Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival

March 4th, 2011

We at Accidental Bavarian congratulate the 2011 Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaves, Nancy Watson. Each year the Autumn Leaf Festival Association (ALFA) chooses a member of the community to represent the association and the community of Leavenworth. The Royal Lady, along with other members of the association and other community volunteers, travels to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest promoting Leavenworth and inviting folks to enjoy the hospitality of Leavenworth. Mrs. Watson will ride the ALFA’s float in as many as 14 parades throughout the spring and summer.

Mrs. Watson, the 48th Royal Lady, has a long history in Leavenworth, though she has described herself as a comparative newcomer. Her husband, Lynn, was born and raised in Leavenworth. Mr. Watson’s mother, Pauline Watson, was the 1980 Royal Lady. Lynn and Nancy have a long history of community involvement and volunteerism in Leavenworth. The Watsons own Alpen Haus Gifts and the Alpen Rose Inn. Mr. Watson is one of the founding members of the Royal Bavarians, a service organization that supports the Autumn Leaf Festival, among other community projects. Mrs. Watson taught in the Leavenworth School District until her retirement in 2000, where she still serves as a substitute teacher on occasion.

The Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival is Leavenworth’s original festival on a calendar full of them. Established in 1964, the festival celebrates the changing of the seasons. The village is filled with activities, entertainment, food and a grand parade. The family-friendly festival is organized, sponsored and staged by the Autumn Leaf Festival Association (AFLA) in conjunction with members of the community, the Royal Bavarians, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leavenworth.

This year’s Autumn Leaf Festival theme is 80 Years of Winter Sports. 2011 festival dates are September 23-25. The first scheduled float appearance for 2011 is the Tacoma Daffodil Festival Parade, April 9, 2011.

To read more about Leavenworth festivals the year-round, visit our Festivals page!

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Home away from home, away from home

February 24th, 2011

We recently spent few days out of the snow and ice in north Florida. We enjoyed balmy days in the 60º’s, a few rain showers (at least we didn’t have to shovel it!), some impressive thundershowers and 4 great days in Walt Disney World.

A highlight of our trip was Walt Disney World’s Epcot. This is the largest of the four Disney theme parks and is split into 2 “Worlds”. Future World is full of attractions that appeal to all ages and is dominated by the iconic Spaceship Earth. World Showcase is a collection of pavilions that celebrate the culture and cuisine of 11 countries from all over the world.

Night time view of Spaceship Earth, Epcot

We had loads of fun in Future World. My favorite was Mission Space which is a simulation of a trip to Mars. Another favorite, and worth the wait, was Soarin’. It combines film and motion to take you on a fantastic glider journey all over California.

World Showcase captures the essence of each of the 11 nations represented. Enjoy lunch in Morocco accompanied by live music and belly dancing. Join the crowd in Italy and enjoy The Ziti Sisters as they entertain with music and comedy. We watched child jugglers and tumblers in China and then had a lovely dinner there. The cast members in World Showcase come from the countries they represent. Their city of origin appears on their name tags. Among the guests, you’ll hear languages from all over the world. There are many places to stop, sit and people-watch. The frantic pace you find in other Disney parks doesn’t have a place here.

By far a highlight of our Disney World trip was buffet dinner at Oktoberfest in Germany. As we walked through the entrance we felt as though we’d been transported to a Bavarian village square during an evening Oktoberfest celebration.

Oktoberfest Buffet, Germany, Epcot

Seating is at family style tables, 8 to a table. The sky was dark and star-filled overhead. The moon was setting over the roof-tops surrounding the large square. There was German music playing as dirndl skirted servers carried large tankards of German bier at once to tables all around.

Our waiter, Sven from Heidelberg, was friendly and attentive. We enjoyed getting acquainted with our table-mates from Canada and North Carolina.

