Ready for a little weekend escape?
My husband and I are both self-employed. He leads a start-up church and I run a blog, so we spend a lot of time working from home together. While that life is a blessing in many ways, it can blur the boundary between work and home. That overlap creates stress and fatigue, so we realized we needed to be intentional about taking breaks.
We decided to schedule regular getaways, just the two of us. No dogs, no chores, no errands, no work messages—just space for conversation, rest and fun. Living where we do means we don’t have to travel far to find beautiful places. A quick drive usually leads to scenic views and a change of pace.
Over the past few years we’ve taken several short trips together. We made a longer trip to New York, and closer to home we’ve visited San Juan Island, Friday Harbor, Port Gamble and Port Townsend. Most recently we escaped to Leavenworth, Washington, a charming Bavarian-style village tucked into the Cascade Mountains.
We’d wanted to visit Leavenworth for years, so this spring we decided to go on a whim. I booked a room from my phone at a Bed & Breakfast called Abendblume and we drove into the mountains. I was surprised by how much snow remained up high, but the roads were fine and the scenery was spectacular.
From our windows we saw snow-capped peaks and farm animals grazing in nearby fields—horses, donkeys and chickens. It felt like stepping into a postcard. Abendblume was more charming than I expected. Handcrafted details were everywhere, from carved doors to custom furniture, giving the place an authentic, cozy European feel.
The inn also showcased small creative touches, like painted craft sticks hanging from an old ladder that gave the common spaces personality. The dining room was warm and inviting, filled with handcrafted furniture and soft lighting. Breakfast each morning was exceptional—so inspiring that I tried to recreate one of the dishes at home.
Our room was delightful, featuring a four-poster bed and a private fireplace. It felt indulgent to relax there without the usual responsibilities waiting at home. The living room provided a perfect nook for reading and unwinding, and every corner of the inn invited lingering conversation.
We spent a sunny day in town walking the streets, browsing shops, sipping coffee and simply enjoying the relaxed pace. For dinner we shared a hearty German meal, soaking up the Bavarian atmosphere. The town itself is cozy and picturesque, with photo-worthy corners around every turn.
Below are a few more images from our trip that capture the charm of the inn and the town. The mountain drive to and from Leavenworth was breathtaking—so much so that our photos only hint at the real views. Still, they remind us how restorative a short trip can be.
We left Leavenworth feeling refreshed and already wishing we could stay longer. That urge confirmed how valuable these mini getaways are for us. They restore perspective, deepen connection and make everyday life feel more manageable when we return home.
If you enjoy weekend getaways, consider picking a nearby town you haven’t explored and booking a cozy B&B for a night or two. Even a short escape can recharge you and remind you why time away matters. We’ll be planning more of these little adventures—just the two of us—so we can keep a healthier balance between work and home.
Do you enjoy weekend getaways?
What are some of your favorite places to go? Give me ideas, near or far!