Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is well known for Bavarian charm. It's nickname is "Michigan's Little Bavaria." There are many unique shops and the buildings have a Bavarian architecture. We are actually here when they are having Oktober Fest so it's pretty crowded in town and in the campground. Beer drinking really isn't our thing so we are just going to go around and enjoy the other things the area has to offer.

River Place holds shops and other attractions - I found a shop that was called the Popcorn Wagon - they had over 40 flavors of freshly popped popcorn! I am in popcorn heaven:)

Frankenmuth Clock Company is an authentic German Clock Shop - lots of cuckoos!
http://www.frankenmuthclock.com

The "Holzbrucke (Wooden Covered Bridge) is a beautiful sight.

One store that was surprising to tour was called Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland they say they are the world's largest Christmas store. The size of 1 1/2 football fields! There is a replica of the Silent Night Memorial Chapel that was built in 1992. "The original Silent Night Chapel is in Oberndorf, Austria and was built on the site of St. Nicholas Church where "Silent Night" was first sung with guitar on Christmas Eve in 1818." (Franz Gruber wrote Silent Night). http://www.bronners.com
I should also mention in the area there is the Frankenmuth Brewery - we tried to bring home beer for everyone but it was not pasteurized (in other words it would spoil) so you are all out of luck:) There are two wine tasting places - we went to one and yes we bought a few bottles - I doubt they will make it back to Florida:) http://www.frankenmuthbrewery.com
A restaurant that was very interesting is called Zehnder's of Frankenmuth. It is said to be the largest family restaurant featuring world famous family-style chicken dinners. I believe they say they can seat 1,500 people. http://www.zehnders.com Other tasty treat could be found in the way of bake goods, cheese and sausage factories.
FYI - Frankenmuth is 1252 miles from Orlando!