2015, July-Dec | Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge: Your Host for Two Ways to Ring in 2016
• Gala for grown-ups with food, fun, and music
• Family-themed party offers wide array of activities

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Dec. 17, 2015 – New Year’s Eve at the Bavarian Inn Lodge promises to be one big night, with a choice of two fun-filled parties – one for adults, and the other especially for families.

Grown-ups at the “New Year’s Eve Gala” will enjoy the Lodge’s signature all-star gourmet buffet, which includes appetizers, entrees with wine, and decadent desserts. The big-in-demand band “Remix” takes the stage to perform everyone’s favorite dance tunes, from the 1950s up to today’s contemporary hits.

The event price of $86 per person includes not only tickets to the gala, but other events 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 family-themed New Year’s Eve party offers kids and grown-ups a bountiful appetizer-dinner –dessert buffet, together with dancing and fun with the Bavarian Inn’s own Willy the Dragon. Guests can dance and sing their favorite songs at the DJ and family karaoke events throughout the evening. Like the adult celebration package, the family festivities include a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet. The family package, which includes all taxes and gratuities, is priced at $66 for adults, $40 for children ages 2-12, and free for kids under 2.

And, to make the experience even better for late-night revelers, hotel guests are just steps away from their European-themed guest room, ready to wake up and greet 2016.

Party 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 reservations.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge: Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, 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 150 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 29 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®. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Editors: Feel free to use this link to videos of the New Year’s Eve parties: http://www.bavarianinn.com/new-years-eve-parties-1/

Bavarian Inn, Community Rallies Around Frankenmuth’s Very Own Christmas Song
• Local jazz bandleader composes ‘Christmas in Frankenmuth’
• Holiday tune makes tracks across social media

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Nov. 27, 2015 – Many big cities can lay claim to their own signature theme song. Now Frankenmuth has a tune of its own, one that celebrates its Christmas season – written and produced by a local jazz bandleader.

On Friday, Nov. 27, the Bavarian Inn joins businesses across the community broadcasting over social media channels “Christmas in Frankenmuth,” a smooth jazz composition recorded by the American Legacy Jazz Band and written by its leader, Ernest Olivarez, who grew up and worked in the Frankenmuth / Mid-Michigan area, and fondly recalls his Christmas seasons in “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.”

According to Joanna Stratman, assistant general manager at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, “the song ‘Christmas in Frankenmuth’ sings the praises of the Bavarian Inn, River Place Shops, and other popular Frankenmuth destinations.” As a community, we thought it would be a great idea to set the song to photos of the area and make it available on our own website and across social media,” she said.

Led by vocalist Jim Mola, “Christmas in Frankenmuth” features a brassy brigade of musicians who have played live and in-studio with famous bands such as Blood Sweat and Tears, Chicago, and the Steve Winwood Band. The American Legacy Jazz Band itself was created as a musical experiment by a culturally diverse group of musicians representing four generations of music, creating original “American jazz” songs with fresh, contemporary melodies.

Olivarez said he was inspired to write the song while visiting the Frankenmuth area during a series of return trips to his hometown. His band members recorded individual audio tracks at their respective studios across the country, with the master track coming together at a studio in Flushing, Michigan.

“Christmas in Frankenmuth” is available for purchase on iTunes, as well as Amazon.com. To hear the song and watch the video slide show, please visit http://www.bavarianinn.com/stay/video-gallery.

“So, have a good time,
A happy yule time,
In Frankenmuth!”

Bavarian Inn Lodge Fact Sheet

• The latest renovation to the Bavarian Inn Lodge is a $3 million refresh of the Family Fun Center. This investment includes the addition of two dramatic water slides (a body slide and a multi-person tube slide) and a facelift to the mini-golf area. Both projects are planned for completion before Thanksgiving 2012.

