A Look Back At Leavenworth When Times Were Hard

Leavenworth is known as a shopping mecca with great specialty shops and phenomenal restaurants.  The lodging options there are top notch too.  Leavenworth wasn't always this way though.  There was a time, long before the conversion to the Bavarian theme, that times were a little tougher there though.  Here's a great article looking back at Leavenworth's history.

Leavenworth's Hard Times Before Bavarian Success

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Video

The Christmas Lighting Festival is one of the more popular times to visit Leavenworth.  For those who haven't gone and seen the splendor, here's a great little video that shows off the incredible atmosphere the town is filled with.

It really is something to experience.  Go for the day and stay into the evening or try your luck at booking one of the hard to find lodging options there.

Leavenworth Christmas Lighting is out of this world.

Leavenworth - On Any Given Day - Fabulous Local Video!

The city of Leavenworth is truly unique and they sure came up with the right video to show that off.  This small community is home to some great festivals and wild times, but there is another side too.  Leavenworth is surrounded by gorgeous scenery and much of it is accessible for all kinds of outdoor recreation including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, paddle boarding, camping, boating, fishing, and more.  This video is all about that side of Leavenworth.

And when you're done exploring the outdoors, Leavenworth will be there waiting to welcome you back.

Dave Graybill Seeks Out Rainbows On The Icicle River

Everyone knows that fishing is one of the best activities available in North Central Washington.  Dave Graybill, a local fishing expert, knows all about that too.

Here is a brief look at one of his outings near Leavenworth:

Outdoor writer Dave Graybill seeks out Icicle River rainbows

9/11 Spirit of America Memorial Dedication Coming Soon To Cashmere

The long awaited dedication for the installation of the 9/11 Spirit of America Memorial is taking place in just three days, on September 11, 2015.

This inspirational statue will be a permanent piece of Cashmere and North Central Washington, available for all to visit and observe.

Find out more here:  9/11 Spirit of America Memorial

Leavenworth: Still The Best Local Tourist Ad Ever!

Launched six or more years ago, this Leavenworth ad still gets people talking.  Memorable?  Yeah... and then some.

Leavenworth's Oktoberfest is Coming Soon!

Have you ever considered heading to Leavenworth for Oktoberfest?  It's one of the more popular festivals that this little community throws, and that's really saying something.

Oktoberfest takes place over the first three weekends of October and it's a great opportunity to sample this truly fun locale in all its glory.  From shopping to eating, and don't forget the beer, Leavenworth comes alive for Oktoberfest.  Here's a little video that does a great job of showing it off.

WSDOT's Leavenworth Traffic Camera

Leavenworth is on camera 24 hours a day, thanks to the Washington State Department of Transportation.  There are actually two cameras in Leavenworth, but here is the main one right smack in the middle of town.

Confused about where to eat in Leavenworth?

Leavenworth has so many great places to eat at that it can be confusing to try and pick one.  Also true, it can be so crowded on festival weeks that it might even be hard to find the place you're looking for.

With a little help from eater.com, here's a working map of what they call 13 great eating options in Leavenworth.

Eater.com - 13 Leavenworth Eating Options

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Hits The Rivers Near Leavenworth

King-5 recently did a story on the popularity of stand up paddle boarding.  What was once an activity primarily done on the flat water found in bays and on lakes has now moved to river use too.  Check out their take on this change in usage, the excitement surrounding it, and one Leavenworth business's outlook regarding it.

King 5:  Whitewater stand-up paddle boarding in Leavenworth

Orchards and Bikes - Can They Exist Together?

Biking is an important and popular form of recreation in and around Leavenworth.  The area is also home to much needed agriculture.  Can these two worlds exist together when they want to use the same roadway?

Check out:  Can Bikes and Orchards Coexist?

Creature Crafts Attack Tumwater Canyon Near Leavenworth

If you've never seen something called a "Creature Craft" before, you have to check this footage out of when they attempted floating these interesting looking rafts down the rampaging waters of Tumwater Canyon during spring runoff.  Tumwater Canyon is just to the west of Leavenworth and is very popular with experienced kayakers.  This looks like a fun trip if you don't mind being tossed around.

River Snorkeling? Not Uncommon For Two Leavenworth Men!

You think you have a weird hobby?  Check out this story from the Seattle Times about Leavenworth's own Matt Collins and Russ Ricketts.  They like to get out and go snorkeling, not on the beaches of the Bahamas or Hawaii, but in the rivers of North Central Washington.

Very cool!

Leavenworth Men Snorkel Washington's Wildest Rivers

Could The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area Be Expanded?

There is talk coming out of Olympia that the extremely popular and very beautiful Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area could be expanded.  This could have a big impact on outdoor recreation in the Leavenworth area.

More info:  Alpine Lakes Wilderness Expansion

Make Your Camping Reservations Now!

Camping and hiking season is around the corner, and not just in the Leavenworth area.

Here is a reminder from the Herald of Everett about making reservations for camping all across the state.  It specifically mentions the Enchantments outside of Leavenworth, along with several other protected natural areas.

Everett Herald: Make Your Camping Reservations Now

An Excellent Look At Leavenworth

If you'd like to read an excellent look at Leavenworth from all sides, check out this article from a few years ago by John Treadwell Dunbar.

Leavenworth has a fun and interesting history and a very enjoyable vibe.  It's well worth a visit whether you've been there before or not.

September 11 Memorial Statue To Come To Cashmere

One of the most important dates in the history of America is September 11, 2001.  A statue honoring those who passed away in the terrorist attacks that day is coming to Cashmere, this time to stay.

Find out more:  Seattle Times - Sept 11 Memorial Statue Coming to Cashmere