‘What are you doing New Year’s Eve?’
Bavarian Inn Lodge offers two ways to ring in 2015

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – November 18, 2014 – “Maybe,” as the old seasonal song says, “it’s too early in the game.” But it’s time to start thinking about fun and festive ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and the party professionals at the Bavarian Inn Lodge are planning a pair of big holiday events – one for adults, and the other especially for families.

Grown-ups can enjoy a sumptuous gourmet dinner buffet – from an array of appetizers to decadent desserts – and groove to the latest (and not-so-latest) dance tunes, from rock to country, at the Bavarian Inn’s 2015 Gala Celebration. The event includes parties throughout the hotel, wine servings with dinner, a cash bar, a champagne toast and soup buffet at midnight, plus a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet, and all taxes and gratuities. The $85 per person celebration package may be combined with any guest room reservation.

The family-themed New Year’s Eve party offers a bountiful dinner buffet sure to appeal to young and old alike, including a “Build Your Own Sundae” bar, and other special desserts, together with dancing and fun with the Bavarian Inn’s own Willy the Dragon!  The hotel will also offer a DJ and family karaoke throughout the evening. Like the adult celebration package, the family festivities include a hearty New Year’s Day breakfast buffet. The family package is priced at $65 for adults, $40 for children ages 2-12, and free for kids under 2. This family package may also be combined with any guest room reservation.

Reservations are required for both events, and may be made by calling the lodge at (989) 652-7200 or by visiting www.bavarianinn.com  for more information and to book party and guest room reservations.

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 among the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! 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 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 Lodge hosts 2 Halloween parties to entertain both families and grown-ups

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct. 24, 2014 – The Bavarian Inn Lodge is the scene for two back-to-back Halloween evening parties – one geared toward families, and the second an adults-only event.

The “Family Fun Party” takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Lodge’s River Rooms, featuring a Halloween parade, trick or treating with Willy the Dragon, pumpkin bowling and decorating, holiday crafts, and a costume contest, together with other surprises in store.

And, grown-ups are invited to gather at the Lorelei Lounge for an evening of music and dancing from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Drink specials will be served, including specialty martinis, seasonal craft beers and the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s exclusive “Voodoo Juice.” Guests are welcome to arrive in costume and compete for a variety of prizes for the best and most unique outfits.

A full dinner menu will be available at both parties. Admission is free to both events, and open to Lodge guests and non-guests alike. In addition, the Lodge is offering special room rates that evening for overnight guests.

For more information, please visit www.bavarianinn.com and click on calendar of events.

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 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 Restaurant, Lodge offer tasty options
for Thanksgiving Day

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct. 22, 2014 – A stress-free holiday away from a busy, cluttered kitchen awaits families taking advantage of three different Thanksgiving Day dining options at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth.

At the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s traditional full-service dinner, offering holiday fare, including roast turkey and roast duck, as well as the restaurant’s famous family-style chicken dinner, along with German specialties. In addition, diners have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of their holiday feast at home, with carry-out desserts, such as apple and pumpkin pies, and apple kuchen. Serving hours are 11 a.m. – 9.p.m.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant is also offering a complete carry-out turkey dinner, including a 14-16 lb. roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, baked dressing, buttered noodles, Blue Hubbard squash, cole slaw, cranberry relish, Bavarian Inn Chicken Seasoning, and a loaf of Bavarian Inn Backofenbrot bread. Price for the complete dinner is $165 including tax. Apple and pumpkin pies are also available at a special price of $10.
Reservations are recommended. For dinner reservations, and to order take-out dinners, call 1-800-BAVARIA. Take-out dinners must be pre-ordered by Nov. 24.

Meanwhile, the Bavarian Inn Lodge will be hosting its “Thanksgiving Day Harvest Buffet” with seating times available from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The bounteous menu offers main courses of famous Frankenmuth chicken, carved roast turkey, carved roast beef, and linguini with marinara sauce. Accompaniments include a full array of appetizers, salads, and side dishes, as well as nine different dessert choices, ranging from traditional German sweet treats like Black Forest torte and apple strudel, to traditional favorites like pumpkin pie and chocolate mousse.

