2017, July-Dec | Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge offers two ways to ring in 2018

Gala for grown-ups with food, fun, and music
Family-themed party offers wide array of activities
Party guests: Reserve a room for peace of mind, added convenience

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – December 12, 2017 – Couples and families alike can join the countdown to 2018 with two fun-filled New Year’s Eve activities at the Bavarian Inn Lodge – one for adults, and the other especially for families.

Grown-ups at the annual “New Year’s 2017 Adult Gala” will enjoy the Lodge’s signature all-star gourmet buffet, which includes appetizers such as smoked salmon and shrimp, a choice of entrees including Certified Angus^® Prime Rib of Beef with wine service included, and a choice of decadent desserts. The big-in-demand band “Remix” will be performing everyone’s favorite dance tunes, from the 50s all the way up to today’s contemporary hits. The event price of $88 per person includes activities throughout the hotel, wine service 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 meal, including appetizers, dinner, and a “build your own sundae” 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 karaoke events in the Fun Center. 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 $68 for adults, $41 for children ages 2-12, and free for kids under age 2.

And, to make the experience even better and more convenient for late-night revelers, both New Year’s Eve packages may be combined with any lodge guestroom reservation for one of the lodge’s 360 comfy European-themed rooms.

Book either of these fun-filled party options and reserve a guest room by calling the lodge at (989) 652-7200 or by visiting www.bavarianinn.com .

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 160 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 30 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.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Lodge planning Thanksgiving Day feasts

Choice of full-service dining, carry-out dinners, desserts at Restaurant

At the Lodge, annual ‘Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet’ beckons diners

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct. 26, 2017 – Families and friends can spend Thanksgiving Day in Frankenmuth and leave the kitchen behind. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the nearby Bavarian Inn Lodge are offering several different dining choices on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23.

At the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, guests can savor a traditional full-service dinner, offering holiday signature dishes, the restaurant’s famous family-style chicken dinner, or a choice of old-world 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.

In addition, the restaurant is offering a complete carry-out turkey dinner, including a 14-16 lb. roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, 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 $175, including tax. Apple and pumpkin pies are also available at a special price of $12.

Make your reservation now for Thanksgiving Day, as available times are filling up. To book a table, and to order take-out dinners, call 1-800-BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941. Take-out dinners must be pre-ordered by Sunday, Nov. 19, with pickup dates of Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

At the Bavarian Inn Lodge, preparations are underway for its annual “Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet.” There, guests will enjoy live piano music and dozens of dishes, ranging from starters and salads, traditional brunch fare, Famous Frankenmuth^®Chicken, carved turkey and roast beef, side dishes, and a large selection of desserts. Seating times are available from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Price is $24.99 for adults, $12.99 for children 8-12, and $10.99 for children 5-7. Kids four and under dine free. Sales tax and 15 percent gratuity will be added to all checks. Limited time slots are still available, so act now to make your reservations by calling (989) 652-7200.

Friday, Nov. 24 is another ideal day to stay in Frankenmuth for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. That day marks the festive Frankenmuth Holiday Celebration, which starts with hot chocolate and cookies served at 6 p.m. at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Then the Candlewalk begins at 6:30 p.m. and continues to the Chamber Platz for the lighting of the Tannenbaum. Finally, Santa will be in Chamber Pavilion from 7-9 p.m.

About Bavarian Inn

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 online press room: http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Frankenmuth River Place Shops host ‘Scarecrow Fest 2017’

Two-weekend event on Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22 features themed scarecrows, entertainment, contests
Fun with pumpkins: catapult, bowling

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Sept. 22, 2017 – Harvest and Halloween converge for one big seasonal celebration as the Frankenmuth River Place Shops present “Scarecrow Fest 2017,” a two-weekend event for grown-ups, kids, and pets taking place Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22 at the shops, 925 S. Main St., Frankenmuth.

Scarecrows are the stars of the show as River Place merchants and businesses across Frankenmuth go all out to create specially-themed scarecrows. Visitors are encouraged to stop by each of the shops to view the scarecrows and cast a “straw vote” for their favorite.

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 (splat!) hitting the target. In addition, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, and arts and crafts are also part of the fun.

Both weekends will let guests enjoy Grandpa Tiny’s Farm Barrel Train. Children will also be able to “jump for joy” on fun inflatables.

Dogs rule again at Scarecrow Fest 2017 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. 14 and 15. On Sunday, Oct. 15, guests and their four-footed friends will enjoy doggie trick-or-treating as well as a pet costume contest.

