Neighborhood: Leavenworth, Wash.

Have a hankering for Wiener schnitzel? Has it been too long since you wore your lederhosen? If so, head for Leavenworth, Wash., which a half century ago transformed itself into a charming
Bavarian village with gingerbread architecture and boisterous rathskellers. Area code is 509.

• Andreas Keller Cream of weinkraut soup, knockwurst, rinds-wurst, weisswurst, and bratwurst—it’s all here, often accompanied by sing-alongs, in this subterranean German restaurant. Chef Anita Hamilton learned to cook in a German convent. 829 Front St., 548-6000, andreaskellerrestaurant.com [3].
• Enzian Inn Rob Johnson, the über-Bavarian owner of Enzian, begins most days by playing a 10-foot alpenhorn at breakfast while dressed in lederhosen. Goats graze next to the 18-hole putting course, and at night a pianist plays in the lobby. 590 Hwy. 2, 548-5269, enzianinn.com [4].
• Gingerbread Factory Set in a small, gabled Hansel-and-Gretel house, this tiny café and bakery is renowned for its molasses gingersnaps. 828 Commercial St., 548-6592, gingerbreadfactory.com [5].
• Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum Since the 1970s, Arlene Wagner, aka the Nutcracker Lady, has scoured the globe for nutcrackers. More than 6,000 of her finds are displayed here, including a Roman model dating from the time of Christ. 735 Front St., 548-4573, nutcrackermuseum.com [6].

Photography courtesy of Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce [7]

This article was first published in May 2012. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.