Start your tour of the Bavarian Village in the heart of town, on Front Street, where there’s plenty of on-street parking. Shops, restaurants, taverns, and hotels are squeezed side by side, all beautifully decorated with carved wood, flower boxes, and murals—even the automated teller machine is surrounded by a painted alpine scene.

Front Street Park (sandwiched between Hwy. 2 and the shops of Front St.) is a relaxing, sunny spot for a picnic lunch or break in the central gazebo. It’s also the place to see street dances, art exhibits, and other public events, or to stop at the public restrooms. Across Highway 2 is the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, and the city hall/library building.

Waterfront Park (8th St. and Commercial St.) on the cottonwood-shaded banks of the Wenatchee River, has walkways over and around the river, benches for a respite from shopping, and views of the peaks surrounding Icicle Canyon. You can cross-country ski from here to the golf course during the winter.