Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

USA, Idaho

Our Top 5 In (And Near) Wallace, Idaho

Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

USA, Idaho

Discovering new places that are off the beaten path is our jam. It’s 90% of the reason why we do what we do! (10% is for the food, obvi!) As we road tripped around Northern Idaho, we found some real hidden gems - many of which are in and around the small mining town of Wallace! It’s cute, quirky, oozing with history and fascinating superstition, and it’s absolutely worth a visit. Here’s a list of our Top 5 places to go and things to do in, around and near Wallace!

(And for those of you in the planning stages, we stayed at the cozy Wallace Inn, just steps from downtown Wallace, and an easy drive to everything else. Highly recommend!)

THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA SCENIC BIKE TRAIL

If you enjoy adrenaline-filled adventure, spectacular scenery, historic train tunnels, and downhill bike trails (that’s right - 100% downhill), you’ll LOVE the Route of the Hiawatha! This 15-mile long mountain bike or hike trail is totally epic, and sure to be the highlight of your time in Idaho - it surely was ours! The friendly folks at the Lookout Pass Ski Area will get you all set up with bikes, helmets, snacks, and even a bike rack for transportation to the trail. It’s about a two-and-a-half hour ride, but give yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy the views, have a snack, and learn more about the history. And be sure to bring a jacket and wear comfy clothes that you’re ok with getting dirty - the tunnels are cold and wet!

THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

Located in the heart of downtown Wallace, on the corner of Bank Street and Sixth Street, is the Center of the Universe. Don’t believe us? There are signs and a manhole/sewer cover to prove it! In 2004 the Mayor of Wallace at the time, Ron Garitone, declared and proclaimed Wallace to be the Center of the Universe. For no reason, other than why not? And that’s exactly why this random spot is on our list. It’s pretty cool to say that you’ve been to the center of the universe… even if it can’t technically be proven.

WALLACE BREWING COMPANY

After you’ve taken your share of selfies at the Center of the Universe, walk down the street to the iconic Wallace Brewing Company. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time in this craft brewery that’s reminiscent of an old time saloon. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, the crowd is a mix of Wallace locals and visitors, and the best part… it’s dog friendly! So if your pup is along for the journey, they can join you inside as well! Oh, and of course, the beer is really solid too. Be sure to try their famous Huckleberry Shandy! (Insider tip: If you want to enjoy your beer on the go, just as for a red solo cup! It’s perfectly acceptable - and legal - to walk around town with your drinks!)

THE OASIS BORDELLO MUSEUM

This famed wild west brothel turned museum is mesmerizing and bewitching, and one of the most engrossing tours we’ve been on in awhile. The Oasis Bordello was an active brothel in downtown Wallace until 1988, when the residents fled the building after rumors spread of a possible FBI raid. Since then, the new owners of the Oasis Bordello decided to leave the brothel completely as is, and make it a museum. It’s like walking into a time capsule, with everything from the bedding to the opened soda cans on the counters left just as they were. Unfortunately photos aren’t allowed on the tour, so trust us that it’s worth a visit. It’s absolutely captivating.

RED LIGHT GARAGE

Being the foodies that we are, we couldn’t help but include a restaurant on this list. But this isn’t just any restaurant. The Red Light Garage is a Wallace staple - and whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this eccentric and downright zany spot has you covered. Especially if you’re in the mood for some huckleberries. Their huckleberry pancakes and huckleberry shake are basically world famous!

Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear what your favorite sights in and near Wallace are, as we plan to return real soon!

Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

Idaho, USA

Schweitzer Mountain :: One of Idaho’s Best Kept Secrets

Alli Talley

September 16, 2019

Idaho, USA

Alright, raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of Schweitzer Mountain.

Technically we can’t see you right now (shocker), but we’re guessing not a lot of you have. We had never heard of it before, until now. Located about 20 minutes outside of Sandpoint, Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain has it all: world class skiing and snowboarding, zip lining, horseback riding, scenic hikes, quaint restaurants, mountain biking, and SO much more.

We’d even go as far as saying that it’s one of Idaho’s best kept secrets… and we think you’ll agree.

THE LODGING

When we think of venturing out on a mountain escape, our minds immediately picture the lodge. A cozy, quintessential lodge with a big roaring fireplace in the lobby and warm, snug beds in the rooms. Selkirk Lodge is exactly that! We love the welcoming staff and the relaxed atmosphere, and you will sink right into the memory foam beds. We slept like babies! Right across from Selkirk Lodge is White Pine Lodge, that has one, two, and three bedroom units with all the fixin’s (fireplaces, full kitchens), making it a perfect option for families! And the best part? Both lodges have ski in/ski out access! And in the summer, they’re steps away from limitless activities! Speaking of which...