There will be magic and comedy shows on both Oct. 21 and 22. Other activities during this weekend include cherry pie eating and cherry pit spit contests, as well as face painting. On Oct. 22, dress up the youngsters for trick-or-treating.

For a complete festival schedule, please visit www.frankenmuthriverplace.com .

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 unique shops and attractions at one location. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams, and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities.

Annual Labor Day ‘Bridge Walk’ remains a hit with Frankenmuth residents

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. August 25, 2017 – If the idea of walking across one of Michigan’s iconic bridges is on your bucket list, you needn’t go all the way to the Mackinac Bridge this coming Labor Day.

In fact, there’s another tradition that hundreds of Frankenmuth residents and guests have come to appreciate for 31 years: The Annual Bavarian Inn Wooden Covered Bridge (Holz Brücke) Labor Day Walk, which will take place at noon, Monday, September 4.

The Bridge, originally built in 1980 and restored just two years ago, was made with timbers from Oregon and locally sourced shingles for its roof and 16-foot planks that form the roadway.

This year’s event will once again begin on the east side of the 239-foot structure, which spans Cass River between the Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Walkers will then gather at the Fischer Platz outdoor café.

The Bridge Walk tradition was birthed by Al and Louise Schneider, a Frankenmuth couple whose pride for their community led them to suggest the first event, which was attended by just over a dozen walkers.

Today, Bavarian Inn President Bill Zehnder still recalls the vision of the Schneiders, who had in their minds the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk tradition.

“One day they were talking at home and thought out loud about the idea of bringing that spirit right here at home in Frankenmuth,” said Zehnder. “We’re grateful for their vision and remain determined to make sure we continue that tradition.”

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

About 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 30 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^®^.

Organizers of Frankenmuth Food Truck Festival ‘Amazed’ by Strong Turnout

Success in event featuring a variety of food vendors will be repeated in the future

FRANKENMUTH, Mich.—August 14, 2017—It’s quite apparent to the folks at Frankenmuth River Place Shops that getting people out to a Thursday evening event is just a matter of creating a fun and tasty environment.

And that’s exactly what happened last Thursday, August 10, when Frankenmuth River Place Shops put on its First Annual Food Truck Festival from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“For a first-time event, this exceeded all our expectations and it’s clear that guests enjoyed the variety of food offerings, beverages and activities,” said Amy Smock, General Manager. “We appreciate the comments and suggestions we received from attendees and will take everything into consideration when planning our next event!”

An estimated 5,000-plus Frankenmuth residents and visitors flocked from around the state to the east parking lot of the River Place Shops in what organizers are calling a “huge” success, thanks in large part to a great line up of food trucks:

The Cheese Trap (Gourmet grilled cheese)

Fortune Cooking (Asian-Fusion)

K & J Grill (Burgers and Sandwiches made with local ingredients)

Bad Wolf BBQ

Kona Ice (tropical shaved ice)

The Philzone (Chicago Italian beef sandwich, etc.)

T&T Authentic Mexican

Marconi’s Pizza (Detroit Pizza & Cheese bread)

From Scratch Comfort Cruizine (Mediterranean)

The availability of beer and wine rounded out the Food Truck Festival, say organizers.

WIOG 102.5 held a live remote from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with other activities throughout including music, inflatables, face painting, yard games, children’s play zone, battle bubble balls and a children’s prize giveaway wheel.

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.

Who’s Michigan’s strongest man, woman? Bavarian Inn sponsors statewide competition August 5

Fifth year in Frankenmuth brings fantastic feats of fortitude

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 27, 2017 – Those who have watched “The World’s Strongest Man” series on ESPN have been treated to some bizarre tests of muscle power – men and women pulling semis, flipping enormous tires, and toting concrete-filled beer kegs, to name just a few.

And now, the quest is on to find the strongest man and woman in Michigan as the Bavarian Inn and the Covered Bridge & Leather Gift Shop sponsors its fifth “Michigan Strongest Man and Woman Competition” Saturday, August 5 on the gift shop grounds, 775 S. Main St., Frankenmuth. The action begins at 11 a.m.

Five events during the day will determine which two athletes from each of three divisions (novice division excluded) will receive a coveted invitation to compete in the 2017 North American Strongman National Championships Nov.10 and 11 in Las Vegas.

To learn more, please visit the event website at MIStrongMan.com. Once there, interested competitors can register to show off their strongman skills. Additional information is available on the Michigan Strongman Facebook page.

About Bavarian Inn