couples massage at the Alpine Spa inside Icicle Village Resort, where you can choose between a Swedish or a hot stone massage by knowledgeable therapists.
About an 8-mile drive from downtown, you can snuggle up to your significant other with a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Eagle Creek Ranch. The ride takes you along picturesque mountainsides and through idyllic valleys. At the end of your jaunt, you’ll be able to pet the horses and enjoy some hot cider.
Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride down Front Street.
Leavenworth Chamber of CommerceFor active pairs, check out the many Nordic skiing options in the area. Plain Valley Ski Trails offers more than 15 miles of cross-country trails for both beginners and advanced skiers. Or you can schedule some together time by doing yoga at Alpine Hot Yoga, where challenging postures are integrated with temperatures ranging from 80 to 103 degrees.
Leavenworth restaurants
Arrive hungry at Andreas Keller Restaurant, where live music sets the stage for an evening of fun. Order the best-selling rotisserie broiled chicken and the restaurant’s signature German potato salad. If you’re down for indulging, get the schweinshaxe, or pork knuckle. Try the sauerkraut, and let the beer and wine flow.
Visconti’s of Leavenworth serves Italian cuisine, featuring house-made pastas and locally sourced meats. This is an ideal setting for a romantic dinner. Get the wood-fired rib-eye or wild ocean prawns. Reservations are recommended.
After dinner, head to Waterfront Park, just a few blocks from downtown. Finish off the evening with a view of the Wenatchee River, where you might spot a soaring eagle.