Bavarian Inn Lodge official heads statewide meeting professionals organization

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – June 30, 2014 – Bethany Curtis, director of sales at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center, has been named 2014 president of the Michigan Chapter – Meeting Professionals International (MMPI).

And just recently, Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine also honored Curtis as its “Supplier of the Year” for her work in promoting business travel and tourism in the Great Lakes State. Last year, Curtis was presented with the MMPI President’s award for assisting the chapter president in making sound decisions for the chapter, as well as having a great knowledge of its working budget and strategic planning.

Curtis has been affiliated with the Bavarian Inn for 15 years.

“We’re proud to have Bethany as a part of the Bavarian Inn family for the energy and experience she brings to our group sales activities,” said Judy Zehnder Keller, third generation owner, as well as founder and president of the Lodge. “In this new leadership role at MMPI, Bethany will serve as a great statewide ambassador for Michigan’s hospitality industry.”

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist attraction – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. Their expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 28 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®..

About the Michigan Chapter – Meeting Professionals International: Meeting Professionals International’s vision is to build a rich global meeting industry community making its members successful in building human connections to: Knowledge, Ideas, Relationships and Marketplaces. MPI is committed to delivering success for its 22,000 worldwide members by providing innovative professional development, generating industry awareness and creating business development opportunities. The MPI Michigan Chapter supports that vision and provides professional development and networking opportunities for meeting professionals in the state of Michigan. The Michigan Chapter was founded in 1979 and currently serves over 300 meeting professionals throughout the state. For more information, please visit http://www.mmpi.org

Double Down: Bavarian Inn Lodge, Restaurant
Win Two ‘Best Of’ Awards

Lodge Sales Chief Named ‘Supplier of the Year’

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – May 30, 2014 – Readers of Michigan Meetings + Events magazine have chosen the Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant their favorites in two major categories at the publication’s ninth annual “Readers Choice Best Of Awards” program, held yesterday in Detroit.

Magazine readers, consisting of convention and meeting planners, suppliers, and tourism industry leaders chose the Bavarian Inn Restaurant as “Best Restaurant with Private Dining Space.”

Michigan Meetings + Events also honored Bethany Curtis, Bavarian Inn Lodge Director of Sales, as its “Supplier of the Year” for her work in promoting meetings and conferences in the Great Lakes State.

“Receiving two major awards for the lodge and restaurant is a tribute to the dedication and hard work among our family members and our entire culinary and hospitality team to provide the finest service, food, and amenities to our guests,” said Judy Zehnder Keller, third generation owner, as well as founder and president of the Lodge. Finalists in this year’s award program represented top-rated restaurants and resorts from across Michigan.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge was among three finalists for the category of “Best Service,” as well as for “Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space  – More than 200 Rooms.”

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge: The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two waterslides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year-round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 28 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

About the Bavarian Inn Restaurant: Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn.
Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com

Hot air balloons over Frankenmuth Memorial Day weekend

Bavarian Inn Lodge, Gordon Food Service Host ‘Balloons over Bavaria’ Championships

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. May 7, 2014 – Thirty of the most experienced hot air balloon pilots in the nation will float over the Frankenmuth skies at “Balloons over Bavaria,” the seventh annual  hot air balloon event hosted on Memorial Day weekend, May 23 -26, 2014.

Balloonists will compete and fly for accuracy in flight tasks and hitting targets, on the ground, in six flight attempts over the weekend. The free event is sponsored by the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn and Gordon Food Service, along with with many other supporters.

“The competing pilots are from three surrounding states and are from as far away as Iowa. Ten of these pilots rank in the top 100 in North America,” states Jim Engel, chief operating officer, Bavarian Inn Lodge and event chairman. Engel is working with key leaders who have hosted national  and world hot air balloon championships to orchestrate the competition over and around Frankenmuth.

Pilots from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan will compete to win the competition.  Six flight attempts will occurr at approximately 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET from Friday evening through Monday morning.  A number of new balloons will be joining in this year, so spectators can look forward to new sights and colors flying and glowing at this year’s event.

Held in conjunction with Dog Bowl 2014, the balloon championship features an elite group of 30 balloon teams, assembled by a core team of balloon pilots and local planners. Derrick Jones, competition director for Balloons Over Bavaria states, “The Frankenmuth balloon events have become one of the favored Midwest balloon events because of the family friendly aspect of Frankenmuth; the unique architecture to fly over, and the tie-in with the Dog Bowl Olympic events and the Tour De Frankenmuth cycling events.”

In addition to viewing the balloon competition, visitors will experience the Balloon Glow Village on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at River Place Field, giving them an opportunity to walk under and amongst 15 tethered hot air balloons that glow and flicker in the evening sky. This free event allows spectators to meet the pilots, get autographs and even take pictures with their children in / or next to the pilot and his basket.

A highlight of the event is the free fireworks display on Sunday, May 25 at approximately 9:45 p.m. Bring the entire family to see hot air balloons glowing under a shower of patriotic fireworks, with a special salute to military service personnel.

