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Washington state is known for its incredible scenery, from rain forests and cascading mountains to acres of vineyards and orchards. And while there’s certainly no shortage of magical destinations to explore across the region, there’s one centrally located town that consistently gains attention for its charm: Leavenworth.

This small town of under 3,000 draws a crowd during every season — and it's not hard to see why. The north-central destination just two hours from Seattle was once desolate after the railroad was rerouted out of town. To keep their hamlet on the map, residents changed its look and feel entirely. Inspired by the surrounding alpine mountains, Leavenworth was transformed into a Bavarian Village in the 1960s. Complete with distinctive European architecture, a list of delicious locations for brats, schnitzel, and giant pretzels, and countless opportunities for recreation, it now attracts millions of visitors each year. And Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, a tucked-away property with rustic-luxe accommodations, is the ideal home base for exploring the town.

Tucked in a Tree House

Formerly used as housing for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort opened in 1995 after it was purchased by Harriet Bullitt in 1991 with the goal of preservation.

The camp-inspired resort is made up of a cluster of cabins, with 18 of the original buildings still standing. The mixture of dark gray and deep wooden exteriors, paired with red roofing, makes for an idyllic setting.

During a recent fall visit, I stayed in a loft-style room with a queen and twin bed on the bottom floor, along with a full bed upstairs that was accessible by a wooden ladder. The room featured hand-hewn log beds with down comforters, and the stunning wood details throughout, paired with a window view of tall timber, truly made it feel like I was spending the night in a luxurious tree house. The resort offers a variety of other room types, including options with beds tucked into cozy alcoves, plus with king-size suites and family bunk cabins.

Soak in the Mountain Views

Named after the Sleeping Lady Mountain, which can be seen from the property, the resort immerses guests in nature. It sits on the edge of Icicle Creek and is surrounded by lush trees. I enjoyed spending mornings wandering the property and listening to the sounds of water before heading into downtown Leavenworth for the day. Later, I ended the evenings sipping hot chocolate by the fire pit.

While the amenities, including a spa and several on-site dining options, are certainly a draw of the property, it’s the surrounding landscape of the towering Cascade mountain range that makes it even more magical.

Sip and Eat

Leavenworth is a destination with exceptional food, especially for those wanting to try German-inspired fare. Visitors will find Bavarian sausages with sauerkraut and a counter full of different mustards at Munchen Haus. For outdoor seating with incredible views, snag a fire pit table at Rhein Haus and snack on a giant soft pretzel paired with a liter of brew. To curb your sweet tooth, stop at The Gingerbread Factory for a soft gingerbread cookie iced with pink frosting and sprinkles. And for vino lovers, there's Eagle Creek Winery — Leavenworth’s oldest. Head to its vineyard tasting room downtown to sip cabernet.

Get Outside and Play

Because of its proximity to the mountains, with the Wenatchee River running through the area, Leavenworth is the perfect place to get out and explore at any time of year. In the summer, you can paddleboard or float the river. Hiking opportunities abound, too, with nearby trails for every skill level. For winter sports enthusiasts, Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge are within an hour’s drive for skiing or snowboarding. Strolling around downtown Leavenworth, popping into the many shops, makes for a great daytime activity as well.

And no matter the season, you’re likely to find an event going on downtown, from the Village of Lights display during the holiday season to Oktoberfest come fall to Maifest celebrating the beginning of spring.

Once in Leavenworth, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort not only provides a beautiful lodging option — it also offers a unique way to travel with purpose. The resort supports the Icicle Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting environmental, arts-based, and culturally focused organizations throughout North Central Washington. With every overnight stay, spa treatment, and meal or cocktail, guests help give back to numerous area organizations.

In the summer, there’s hiking, climbing, rafting, and floating down the river. In the winter, there’s Leavenworth Ski Hill in town and Stevens Pass for skiing and snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails nearby. Window shopping, wine tasting, and visiting Lake Wenatchee can be enjoyed year round.

I’ve stopped by O’Grady’s for coffee or a beverage and snack on the way out from a day hike. I have never gone further down this road to the Sleeping Lady Resort, so I was excited for this trip. The property is expansive, spanning over 65 acres. We booked two nights in the middle of the week and if that’s possible for you, I’d highly recommend doing that. Of course, not everyone is able to swing that and while weekends are busier, everyone visiting has their own itinerary and it doesn’t feel too crowded (except in the downtown parking lots and on the Colchuck Lake trail).

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. — A picturesque mountain retreat near Leavenworth doesn’t just serve guests. It also supports the work of a non-profit.

Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is home to 58 cabins, restaurants, and a day spa — and the profits from rooms, food, and services go back into the community.

Some trips are for the soul. We’re lucky to able to experience dramatic changes in scenery without traveling for hours on end. Leavenworth, one of the most scenic towns in the PNW, is just two hours east away from Seattle and one of the best places for a weekend trip. We found ourselves here last month, completely smitten by the snow-capped mountains and the enchanted woods. 

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