Abendblume Pension

The town of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains is home to a true Bavarian Village that, season after season, continues to draw Mardi and me back. Each excursion fills our files (and hearts) with stories to tell and a recent find to share. Abendblume Pension is one of the rarest finds of all.

Located in an open area to appreciate the serenity of the mountains, but still close to all the town has to offer, this award-winning old world Bavarian inn is authentic in architecture and service alike.

Designed, and largely built by proprietors Randy and Renee Sexauer (whose travels throughout Austria inspired the inn's design), Abendblume sits on the very land where Renee was raised. Its handmade lobby doors and immense wood pillars set the stage for the spectacular architecture inside.

Beyond the doors, you'll find old world archways, carved wood walls and ceilings, plus hand forged iron stair railings on the elegant curved stairway. A loving tribute to the Austrian chalet, Abendblume (meaning Evening Flowering) is as romantic as it is luxurious.

Every Room Tells its Own Story

The inn's seven rooms are namesakes for nature (from Rosengarten to Tannenbaum) and fairy tales (including Snow White). No two are alike, but all are spacious with an accent on comfort and privacy.

Each room (or suite) is a retreat into a distant time and place. Warm wood windows with window seats offer a prime spot to relax with a good book or to pen a postcard. All rooms have private baths and showers (some with heated tile floors) and most offer a Whirlpool tub and a fireplace (electric, gas or wood burning).

Whether you choose a room with French Doors opening to a terrace, or one with a private balcony overlooking the pond and mountains, you'll be pampered in luxury with fine ironed linens, European down comforters, and duvets.

Breakfast is the Main Event

There is no better way to begin your day than with fruhstuck served in the traditional Austrian breakfast room. This full spread of fresh fruits, meats, and cheeses is prepared every morning along with a delicious homemade granola and muesli.

But the highlight is their famous Aebleskivers (Danish pancakes) topped with homemade apple syrup. French press coffee and teas are served right at your table.

A Four Season Destination

In summer, Mardi and I enjoy the town's stage production under the stars in the amphitheater. Fall offers Octoberfest, and winter ushers in the Tree Lighting Festival. Shopping goes year-round. For the more active set, there's golfing, river rafting, skiing, dog sledding and more.

For every season, a romantic ending for your day back at Abendblume is a soothing in-room massage and the Chateaubriand dinner for two served in the privacy of your candlelit room.

Before You Go

For a truly romantic way to begin your stay, call in advance to have a cheese basket or luxurious monogrammed robes (100% Egyptian cotton, of course) waiting in your room when you arrive (additional charge applies). It's the best way to understand the meaning of Abendblume's mantra of wir verwahnen sie...meaning "we spoil you".

We come back to the Abendblume each fall to experience the best fall color displays in the surrounding mountains.