Leavenworth, WA - A Winter Wonderland to Delight your Soul

(photo by Brian Munoz)

Nestled on the eastern cusp of the Cascades, the Bavarian Village transforms when the snow flies, turning itself into the ultimate winter getaway. There is no need to leave your favorite family member behind (Oops, sorry honey). Leavenworth is all about the outdoors, dogs are most welcome.

• Cross-country ski at the Black Bird Island Trails or up Icicle Road where they close the road 8 miles up for cross-country skiers. Both are dog-friendly.
• Go dog sledding with Sierra Blu Kennels.
• Hike Waterfront Park, the trails wind along the Wenatchee River and through quiet riverbank forests. It is accessible from downtown Leavenworth and is an easy flat hike. Keep your pooch on his leash and enjoy the views. Or check out other hikes at: Leavenworth.org.
• If you need your pooch pampered while you enjoy a people-only activity, check in with Haus Denali Kennels where there is plenty of room to play and comfy kennels in a beautiful log home.

After a fun-filled day in the snow, head to the Village of Lights and take in a horse-drawn carriage ride. Then head for warm drinks, shopping and the best Bavarian cuisine this side of Munich. You'll feel as though you've been transported thousands of miles away to a mountainous German village. The lights are on all week long through February.

Here are some of Dog About Town NW's favorite Village stops:

• A Paw Above, come in with your dog and visit Susan and Katie. Katie, a rescued Border Collie/Chow mix will show you all her favorite things to spoil your dog.
• The Gingerbread House makes home-baked doggie treats and they even make Gingerbread Dog Houses during the holidays.
• A Book for All Seasons is a wonderful bookstore to find your perfect winter read.
• The Cheesemonger will fill your picnic basket with international cheeses, wines, beers, sausages and gourmet foods.
• Cured by Viscontis, Leavenworth's only producer and purveyor of old world salami and market cured meats.
• Schocolat is a must for the chocolate lover. An elegant chocolate boutique specializing in fine handmade European style chocolates made fresh daily.

And now it is time to settle into your home away from home:

• Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, where guests enjoy the natural setting of the Cascade Mountains and Icicle Creek. Amenities include: The Solsitice Spa where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage, rejuvenating body treatment or cleaning facial, or visit the Dry Sauna, Fitness Room and Library. You can also rent Cross Country Skis or Snowshoes.
• Best Western Icicle Inn offers fourteen guest rooms set aside for guests with dogs up to 80 pounds. Come enjoy luxurious pillow-top single king rooms or two bedded queen rooms, or enjoy a family room with an extra sofa sleeper and more space. Stays include complimentary breakfast buffet, free WiFi, and much more. Pet policy
  
  Whether it is a girls' weekend complete with pooches or a romantic retreat, you will come home rejuvenated and planning your next visit. Stay tuned for upcoming seasonal festivals and outings.

Winter Events:

Bavarian Ice Fest
January 14-15
Location: Front Street
Play Day with contests, dog sled rides with Sierra Blu Kennels, snow sculpting, smooshing, brews and food, entertainment, fireworks and much more!

Full Moon Ski
February 7, 5-8pm
Join Sleeping Lady and Leavenworth Winter Sports Club for a full moon ski at Icicle River Trail. O'Grady's Pantry and Mercantile will be keeping their doors open and the fire burning until 8pm. Dinner, desert, beverages and brews. More info: Sleeping Lady events.