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Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington and More

Food & Drink

Nestled in majestic, wooded mountains, Leavenworth, WA is one of those amazing, tiny towns that seem to exist solely for visitors. So where do the locals live? Only when you venture out of the Bavarian-themed central hub do you notice a few residential houses peppered on the edge of town. If you’re looking for things to do in Leavenworth, Washington, you can find block upon block of Bavarian-styled shops and restaurants. And that’s just the beginning.

Disclaimer: This article was updated December 2023.

Leavenworth in the Summer

I have been to Leavenworth a handful of times, and each time seems a little different. Probably because I have visited in all for seasons. Central Washington, unlike the coast here in the PNW, experiences all four seasons and it is fantastic. However, summertimeoffers the best opportunity for recreation just outside of town (more on that later.)

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Want More Fun and Stress Free Travel? Don’t Overplan!

Informational

I know it can be tough to do: You’re going on holiday to a new and exciting place. You’re bursting with energy and excitement…you’ve got many, MANY spots you’re interested in visiting and you spend countless hours researching….everything. You want to be sure to get it all in, in the relatively short amount of time you have. Want less stress on vacation? Planning in itself can be stressful. But hold on…

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Technicolor Dreams Await at Arches National Park

Wild West

On a recent trip to Arches National Park in Utah, I thrilled at the chance to walk on geologic formations that were once a seabed thrust up by tectonic plates to form the dry land we see today. This landscape is rife with ancient fossils, Anasazi ruins, and the occasional dinosaur footprint (although I didn’t see any of those!)

Are you ready for scenery resembling jaw-dropping rocky, Martian-like landscapes? Brilliant desert surroundings and unparalleled hiking adventures are all in a day’s work for Arches National Park. Its unique vistas embody the Wild West, but are enhanced ten-fold in Technicolor. Matt Damon, eat your heart out. I was witness to stunning, bright rustic striped rock faces that bring Montana’s big sky drabness to shame. As if!

This article was originally published in April 2016 and has been updated December 2023.

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park

This magical place is fine to visit any time of year, but the very best time is spring and fall. Specifically, the months of April, May, and October. This is when the weather is most pleasant and the crowds are not too out of hand. The summer months tend to get pretty hot, many time over 100 degrees, so hiking is best done at first light.

I went there in early June and already by 10 in the morning it was getting toasty. Hiking early is your best bet!

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