Travel Around the World in Frankenmuth
Have your travel plans changed and now you're unable to take a big cross country trip, or perhaps cross continents? You don’t have to cross the big pond to feel like you’re in another country. Here’s how you can get a taste of traveling abroad right here in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Come with us as we travel the world (or just around town) and take you to places where you can feast on different cuisines, shop among authentic imported products, and experience cultural traditions from around the world.
Let’s start our trip by going to Europe.
Being known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” is something we take seriously, so it’s only appropriate that we start our trip in Europe by visiting Germany. As you walk the streets, you’ll notice Bavarian architecture all around you. As you shop in our stores or dine with us, you’ll experience traditional hospitality that goes back to our German roots. From gathering around the table, family-style, at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant or Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth to indulging in homemade German sweets from their bakeries, we believe it is important to enjoy these simple moments of life.
At Kern’s Sausage and Willi’s Sausage Company, you will find a vast selection of authentic German meats, sausages, and other delicious delights. These are the perfect places to pick up some of that German food you love to take home with you!
The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon, a beautiful figurine movement and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany! Before striking the hour, and on each quarter hour, the clock sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime. At Noon, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm each day the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel plays several selections which are immediately followed by figurine movement depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln.
The next European country we are heading to is Ireland.
At Funky Skunk, in River Place Shops, you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported from Germany right into Ireland! From the Irish music playing to the green you see everywhere, you will start to feel a little Irish. Funky Skunk features a vast selection of Irish themed merchandise including authentic imported wool sweaters and hats, jewelry, gifts. It is also home to Michigan’s largest selection of Guinness merchandise.
Once we collect our bags in Ireland (shopping bags that is), let’s head over to France!
La Crepe Du Jour, also located in the River Place Shops, provides a taste of Paris in Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Choose from over 25 varieties of crepes - both sweet and savory! One bite of these homemade crepes and you’ll feel like you're sitting at a street side café looking over at the Eiffel Tower!
For more European flavors, let's head to the North end of town.
At daVinci’s Italian Restaurant we can enjoy a taste of Italy! For more than 40 years, this family restaurant has been serving authentic Italian Cuisine to residents and visitors alike. And over at The Station 100, we can taste the flavors of Switzerland and other European countries, as their chefs provide a fine dining experience we won’t forget.
Before we leave Europe, we're stopping by Austria for one more experience.
The Silent Night Chapel, located at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, is a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf/Salzburg, Austria, which marks the site where “Silent Night” was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818. This 56-foot tall landmark is free to enter and view.
Get your passport ready again, this time we’re leaving Europe and heading over to Asia!
Looking for some Chinese or Japanese cuisine? Here in Frankenmuth, we have both! An order from Wang’s Bistro will give you a taste of authentic Asian cuisine. From egg rolls, fried rice, sushi, and hibachi - you’re sure to find something you like!
Time to pack our bags again… Let’s head back to North America.
Our first stop is Mexico! At Poblano’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, you’ll feel like you’re settling into a little street café. The multi-colored lights strung from the tin ceiling, the colorful painted walls, and the Latin music playing in the background, sets the scene for your delicious meal to come. No matter what you order, every meal starts with an endless helping of chips and salsa. From the loaded burritos to classic street tacos, you’re sure to fill up in no time. Don’t forget to grab a massive 55oz Margarita or the bucket of beers!
Now is the perfect time to round off this meal with dessert!
Let’s head over to Louisiana – New Orleans to be exact. Or in this case, the River Place Shops to N’Orlins Beignets and Coffee. This tasty sweet treat is a staple in the culture of New Orleans. And when it’s shaped like a heart and covered with powdered sugar… what’s not to love? It’s the perfect sweet treat to cap off our travels from around the world. But the most important question is, what do you dip your beignet in? Chocolate? Strawberry? Enjoy it plain? That’s for you to decide!
Time to pack our bag one more time...we’re heading back to Michigan!
Although we never technically left, let’s visit a few places that remind us just how lucky we are to be in such a beautiful place. The Michigan Shoppe and Amazin’ Mitten both carry a great selection of Michigan products, from candles that smell like your favorite Faygo pop to Michigan artwork, jewelry, and home decor! These products made by local artists will make an excellent gift for a loved one or souvenir for yourself.
Our final stop is at the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus to watch the Figurinespiel.
This story about the “World of Cheese” features five children and their pets from around the world, sharing their stories about their countries and some fun facts about the cheeses produced there!
It’s not hard to experience a variety of tastes and cultures while visiting Frankenmuth. Whether you are looking to plan your next exciting adventure around the world or just looking forward to planning your next weekend getaway...
Frankenmuth is a place where you can travel to escape the everyday hustle and bustle, a place to experience new cultures, and a place where memories are made.
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