Frankenmuth Michigan
Friday, May 8th, 2009
Frankenmuth, Michigan has been dubbed “Little Bavaria” for it’s old world charm, German infused atmosphere and style. By anyone’s standards this is a small community and tourism is one of their mainstays. Frankenmuth is less than 20 minutes from where I live, but once there it’s like a whole different world.
Frankenmuth is also home of Zehnder’s well known for it’s chicken dinners. Zehnders also provides hours of fun with Splash Village Hotel and Water park Resort. It has 150 rooms including 69 suites. The main attraction is it’s 30,000 square-foot indoor water park. If you’re a guest at the hotel, water park admission is free. The young and the young at heart will love the two four-story tube slides – Giggling Gorge and Perilous Plunge. Plus the Splash Landing Play Area which is an interactive water playground with a 400-gallon dumping bucket. If this sounds like a bit much for the really wee ones, Splash Village has them covered also. Dragon Fly Pond has a toddler activity pool called Wee Folk Springs. Once you’ve had enough of the water check out the hotel’s gift shop, restaurant and arcade. To find out more about Zehnder‘s check them out at www.zehnders.com
Frankenmuth River Place
Who wouldn’t enjoy an outing that includes 36 shops and some high tech attractions? Counted in those shops you’ll find clothing and craft shops and of course food and drink. The kids will love the Ultimate Maze. It has over 2000 square feet of mirrors, endless hallways and to the frustration of many, dead ends. The challenge is to get lost, and then find your way out. Who knows it could be fun! Then there’s the Vault Laser Beam Challenge. Kinda makes you feel like Catherine Zeta Jones in the movie Entrapment. How about a riverboat ride? The Bavarian Belle cruises along the Cass River from May to October. It‘s ramped and handicap- accessible. Go to:
http://www.frankenmuthriverplace.com for more details.
A discussion about Frankenmuth would be incomplete without the inclusion of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. The largest year round Christmas shop in the world. Even in the sweltering heat you feel like it’s Christmas. Bronner’s was founded in 1945 and is open 361 days of the year. It features over 50,000 ornaments and gifts. Your first visit inside this mammoth Christmas shop is often overwhelming. As far as the eye can see it’s Christmas and tons of it. Most every country and hobby is represented. The significance of the season is not lost amongst the tinsel and glitter. Inside the Silent Night Memorial Chapel is open for daily viewing and meditation. Bronner’s also supplies commerical decorations. During the holiday season the town is absolutely breathtaking. If your family includes holiday photos with Christmas cards this would be an awesome place to take your pictures. If you can’t visit Bronner’s in person please visit them on the web, www.bronners.com
