Leavenworth, Washington
The proud motto of Leavenworth, Washington, is “Everything Bavarian!” And we think it’s pretty accurate considering the wealth of German activities, dining, and attractions in this adorable little town nestled in the breathtaking Cascades of the Pacific Northwest.
The village’s Bavarian shift came from a yearning to attract more visitors after the railroad rerouted, leaving this one-time logging town behind the times.
And it seems to have worked since it now welcomes over a million visitors yearly who enjoy the US Bavarian villages’ charm. While here, be sure to try the authentic German schweinshaxe at Ludwig’s Gasthaus.
Other fantastic restaurants include Rhein Haus, the Bavarian Bistro and Bar, Andreas Keller Restaurant, and Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill and Beer Garden.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, you’ll enjoy exploring the abundant German imports and gifts, including the extensive collection of nutcrackers at the Nussknacker Haus.
And be sure to stop in at The Gingerbread Factory while visiting this US Bavarian village. It’s another fun and delicious stop. Finish your trip with a drink at Stein Beer Hall and Bottle Shop. They have a whopping 55 taps!
You should have included Helvetia, WV. It’s a Swiss-German inspired town that has a yearly festival called Fasnacht where people don masks and march around town, ending in a bonfire to burn an ‘old man winter’ effigy.
I HAVE BEEN TO HELEN GA, A FEW TIMES MY FAMILY AND ME ARE GOING BACK AGAIN WE LOVED EVERY IT, EVERY TIME WE GO
We found Hermann, MO, by chance years ago on our first cross-country trip west (where we’d moved) to east (where we are from & where all relatives reside). We were looking for an interesting place for gas & lunch. We ended up spending half the day there, soaking in the architecture/ambiance, & lunching on best ever home-made loose sausage sandwiches(& that’s sayin’ something b/c I grew up in Amish country in PA) & a split of local wine, with best sparkling grape juice ever for our kids. We all still recall it fondly years later. Would make it a destination in a heartbeat.
Dont forget to Mention Sugarcreek Ohio which is a German Swiss style town also with an Amish Mennonite Flair and Holmes County Ohio.
Leavenworth! WA! I am 90 miles West of this place and Yes I been there More than a few times, very cute! Close to Lake Wenatchee as well thee BEST PLACE to camp in the PNW! The thing I do not like about the situation is that its really kool to visit here for christmas BUT the mountain Pass is treacherous! ALSO Shops charge a killing for stuff! Still I love this town!