How cozy is this spot? Don’t even get us started on what it’s like in the winter!

THE ACTIVITIES

Summertime in Schweitzer is euphoric. We wish we could zap all of you there, just so your senses can experience what we mean. It’s like a scene from The Sound of Music - the hills are literally alive! There’s wildflowers blooming everywhere, sweet and juicy huckleberries growing along the hillside, crisp mountain air… it’s nature at its finest! Beyond the gorgeous hiking and striking scenery, Schweitzer also has plenty of activities that will keep all ages busy - and smiling from ear to ear! You can zipline, pan for gold, ride the ski lift, horseback ride, mountain bike, and even go on an e-biking tour! We rode on the e-biking tour on one morning of our visit and it was a BLAST. We even stopped for some huckleberry picking during our ride!

We have yet to experience Schweitzer in the winter, but from what we’ve heard it’s phenomenal. Because it’s not as well known as other ski towns like Sun Valley and McCall, it’s not nearly as crowded. There’s rarely a line to take the ski lift, and it’s actually the biggest ski resort in Idaho! Take us back!

THE DINING

As is the case with all good mountain towns, Schweitzer has plenty of options to keep you well fed, hydrated, and energized! There’s Chimney Rock Grill, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner that’s casual yet refined. We’d go back to Schweitzer just to have their Korean Coconut Fried Shrimp again! Another favorite of ours was Gourmandie, a specialty foods market that’s celebrated for their selection of internationally crafted beer and wine. And located at the top of Schweitzer’s Summit, The Nest Bar & Restaurant is at a mesmerizing vantage point, with 360 degree views of Idaho, Montana, Canada, and Washington! Insane! The food is as tasty as the views are jawdropping, and we highly recommend trying their famous Huckleberry lemonade!

The “Please Can I Eat Now” smile, at The Nest

Coconut Shrimp at Chimney Rock Grill was bomb!

THE PEOPLE

Something that really stood out to us during our stay at Schweitzer Mountain is the people. From the outgoing crew that works at the activities center, to the smiling faces greeting us at the Selkirk Lodge, to our knowledgeable and warm e-biking tour guide, everyone was so friendly. It’s one big, welcoming family at Schweitzer, and that made it even harder for us to leave!

Sometimes we find it hard to convince people to go to a destination through a single blog post, but we feel extremely confident with this one. If you love the outdoors, good food, friendly locals and hidden gems, you’ll LOVE Schweitzer Mountain. No matter the time of year, we guarantee you’ll be swept away by its stunning scenery and endless amount of activities and places to explore. Schweitzer is truly one of Idaho’s best kept secrets… so don’t tell too many people, k? ;)

Alli Talley

September 11, 2019

Oregon, USA, Weekenders

CENTRAL OREGON & PRONGHORN RESORT’S NEW HUNTINGTON LODGE :: AN ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER!

Alli Talley

September 11, 2019

Oregon, USA, Weekenders

If you’ve been following us closely on Instagram, you probably know all about Pronghorn Resort in Central Oregon by now. You know that it’s beautiful, you know that it has electric scooters, you know that their cocktails are almost too pretty to drink (almost), and you probably know that it’s located right in the heart of picture-perfect Central Oregon.

But there’s only so much we can share through photos and videos on Instagram… so here we are. Dedicating an entire blog post to the beauty of Central Oregon, our stay at the luxe Pronghorn Resort, and the many adventures we had during our 3-night getaway.

Because we’re still not done talking about it.

THE LOCATION

Located about 30 minutes outside of downtown Bend, and set on more than 640 acres, Pronghorn is so much more than a resort, it’s a destination. Not only are you surrounded by Central Oregon’s 1,000-year-old Juniper forest, but you’re also encompassed by the glorious Cascade Mountain Range. No matter where you turn or where you look, the views at Pronghorn Resort will take your breath away… and don’t even get us started on the sunsets!