• Bavarian Inn Lodge (www.bavarianinn.com) is one of America’s largest Bavarian-themed resorts with 360-guestrooms and full-function conference center. Originally opened in 1986, the Lodge has undergone six phases:

• Phase I (1986): $5 million 100 guestrooms, one indoor pool, a restaurant and lounge, and a banquet facility;

• Phase II (1989): $5 million addition including 98 guest rooms, second indoor pool and family fun center;

• Phase III (1995): $14 million addition including156 guest rooms, gift shop, third indoor pool, second restaurant and lounge, 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, addition to fun center;

• Phase IV (1998): $3.5 500-seat conference center;

• Phase V (1999): $1.5 million addition of two more indoor pools;

• Phase VI (2012): $3 million installation of two water slides and refresh of mini-golf course.

• R.C. Hendrick, general contractor and construction manager located in Saginaw, Mich., built every phase of the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

• Each guestroom in the Lodge is named to honor a local Frankenmuth family. The Lodge has celebrated more than 1,600 weddings and thousands of special events and meetings.

• Among the features of this seven-acre, multi-faceted resort are: four indoor pools, 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 and is perfect for hosting conventions at the local, regional or national level.

• The adjacent Bavarian Inn Restaurant, best known for its Frankenmuth® Chicken Dinners, is one of the top 10 independent restaurants in the United States with seating for 1,200 guests. Proud of its numbers, the Inn served a record 5,470 meals on October 9, 1982, and more than 20 million meals in its first 100 years (1888 through 1988).

• Against the backdrop of authentic architecture of southern Germany, the city of Frankenmuth attracts millions of visitors who come from near and far to experience the European charm, food, hospitality and other fun activities that are the hallmark of one of Michigan’s top tourist attraction cities.

• Settled by a community of German immigrants in the mid 1840’s, Frankenmuth is lovingly known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.” The city owes much to the Bavarian Inn Zehnder family, including its infrastructure, downtown development and thriving business district.

• Spanning more than 125 years in hospitality service, four generations of the Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder family have owned and operated the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. With 900-1000 employees currently on the payroll, Dorothy Zehnder (Generation Two) is working with her children (Generation Three) and five grandchildren (Generation Four) for a total of ten on-site owners working in the company full-time.

• The Bavarian Inn has been host to many dignitaries over the years including: President George H. W. and Mrs. Bush, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and all Michigan governors dating back to G. Mennen Williams.

• Built in 1986, 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.

• Judy Zehnder Keller designed, developed and leads the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s seven-acre facility.

Frankenmuth River Place Shops Host Scarecrow Festival
• Two-weekend event, features themed scarecrows
• Target practice with the pumpkin catapult

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – October 14, 2015 – Harvest season and Halloween come together as one big celebration as the Frankenmuth River Place Shops present “Scarecrow Festival 2015.” It’s a two-weekend event taking place Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25 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, dogs will rule at Scarecrow Festival 2015 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. 17 and 18. The furry-coated fun continues on Oct. 18 with a Halloween pet costume contest, and doggie trick-or-treating.

Other activities include a children’s costume parade and trick-or-treating on Oct. 25, face painting, a straw bale maze, and inflatables. For a complete festival schedule and store hours, please visit www.frankenmuthriverplace.com. Admission is free, but a small participation fee applies to some events.

Frankenmuth River Place Shops: http://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. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

River Place Shops’ Holmes to Run 100 Miles for Vets
Employee aims to raise $100,000 for Wounded Warrior Project

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Sept. 15, 2015 – While Steve Holmes never served in the military, his sense of duty to those that have is sending him on a mission of sacrifice and perseverance that will push him to his physical limits this fall.

The Frankenmuth River Place Shops employee is set to lead the Great Smoky Mountains 100-mile Run Nov. 6 – 9 in Tennessee. Holmes’ goal is to present a $100,000 check to the Wounded Warrior Project based on donations from the run this Veteran’s Day.

“They put their lives on the line for us,” said Holmes, 60, a Millington resident. “A lot of them came back in pieces. I just want to give back and let them know, I appreciate it.”

After retiring from General Motors, Holmes took a job in the grounds department of the Frankenmuth River Place Shops nearly two years ago. “It’s a wonderful place to work,” he said. “The people are great and I get to meet folks from all over the world that visit Frankenmuth.”

