Archive for the ‘Romance’ Category

Update: Romance in Leavenworth

Tuesday, February 4th, 2014

Snowy Mountains surround Leavenworth WA

Snowy Mountains surround Leavenworth WA

Valentines Day will be here and gone before you know it. Leavenworth WA is the best place to romance your sweetheart. This post is an update to a post from past years. I’ve refreshed it with some new dates and new links.

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 sometimes has limited availability for Valentine’s Day but they often have last minute availability, so call if you’re still looking for accommodations. 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.

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.

Or check your favorite hotels for their romance packages. Some with packages include: Bavarian Lodge and Obertal Inn.

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.

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.
Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 14-17, 2014 is the date for the Leavenworth Wine and Chocolate Festival. Wineries throughout the Wenatchee Valley will celebrate the wonderful pairing of local red wine and fine chocolate. Check back with our TNBT page to find out the latest on this new Festival for Leavenworth.

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.

Trip Advisor Ten Romantic Leavenworth Hotels

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.

Spaaaaaahhhh

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

A quiet place at the corner of Commercial and 8th Street in Leavenworth

UPDATE: Solstice Spa is no longer in business.

On a recent trip to Leavenworth I had my first ever spa treatment. My visit to Solstice Spa was a belated birthday gift and a reward for four hard weeks working on a movie set. (If you’ve ever worked full-time on a film set, you know how much I deserved that reward. If you never have, then just take my word for it–it’s harder work than I ever imagined.) I made my appointment for a Dead Sea Mineral & Hot Stone Foot Massage after reading the description: “…Dead Sea mud treatment, hot stone massage and enriched foot cream soothes dry, cracked skin and conditions and restores tired feet and legs.” With the shape my feet were in after a month of being on them for 12-14 hours per day, it sounded like paradise.

We arrived in Leavenworth late one evening and my appointment at the spa was scheduled for the next afternoon. We enjoyed a fun day in Leavenworth, shopping, eating (lunch at SOUTH of course!) and generally relaxing. After a nap back at our hotel room, we headed for the spa on Commercial Street. I realized when we were part-way there that I’d forgotten the discount coupon I’d received by email after signing up for the spa’s email list. Scotte went back for it, but the receptionist assured me that she would have honored it had I just let her know I had it in the room.

Once there I was given comfy spa shoes and a fluffy robe to wear during my stay. I was greeted by my massage therapist, Tammy, who ushered me upstairs to a room with soothing music and lighting. I received a tasty drink of iced raspberry green tea and given a yummy bit of dark chocolate to nibble upon. Tammy donned exfoliating gloves and gave my feet and lower legs a lovely rub down, after covering a broken callus with a bandage. (I told you my feet were in terrible shape!)

A warm water soak was followed by the application of warm mud. Once my feet and legs were covered in mud and wrapped in plastic to hold in the warmth, I read a local magazine while drinking my tea and nibbling at the chocolate.

Another scrub down was followed by a lengthy hot rock massage. It was soothing and relaxing. I could feel the warmth sinking down into my muscles, joints and bones and simply leaned into the scrumptiousness. How does a foot and leg massage make you feel relaxed and healed all over your body?

It was all over far too soon. Next time, I think I’ll schedule a pedicure too. Once back downstairs I spent a little time shopping the boutique while other spa patrons were being waited on. I texted Scotte to let him know I was through and biding my time shopping. I received an urgent text message back, “I’m on my way, your bill is paid. No need to shop!” My lovely husband had already taken care of the bill and arrived quickly, leaving my shopping for another day.

I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at Solstice Spa & Suites and will put it on my list of must do’s in Leavenworth. And I can’t be the only one. Solstice Spa and Suites is the recipient of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award two years running (#7 on the list of top relaxation resorts in the country!) and consistently comes in in the top of the list for Best of the Northwest poll on Seattle’s KING5.

Solstice Spa & Suites offers some delicious relaxation and romance packages including girls’ getaways, romance packages and new, a Brew Lover’s Package that includes a hydro-therapy suite, brew-tastings, locally made gourmet chocolate and beer soap.

For more about spas and other great ways to relax in Leavenworth see our Health and Fitness page. Also check out our Romance page if you’re thinking about visiting Leavenworth for a special anniversary or just a get-away weekend.

I was inspired to share my spa experience with you when reading my friend Kerri’s review blog. In it she reviews a new Dove Hair Care product. There was also a link to a give-away. The prize for that is a gift-certificate for SpaFinder. I entered the contest and I’m getting a second entry for letting you all know about it. Let me know if you win!

What about you? What’s your favorite spa treatment? I’d love to hear about your spa experiences.

Romantic Leavenworth

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

The lights in Leavenworth add to the romantic atmosphere all through February

A year ago we published this post reminding you all to book your Valentine’s Day Romantic weekend. It’s that time of year once again. Valentine’s Day is one month away. Check out last year’s post for lots of ideas. Valentine’s Day falls on Tuesday in 2012. All of the recommendations we made last year are still valid, but we have a few more to add. As of today there’s a lot of open availability. Book a romance package and wow your sweetheart.

Romance is an everyday affair for us whenever we visit Leavenworth. Winter months are especially lovely. The Christmas lights are still up in the village. Evenings are a wonderful time to stroll Front Street. Leavenworth is full of couples celebrating their love.

A new bed and breakfast in Leavenworth, Wenatchee River Lodge, is a supremely romantic place to stay. The bed we slept in was the most comfortable bed I think I’ve ever slept in in an inn anywhere. Our room, the Aspen, had a fireplace and a jetted tub. It’s off the beaten path, only a mile from town, but at the end of a dead end road, so very quiet except for the sound of the river rushing by only feet away. Read all about our stay there.

Make reservations at Viscontis Italian Restaurant for a romantic dinner. We enjoyed our lunch there, sitting at a window table, with snow falling.

Summer romance in Leavenworth

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
Summer sunset

Romantic sunset

Leavenworth is our favorite place for romance. Anytime of the year you’ll find special spots to share, romantic dining, lovely and romantic places to stay. Here are a few ideas. Tell us about yours.

• Book a fireplace suite at Pine River Ranch Bed and Breakfast
• Buy cheese and sausage from Cheesemongers Shop for a picnic
• Take a walk in the tree-lined paths on Blackbird Island
• Take pictures of the area for memories to last a lifetime
• Sit on a bench and people-watch while holding hands
• Take a telescope or binoculars and find a dark place to stargaze
• Steal a kiss in the gazebo in Front Street Park

A romantic walk

A romantic path on Blackbird Island

Especially for summer:
• Share a gelato
• Visit an orchard, like Nicholson Orchard. Pick fresh fruit and take lots of photos
• Take in a local farmers’ market
• Pack a picnic lunch. Drive into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and hike to a quiet picnic spot
• Take an evening walk along the Wenatchee River in Waterfront Park. Watch for wildlife
• Pack a light supper picnic and go to outdoor Summer Theater
• Tour local vineyards and taste local wines

For more Leavenworth romance check out our Romance page.

Please tell us about your favorite romantic places and things to do in Leavenworth at info@accidentalbavarian.com.

Romance Her in Leavenworth

Thursday, 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.