We loved the location for obvious reasons (it’s a high desert oasis and beautiful), but also because of its convenience to other Central Oregon towns and activities. We were 30 minutes from Bend, 45 minutes from Sunriver, and 30 minutes from Redmond. Pronghorn has that high desert oasis setting and yet there’s an endless amount of adventures and day trips just miles away…

THE CENTRAL OREGON EXPERIENCE

Speaking of adventures, you can’t go to Central Oregon without visiting the Deschutes River. Everyone knows this. (And if you didn’t, now you do!) We’ll take it a step further and say that no trip is complete without an experience ON the Deschutes River - whether that’s floating, kayaking, or white water rafting! This time around, we opted for the latter… and holey moley was it fun!

Sun Country Tours does an EPIC one-and-a-half hour white water rafting trip called “The Big Eddy Thriller” that includes class III white water rapids and picture-perfect scenery. Not only did we master the Big Eddy rapids (like total champs), but we had the time of our lives rafting along the Deschutes. HIGHLY recommend!

We will for sure be floating the river next time!

The calm before the chaos on the Big Eddy Thriller!

We couldn’t get pictures during the rapids, but we survived!

THE PRONGHORN EXPERIENCE

Whether you decide to spend your days exploring outside of Pronghorn, or whether you decide to relax and enjoy the resort is up to you. There’s no doubt that Pronghorn Resort is a destination in and of itself. You name it, they have it.
Pronghorn has two Top 100 18-hole golf courses, a newly renovated spa, several restaurants, outdoor pools, biking trails, a fitness center, daily activities, and SO much more. If you feel like kicking back and taking it easy, you don’t have to ever leave the property!

Everyday we spent time swimming in Huntington Lodge’s new adults only pool, that’s complete with cabanas and poolside beverage service. Pair that with the stunning mountain views, and it truly felt like paradise!

We spent a morning perfecting our swings at their world-class driving range, where we “ooed and awed” over the way they stack the golf balls. The folks at Pronghorn go above and beyond to make your experience special, even in the little things!

One day we decided to rent their motorized scooters (which are available hourly or for the full day) and we had the time of our lives! The bike trail that winds around the Pronghorn property is beautiful, and the scooters are SO much fun - they go up to 20mph!! (Now I know what I’m asking Bobby for this Christmas…) ;)

THE HUNTINGTON LODGE

We have to take a minute and talk about Pronghorn’s new Huntington Lodge, which made its debut just over two months ago. It’s EVERYTHING. The chic, modern decor, the welcoming lobby bar, the warm textiles, the spacious rooms and panoramic views of the Cascades… we could go on and on. It’s luxurious and grand without feeling stuffy or pretentious, and the stylish touches don’t go unnoticed. The guest rooms are perfectly appointed with modern architecture, wood furnishings, elegant bedding,the comfiest bathrobes, private terraces, and in-room fireplaces. And let’s just say, if/when we ever buy a home, the Huntington Lodge will be our inspiration.

We’re juuuuust a tad obsessed.

THE DINING

There’s no denying that some of the best restaurants in Bend are at Pronghorn Resort. We sipped on craft cocktails and ate farm-to-table cuisine at their luxurious culinary experience, Cascada. We enjoyed the fresh, healthy breakfasts at the Trailhead Grill each morning (we’re still dreaming about their Power Green Smoothie), and we spent as much time as possible relaxing at The Coyote, the new lobby bar inside the Huntington Lodge. We’d go back to Pronghorn Resort just for another round of their signature cocktails!

Delicious oyster starter at Cascada - and off course an Old Fashioned to pair with it.

Bobby’s breakfast feast at the Trailhead Grill

Took this Coyote treat back to our room to enjoy the sunset from our balcony

Outside of the resort, Bend happens to be one of our favorite “foodie cities” in America. We like to joke that we go to Bend solely for the restaurants! Some of our favorites include:

McKay’s Cottage: Mouth-watering breakfasts, set in a 1916 craftsman bungalow. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The Sparrow Bakery: Come for the “Ocean Roll” (their famous pastry), stay for the breakfast sandwich (SO good!) and the iced coffee. This bakery is a must-visit every time we’re in Bend!
Spork: Latin American-Asian-African fusion (quite the combo, right?!) that almost always has a line out of the door. It’s well worth the wait.
Crux Fermentation Project: One of the best places in Bend (in our opinion) to have a beer (or two) and watch the sunset. Their on-site food trucks are all great, too!
Spoken Moto: We love this brewery for three reasons: they have an extensive drink menu that includes coffee, they have live music on the weekends, and everyone is so friendly. Plus, the beer is outstanding, too!

