2019, July-Dec | Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge Hosts Bridal Open House

Learn about planning a wedding at the Lodge and enjoy bridal fashion show

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Dec. 27, 2019 – For those who have considered hosting their wedding in Michigan’s fabled Little Bavaria, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is hosting a one-day Bridal Open House on Sunday, Jan. 12. During the showcase, brides and their guests will have an opportunity to learn all about what makes a wedding in Frankenmuth so memorable and unique.

The event is being presented from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, and includes special promotions, giveaways, and a cash bar. A wedding fashion show hosted by Destinations Bridal and Prom kicks off at 1 p.m.

All aspects of having your big day at the Lodge will be showcased, from ceremony packages (both indoor and outdoor) to reception spaces for up to 425 guests, shower and rehearsal dinner options and even overnight bachelorette getaways.

Several of the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s preferred vendors will be on hand so guests can check out all that the Lodge offers for a picture-perfect wedding event. Guests can view sample set-ups and speak with the Lodge’s experienced staff who will be ready to assist in planning a fairytale wedding day.

Admission to the bridal open house is free. For further information check out the event Facebook page at Facebook.com/FrankenmuthBavarianInnLodge or call (989) 652-7200.

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Nestled along the Cass River in 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 foot Family Fun Center houses two thrilling water slides, three pools and two whirlpools, over 160 video and redemption games, a two-level children’s play village and Willy’s Kingdom indoor mini-golf course. Guests can also enjoy live, nightly entertainment year-round and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows. In over 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 Lodge gets ready to ring in 2020

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

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Nov. 12, 2019 – Now is the perfect time to book a great New Year’s Eve party in Frankenmuth, as both couples and families can join the countdown to 2020 during two fun-filled activities at the Bavarian Inn Lodge – one designed for adults, and the other especially for families.

For couples looking to enjoy a special New Year’s Eve there is the annual adults-only “New Year’s 2019 Gala.” One of the evening’s highlights will be the Lodge’s signature all-star gourmet buffet from 6:45-8:30 p.m. that includes appetizers such as poached whitefish, smoked salmon and shrimp, and a choice of entrees including famous Frankenmuth chicken and Certified Angus^® Prime Rib of Beef. Dinner includes wine service and a choice of decadent desserts like Cherries Jubilee and a chocolate fountain. At midnight a New Year’s Soup Buffet will be offered featuring lobster bisque, chili and an assortment of cheeses.

Also included will be party favors, a champagne toast and New Year’s Day breakfast buffet the following morning.

For dancing, the much sought-after band “Remix” will be taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. and perform everyone’s favorite dance tunes, blending rock and country from the 50s all the way up to today’s contemporary hits. They will fill the night with sounds until 12:30 a.m.

The event price of $90 per person and includes activities throughout the hotel, the buffet, wine service with dinner, a cash bar (from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.), the champagne toast and midnight soup buffet, the New Year’s Day breakfast buffet and all taxes and gratuities.

For a great family-themed New Year’s Eve the festivities include both a sumptuous dinner and breakfast buffet, a “glow into the New Year” necklace for each person, party favors, interactive dances, and a global countdown into the New Year. Families will want to bring a camera and grab a photo with Willy the Dragon. The New Year’s package price of $70 for adults and $43 for children 2-12 includes all taxes and gratuities. Children under two are free.

Seating times for dinner are 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., while breakfast seatings are at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Guests with early dinner seating will have early breakfast seating and guests with late dinner seating will have late breakfast seating.

There will also be a number of fun New Year’s parties throughout the Lodge. Look for entertainment in the courtyard from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. as well as a chance to sing and dance during karaoke in the Ratskeller from 4:30-8:30 p.m. After that the entertainment will continue in the Ratskeller from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

For travelers and late-night party-goers looking for a place to stay during New Year’s Eve, both family and couple Lodge New Year’s Eve packages may be combined with any reservation for one of the Lodge’s 360 comfy Bavarian-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

Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com

Scarecrow Fest returns with family-friendly fall activities at Frankenmuth River Place Shops

Two weekends of fun in October featuring costumed scarecrows, pumpkin catapult, free entertainment, inflatables, food trucks and more!

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Oct. 2, 2019 – Celebrate the magic of fall in Michigan’s Little Bavaria during Scarecrow Fest, a free two-weekend event at Frankenmuth River Place Shops.