And, there will be live piano music for Bavarian Lodge holiday diners. The buffet is priced, exclusive of 6% tax and 15% gratuity, at $22.50 for adults, $11.50 for children 9-12, $9.50 for kids 5-8, and little ones 4 years and younger dine free. Reservations are required, and may be made by calling the Lodge toll-free at 1-855-652-7200 or 989-652-7200.

About 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 Restaurant. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

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, a 35,000 square feet Family Fun Center with over 100 video and redemption games, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. 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®.

Family-Friendly Bavarian Inn Lodge Recognized With National Award

Oct. 15, 2014 – Frankenmuth, MI – Joining a select group of properties nationwide, the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth has received the 2014 Family Vacation Favorite award from Family Vacation Critic, a popular online resource for parents looking for a family-friendly place to spend a weekend or a longer vacation.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized by Family Vacation Critic and its staff of inspectors as well as its legions of families who judge places to stay by the reactions of their own families,” said Martha Zehnder Keller, Bavarian Inn Lodge vice president of sales and marketing. “We are a family business and have a pretty good handle on what families really want when they stay with us.”

The Family Fun Center within the Lodge reflects that, with its host of video games, its 18-hole “Willy’s Kingdom” mini-golf course – and its indoor water park, complete with three pools, two whirlpools and two swirling water slides.

The Lodge continues its focus on being family-friendly by providing a number of family suites so Mom and Dad can have a mini-vacation on their own, knowing the kids are safe in an adjoining room.

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®.

 

Frankenmuth River Place Shops host scarecrow festival
Harvest season event offers bushels of family fun

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Sept. 29, 2014 – Scarecrows, pumpkins, and fun – oh my!

Harvest season and Halloween comes together as one big celebration as the Frankenmuth River Place Shops present “Scarecrow Festival 2014,”  It’s a two-weekend event taking place Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26 at the shops, 925 S. Main St., Frankenmuth.

Scarecrows, those straw-filled sentries of fields and gardens, are the stars of the show as businesses throughout Frankenmuth put their creative skills to the test by designing and fabricating specially-themed scarecrows. Visitors are encouraged to stop by each of the shops to view the scarecrows and vote for their favorites.

Pumpkins, as well, have a big role at this year’s festival. Back by popular demand, River Place Shops will deploy the pumpkin catapult, where kids are invited to pick out a pumpkin, and launch it more than 50 yards in hopes of hitting the target. In addition, pumpkin bowling and pumpkin painting are also part of the fun, and visitors can view unique pumpkin designs created by third and fourth graders from Frankenmuth List Elementary School and St. Lorenz School.

And, dogs will rule at Scarecrow Festival 2014 as the “Rock-N-Roll K-9 Performance Team” presents a high-energy show featuring tricks, relay racing, choreographed obedience routines, and agility contests with three performances each afternoon Oct. 18 and 19.

In addition, comedy performances by Michigan’s Funnyman Joel Tacey take place during the Oct. 25-26 weekend with two performances each afternoon.

Other activities include a children’s costume parade, trick-or-treating, face painting, a straw bale maze, and inflatables, making for a full bushel of family fun events. For a complete festival schedule and store hours, please visit www.frankenmuthriverplace.com.

Getting “crabby” to help kids: Just ahead of the Scarecrow Festival, the River Place Shops will play host to the 18th Annual “Crabby” Clam & Lobster Fest to benefit the Johnny Burke Children’s Foundation. The event takes place Oct. 10-11 and offers guests a selection of dinners featuring lobster tail, king crab, steamed clams, and chicken. For more information, please visit http://thejbcf.org.

About Frankenmuth River Place Shops: Frankenmuth River Place Shops (www.frankenmuthriverplace.com ) is an authentic re-creation of a Bavarian village located just minutes from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. The outdoor mall features more than 40 shops and attractions at one location. In addition to great shopping opportunities, visitors can enjoy historic architecture, floral gardens, streams, waterfalls, a full-service day spa, video arcade, tons of fudge, candies, popcorn, and ice cream.

