Leavenworth

If you've got a penchant for Germany or Christmas, you'll love Leavenworth—especially Front Street, a pedestrian-only stretch that runs through the heart of downtown. Here, you'll find eateries serving schnitzel and pretzels, as well as the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which has a 9,000-strong collection of nutcrackers. There's also a reindeer farm and petting zoo located about a 20-minute walk from Front Street.

• This unique town is a must-visit for fans of the quirky and unusual.

• Wear comfortable shoes and plan to do a lot of walking as most of the town is best visited on foot.

• Many of the local shops and restaurants are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

From Seattle, it takes around two hours and 20 minutes to get to Leavenworth, or just over three hours from Spokane. Most visitors come by car, but if you're coming from Seattle during the winter or early spring, check weather conditions ahead of time—Steven's Pass on State Highway 2 can get a lot of snow. Amtrak's Empire Builder train also stops at Leavenworth station, a 20-minute walk from the heart of town.

Leavenworth is a year-round destination, but it's definitely most popular during the winter holidays, when the Bavarian-style Christkindlemarkt is held. Summers are warm and dry, making this time of year ideal for hiking and rafting in the surrounding Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Just south of Leavenworth in the town of Cashmere sits Liberty Orchards, where Washington's beloved Turkish delight-style candies (known as Aplets & Cotlets) were invented. These sweets were first created in 1918 by a pair of Armenian farmers in an effort to use up surplus apple crops (Aplets) and, later apricots (Cotlets). These sugar-dusted sweets can be found across the Northwest to this day, particularly at farm stands.

One full day is enough for a Leavenworth tour, as the town is compact, and all but a handful of attractions are near one another. However, with a second day in town, you'll have time to visit nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park or take advantage of winter sports at Leavenworth Ski Hill.

The best time to visit Leavenworth is during the holiday season when the town is decked up in its festive finest and the annual Christkindlemarkt, a Bavarian-style Christmas market, takes over the main square. Summer is also an excellent time for a visit, when temperatures are usually warm but rarely unbearably hot.

A tour of Leavenworth will take you to the town's Bavarian-style shops, buildings, and attractions. While itineraries vary, you can expect highlights such as the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, the Danish Bakery, Gustav's Restaurant, the München Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden, and Waterfront Park.

Yes, you can do a walking tour of Leavenworth. Most of the town's attractions are within easy walking distance of each other, so you won't need to be prepared to walk long distances. Audio tours are a popular option, allowing you to see the sights at your own pace using your cell phone.

Yes, Leavenworth is worth the trip, particularly if you're fond of quirky destinations, have kids in tow, are a big fan of Christmas, or just want to eat lots of sausage and drink lots of beer. The drive from Seattle is particularly scenic, too, and passes through miles of mountains and forest.

No, you don't need a reservation or Leavenworth tickets, as it's a regular town rather than a tourist attraction. However, booking your tours and accommodations in advance is a good idea, particularly if you come on summer weekends or during the holiday season.