Ready for a little weekend escape?
My husband and I are both self-employed—he leads a start-up church and I run my blog—so we spend most of our days working from home, juggling family life, pets, and projects. That sounds idyllic in many ways, and it truly is a blessing, but when work and home life blend together it can create its own stress and fatigue.
A while back we realized how important it is to schedule regular getaways just for the two of us. No dogs, no chores, no work emails, no errands—just time to relax, reconnect, and enjoy one another’s company.
Luckily we live in a scenic part of the country, so we often don’t have to travel far to feel removed from daily demands. Nearby escapes offer beautiful scenery and simple adventures that recharge us.
We’ve taken a few overnight trips over the past couple of years. For a longer adventure we went to New York, and closer to home we’ve visited San Juan Island and Friday Harbor, Port Gamble and Port Townsend. Most recently we escaped to Leavenworth, Washington—an adorable Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains.
We’d wanted to visit Leavenworth for years and finally decided on a spontaneous spring trip. I booked a cozy bed & breakfast, Abendblume, from my phone and we drove into the mountains. I was surprised to find so much snow still up there, but the roads were fine and the views were wonderful.
From our windows we enjoyed idyllic scenes of snow-capped peaks and farm animals grazing nearby—chickens, horses and donkeys. It felt like a storybook setting.
The Abendblume was even more charming in person than I expected, full of handcrafted details from doors to furniture. It truly felt like staying in a cozy inn in Bavaria or the Alps, with warm touches and thoughtful decor throughout.
There were creative DIY touches sprinkled around the inn, like dipped paint sticks hung from an old ladder—small details that made the place feel personal and welcoming.
The dining room was adorable, with handcrafted furniture and cozy ambience. Breakfasts were outstanding—so good that I came home inspired to recreate the dish. (I later shared a similar brunch recipe.)
A snug living room offered a perfect spot to curl up with a book and truly unwind away from everyday responsibilities.
Our room featured a beautiful four-poster bed and a private fireplace—simple luxuries that made our stay feel special. The decorating was charming throughout, and every cozy nook invited relaxation.
The town itself was delightful. We spent our day wandering the streets, browsing shops, sipping coffee, reading, and sharing a delicious German dinner. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere felt blissful.
The drive to and from Leavenworth through the mountains was breathtaking. The scenery was so beautiful that photos barely capture it.
We left feeling refreshed and wishing we could have stayed another day or two. The trip reminded us how valuable these short getaways are for our relationship and our well-being. We’ll be planning more mini escapes—just the two of us—so we can keep that balance between work and life.
The breakfast at Abendblume was so memorable I recreated a similar recipe at home. I’d happily return to Abendblume any time—if only for breakfast!
Do you enjoy weekend getaways?
What are some of your favorite places to go? Give me ideas, near or far!