Packing your bags yet? We sure hope so. Central Oregon is one of those places that we’ll keep coming back to. And now that we’ve become obsessed with the Pronghorn Resort, we REALLY won’t be able to stay away for long… who’s joining us next time?

Alli Talley

August 29, 2019

USA, Travel Essentials

16 Tips for Cross County Road Trips With a Dog

Alli Talley

August 29, 2019

USA, Travel Essentials

In case you don’t follow us on Instagram (which you SHOULD), in the past year we may have been better off calling ourselves the “Roadtripping Newlyweds”. If it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on something, we’re probably getting close to that based on all of the long drives we’ve done. If you’re doubting our expertise, here’s where we’ve been (keep in mind all of this is within the past 12 months):

Aug/Sept 2018 - We embarked on a 5,000 mile drive from our house in California up to Seattle, east to Banff, back down through Montana and Idaho, and back home.
Sept. 2018 - We drove on a “mini” 1,100 mile road trip to hike the narrows in St. George. Worth it! Do it!
Dec 2018 - Also on the shorter side, we drove 2,100 miles to Tempe, Taos, and Aspen. All so pretty during the holidays!
Apr/May 2019 - We drove from our house in Costa Mesa to Savannah (GA) and up to Pittsburgh, then headed home. Just over 6,500 miles. There were plenty of stops and potty breaks.
Jun 2019 - Had a quick trip to Carson Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Bend. It’s weird that a 2,000 mile trip now feels like nothing.
July/Aug 2019 - We just returned from a nice “little” drive to Kalamazoo, Michigan. 5,800 miles in 19 days. Not the furthest, but definitely the greatest mileage per day. Woof.

Did we mention that we’ve had our bernedoodle, Sally, with us on these drives? And that we’ve done 3 of the 5 in our compact Toyota Prius? Pretty ridiculous!

With all of that in mind, it’s safe to say that we’ve learned a few things.

Here are our 16 tips (in order with the most important first) for a massive road trip with a puppy in tow.

Leave early - This is our most important tip if you are a road trip rookie. Specifically on the days of your big drives (300+ miles), get up as early as possible for your drive. You’ll be sleepy, but trust us - you’ll wake up. To us, there is nothing worse than leaving somewhere at noon, and having to end the drive and arrive at your destination in the dark. On the contrary, if you leave before the sun rises, you’ll probably arrive at your destination mid-day, with plenty of time for a nap (praises!) and to start exploring.
Pack right - You’re going to be taking your luggage in and out of the car A LOT, so you want luggage that is durable, lightweight, and easy to move around. For us, that is our American Tourister bags, along with a couple of backpacks (Bobby has a Lowepro Camera bag and Alli has a Herschel backpack). Oh, and we of course have a little tote for all of Sally’s things! :)
Optimize your vehicle’s layout for humans - This is a big one for comfort. For us, that means knowing where everything is at all times. The car is packed the same way, so that you could ask me right now (a week after our last road trip) where I keep my computer, sunscreen, Sally’s food, Alli’s bag… it all has a place. This is your second home, so it will make it much easier if you piece it together effectively.
And for dogs - Speaking of second home, you have to have your fur baby’s safety and comfort in mind when you’re going on a long drive. For safety, we have a harness that hooks Sally in (a pet seatbelt), but also allows her to be mobile in the backseat. For comfort, we have a backseat bridge that extends the backseat so there’s no gap, giving Sally a lot more space. Lastly, we have a dog hammock that drapes over the whole backseat and makes it all one consistent surface. Yes, we are those dog people. And yes, Sally loves us.
Stop frequently - Aside from having to use the restroom, get out and move a little. Having Sally with us may seem like an inconvenience, but she actually forces us to get out and run around every hour or two.
Have your thing - If you’re traveling with a partner, there’s only so much you can talk about. For us, we listen to audiobooks together, talk about anything and everything, play with Sally, and we always run out of things to say. Other than music, we each have our own thing in the form or unique podcasts that the other person doesn’t really care for. For Bobby, it’s the Fantasy Footballers. He knows it’s kind of nerdy, and he loves it. For Alli, it is the Morning Toast. While we each do our own thing, the other person naps (although Bobby is totally a “Toaster” now, and Alli’s never been more proud.).
Take your wallet out of your pocket (Bobby) and throw on your comfy pants (Alli) - You’re going to be sitting for awhile, so make it as comfortable as possible. Don’t worry about how you look - just wear whatever you’re most comfortable in! (Also in the comfort category, for this last trip we bought these sun shades and it was a TOTAL gamechanger. Nothing is worse than trying to take a nap and having the sun beating down on you the whole time.)
Hydration > Caffeine - While coffee will definitely do the trick during those early morning drives, it should not be your solution whenever you get sleepy while driving. We’ve found that staying hydrated (with water), is actually the best thing we can do on our road trips. Yes, you will have to pee more. But you will absolutely feel better that night and the next day. Trust us on this one!
Pack light - Assuming you’re driving through the US or Canada, pack as light as possible. You can pick up anything you need along the way, and there are plenty of laundromats to keep your wardrobe fresh.
Nap - When you’re sleepy, stop driving and take a nap. The end.
Decide your absolute maximum mileage for the day (and stick to it) - Also important. If you want to get to a spot 500 miles away but think maaaayyyybe you can get 100 miles further, then decide that no matter what you will stop if you get to the 600 mile destination. If you keep playing the, “Oh let’s just drive for another hour” game, you’ll put yourself at risk for dangerous fatigue or a speeding ticket. Not worth it.
Be a tourist while on the road - Seven Magic Mountains, Car Henge, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Wall Drug, etc. There are countless strange roadside attractions. Whether you plan them out, or see a sign that it’s a mile up ahead, you won’t regret making the stop (even if you’re making fun of it as you leave).
Research your route - The shortest distance may not be the fastest. The scenic drive may be the most beautiful drive you’ve ever set your eyes on. Or the “scenic drive” is pathetic. Do some research on where your driving, beyond your endpoints.
Be honest - Unless you’re traveling solo, this just means to be honest about when you don’t want to drive any more. Or, when you shouldn’t drive anywhere. Bobby always wants to set personal long distance driving records (currently he’s gone 575 miles with a couple potty breaks), but sometimes he has to give up and hand over the keys because he’s sleepy. Know your limits and communicate with your partner.
Pace yourself - What we mean here is pace yourself over the course of the trip. If you’re whole trip is two weeks and 4,000 miles, don’t drive 800 miles on 5 different days. Spread it out. If we ever have more than 2 days driving 300+ miles, we take at least 1 day off.
Cruise control is your friend, but be smart - Bobby LOVES cruise control. But he only uses it when there’s barely any traffic, and early on in his drives. It’s a little risky if there are other cars, or if you’ve been driving for awhile. Just because your foot isn’t on the gas doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay attention…

