Leavenworth is a Bavarian town in the Cascade Mountains. Its Alpine-style buildings, sweeping mountain views, and accessibility to 2,500 miles of recreation trails make it a unique destination for families and adventure seekers.
While most people love to visit Leavenworth during the holiday season, it is beautiful year-round. I was invited to go back to Leavenworth this summer at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. I brought my friend Katie along, and we had the best girl’s weekend in Leavenworth.
Where to stay in Leavenworth: Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort
The Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is a beautiful getaway in Leavenworth, WA. Located about a 10-minute drive from town, it is an ideal hotel and resort for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to be near the main downtown Leavenworth area and close to hiking/biking trails.
The Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort was once a camp for the Roman Catholic Church. Built in 1991, Harriett Bullitt purchased the land to preserve it and create a retreat center. Today, the Sleeping Lady has hotel rooms and unique cabins like the Library suite and the Rookery (which can hold up to 8 people).
The Grotto, the hotel bar, serves drinks and tapas, and O’Grady’s Pantry serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also a beautiful outdoor pool, hot tub, and Aspen Spa.
When you stay at the Sleeping Lady, you support the Icicle Fund. The Icicle Fund is a non-profit organization founded by Harriett Bullitt. This fund supports the arts, expanded hiking trails, and invested more than $40 million in 100 regional organizations.
Here are 8 things to do in Leavenworth for a weekend getaway:
1. Grab a bratwurst at Leavenworth Sausage Garten
Address: 636 Front St #G, Leavenworth, WA 98826
We got into Leavenworth past lunch time, so we stopped by Leavenworth Sausage Garten. This beer garden offers artisan sausages with sauerkraut and tons of different mustards you can top your bratwurst with.
2. Ride an alpine roller coaster Leavenworth Adventure Park
Address: 9342 Icicle Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Would you ride on Washington’s first alpine roller coaster? Leavenworth Adventure Park is a family friendly activity on Icicle Road and Highway 2. The Tumwater Twister Alpine Coaster is 2,700 ft long with three 360-degree helix circles. This four-minute alpine ride is fun for the whole family. There is also the Alpine Climbing Wall and the Gems of the Enchantments Mining.
3. Take an e-bike tour around Leavenworth
A unique way to see Leavenworth is on an e-bike. Bavarian E-Bike Tours offers guided tours on pedal-assist electric bicycles. You can learn about the history of Leavenworth and enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and orchards.
4. Grab dinner at Blewett Brewing Company
Address: 911 Commercial St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
My friend Katie and I could have split one pizza, but we decided to share two pizzas and a salad. We love that they have outdoor dining—perfect for summer evenings!
5. Grab brunch at Louie’sin Leavenworth
Address: 820 Commercial St Ste A, Leavenworth, WA 98826
If you’re looking for a brunch spot in Leavenworth, I recommend stopping by Louie’s. They offer various benedicts, omelets, and more. We were so happy with our brunch at Louie’s.
6. Browse through the local Leavenworth boutiques.
While there are touristy gift shops in Leavenworth, there are also fabulous boutiques in town. Here are the boutiques I recommend checking out:
- Posy Handpicked
- The Plant Ally – this plant shop + tea shop is adorable!
- Remedy Forest & Home – I bought my Leavenworth crewneck sweater from this Leavenworth shop.
- Paprika – I bought a cute sweater and skort from this Leavenworth boutique.
7. Wander through the year-round Christmas store: Kris Kringl
Address: 907 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
One of my favorite stops in Leavenworth was Kris Kringl. This year-round Christmas store is more extensive than it seems. If you’re spending a weekend in Leavenworth, I’d definitely stop by Kris Kringl. With multiple floors and ornaments of every shape, size, and theme, Kris Kringl is bound to put you in the Christmas spirit—even in the middle of summer.
8. Grab a giant pretzel at the Danish Bakery
Address: 731 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
If you’re looking for a giant pretzel, the Danish Bakery is a great stop for one. Personally, when I plan a weekend in Leavenworth, I always plan in a giant pretzel for a snack!
What other fun things to do in Leavenworth do you recommend?
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