In festival season, the hills around Leavenworth are alive with the sound of polka music. Photo courtesy Shane Wilder.

In This Feature:

Bavarian Leavenworth Is a Self-Care Sanctuary, Too

A quiet soaking enclave opens amid the hustle of the Cascades’ biggest party spot.

From general vibes to must-sees, small towns in a nutshell.

And glass-bottomed kayaks oblige.

Ranked in order of creepiness, for your thrill-seeking needs.

On the shores of Penn Cove, farm life and a cinematic village beckon.

On the banks of the Columbia River, old meets new.

Canadian snow playground Rossland channels old-school ski vibes.

The postcard-perfect town offers the ideal ramble through cool old stuff.