Can you see the sunshade on the left? Game changer…

Lots of gas station stops (We call Sally “Stinker”)

Alli Talley

August 27, 2019

Washington, Weekenders, USA

A Romantic Weekend in Leavenworth

Alli Talley

August 27, 2019

Washington, Weekenders, USA

PICTURE THIS :: You pull up to a charming Bavarian village, set in the foothills of striking, green mountains… the wind is crisp, and cool, and the scent of bratwursts and freshly baked pretzels looms in the air. In the distance you catch sight of a bustling main street, lined with colorful buildings and hanging planters overflowing with fresh flowers. You hear a live folk band playing in the distance, and you’re torn between settling in at your plush chateau, or immediately immersing yourself in the Bavarian culture.

Are you intrigued yet?!

Best part is, you’re only a 2 ½ hour drive from Seattle! That’s right, this quintessential, picture-perfect Bavarian town exists in Washington, just below the Cascade mountains. You don’t have to spend your life savings on a plane ticket (or dedicate a 24 hour travel day) to visit a place that’s rich in German culture, and boasts world-class dining, luxurious wellness spas, local wineries, charming boutique hotels, and more. We’d like to think it’s one of the best kept secrets in the US, and while we’re tempted to keep this fairytale destination to ourselves, it’s only fair that we share it with you! (Just don’t tell too many people, k?) ;)

We just returned from an incredibly romantic and relaxing weekend in Leavenworth, and thought we’d recap it - because it was the dreamiest 48 hours we’ve had in a LONG time!

WHERE WE STAYED

THE POST HOTEL :: Nestled above the Wenatchee River, the stunning Post Hotel is a true adult-only, extravagant and refreshingly private oasis - and it’s right in the heart of downtown Leavenworth! (It literally couldn’t be in a better location… but back to the hotel.)

They’ve taken authentic wellness concepts from the Alps and have created a luxurious and elegant retreat, complete with saunas and steam rooms, plunge pools, a full-service spa, and so much more. Also included in your stay is an 18-hole championship putting course and continental breakfast, light lunch, and evening coffee and desserts. Oh, and did we mention that guests are encouraged to wear their robes around the property? It’s perfectly acceptable to dine and relax in your robes - and being big fans of “robe life”, we were in HEAVEN.