Scarecrow Fest runs from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20 and Oct. 27 and 27, at River Place Shops, 925 S. Main St., in Frankenmuth. Each weekend features a scarecrow competition spread throughout the downtown district along with fall activities such as the pumpkin catapult, barrel train rides, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, inflatables and arts and crafts.

Oct. 19 and 20 is Dog Weekend! Head to River Place Shops for high-energy shows by the Rock N Roll K9s Performance Team, featuring tricks, flyball, relay racing, choreographed obedience routines and agility contests. Performances are at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Fest Platz area.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, visitors can join in with their four-legged friends for a pet costume contest at 5:30 p.m. in the Fest Platz as well as doggie trick-or-treating from 5 to 6 p.m. Registration for the contest opens at 10 a.m. at Hello Cats and Dogs, one of the shops located within the complex.

Oct. 26 and 27 is Kids Weekend! Join the fun with cherry pie eating and cherry pit spitting contests sponsored by Cherry Republic both days in the Fest Platz. Registration opens at 10 a.m. at Cherry Republic, one of the shops located within the complex.

The weekend culminates with children’s trick-or-treating from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27 throughout River Place Shops.

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

FRANKENMUTH, MICH. – Sept. 24, 2019 – The Bavarian Inn Lodge has a new international distinction, as they has been named a regional hospitality winner by LUXLife Magazine.

The global publication, based in Great Britain, annually hosts the LUX Global Hospitality Awards honoring local, regional and global hospitality organizations.

This year, the Lodge was crowned as “Best Family Resort Hotel – Flint & Tri-Cities Michigan” for “demonstrating excellence and commitment to the global hospitality industry.” This is the first year the Lodge has been nominated for the LUXLife awards list.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by this luxury brand,” says Judy Zehnder Keller, president and owner of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge. “We’re proud of our staff and their focus on continuing to offer all of our guests the best products and services possible.”

According to LUXLife’s website, the awards recognize businesses across the entire hospitality space, and therefore they do not consider either geography or size. Also, businesses from across the market are considered, including restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, bars and even gaming premises.

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Enjoy ‘Funtown Chowdown’ Food Truck Festival With Special Offer from Bavarian Inn Lodge

FRANKENMUTH, MICH. – September 4, 2019 – The Frankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival wraps up its season on Thursday, Sept. 12 with a great combination of family-friendly entertainment and a lineup of food trucks from across Michigan.

For this year’s final festival event, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is offering a special room rate starting at $99 (plus tax). This festival package includes a guestroom with two double beds, $20 food voucher for the Funtown Chowdown Festival and a $10 game card for the Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Family Fun Center.

The Lodge special is available for a limited time only and must be booked online. It cannot be combined with any additional discounts, coupons, gift cards, or vouchers. Credit card payment will be charged within 24 hours of booking and is non-refundable (no date changes will be allowed). Rooms will be assigned the day of check-in.

This year’s final food truck event will run from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the parking lots surrounding Frankenmuth River Place Shops, 925 S. Main St. in Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Festival admission and parking is free. Each Funtown Chowdown event features around 20 food trucks from across Michigan, live music, a beer tent featuring two Michigan craft breweries, plenty of shaded seating, a free children’s play village, and additional activities for families. The event is pet-friendly; animals must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.

The food truck festival is located just steps away from River Place Shops, Frankenmuth’s German-themed outdoor shopping mall with more than 35 shops and attractions such as SugarHigh Bakery, Season 7 winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars; Bead Haven, the largest bead supply store in Michigan, and the Bavarian Belle, a historic paddleboat that offers one-hour narrated tours along the Cass River.

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Bavarian Inn Lodge Named to the Trip Advisor’s Hall of Fame for Certificate of Excellence

Frankenmuth, MI – August 27, 2019 – Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Lodge has yet another distinct honor, this year being named to the Trip Advisor’s Hall of Fame after receiving their latest Certificate of Excellence.

The Hall of Fame designation, which was first launched by Trip Advisor several years ago, was given to the Lodge for receiving the annual Certificate of Excellence for five years in a row, including 2019.

“We’re honored to receive this award as we work diligently to operate the Lodge at the highest level,” says Judy Zehnder Keller, president and owner of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge. “We’re proud of our staff and their focus on continuing to offer all of our guests the best products and services possible.”

The award was announced in August and places the Lodge in a select group of hospitality providers across the country who are annually recognized by visitors. In fact, the Lodge consistently ranks with outstanding guest scores of 4.5 or 5 over a typical 12-month period.