Bavarian Inn Lodge General Manager, Michael Zehnder, said his company fully supports Holmes’ effort to help the veterans. “We’re pleased Steve took on this challenge,” he commented. “We encourage our employees to be active in causes they support.”

The idea for the run came together quickly. An avid runner, Holmes was out on one of his typical treks when he started thinking about the fact that he had never given anything for the freedom he had enjoyed his entire life. He also thought about his son, Steve Holmes, Jr., who had served and was active during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

After arriving back at home, he coincidently saw actor Bruce Willis giving an impassioned pitch for the Wounded Warrior Project on television. A veteran hiker of the Smoky Mountains, the idea for the run came to him in that instant. “We need to do this for them,” he said. “A lot can be done if everyone puts in a little bit of money.”

The Wounded Warrior Project serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound as a result of their military service on or after September 11, 2001. The organization funds combat stress recovery programs, physical health and wellness programs and economic empowerment via job training and educational services, among others.

Holmes began running after hanging up his boxing gloves in the late 1970s. He has competed in numerous runs over the years, including several marathons. These days, he’s busy training for the Great Smoky Mountains run.

He’s currently logging about 40 miles per week in runs that vary in length from 7 to 11 miles, Holmes said. He’ll ramp that mileage up to 50-60 miles per week by mid-September and then continue to train until a few days before the event.

All of the running keeps him fit, of course, but Holmes has also found it strengthens his marriage. “The more I run, the fewer things I do wrong,” he said.

Holmes, Jr. and friend Nate Erdman will join him in Tennessee on the run, which will start some 28 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and conclude at the Fontana Dam. “There’s not too many dads that have a kid who is willing to run 100 miles with them,” said Steve. “It means a lot.”

A check for 100 percent of the proceeds raised from the run will be presented to the Wounded Warrior Project on Nov. 11 at the River Place Shops in Frankenmuth.

For more information about the run or to donate, please visit http://www.greatsmokymountains100-milerun.com/

Bavarian Inn Perks Club wins loyalty program honors
• Program earns top independent award from COLLOQUY Magazine
• Second industry award of the year for program

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. Sept. 9, 2015 – The Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s “Perks Club” guest loyalty program is a winner of the COLLOQUY Magazine Recognizes Awards, a program that honors the companies and initiatives that exemplify the most innovative advancements and forward-thinking strategies in loyalty marketing.

The Bavarian Inn’s Perks Club was named by the magazine as the top independent customer loyalty program. Winners in other program categories include industry giants such as American Airlines, Coca-Cola, Best Western International, and other major companies.

“We’re very pleased to be recognized by our peers,” said Nancy Sommer, the Bavarian Inn’s Perks Club manager. “However, the most prized accolades are from our valued Perks Club family members.”

Now in its 16th year, the Perks Club has more than 21,000 “family members,” who enjoy award points, special members-only discounts and priority status for Bavarian Inn Lodge and Bavarian Inn Restaurant reservations. Shopping points are awarded for every dollar spent on all purchases within the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge and related companies, which include the Castle Shops, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Covered Bridge and Leather Gift Shop as well as the 14 company-owned shops within Frankenmuth River Place Shops.

It’s the second industry award this year for the Bavarian Inn Perks Club, which experienced 27 percent membership growth in 2014. In April, the Perks Club was selected as the Silver Award winner in the Best Reward/Loyalty Program category at the second annual Loyalty360 Awards, which recognizes the world’s best and most innovative customer appreciation programs.

To learn more about the Perks Club, please visit www.bavarianinn.com.

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.

For Weddings, Food and More, Bavarian Inn Honored in
Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay Competition

FRANKENMUTH, Mich., Sept 2, 2015 – Whether it’s weddings, dining out or keeping the family-fun quotient at a maximum, the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth are excelling in many areas, according to the Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay competition. Sponsored by Great Lakes Bay Regional Lifestyle Magazine, the annual contest relies on the votes of its readers and the general public to compile the annual list of local businesses that are meeting and exceeding the expectations of their customers.

