Secluded in a cozy narrow valley surrounded by wilderness of rugged, majestic mountain ranges reaching 5,000-8,000 feet , lies a quaint Bavarian Village. Snake twisting rivers, deep blue-green lakes, crashing waterfalls, lush green rolling foothills with vineyards and flourishing fruit orchards alive with buzzing bees seeking sweet nectar, provide magnificent backdrop for charming community, Leavenworth, Washington.

Buildings display pointed peaks with large wooden over-hanging rooflines on stucco -timber combination structures. Town main street finds gingerbread-style houses on one side and beautiful tree abundant park across. One sees scalloped trim on roof tops, folk art cutouts on balconies, interior and exterior hand painted wall murals. Leavenworth is a showpiece anytime and seasonal changes are enjoyed by all who venture to this paradise of nature.

Springtime decor includes window boxes, barrels and hanging planters with profusion of flowers everywhere! Strolling Front Street, visitors admire 96 foot Maibaum ( May Pole) dressed in blue and white stripes ( traditional Bavarian colors) with attached placards depicting town’s history including: logging, railroading, skiing, mining, dancing, the town band and church - all denote role of significance to community.

Continuing main street one discovers shops filled with nutcrackers, dolls, beer steins, music boxes, candles, candy, cheese, toys, specialty clothes, gifts and collectables to tempt shoppers. One can always find the perfect exceptionally unique gift for a special person. Restaurants, cafes and “Wurst stands” offer German cuisine from sausage with sauerkraut to finest dessert filled pancakes delicately dusted with powdered sugar. Delicacies of every gastronomical desire are easily found and enjoyed. Hungry visitors find “Haxen oder Huhn” (pork roast or chicken), delicious goulash accompanied by “Spaetzle oder Kartoffeln” ( noodles or potatoes), at one of a variety of good local restaurants specializing in “Gemuetlichkeit.”

Depending upon season, there is skiing, sledding, hiking, rock climbing, camping, fishing, rafting, canoeing, bike riding, horseback riding, bird watching and generally thoroughly enjoying and appreciating nature.

The Bavarian Village celebrates many festivals throughout the year. The most delightful time for me is “Christkindlmarkt” ( outdoor traditional German Christmas Market) held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 24,25 & 26, 2006. Not to miss is the “Opening Ceremony” as “St Nicholas” arrives in antique horse-drawn carriage. Immediately, crowd is hushed in awe as “Christkind”
(special angel representing the Christ Child) appears on balcony overhead and recites traditional welcoming greeting. Her wings glow as if golden. She raises outstretched arms to officially open the market. Next “Boellers” (traditional small hand-held gun powder cannons used at each festival and holiday in Bavaria) are shot by gentlemen dressed in “Trachten” ( traditional clothing). Children’s lantern parade winds its way through city park of twinkling lights. Life size holiday characters dressed as nutcrackers or toy soldiers guard entrance to market where within one finds booths offering an assortment of goodies including traditional roasted almonds, “Gluehwein” hot spiced wine, cider, hot chocolate, mouth watering German sausages, marzipan, delightfully decorated German cookies, and “Stollen” ( German Christmas bread). Father Christmas adorned in velvet robe and holly head -wreath strolls, greeting children. Easily recognizable is traditional Santa Claus, available to hear children’s wishes and provide memorable photo moments for families and friends.

Variety of music is provided by Leavenworth Kinderchor ( children’s choir) consisting of local elementary school students. Occasionally, a nostalgic tear is shed by lady in audience remembering German Christmas song as a child. Local town band “Musikkapelle Leavenworth” performs as well as “Alpen Folk” who play instruments best known and used in traditional homes in Alps of German and Austrian villages.