Leavenworth: Washington State's Bavarian Village

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: people like Fodor's, who think they can make a good travel video, should take a lesson from this local production group. In this, the third outing from director Nancy Wright, the little town of Leavenworth (pop. 1500) is brought to glorious color, with it's Bavarian Village life: wrought-iron signs, small window panes, Hummel's, German nutcrackers, wooden toys, and, of course, beer and accordions. A railroad boomtown in 1893, Leavenworth was left high, dry, and penniless in 1922 when the railroad pulled out. The citizens responded by creating a tourist wonderland built around an Alpine theme. Cameras visit the Mayfest, the Autumn Lent festival, the Art in the Park exhibition, and snow-covered streets beautifully lit with Christmas lights. And for music aficionados, in addition to the accordion, there's a marvelous aural experience with the 14-member volunteer Marlin Handbell Ringers. Pacing, visuals, and script are superb. Highly recommended. (Available from: Visual Presentations, Inc., 2326 Sixth Ave., Suite 230, Seattle, 98121).