In the 2015 ranking, the Bavarian Inn Lodge was honored for being a “Best Wedding Venue” and as having the “Best Mini-Golf Course,” while the Bavarian Inn Restaurant was recognized for its “Unique Menu” at its Michigan on Main Bar and Grill, and Amy Zehnder Grossi, General Manager of the restaurant, was named “Greatest Restaurateur.”

The Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay honors come on the heels of two other distinctions for the Lodge: The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, and the 2015 Family Vacation Favorite Award from Family Vacation Critic, a popular online resource for parents looking for a family-friendly place to vacation. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant was chosen for the second year as “Best Restaurant with Private Dining Space” by readers of Michigan Meetings + Events magazine last month.

“It’s exciting to see that our focus on providing an outstanding experience for our guests is garnering awards like these. We take pride in providing the very best in hospitality and a true ‘our family serving your family’ mentality in all we do,” said Bavarian Inn Lodge Vice President of Sales and Marketing Martha Zehnder Keller.

Amy Zehnder Grossi added: “It has been exciting to see the positive reaction of our guests to the Michigan on Main Bar and Grill as a casual and contemporary dining space showcasing Michigan-sourced food, beer, wine and cocktails. We are thrilled to provide our guests with an alternative dining option during their Frankenmuth visits.”

Just recently announced, the Greatest of the Great Lakes Bay list is promoted in the July issue of the magazine and remains on its website until next year’s competition.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels. The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, 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, more than 150 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 29 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.

Bavarian Inn proud partners of POWERMAN Michigan duathlon races
Frankenmuth plays host to grueling ‘run-bike-run’ event Sept. 27

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Sept. 1, 2015 – Many of the nation’s best runners and cyclists are coming to Frankenmuth Sunday, Sept. 27 to compete for $5,000 in cash prizes and a shot at national and world championships in the POWERMAN USA Duathlon Series, sponsored locally by the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

The event marks the final regional duathlon contest on the POWERMAN USA race calendar. Regional winners will qualify for the POWERMAN USA National Championships Dec. 13 at Cocoa Beach, Fla. National winners are invited to compete for the best-in-world title at the World Duathlon Championship in Zofingen, Switzerland.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the nearby Bavarian Inn Lodge vicinity will be the most popular gathering spot for athletes, their families, supporters, and spectators as the race courses wind around the city, traversing nearby country lanes, through the Frankenmuth business district, and crossing the historic Wooden Covered Bridge (“Holz Brűcke”).

Two classes of races will be going off on race day: the classic Powerman, which encompasses a 10K run, followed by a 60K cycling race, and another 10K run. The second event, the Powerman Sprint, involves a 5K run, followed by a 30K bike race, and another 5K run.

“It’s a great city, with something for the entire family to do,” said Powerman North America’s National Event Director Kenny Krell, outlining why Frankenmuth was chosen for the races. Krell noted previous partnerships with the Bavarian Inn on the endurance event scene also contributed to Frankenmuth being named as the host city.

Race day events are expected to get underway following participant registration activities, which take place from 6:30-7:30 a.m. For more information, please visit www.powermanusa.org.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is the host hotel for the POWERMAN USA event, and is offering special rates for participants and their family members. For more information, call 1-855-652-7200 and ask about the POWERMAN USA rate.

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. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge: Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, 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 150 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 29 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, Frankenmuth River Place Shops Sponsor Athletic Events Aug. 1

Frankenmuth plays host to triathlon, strong man contest

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 27, 2015 – Two big athletic events are taking place Saturday, Aug. 1 in Michigan’s scenic “Little Bavaria.” The Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Bavarian Inn Lodge and Frankenmuth River Place Shops are sponsors of the events.

The annual Bavarian Inn Experience, with a cash prize purse of $8,000, ranks as one of the Midwest region’s premier triathlon venues. It features Olympic and Sprint Triathlon events beginning at 7:45 a.m. at the Cass River and continuing across the picturesque countryside. A pair of “aquabike” events have been added this year, too.

