Christmas in Bavaria is alluring. Financially it wasn’t in the cards this past year. Instead, we chose a closer option which still gave us that germanic flavor for Weihnachten. Leavenworth, Washington is a Bavarian style village nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains of Washington
http://www.sleepinglady.com
Coming from Seattle, the drive over Steven’s Pass is spectacular. The juxtoposition of rocks and evergreen trees creates a lush and rugged mountainside. The road follows the Skykomish River and once you crest the top of Steven’s Pass, you meet up with the Wenatchee River. Both rivers have anadromous fish runs. For those who do not fish, anadromous fish are sea run fish who migrate up fresh water rivers to spawn. These rivers are also well known for kayaking and tubing. The beauty of the mountains is exquisite be it summer or winter.
We have had the honor of staying at the Sleeping Lady Resort in the summer and we loved it. This is how we knew to book a room for Christmas. The Sleeping Lady Resort is a retreat and conference center which is open year round. There are a variety of cabins available.
Rooms
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| Such a cozy hide-away bed! |
During the summer, we stayed in a lovely room which had a queen bed and also had a hidden little alcove bed. This configuration accommodates three-four people quite well.
For Christmas, we were so lucky to have our oldest son, Josh, come home from the east coast to celebrate Christmas with. In addition, we wanted to bring our favorite puppy, Miss Jasmine, as well. So, we selected a canine companion room.
Sustainability
The cabins are beautiful and offer the opportunity to be one with nature while still living in comfortable and beautiful accommodations. Sleeping Lady is well known for being a green resort as it once was the site of the Civilian Conservation Corps, known as Camp Icicle during the 1930s and 1940s. With this in mind, they have created an environmentally friendly resort. They boast the 28,800 liner feet of Trex decking made from recycled plastic bags and wood scraps. They are heated and cooled by a geo-exchange system made up of underground tubes. There is an organic garden which provides food for the kitchen and then composts the organic kitchen waste.
Kingfisher Restaurant and Wine Bar
As we said, the organic garden provides the fresh ingredients that are used for meals at the Kingfisher restaurant. They provide breakfast and dinner daily which are included in your stay. Although the meals are served buffet style, the meals are NOT institutional in style. The restaurant is warm, inviting, and of a gourmet nature. Only fresh and sustainable ingredients are used - they are committed to sourcing their seafood so that it minimizes the damage to the ocean and freshwater environments.
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| We were entranced by the fire |
Art Installations
We rejoice in the art installations found on site at the Sleeping Lady Resort. There are a variety of fish statues which include salmon, steelhead, and trout. They line icicle creek and are intriguing during summer and winter seasons.
In addition to the fish by the creek, one can see other artistic versions of wildlife on site.
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| A snow owl protecting the organic garden |
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| The wolves guard the entrance |
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| Fish catches a fisherman! |
Chihuly Glass Installation
One of the most amazing visual feasts is the Glass Instillation that was commissioned by Sleeping Lady from Dale Chihuly. Once again, it doesn't matter which season you see this glass work as it thrills the senses regardless of season.
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| The summer sun catches the light in the glass & is dazzling! |
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| The glass appears to be real ice! |
Icicle Creek Music Festival
In the summer, Sleeping Lady is the home of the Icicle Creek Music Festival. The festival hosts outstanding music students who learn and grow in a professional setting. Their mission is dedicated to "celebrating excellence in the lively arts and inspiring generations of students, artists, and audiences through exceptional educational experiences, live performances, and special events - all in the breathtaking, natural setting of the mountain meadows."
The Grounds
The Sleeping Lady consists of many individual and group cabins, a library, exercise studio, game room, outdoor rock swimming pool, hot tub, and dining hall. There is a lovely reception room and a movie theatre.
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| Entrance to the property |
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| One of the many styles of cabins |
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| Christmas Dinner |
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| The library has a piano |
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| There are many books from which to choose! |
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| Just relaxing! |
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| The grotto features cocktails and snacks |
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| The rock pool offers a natural setting in which to cool off |
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| Outdoor dining in the summer! |
If you are looking for a rustic, yet luxurious, get-away, the Sleeping Lady Resort is for you! The price is quite reasonable especially when you consider that a gourmet breakfast and dinner are included. We can't wait to book our next stay.
Music Pairing
We are featuring a live performance from Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival. You will hear The Flower Duet from the Opera, Lakme by Delibes. It will be performed by the Modern Mandolin Quartet. Imagine hearing them live as you stay at the beautiful resort!