Piloting hot air balloons is a growing sport that is sophisticated and technical. The use of websites to track wind speeds and directions for every thousand foot level combined with the use of GPS technology allows pilots to better target their destination. This brings an unparalleled precision to the sport. During the morning and evening flights, the pilots will navigate their balloon to certain targets, placed and assigned to them by the officials.

Experience balloon Launches and flyovers at River Place field each morning and evening of Memorial Day Weekend.  See a complete schedule for the Balloons Over Bavaria  Balloon Championships at www.dogfunfest.com/balloons/.   Follow the action on Facebook by liking “Balloons Over Bavaria” & Frankenmuth Hot Air Balloon Glow Village.  Twitter Updates @BalloonsInMuth. Admission to balloon events is free.
About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist attraction – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. Their expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 28 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

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May’s a merry month for ‘Dog Bowl 2014,’ ‘Balloons over Bavaria

River Place Shops ‘going to the dogs,’ 30 pilots going ‘up, up, and away’

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. April 25, 2014 – Memorial Day weekend in Michigan’s number one tourist destination promises to be exciting as two annual events – Dog Bowl 2014 at the River Place Shops May 24 and 25, and the 7th Annual “Balloons over Bavaria’ competition May 23-26 – return to Frankenmuth.

Dog Bowl 2014, an Olympic-style event with more than 20 contests to test pups’ athletic prowess, attracts dogs and their owners from across the country. Friends, family and especially the dogs themselves are sure to have a great time as participants or spectators at this fun-filled free event. Learn more by visiting www.dogbowlfun.com .

The “Balloons over Bavaria” weekend will host 30 of the nation’s most experienced hot air balloon pilots, who will test their flying, landing, and target skills over six flight attempts over the weekend, and will display their colorful aircrafts in the Balloon Glow Village each evening. The event will conclude Sunday evening with a spectacular fireworks display. Also a free event, “Balloons over Bavaria” is sponsored by the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn and Gordon Food Service, together with many other area supporters. See a complete schedule for the “Balloons over Bavaria” Balloon Championships at www.bavarianinn.com/play/dog-bowl-and-hot-air-balloon-championship .

About the Bavarian Inn (bavarianinn.com):
The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist attraction – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. Their expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 28 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William “Tiny” Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn.

 

 

Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts and More Delight Moms, Guests
At Annual Bavarian Inn Lodge Mother’s Day Buffet

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. April 24, 2014 – From an array of appetizers and salads, through a tasty trail of entrees and desserts, there’s plenty to please moms and their families at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge annual Mother’s Day Buffet on Sunday, May, 11, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This year’s menu features 11 types of appetizers, together with brunch entrees, and traditional main course favorites such as Famous Frankenmuth® chicken, champagne chicken, carved roast beef, and carved smoked pork loin in the Bavarian Kassler Rippchen style. In addition, guests may choose from a generous variety of Bavarian Inn Lodge desserts, including Bavarian torte and cherry strudel.

And, moms and guests will be sure to enjoy the live dining room entertainment, making this Mother’s Day event even more festive.

Cost is $21 for adults, $9.95 for children 9-12, $8.25 for children 5-8, and children under four dine free. (Sales tax and 15% gratuity are added to check.) Reservations are required and may be made by calling 1-888-775-6343. See the complete menu at http://bavarianinn.com/dine/holiday-dining/

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist attraction – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. Their expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 28 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

 

Bavarian Inn Award Winning Chefs Are Secret Weapons

Frankenmuth, Mich. April 14, 2013 –The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge are known for serving the kind of good food and providing experiences that keep bringing guests back for more. It was recently revealed that behind the quality of their cuisine and service is a powerful dose of culinary talent.

Twenty-three-year-old Bavarian Inn Sous Chef Tyler Stark just received a Silver award from the Flint/Saginaw Valley Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) for his Boeuf Pota la Gasconne entry (see photo) in the Zehnder’s Snowfest Hot Food Competition. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management at Northwood University, Stark already has an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Mott Community College.

Bavarian Inn Lodge Purchasing Manager Mark Brooks was named 2013 Chef of the Year by the Flint/Saginaw Valley Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). A 22-year veteran of the Bavarian Inn Corporation, Brooks began as a Bavarian Inn dishwasher, working his way up through the ranks and earning a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to being singled out as Chef of the Year, Brooks also serves as 2013 vice president of the Flint/Saginaw ACF.

Joining Brooks in heading up the local ACF chapter is its president, Bavarian Inn Executive Chef Phil Fahrenbruch. Fahrenbruch has also been recognized as one of only nine operator executives selected to receive the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s (IFMA’s) 2012 Silver Plate Award, a top honor based on an individual’s outstanding industry achievements and commitment to innovation. He was also the 2009 ACF Chef of the Year and has been with the Bavarian Inn for more than 21 years.

“We are very lucky to have such talent in the ranks of our team members all helping to create memorable experiences for our guests,” said Bavarian Inn Restaurant president Bill Zehnder. “It is always nice to have our staff recognized by their peers in the culinary industry,” he continued.  “It is the talent of our employees that is at the heart of the outstanding success of the Bavarian Inn Corporation through the years, fulfilling the overall mission to ‘let our family serve your family’.”

