The Minis take Michigan - 2023 Michigan Road Trip Day Three: Frankenmuth and Sunflowers
August 21
What a lovely day we had! We packed up to leave the KOA in Ypsilanti, and put a bit of water in our fresh tank because we were heading for a Harvest Host and wouldn’t have hookups.
We didn’t drive far today, because we knew we wanted to spend time exploring the town of Frankenmuth, known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
At the south end of town was our first destination: Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. And was it ever! We’ve watched videos on YouTube about how crowded it can be closer to Christmas. Today it was pretty pleasant.
They must have a billion ornaments, and other Christmas decor. I saw an 8-foot polar bear! The ornaments are organized by theme: travel, professions, farm, rock-and-roll, first Christmas (baby, home, married), and of course all the Christmas movie themes.
Bronner’s has a large selection of stockings that they will embroider on the spot. There is also a variety of ornaments that they will also personalize. The wait times weren’t too bad when we were there but I’ll bet it gets to be a long wait as the holidays approach.
We chose an ornament, and I found a Santa gnome, or Tomten. And of course, she smashed a penny!
Then we drove into town and found a big parking lot. Those things are important when two travel trailers are traveling together!
Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, Michigan is a beautiful town with beautiful, old-world architecture. In August, there are flowers blooming everywhere! We enjoyed the beautiful main street while we looked for where we should eat. There are, of course, many choices! We chose The Bavarian Inn so we could try their German fare.
Tony got a 4-beer flight, and we ordered a soft pretzel. Then we ordered combo plates for lunch. Tony and I shared; Bill had leftovers for his dinner! The plate included schnitzel, sauerbraten, and fried chicken with potato and cheese puffs, and a side of sauerkraut. Everything was very tasty!
When we were full, we walked up the street to take in the sights. We hadn’t got far when we found Frankenmuth Brewery! We didn’t need to drink any more beer, but we did stop in and bought some six-packs for later.
The amount of flowers blooming all over town was so beautiful.
We didn’t eat any fudge in Frankenmuth. We are saving ourselves for Mackinac Island! We did, however, stop at N’Orlins Cafe. Tony and I got coffee (au lait for me!); Bill got beignets that he shared with us. They are heart-shaped! And fried dough with powdered sugar is always a treat.
Back on the Road
Sufficiently caffeinated and sugared, we headed back to the vehicles. Zappo had a pit stop and we decided the rest of our route. And off we headed, to our first Harvest Host of the trip.
Leaman’s Green Applebarn
Our Harvest Host for the night was Leaman’s Green Applebarn. We arrived around 4:30. Parking was a breeze. We chose the side without trees so our Starling wouldn’t struggle. We set up, shopped in the apple barn store, and wandered the farm watching the feinting goats and the chickens. We wandered through the sunflower fields and took loads of photos!
In the morning, we will get fresh apple cider donuts for breakfast! Again, fried dough and sugar. YUM.
