Hotel at a Glance: Fairbridge Inn & Suites

The town of Leavenworth attracts tons of visitors each year, thanks to its quaint, Bavarian-style ambiance and proximity to prime hiking and rafting opportunities in the Cascade Range and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The Fairbridge Inn & Suites is a comfortable and convenient option for anybody looking to take advantage of local riches—it’s only steps from downtown.

• In-room amenities: 39-inch flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, free WiFi
• Complimentary hot breakfast served daily
• Take a soak in the heated indoor pool and hot tub.
• Distance from downtown: two blocks

Leavenworth, Washington: Bavarian-Themed Town with Orchards and Whitewater Rafting

Located about a two-hour drive east of Seattle, Leavenworth draws visitors all year long with an abundance of outdoor activities. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes at nearby Stevens Pass; hiking and rafting take over in the spring, summer, and fall. About 700 miles of trails surround the town, meandering through the Cascade Range and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The Icicle and Wenatchee Rivers run through the area as well, attracting rafters with Class II and III rapids.

As the area’s center for all things Bavarian, Leavenworth is home to German-style bakeries, bars with beer gardens, and several restaurants where you can try kielbasa, bratwurst, ciderkraut, and specialty mustards. The town’s annual Oktoberfest takes place over the course of three weekends, beginning with a Bavarian procession featuring villagers in traditional dirndls and lederhosen.

The warm weather and fertile soil make the region perfect for growing pears and wine grapes. In the warmer months, fruit stands teem with locally grown cherries, peaches, and apricots. There are also about a dozen vineyards nearby where you can taste varietals from the Columbia Cascade region.

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