After 125 years of service (2013), the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is a Michigan landmark where generations of diners have discovered true Bavarian hospitality – whether it’s the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigan’s greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products.

With more than 25 years of experience, the 360-room Bavarian Inn Lodge boasts: an indoor waterpark with two extraordinary slides, four indoor pools and three whirlpools, family fun center, 18-hole indoor miniature golf course, two restaurants, two gift shops, free WiFi internet and a conference center that can accommodate up to 500 people.

Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Castle Shops, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Covered Bridge & Leather Gift Shop, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, and the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Lodge Opens its Doors to Spring

Feb. 24, 2014 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Believe it or not Spring is just around the corner and the Bavarian Inn Lodge has multiple events lined up to welcome in warmer weather and their guests.

The luck of the Irish will be in the air throughout the entire month of March. For four weekends in a row, February 28, March 1, 14-15 and 21-22 from 6 to 8 p.m. the public and guests of the Bavarian Inn Lodge will be treated to crafts, a parade with Willy The Dragon, musical chairs, various dances and more. There will also be a full dinner menu available in the Lorelei Lounge.

The St. Patrick’s Day fun does not end at The Lodge, there is also plenty of fun to be had at the Funky Skunk in Frankenmuth’s River Place Shops. Join the Funky Skunk on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for everything Irish. The day’s event will include special discounts, drawings for official Guinness merchandise, live Irish music by Marty Viers and the Music Doctors from 1 to 5 p.m. and free samples.

Spring breakers won’t be left out of the fun at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Free family fun for kids of all ages will take place over two weekends, March 28-29 and April 4-5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests of the Bavarian Inn Lodge and will be treated to crafts, a parade with Willy The Dragon, musical chairs, various dances and more. There will also be a full dinner menu available in the Lorelei Lounge. The public is welcome to attend.

Call (989) 652-7200 or visit www.bavarianinn.com to make a reservation or for more information.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist destination – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 27 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

 

Bavarian Inn Lodge Receives WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award

Frankenmuth, Mich. Feb. 11, 2014 — Bavarian Inn Lodge was recognized recently by WeddingWire with a Couples’ Choice Award 2014. The winners are determined by recent reviews in recognition of excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards are selected solely based on the reviews from past clients on WeddingWire, the nation’s largest wedding review website, featuring over 1 million newlywed reviews.

“The Bavarian Inn Lodge team works hard to provide all guests with an all-around great experience during their time with us,” explains Martha Zehnder Keller, vice president of sales and marketing for Bavarian Inn Lodge. “We are honored to receive the Couples’ Choice distinction from WeddingWire and extremely proud of our team for their hard work and excellent service.”

WeddingWire’s annual awards program represents the top 5 percent of the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of more than 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Professionals across all service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, are recognized based on their overall achievements throughout the previous year.

Time-honored tradition and contemporary convenience intertwine at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, where Michigan weddings are an imaginative, historic experience of one to three days of romance and fun in world-famous Frankenmuth, Mich. Long before the advent of the extreme destination wedding, the Bavarian Inn has provided a unique and family-friendly destination for countless couples and their guests.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge expertly accommodates all wedding-centric activities and details including bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, family brunches; and recommendations for florists, wedding cakes, DJs, musicians, spas, salons, horse-drawn carriages, décor specialists, photographers, and ordained ministers.

With 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, great accommodations and guest amenities offers brides and grooms alike the opportunity to leave the details to the Bavarian Inn staff and focus on enjoying their wedding festivities.

About the Couples’ Choice Awards™  The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards™ recognizes the top 5 percent of local Wedding Professionals from the WeddingWire Network throughout the United States and Canada that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards™ are awarded solely based on the reviews from over 200,000 newlyweds. Awards are determined by a combination of excellence in four factors: overall rating (quality), total number of reviews (quantity), review performance from 2013 (recency), and consistency of reviews from year to year (consistency).

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist attraction – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. Their expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 28 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

Gallop Over to the Bavarian Inn Lodge
as they Celebrate the Year of the Horse

Jan. 17, 2014 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse in grand fashion at  the Bavarian Inn Lodge as they offer multiple celebrations throughout the month of January.

The 2014 Chinese New Year’s Celebration of the Year of the Horse will be held every weekend in January including Jan. 17-19, 24-25, 31 and Feb. 1, 2014. Special festivities for children are held from 6 to 8 p.m. and include:
• Crafts
• Parade with Willy the Dragon
• Musical Chairs
• Various Dances
• And MORE!

These special events are open to the public as well as hotel guests. A full dinner menu will be offered and available in the Lorelei Lounge.

Call (989) 652-7200 or visit www.bavarianinn.com to make a reservation or for more information.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s No. 1 tourist destination – Frankenmuth – is the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotel! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. The expansive 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center houses two dramatic waterslides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 100 video and redemption games, a two-story children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, year round, nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In 27 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.