Leavenworth will always have a special place in my heart. My family visited throughout my childhood during the summer and also in the winter when the Bavarian-style village transforms into a festive holiday destination. As a kid, this was absolutely delightful. It’s no surprise that over the years, word has gotten out and it’s a popular destination for Seattleites and other tourists all year long.

In the summer, there’s hiking, climbing, rafting, and floating down the river. In the winter, there’s Leavenworth Ski Hill in town and Stevens Pass for skiing and snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails nearby. Window shopping, wine tasting, and visiting Lake Wenatchee can be enjoyed year round.

I’ve stopped by O’Grady’s for coffee or a beverage and snack on the way out from a day hike. I have never gone further down this road to the Sleeping Lady Resort, so I was excited for this trip. The property is expansive, spanning over 65 acres. We booked two nights in the middle of the week and if that’s possible for you, I’d highly recommend doing that. Of course, not everyone is able to swing that and while weekends are busier, everyone visiting has their own itinerary and it doesn’t feel too crowded (except in the downtown parking lots and on the Colchuck Lake trail).

Sleeping Lady has 58 guest rooms that are arranged in clusters with private rooms. There are several types of rooms available depending on the number of people in your party. We stayed in a Double Alcove which has one queen-sized bed and two twin-sized beds in alcoves. We spent time lounging and reading on the alcove beds, which had windows on either side, including one that opened for a nice breeze in the evening. There was a small refrigerator for us to store waters and drinks and some sandwich ingredients. The rooms have AC, which is clutch in the summer, as the temperature can rise to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

The resort is dog-friendly so we brought our pup! This is always such a treat. We try to find places that accommodate dogs, but that isn’t always possible, so we were pleased to know they are welcomed!

We ate at O’Grady’s for breakfast and savored housemade doughnuts, a breakfast plate, and coffee on their outdoor patio, basking in the sun. Looking for the summer we haven’t gotten in Seattle? Head east! We ventured downtown for dinners, and loved Yodelin for noodle and grain bowls. I can never pass through Leavenworth without getting an order or two of curly fries from Heidleburger.

Keep in mind some hiking trails in the area do not allow dogs (Alpine Lakes Wilderness trails like Colchuck Lake and Eight Mile), but there are still plenty of trails to explore including Icicle Ridge, a 5 minute drive from Sleeping Lady, or the Waterfront Park (access from downtown, about 10 minutes away) that runs along the river and has tranquil walking & biking trails, plus picnic & play areas. Lake Wenatchee is about a 25-30 minute drive away and is beautiful for walking around or catching sunset.

There’s so much to explore on the property itself and we did daily walks with the pup to sit in the meadow overlooking the river, and watching wildlife wander onto the property (we saw a deer!). There is also a play room with games, a library for reading, outdoor space overlooking the river, and a pool and hot tub with magnificent views. We had such a relaxing visit and can’t wait to return later this summer or in the fall.

Traveling with purpose

A significant feature that sets this resort apart is that in 2019, the founder and philanthropist Harriett Bullitt gifted 100% of her ownership of Sleeping Lady Resort to the Icicle Fund. This fund is a non-profit dedicated to assisting environmental, arts-based, and culturally focused organizations throughout North Central Washington. By giving the resort to the fund, it will continue to support this fund by way of the proceeds—every time a guest visits the spa, enjoys a meal, or stays at the resort, they are giving back.

Since its inception in 1999, the Icicle Fund has invested more than $40 Million in over 100 organizations. Results have included access to the arts for kids and adults, increases in wildfire preparedness, expanded hiking trails, purchasing and gifting land back to a Native American tribe, and more.

Book your stay at Sleeping Lady here.