Olympic Triathlon athletes will be tested with a 1,500-meter swim, a 40,000-meter bike ride, and 10,000-meter run while Sprint Triathlon participants will go all out for about half those lengths. Aquabike events include a 1,500-meter swim and 40,000-meter bike ride for participants on the Olympic side while Sprint athletes will contend with a 500-meter swim and 20,000-meter ride.

The Bavarian Inn Experience ends at noon with an awards ceremony open to the public at the Festival Platz followed by a celebration with famous Bavarian Inn chicken dinners, brats and beverages for purchase. Also that day, beginning at 11 a.m., the state’s strongest men and women will test their mettle and muscular power as Frankenmuth hosts its third Michigan Strong Man Competition.

The contest takes place at the Covered Bridge and Leather Gift Shop parking lot in downtown Frankenmuth, and includes five feats of physical fortitude – from car and truck lifting, to toting cement-filled beer kegs. And, there’s the classic contest from the World’s Strongest Man event from 1988 – the Kern’s Sausage Hold, where athletes “meat” their match by trying to hang on to a huge row of hanging sausages until their body says, “no more!” Visit www.mistrongman.com to learn more.

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.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, 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 150 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 29 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: (http://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. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

A Breed Apart: Bavarian Inn Lodge Welcomes
Specialty Dog Shows

Resort caters to canines, owners, handlers for events

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 1, 2015 – Frankenmuth, a town known for its charm, family-style chicken dinners, and festivals, is also becoming the city of choice for national and regional specialty dog shows thanks to the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

Over the past 14 years, the Lodge has formed partnerships with several specialty breed dog clubs to become the “go-to” host hotel for show dogs, their owners, handlers, and judges for their events. Clubs include the Newfoundland Club of America, Leonberger Club of America, along with clubs representing owners of Scottish Deerhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Italian Greyhounds, and Portuguese Water Dogs, to name a few.

While many other hotel-resort properties forbid or discourage dogs as guests, the Bavarian Inn Lodge takes the time to work with specialty dog show organizers, taking into consideration the time of year the event is scheduled, days of the week, and the number of guest rooms to be booked by owners, handlers, and judges. Dogs are permitted at the Lodge only for these specialty show events (unless they are service dogs for registered guests).

During the show dates, guest rooms hosting the dogs receive special preparation for the comfort and easing the worry for dogs and owner-handlers alike. The special treatment accorded by the Bavarian Inn Lodge to dog show guests is the reason show organizers keep coming back. The Lodge Housekeeping Department implements a series of unique procedures to adjust all guest rooms with “show dogs.” This assures a pristine room for the next arriving guest.

“I have worked with many other venues for planning dog shows, but the Bavarian Inn Lodge excels above all the others,” says Sandee Lovett, member of the Newfoundland Club of America National Specialty Committee. The Lodge has hosted the Newfoundland Show five times since 2001. “The staff was always professional, thoughtful, caring, and made us feel like a member of the family.”

In addition to serving as the host hotel, the Bavarian Inn Lodge helps connect specialty dog show organizers to nearby venues for their events through the Frankenmuth Parks and Recreation Department. There, organizers may choose from the expansive Harvey Kern Pavilion, Heritage Park, and the picturesque Cass Riverfront for grooming and staging areas, show rings, and vehicle and RV parking.

“The Lodge is phenomenal, and very accommodating to work with,” adds Amy Lane, member of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America and Newfoundland Club of America. “The staff bends over backwards to accommodate us in a comfortable fashion, and they sincerely welcome our dogs. They help us out with arranging RV parking, carts for transport from the resort to the nearby show site, even special entertainment. I’ve been all over the country participating in dog shows. The Bavarian Inn Lodge is the absolute best place.”

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is within a short driving distance from Flint Bishop International Airport and MBS Airport in Saginaw, and within easy walking distance to a host of attractions, restaurants, and shopping. The Lodge itself offers dog show guests a wide range of dining and recreation options, making it a special place to be on the canine show calendar.

Bavarian Inn Lodge: (bavarianinn.com) Nestled along the Cass River in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations – Frankenmuth – is one of the state’s largest Indoor Water Park Hotels! The Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, an adult-only pool and whirlpool, 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 150 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 29 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®.