Tee it up: Bavarian Inn Lodge mini-golf course gets revamp

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Sept. 11, 2014 – Guests and visitors at the Bavarian Inn Lodge have a new place to play. The Lodge recently completed an entire facelift of its popular “Willy’s Kingdom” 18-hole mini-golf course, with new colors, features, and a whole lot more.

Located inside the Lodge’s sprawling Family Fun Center, the mini-golf course now sports new turf in a variety of colors, together with new foliage, décor, and lighting. The lighting improvements include three new LED-illuminated trees, each glowing with 5,000 lights. The largest of the trees, standing 20 foot tall, regularly changes colors to further delight indoor golfers.

“Renovation of the course began in April and was just completed last month,” said Martha Zehnder Keller, Bavarian Inn Lodge vice president of sales and marketing. “We were able to make all of the upgrades gradually during the busy summer months in order to keep the course open for our guests.”

She added that in the short time the course remodeling was completed, the Lodge has received many positive comments from guests about the improvements. “The course offers a fun and relaxing golfing experience for youngsters and grown-ups, and a great way for couples and families to spend time together,” she added.

After their round, mini-golfers can catch some “19th hole” fun, food and relaxation at the Family Fun Center’s Rathskeller lounge and restaurant, which offers cafeteria-style dining from morning to night, plus a full-service lounge featuring more than 70 beers and malt beverages, and weekend karaoke.

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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Labor Day Bridge Walk — In Frankenmuth!
Bavarian Inn Family Leads Short March Over Historic Holz-Brücke Covered Bridge

Frankenmuth, MI – August 25, 2014 – If you want to participate in a traditional Labor Day bridge walk but are unable to join the usual crowd traversing Michigan’s five-mile-long Mighty Mac, you just might want to join the Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder family for their annual Labor Day walk across the Holz-Brücke Covered Bridge in nearby Frankenmuth.

The historic, hand-constructed wooden bridge across the Cass River serves as the main entrance to the iconic Bavarian Inn Lodge. The walk is a celebration of the painstaking labor and “little miracle” it took to make the bridge a reality.

The annual event has been taking place since the mid-80’s and was started by Frankenmuth residents Al and Louise Schneider. In keeping with custom, the walk will begin at 12 noon on the east side of the bridge, Sept. 1. The five-minute walk concludes at the Fischer Platz outdoor entertainment café, located at the southwest corner of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant next to the Glockenspiel where participants can choose to enjoy delicious fare and entertainment.

“The Labor Day bridge walk reminds us of the vision and determination of our family through the years and inspires all of us to do our best to help our guests enjoy the uniqueness of Frankenmuth as we mark the unofficial ending of summer,” said Bavarian Inn Restaurant President Bill Zehnder.

The 230-ton, 239-foot covered bridge was built by the family corporation with Tiny and his brother Eddie Zehnder managing the project. It originally linked the Bavarian Inn complex with additional parking across the Cass River, but became the gateway to the Bavarian Inn Lodge in 1986. New Hampshire bridge builder Milton Grāton, along with his son and grandson, hand-crafted the bridge over the course of a year with wood that originated in Oregon and Alpena, Michigan.

The bridge was originally constructed on a rise of land east of the river, and later moved to its home over the Cass River. That arduous process required a capstan, which was turned by nearly everyone in town — plus a team of champion oxen — over the course of several days during a particularly cold January in 1980.

As the story goes, media was on hand to cover the bridge’s final installation. As the capstan was to be turned one final time — with cameras rolling — it didn’t budge, but was frozen in place. As the local pastor from St. Lorenz started to give the benediction, the bridge broke free of the ice and inched into place. “It was a miracle,” remembers Dorothy. Afterward, everyone in town joined in a gratitude-inspired chicken dinner.

Over the years, the walk commemorating the building of the bridge has grown into an annual celebration with hundreds of participants including members from the local Gemuetlichkeit Club, an American-German cultural group that celebrates Bavarian culture with special events throughout the year.

About Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) 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, two water slides, three whirlpools, 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. 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®. [Press Room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com/]

Bavarian Inn Experience Triathlon set for August 2

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 25, 2014:  From the moment they start in the gentle Cass River, through the biking portion in the third-richest farming valley in the world, to the final run along cobblestone streets and scenic bridges, participants in the Bavarian Inn Experience Triathlon will be soaking up the scenery as much as they are burning calories.

To make it even more interesting there’s a $2,500 prize for the fastest male and female participants in the Olympic version of the event. Second and third-place prizes are $1,000 and $500.

It all begins at 7:45 AM on Saturday, August 2 in the river and ends at Noon with the public invited to an awards ceremony and party at the Frankenmuth River Place Shops for brats, beer and music by the Bromantics.

There are several options for participants:
Olympic Triathlon: 1,500 meter swim, 40k bike, 10k run
Sprint Triathlon: 500 meter swim, 20k bike, 5k run
Olympic Aquabike: 1,500 meter swim, 40k bike
Sprint Aquabike: 500 meter swim, 20k bike

Information, registration and maps of the event are available at http://donatelifetriathlon.com/Events/TheExperience@Frankenmuth.aspx
Event sponsors are: Tri For Life, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Bavarian Inn Restaurant, and Bavarian Inn Lodge. Proceeds from the event support the work of Tri for Life.

About the sponsors:
About Bavarian Inn Restaurant: (bavarianinn.com) Celebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. 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.  [Press Room: http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/]

About Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) 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, two water slides, three whirlpools, 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. 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 Frankenmuth River Place Shops: Frankenmuth River Place Shops (www.frankenmuthriverplace.com) is an authentic re-creation of a Bavarian village located just minutes from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. The outdoor mall features more than 40 shops and attractions at one location. In addition to great shopping opportunities, visitors can enjoy historic architecture, floral gardens, streams, waterfalls, a full service day spa, video arcade, tons of fudge, candies, popcorn and ice cream.

Clicking And Scrolling Vacationers Advise
Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Lodge and Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Frankenmuth, MI – July 24, 2014 – “The 2014 Trip Advisor® Certificate of Excellence Awards say it all!” says Judy Zehnder Keller, president and founder of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge. “They say we’re doing our job: providing an excellent experience for our guests.”

The awards, only given to a select group of hospitality providers across the country, are in recognition of what actual visitors would advise prospective visitors. Bavarian Inn Lodge Ranks at a 4.5 of 5 score and Bavarian Inn Restaurant a 4.0 of 5 score.

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge is Trip Advisor’s most reviewed hotel in all of Michigan, thanks in part to its two new family-friendly, four-story waterslides and completely revamped indoor 18-hole mini-golf course.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant, also a Certificate of Excellence winner, has just completed a significant renovation of its own with the addition of the Michigan on Main Bar and Grill. “This allows us to spotlight on our longstanding emphasis on Pure Michigan foods and enhance our focus on artisanal beers,” says Amy Zehnder Grossi, general manager. “It has people talking. The buzz we’re hearing is phenomenal.”

The Trip Advisor comments aren’t just read and acted on by prospective vacationers and diners. “Our team is constantly monitoring the site,” says Zehnder Keller. “We see what guests like and strive to exceed that bar for their next visit. If, for some reason, we haven’t met expectations then we do everything we can to make adjustments. If there’s anything we like to hear, it’s five words: ‘We’re planning our next trip!’”

One reason guests look forward to coming back is the benefits offered to the 20,000-plus members of the Perks Club. Zehnder Keller explains that Club members “get special rates and exclusive offers that are tailored to them. It’s our way of showing members how much we value them.”

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Bavarian Inn Lodge offer family-focused activities throughout the year, with popular events such as the Dog Bowl, an Olympic-style dog event on Memorial Weekend, a Hot Air Balloon Competition and seasonal activities at Halloween, Christmas, Chinese New Year, St. Patrick’s Day and many more.