Get Out, Go East
Seattle has great Fall weather, and Fall is especially beautiful on the east side of The Cascades. The vibrant colors of the leaves on deciduous trees are absolutely breathtaking, rivaling the fall colors of New England.
If you need an excuse to get out of town this weekend, here is my suggestion: drive east of Seattle on Highway 2. After a 2 hour scenic drive on a portion of the Cascade Loop, you can enjoy Oktoberfest this weekend in "Washington's Bavarian Village," Leavenworth. However, I must say that I am not a fan of Leavenworth's Oktoberfest, because I am not 70 years old, nor do I travel in an RV. If you do not understand what I mean, just go to Leavenworth and find out for yourself. I do not want to tell you to avoid the festival, because a lot of people like it. But, if you are like me and would like to avoid the Oktoberfest crowds, there is still plenty to do around Leavenworth in October.
DINING
SHOPPING
If you do not want to drive all the way to Leavenworth (or you want to make a stop on your way to or from Leavenworth), you can stay on the west side of The Cascades and go to a pumpkin patch and corn maze just outside of Monroe, WA, on Highway 2 (you will see the signs from the highway). My friends went to a pumpkin patch last year and they had a great time, so I am going with them this year. For a list of pumpkin patches, hay rides, and corn mazes in the surrounding Seattle area, click here.
If you need an excuse to get out of town this weekend, here is my suggestion: drive east of Seattle on Highway 2. After a 2 hour scenic drive on a portion of the Cascade Loop, you can enjoy Oktoberfest this weekend in "Washington's Bavarian Village," Leavenworth. However, I must say that I am not a fan of Leavenworth's Oktoberfest, because I am not 70 years old, nor do I travel in an RV. If you do not understand what I mean, just go to Leavenworth and find out for yourself. I do not want to tell you to avoid the festival, because a lot of people like it. But, if you are like me and would like to avoid the Oktoberfest crowds, there is still plenty to do around Leavenworth in October.
DINING
- My favorite breakfast spot in Leavenworth (which also serves lunch and dinner) is The Renaissance Cafe. This restaurant offers vegetarian options in a town full of bratwurst.
- Uncle Uli's is where the locals hang out. They offer a nice selection of beer, outside seating with heaters, and hearty food.
- If you are looking for a fun diner, stop at the 59er Diner at Cole's Corner on Highway 2 (about a 15 - 20 minute drive west of Leavenworth). They have THE BEST milkshakes, and they give you half a stick of gum with your bill. Yes, that is weird. They have fascinating bathrooms as well.
- If you want to go for a hike, there are many day and overnight hikes around Leavenworth. Again, this time of year the scenery is breathtakingly colorful and gorgeous.
- The area surrounding Leavenworth is also renowned for its excellent rock climbing, and if you grab a beer in the early evening at Uncle Uli's, you will probably be sitting with some really skilled rock climbers who are enjoying a beer and sharing stories after a day of climbing.
SHOPPING
- The Alps candy shop has great peanut brittles; my favorite is their hazelnut brittles. Downstairs they sell a wide variety of delicious mustard and sauces. The Alps is literally on the side of Highway 2 right on the Wenatchee River, so be careful when you pull off the highway and make sure you use your turn signal. You will find this shop just before you get into downtown Leavenworth. If you go to The Alps, don't forget to go downstairs. They usually offer free samples downstairs.
If you do not want to drive all the way to Leavenworth (or you want to make a stop on your way to or from Leavenworth), you can stay on the west side of The Cascades and go to a pumpkin patch and corn maze just outside of Monroe, WA, on Highway 2 (you will see the signs from the highway). My friends went to a pumpkin patch last year and they had a great time, so I am going with them this year. For a list of pumpkin patches, hay rides, and corn mazes in the surrounding Seattle area, click here.