The buffet itself fantastic and well worth the price of $35 per person. All of our Bavarian favorites were there in abundance. Roast pork loin, spaetzl, German potato salad, wurst, yummy sauerkraut and apfelrotkraut, jaegerschnitzel and beef rouladen. Everything we tried was tasty.

Pumpernickel bread, pretzel rolls, sausage, pickles

There was salad with tomato and cucumber among others, cheese samplers and then the desserts. We selected from studel, bavarian cheesecake, and fruit with cream sauce.

Sauerkraut, German potato salad, apfelrotkraut

Once we were seated with our first plates we could sit back and enjoy the live oom-pah band playing polkas, folk songs and leading the crowd in the Beer Barrel Polka. Children from all over the Biergarten came down to the dance floor. It was a delight to watch little Disney princesses and their princes dance and laugh with joy to the live music.

If you’re in Florida and a bit homesick for our favorite Bavarian village or for Bavaria itself, stop for an evening at Oktoberfest in Germany at Epcot.

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Video fun

February 17th, 2011

We’re fans of the Woody Goomsba series of promotional videos (well most of them, anyway). But long before Woody became an instant YouTube sensation, Almost Live! on KING5 in Seattle followed local law enforcement in Leavenworth, as documented in the video, Cops in Leavenworth.

Ride along with a local, lederhosen clad Gendarme as he works to keep those pesky tourists in line. Leaving without souvenirs? Turn around and go back through the shops. Drinking beer from a plastic cup and LeBatts yet? Get that stein filled with German beer, thank you very much.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys

Look closely. Joel McHale (L), now starring in NBC’s Community, got his start on the Seattle comedy scene.

Before getting up in arms by the tongue-in-cheek humor be sure you check out the other Cops In . . . videos to see how the now defunct local television show created send-ups of other Seattle neighborhoods such as Ballard, Redmond and Kent.

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Leavenworth Christmas Movie Magic

February 10th, 2011

Update:
The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce recently sent out a schedule update about the movie, Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas Vacation, due to begin shooting in Leavenworth in the next few weeks.

Shooting is now scheduled to begin around March 1, 2011, with the Christmas parade due to be filmed March 3rd, from 8am-1pm. The production company is looking for around 200 townspeople (and visitors!) to act as parade spectators. The route will begin at the Munchen Haus, travel west on Front St., turn right on 9th, right on Commercial and right on 8th. The process is expected to be repeated a total of 4 times.

Chamber members and business owners are doing their part by not shoveling or removing snow if it falls on March 2nd or 3rd. Snow making equipment will be in town on March 2 to help with the Christmas look the film needs.

As with all movie-making, schedules will be subject to change. If your plans to visit Leavenworth include March 3rd why not be a part of making Leavenworth movie magic?

Leavenworth Christmas Movie Magic: (original post)

If it seems as though the Christmas season is dragging on a bit in Leavenworth this year, it’s not just you. The city and the businesses along Front Street are leaving their decorations and lights up a little longer than usual. And for very good reason. The Seattle movie production company, Von Piglet Productions will arrive in the village in the next few days. A feature film set in Leavenworth, Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas Vacation, is set to begin shooting around February 21.

The movie is the story of a young Jewish boy who so badly wants to celebrate Christmas that he travels to “Christmastown, Washington.” Front Street, Front Street Park and Gazebo and the Sledding Hill should all feature prominently.

The story was originally set in Vermont, but after the production company scouted in Leavenworth, the decision was made to change the setting to Leavenworth. There will be about 2 weeks of shooting in the Upper Wenatchee Valley. Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee will also be used as a location.

The highlight of the shooting for locals should be a full Christmas parade tentatively scheduled for February 23. The director, Sue Corcoran, and her production team, will be looking for lots of extras for the parade scene, including Christmas characters, groups like the handbell choir and many spectators and on-lookers. Having worked on several movies myself, I can offer some advice for extras: Wear comfortable shoes or boots, dress in layers and expect to do some waiting. Movie work can be a lot of fun, especially when you go into it prepared.