The Post Hotel is the kind of place where you never have to leave, and we’d be tempted not to, if it wasn’t for how adorable, unique, and downright quirky Leavenworth is!

Love the details in this hotel! Especially this staircase.

Alli wouldn’t be sad if she could live in a robe…

WHAT WE DID

SWIM :: It goes without saying that we spent a good amount of our time taking in all of the amenities at the Post Hotel. We spent hours swimming in their swim-out saltwater pool and indoor spas, and we even took advantage of their absolutely heavenly nap room! We’d wake up, immediately change into our swimsuits, swim for an hour, and then make our way to the breakfast room. (Dressed in our robes, of course!) We’d usually have an afternoon swim, and a post-dinner swim too… Because, why not?

BIKE :: One morning after breakfast we decided to take advantage of the complimentary bicycles at The Post Hotel, and go for a ride around downtown Leavenworth and the picturesque Blackbird Island. It ended up being a leisurely and picturesque 5-mile ride that we highly recommend!

GOLF :: The Enzian Falls Putting Course is a professionally designed 18-hole championship putting course that is free to guests of the Post Hotel (and guests of Enzian Inn and Linderhof Inn, as well), and it’s a BLAST. We spent an evening before dinner playing a round, and couldn’t believe how surprisingly challenging and creative each hole was. Bobby ended up beating me… but not by much. Nothing like a little friendly competition when you’re on vacation, right?

EXPLORE :: Everytime we come back to Leavenworth, we find ourselves spending hours just walking around the downtown, shopping in the many boutiques, wine tasting in the various tasting rooms, and discovering new museums and stores we’d missed the time before. This time around we decided to tour the famous Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which holds more than 6,000 nutcrackers! It’s fascinating to see the thousands of different nutcrackers from around the world, and with an admission charge of only $5, it’s definitely worth a visit!

WHAT WE ATE

THE POST HOTEL :: We enjoyed many of our meals at the Post Hotel, and from the breakfasts to the evening desserts, everything we had was fresh, healthy, and incredibly delicious. We loved their specialty omelettes in the morning, and their daily soups and extensive salad bar at lunch. Bobby’s favorite? The homemade pretzel bites and melted cheese! We’d go back to the Post Hotel just for the food!

BRATS :: We can’t visit Leavenworth without having brats at least twice. (I’m convinced Bobby would have them for breakfast if he could!) This time around we decided to try the brats at München-Haus and the Leavenworth Sausage Garten - both of which we thoroughly enjoyed. Many Leavenworth locals have strong opinions on which is better than the other, but we truly enjoyed both! They’re also conveniently across the street from each other, so if one happens to have a line, go to the other! Also, Bobby wanted to make sure it be known that he would go to Leavenworth for the mustard. Both of these spots have selections of 15+ mustard varieties that will delight any mustard fan!

PIZZA :: This was our first time ordering pizza in Leavenworth, and we’re happy to report that the pizza at Blewett Brewing Company is really good (we ordered to-go and took it back to the hotel), and their beer is great too (we enjoyed a pint while we waited). This spot is sure to be a new Leavenworth tradition!

TREATS :: Just like any traditional Bavarian town, the baked goods and sweet treats are not to be missed. Our favorite place for cookies, cakes, and scones is The Gingerbread Factory. While we’re not typically creatures of habit when it comes to traveling, we are when we come here. We always get the Soft Iced Gingerbread Cookies (the one with the pink frosting). We’re not sure if it’s the soft gingerbread cookie or the melt-in-your-mouth yet not-too-sweet frosting, but it’s delightfully decadent. Next time we plan on trying their famous Raspberry Scones, as people in line were raving about them, too!

HOW WE GOT THERE

One of the many reasons why we love Leavenworth (and why we keep coming back), is how convenient it is to get there. It’s only about a couple hour drive from Seattle or Spokane, so we typically look for the best deals on flights to one of those spots and rent a car. If our flight is early enough, we can be in Leavenworth in time to grab a late lunch!

Can you picture yourself in Leavenworth yet? We sure hope so. It’s a place that we’ll be returning to for relaxation and German culture for years to come. We’re already planning a winter escape, as we’ve heard it’s absolutely magical during the holiday season. We hope to see you there!