Leavenworth, WA.
Late 1800's - early 1920's: Boom town with wealth from lumber and the Great Northern Railroad. Population reached 5,500.
1920's - 1960's: Abandoned by the railroad in 1922, lumber was no longer easy to move to market through here. The town withered and a high percentage of the few who remained teetered on the brink of economic ruin.
Mid 1960's: With the help of ideas from the University of Washington Bureau of Community Development, city leaders decided to re-invent the town as a Bavarian-themed tourist attraction.
Mid 1960's: Already nearly bankrupt, business owners put all they had left on the line -- and borrowed all they could get their hands on -- to rebuild their businesses in line with this theme. They are quite proud of the fact that NO GOVERNMENT MONEY was used for this. All the investment came from the local people.
1970's to present day: Leavenworth is now one of the favorite destinations of folks from Seattle and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest due in large part to the vision, foresight, willingness to risk it all, and hard work of those responsible for rebuilding and re-branding this town.

Even with this success, it is still a small town (no-doubt that is part of its charm), with current population of about 2,100.

wawashingtonwashington stateleavenworthbavarian villagecascadesstevens passhighway 2beverli joizachary robertsonbriana robertson

Many of the shops and restaurants continue the Bavarian theme inside their businesses. Here, we enjoy lunch at Munchenhaus Bavarian Grill and Beer Garden, which boasts "the most extensive selection of premium sausages in Leavenworth." They do indeed have Bratwurst for pretty much any taste, from hot and spicy (with jalapeño) to artichoke and garlic to currywurst. See their website at the following link: http://www.munchenhaus.com/

If you are a fan of bratwurst, kraut, and premium beer -- and you find yourself in Leavenworth, WA -- I recommend this place.

wawashingtonwashington stateleavenworthbavarian villagecascadesstevens passhighway 2lunchbeverli joibriana robertsonzachary robertsonmunchenhaus

Looks like Zac has an idea......

wawashingtonwashington stateleavenworthbavarian villagecascadesstevens passhighway 2zachary robertsonhanging baskets

Love the 'fro, bro!

wawashingtonwashington stateleavenworthbavarian villagecascadesstevens passhighway 2zachary robertsonhanging basketafrohair style

wawashingtonwashington stateleavenworthbavarian villagecascadesstevens passhighway 2zachary robertsonhanging basketafrohair style

wawashingtonwashington stateleavenworthbavarian villagecascadesstevens passhighway 2zachary robertsonhanging basketafrohair stylebeverli joibriana robertson

"Hmmm: What kind of hot mustard looks best?"

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And that gets us to Seattle. Here, crossing over to Pike Place Market.

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For my last dinner in 'The States on this trip, Bri wanted to show me one of her favorite restaurants in Seattle, the Pike Brewery and Pub. The quote you see on the beam is from Winston Churchill.

I think I can speak for Bri in saying that she and I both highly recommend this place (and I think Bev and Zac would do so, also). See their website at the following link: http://www.pikebrewing.com/

wawashingtonwashington statepike marketpike brewerybriana robertsonzachary robertsonbeverli joiseattle

Thanks, y'all, for such a great time. I hope you enjoyed me at least half as much as I enjoyed you. I look forward to seeing each of you next time......

wawashingtonwashington statepike marketpike brewerybriana robertsonzachary robertsonbeverli joiseattle