Leavenworth, Washington (Cascade Mountains)

Close your eyes. Imagine an old quaint Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Open your eyes. You’ll find yourself in Leavenworth — a tiny enchanting town of less than 2,000 people located about 2 hours east of Seattle. It’s a premier ski and tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest, and with good reason. I attended a media event for Black Box Wines in January, and I was welcomed by a magical winter wonderland and cozy lodges dotted throughout the area. We were celebrating the launch of a new Riesling from Washington’s Columbia Valley. I was only there for a day this time around, so next time, I’m looking forward to exploring the German culinary delights that I’ve heard so much about.

Dine and stay at the Mountain Springs Lodge, go snowmobiling, roast marshmallows around the bonfire, snuggle up with a steaming cup of apple cider and a good book…the ideas are endless.