Leavenworth was incorporated in 1906. A timber community, the Great North Railroad was located there since the 1900's. The railroad relocated in the 1920's and this greatly affected the economy of the town.
Leavenworth struggled until 1962 when a committee was formed to transfer the city into a so-called Bavarian village. The population of this town in 2009 was 2347 people.
The homes and businesses are painted and decorated almost exactly like what you would find in Germany, in Bavaria. The whole town atmosphere is very German. We were a little disappointed in the wines. There are quite a few wineries in this area, and tasting rooms which let you sample before buying. For us, the wines did not meet expectation. We are disappointed though did buy a bottle of dessert wine which went well with the apricot tart I baked.
Oh yes, we came back with close to 10 pounds of beautiful apricots. Some went into the tart and the others into a "gourmet" jam that is still in production. You will have to come back later to find out about this jam. A work in progress.
Leavenworth is located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains. The scenery is gorgeous, not unlike Germany. The "committee" that wanted to bring life back to Leavenworth was quite astute in thinking of a German theme for this town. First of all the background was made for it. The people are very friendly though I did not find one who spoke German. The bakery was closed, but I was told the couple who own it are originally from Germany. No one else speaks the language.
Leavenworth is not on the main drag running through the state of Washington. It is a little drive to reach this village. But on the way, you are entertained by the farmers.
How often have you driven through the "bread basket" of America, only to wonder what is planted in those fields next to the highway? It is always a guess. Well, the farmers of Washington have placed signs along the road by their fields telling you what is planted. How great is that!!! I saw field corn, seed corn, sweet corn, wheat, peas, potatoes, wine grapes, Concord grapes, gala apples, bosc pears, cherries. The list goes on and on. Did I forget apricots?
If you have the chance to be in central Washington, want to shop the stores that carry everything German including a constant Christmas season, nutcracker museum, doll shops, and food. I did not mention the food.
Several very nice German restaurants where you can order anything from bratwurst and schnitzels to sauerbraten and of course....
Schweinshaxe
This must have been close to 5 pounds! Roasted and lying on a bed of sauerkraut, rot kraut and spaetzle. Along with a beer, it was a good German meal.
I will draw the winner of my anniversary giveaway tonight and share with all in the morning.
