We're coming to the end of our trip to Seattle to our family members living there and celebrate Ella's 8th birthday. But over the three weeks we have had many excellent experiences that I'll report on over my next few posts. Perhaps one of the most exceptional outings took us the little town of Leavenworth buried in the Cascade mountain range bordering the eastern side of the Seattle region.
Its population is a little under 2000 people and a century ago Leavenworth's main source of survival was its timber processing industries. Those eventually gave out, partly for environmental reasons, and the town came to see its future based on tourism and over many decades it has transformed itself into an up-market tourist destination. And the attraction is? Well, the Cascade scenery is great - with its mountains, valleys, forests, lakes and many walking trails. But many other places share these attractions. Leavenworth did something much rarer and more imaginative. It turned itself into a Bavarian village and indeed a rather authentic one! Apart from that, it contains many ethnic restaurants - some German, lovely hotels, plenty of high-end gift shops, and such entertainment as music and 'horse-drawn coach-rides.
I let my pictures tell the story. When we left Kirkland the day was dull, windy and wet - most unpleasant. However, Emily explained that the weather in the Cascades could be very different to the coast and that Leavenworth was sheltered by the mountains, an opinion that proved correct!
The sun broke through as we headed eastwards into the mountains.
And another one in town to reinforce the point!
My first impression on leaving our car was Wow! This is something very special - not just a few Bavarian - like buildings but masses of them. In fact nearly every building in sight.
My favourable impression was aided by the mass of wall murals, German wording, other artistic displays and even street signage.
And all this was cradled in the mountains
Moreover, the design of buildings included a lot of wooden features including balconies and intricate gables on roofs. This was not something that arose haphazardly, but required massive investment and careful control.
Another central European design feature on many buildings was over-hanging balconies or facades like those shown here.
And one recurring image on the walls was that of the castle developed by the 'mad' King Ludwig of Bavaria - the famous
Schloss Neuschwanstein.
The signage on buildings also contributed to the atmosphere. Here's Bear House.
And Mozart, below, got a look in. Many of the eateries also cashed in on the atmosphere - German or otherwise.
Of course, some businesses couldn't avoid flying the stars and stripes.
But most played the game.
Of course, what went on inside could be rather different. Here I am in a clothing store with my mate - a local grizzly bear.
But outside again, the arrival of these coaches did much to reinforce the Bavarian image. We didn't take a ride, however, as we were attracted to the arrival of tens of school kids armed with violins, cellos, and violas. I don't know why this happened, but their performance of works like those of Mozart again matched Leavenworth's image. They were also very good.
Meanwhile, one of the carriages trotted by. And here we can see Emily and Dot enjoying their Bavarian lunch. Naturally, we ate Bavarian ... and mine was naturally some kind of wurst.
All up it was a great day!
AS
Its population is a little under 2000 people and a century ago Leavenworth's main source of survival was its timber processing industries. Those eventually gave out, partly for environmental reasons, and the town came to see its future based on tourism and over many decades it has transformed itself into an up-market tourist destination. And the attraction is? Well, the Cascade scenery is great - with its mountains, valleys, forests, lakes and many walking trails. But many other places share these attractions. Leavenworth did something much rarer and more imaginative. It turned itself into a Bavarian village and indeed a rather authentic one! Apart from that, it contains many ethnic restaurants - some German, lovely hotels, plenty of high-end gift shops, and such entertainment as music and 'horse-drawn coach-rides.
I let my pictures tell the story. When we left Kirkland the day was dull, windy and wet - most unpleasant. However, Emily explained that the weather in the Cascades could be very different to the coast and that Leavenworth was sheltered by the mountains, an opinion that proved correct!
The sun broke through as we headed eastwards into the mountains.
We finally found Leavenworth with its cheery roadside greeting.
And another one in town to reinforce the point!
My first impression on leaving our car was Wow! This is something very special - not just a few Bavarian - like buildings but masses of them. In fact nearly every building in sight.
My favourable impression was aided by the mass of wall murals, German wording, other artistic displays and even street signage.
And all this was cradled in the mountains
Moreover, the design of buildings included a lot of wooden features including balconies and intricate gables on roofs. This was not something that arose haphazardly, but required massive investment and careful control.
Another central European design feature on many buildings was over-hanging balconies or facades like those shown here.
And one recurring image on the walls was that of the castle developed by the 'mad' King Ludwig of Bavaria - the famous
Schloss Neuschwanstein.
The signage on buildings also contributed to the atmosphere. Here's Bear House.
And Mozart, below, got a look in. Many of the eateries also cashed in on the atmosphere - German or otherwise.
Of course, some businesses couldn't avoid flying the stars and stripes.
But most played the game.
Of course, what went on inside could be rather different. Here I am in a clothing store with my mate - a local grizzly bear.
But outside again, the arrival of these coaches did much to reinforce the Bavarian image. We didn't take a ride, however, as we were attracted to the arrival of tens of school kids armed with violins, cellos, and violas. I don't know why this happened, but their performance of works like those of Mozart again matched Leavenworth's image. They were also very good.
Meanwhile, one of the carriages trotted by. And here we can see Emily and Dot enjoying their Bavarian lunch. Naturally, we ate Bavarian ... and mine was naturally some kind of wurst.
AS
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