Oktoberfest 2011 Pictures

Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, Washington

Once you get over the excitement of finally arriving, you will then have to get over the shock of the picturesque scenery around you.  With a geographical location fit for postcards and calendar photos it's hard to take in all the amazing sights while still paying attention to the company you came with.  For the camera crazy folk, just remember to occasionally look away from the view finder.  Although I wanted as many pictures as possible, the views are much more spectacular to the naked eye.

Everyone around seemed happy - nothing could their spirits down. Even if there are no hotels available in the district where the festival is held, there are hotels down the street that are still in walking distance. Check-out the real grass miniature golf course on the way.

Walking along the highway isn't as bad as it sounds - it's a great way to wake up in the morning and, aside from the view already mentioned, transition into the spirit of the festival.  This transition isn't hard as it comes naturally when entering Front street. Suddenly the decorations around town (like the enormous knight in shining armor statue outside one of the hotels) make sense when we enter the business district of downtown and find ourselves in an old world Bavarian village.  Though the festivals take place downtown the entire town of Leavenworth maintains it's authentic look with a Design Review Board - a group of members who assist with architecture and theme on any new development or remodeling project.  For information about the Design Review Board and building codes, please visit Leavenworth's design-review-board. 
                   Catch an authentic horse-drawn carriage ride for a moment off your feet as there is much to see.  One thing to notice while wandering around are the multitude of unique shops.  The gift options are numerous.  Try a local wine or sample one of the hundreds of exclusive flavors of tea.  Maybe the chef inside of you would like to sample different flavored cooking oils? And if you think all oils taste the same - think again - try the key lime pie cooking oil and you'll be left questioning if all your past meals would have tasted so much better with the correct choice of oil. Shop for fine cheeses or german sausage while having a gelato.  There are candle shops, clothings shops, and candy shops.  An entire store dedicated to just Nutcrackers? Of course!

Getting hungry and didn't pack a lunch?  Have no worries as there are plenty of dining and snacking options in Leavenworth.  Get your taste buds ready - here is a list of some of the different places to try. Clicking on the links will take you to their website.

Restaurants

Andreas Keller Restaurant
Baren Haus
Bavarian Bakery
Cafe Christa
Cafe Mozart
The Cheesemonger's Shop
Cup & Kettle, The Tea Shop
Cured
Der Hinterhof
The Gingerbread Factory
Icicle Junction Activites Center
J.J. Hills Restaurant
King Fisher Dining Lodge
King Ludwig's Restaurant
The Loft
Los Camperos
Mountain Springs Lodge
Munchen Haus
O'Grady's Pantry & Mercantile
Sandy's Waffle & Dinner Haus
Soup Cellar
The Tumwater Inn
Viadolce!
Visconti's

Don't forget to stop by The Hat Shop to pick up your very own goofy hat.  You'll start seeing them all over.
Spirit Hoods
Pirate Hats
King's Crown
Pharaoh's Cap
Sponge Bob on your head? Yes, there are some crazy choices.  Excited for Thanksgiving? Wear a Turkey on your head.  Perhaps adorning a cake would satisfy the sweet tooth.

Make sure to stay after dark to see the lights.  If you thought Leavenworth was a sight to see in the day - wait until night. Welcome to Santa's Village! Perhaps Harry's Potter's Hogwart village of Hogmeade might come to mind.

If you're not so much into drinking, don't worry as there is much to do in Leavenworth and many other festivals you could attend.  Visit one of the museums of Leavenworth - like the Nutcracker Museum. Enjoy the Sleeping Lady Art Walk, Living Nativity, a hike or even the Fish Hatchery.  Check out the art work on the walls - you'll never know what awesome painting you might find. Like that hungry fellow in the painting to the right: How much hotdog can he fit into his mouth while his buddy cheers him on? Well, I bet the guy playing the accordion has a song about it.

Enjoying Leavenworth at a different time of year isn't a problem as there many festivals to choose from.
Here are just a few of the festivals:
Dates are from 2011.

Icefest (Jan 14-15)
Front Street Festival  (Apr 2)
International Choral Fest  (Apr 9)
Leavenworth Ale Fest  (Apr 16)
Maifest  (May 13-15)
Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest (May 12-15)
Bavarian Bike and Brews Fest (June 4)
Leavenworth Wine Walk (June 4)
International Accordion Celebration (June 16-19)
Great Wine and Food Fest ( June 25)
International Dance Fest (June 25-26)
Kinderfest (July 4)
Wine Tasting Fest (Aug 20)
Meander Through Quilts in the Village (September 7-11)
Autumn Leaf Festival (September 23-25)
Wenatchee River Salmon Fest (Oct 1-2)
Oktoberfest (Sept 30 & Oct 1,7-8,14-15)
Christkindlmarkt (Nov 25-27)
Christmas Lighting Festival (Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17)

With so many choices, what are you waiting for?

Leavenworth Fun Facts:
Elevation 1,180
Climate (Temperature in Fahrenheit)
Month      Between and Average
January   17 - 33     &    25 F
March     27 - 52     &    40 F
May        40 - 72     &    56 F
July         50 - 87     &    69 F
Sept        42-  78      &    60 F
Nov         34 - 61     &    48 F

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