Read more about Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas Vacation in The Leavenworth Echo and The Wenatchee World. Also check out Geordie Romer’s Blog over at Icicle Creek Realty for information on the movie and other stuff happening in the greater Leavenworth area.

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Romance Her in Leavenworth

January 13th, 2011

Valentine’s Day is one month away. That’s right guys, make your reservations today. A Leavenworth getaway is a sure way to sweep your sweetheart off her feet this Valentine’s Day. There are options for all tastes, travel styles and budgets. Check our Romance page for ideas and links.

Pine River Ranch is the ultimate in luxurious romance. Featured in The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest: A Romantic Travel Guide the beautiful suites have fireplaces and Jacuzzi spas. The hosts deliver a gourmet breakfast to your suite for the ultimate romantic breakfast in bed. It’s 14 miles outside of Leavenworth for a true getaway. As of this writing, Pine River Ranch has a few openings for Sunday and Monday of Valentine’s Day weekend. They offer several winter packages that include romantic sleigh rides, and activities like snowshoeing and skiing. Pine River Ranch is also a beautiful and romantic wedding destination. Contact them now if you’re thinking of booking a wedding for 2011 or 2012.

Several downtown Leavenworth hotels and inns offer romance packages with options like couples’ massages, in-room champagne service, and late check out. Icicle Village Resort has a Sweet Indulgence Getaway that includes plush bathrobes to take home with you.

Dream House Suites has limited availability for Valentine’s Day. If you can snag a suite here, do it. We’ve stayed here and loved the clean and comfortable room. With only four suites you’ll enjoy your privacy. The service was friendly but non-intrusive. Every suite offers mountain or Front Street views. Downstairs from your suite, Fudge Hut offers great fudge and espresso.

Alpen Rose Inn has customizable romance packages. The Wine Country Tour includes a guided tasting tour, by limousine, to three lovely wineries. This Valentine’s Day you can ask about booking a snowmobile tour or a romantic sleigh ride.

We have several favorite romantic dining spots in Leavenworth. The Alley Cafe has been featured in “Best Places to Kiss.” It’s intimate Italian dining.

SOUTH is fun, fresh Mexican dining. They offer a casual atmosphere and original recipe cocktails that change with the season. They’re now offering breakfast on the weekends. Try the Molé sauce. It’s fantastic.

What’s a romantic getaway without delightful sweets? Looking for chocolate? (And really, who isn’t?) Try lovely hand made Belgian chocolates at Schocolat. Fresh and unique flavors such as ginger, pink sea salt, and rum raisin along with lovely caramels and fruit creams.

Or stop at Visconte’s Via Dolce for gelato and espresso. Mix the two and you have an affogato. Yum! You’ll think you’re in Europe again.
Take time for a romantic walk after dinner. The crowds of Christmas Lighting Festival have passed but the glorious lights still decorate Front Street.

You’ll want to have your cross-country skis or snowshoes along. If the snow is fresh and deep, find your way to Blackbird Island in Waterfront Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise, just two blocks from the shops of Front Street. Hiking boots will usually do if snowshoeing is not your thing. Don’t forget your camera.

If you’re staying at one of our favorite hotels, the very romantic Enzian Inn, you’ll enjoy complimentary use of their Nordic skis, boots and poles. Take the air all around Leavenworth, then come back to your room at Enzian Inn to warm up in your jetted tub or walk-in shower. Snuggle by your own fireplace or join other guests in the lobby next to the roaring fire and antique grand piano. The next morning you can sleep in and stroll to the 4th floor breakfast room for a delicious breakfast with made-to-order omelets and freshly baked pastries and bread. Enjoy your breakfast with brewed Starbucks coffee and an amazing view of the surrounding mountains.

For more ideas for your romantic getaway visit our Romance page. We’ve listed a lot of ideas for couples. You’ll also find links to many more places to stay.

Leavenworth is only a short drive or train ride away from all major cities in Washington State. So close and yet it seems so far from your everyday life.

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