“We continue to rank as Trip Advisor’s most reviewed hotel in all of Michigan, thanks in part to our great family-friendly amenities,” says Zehnder Keller.

The Lodge staff takes all comments and suggestions posted by visitors seriously, answering questions, solving concerns or reviewing suggestions, added Zehnder Keller.

Officials with Trip Advisor said the award distinguishes businesses from competitors while giving potential customers even more reason to choose them.

Both the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, which has also received the Certificate of Honor, 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.

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com

Frankenmuth Labor Day ‘Bridge Walk’ going strong after 33 years

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. August 22, 2019 – In 1986, hundreds of Frankenmuth residents and guests came together to walk over the Bavarian Inn Wooden Covered Bridge (Holz Brücke) in honor of Labor Day. 33 years later, the tradition continues, with this year’s Bridge Walk taking place at noon on Monday, September 2.

Beginning on the east side of the 239-foot bridge, which spans the Cass River between the Bavarian Inn Lodge and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, the walk takes approximately five minutes and ends later at the Fischer Platz outdoor café located at the southwest corner of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Walkers can then enjoy musical entertainment, with all their favorite food and beverages available for purchase.

The walk was the idea of Al and Louise Schneider, a Frankenmuth couple who had in their minds the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk tradition.

“They came up with the idea at home, just thinking out loud about bringing that spirit right here at home in Frankenmuth,” recalls Bavarian Inn President Bill Zehnder. “We’re so happy to play our part in keeping their vision and tradition alive.”

Made with timbers from Oregon and locally sourced shingles for its roof, the bridge was originally built in 1980 and restored four years ago, with 16-foot planks forming the roadway.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Celebrating over 130 years of service, 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, striving to serve more Michigan-grown and produced foods and Michigan-produced beverages than any other restaurant. Authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities make a trip to Frankenmuth incomplete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. Learn more at www.bavarianinn.com.

Bavarian Inn Restaurant online press room: https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

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Bavarian Inn Lodge helps local mountain climber train for upcoming Freedom Challenge ascent

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 25, 2019 – The Bavarian Inn Lodge is supporting a local Frankenmuth climber who is preparing to summit Mount Baker in the Cascade Range of Washington state.

Shelly Ginter Conrad has been using the Lodge stairs (in her mountain gear) to train for the upcoming climb, which will help raise funds for worldwide projects that help women and children and bring awareness to the injustices of modern-day human trafficking and slavery.

Over five days in August (Aug. 8-12), Conrad will be part of a small group of women climbing with Operation Mobilization’s Freedom Challenge 2019 event—The Pacific Northwest Glacier Challenge. The group will attempt to summit Mount Baker’s glacier-capped peak of 10,781 feet.

Conrad has said her many years of experience as a teacher, coach, volleyball club director, mentor, and Freedom Challenge Climber have led to this latest challenge and desire to share the message of injustice in the world caused by human trafficking and enslaved women.

The Lodge is excited to support her and is encouraging the entire community to show its support for Conrad and her August climb. For more information about Conrad’s climb and the Freedom Challenge, visit her fundraising website at frankenmuthclimber.com.

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Bavarian Inn launches second year helping students through tuition reimbursement program

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 23, 2019 – As the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Bavarian Inn Lodge enter the second year of a tuition reimbursement program for their team members, those attending Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) are taking advantage of the assistance in large numbers.

Saginaw Valley President Don Bachand said that more than half of the participants in the annual program were enrolled at SVSU last year, helping fuel a successful connection with the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Bavarian Inn Lodge.

“We are grateful to have a dedicated, employee-centered business in this region, and I would like to thank Bavarian Inn for its leadership in giving back to its community and supporting students’ higher education,” said Bachand. “Several SVSU students partook in this program last year, and I expect to welcome many more Cardinals through this $10,000 reimbursement program in the coming academic year.”

The ongoing program is designed to support continuing education and self-improvement among employees attending colleges or universities, noted officials from the Restaurant and Lodge.

It is open to both full- and part-time employees, assists with tuition expenses at accredited colleges and universities for courses leading to an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or technical degree.

Prospective employees can learn more about the tuition reimbursement program by contacting the Bavarian Inn Restaurant at (989) 652-9941 or the Bavarian Inn Lodge at (989) 652-7200, and learn all about employment opportunities by visiting www.bavarianinn.com/jobs.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn Restaurant online press room: https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com

Summer Events Spotlight Competition, Flowers & Fun

Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Grandpa Tiny’s Farm Host August Events

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 17, 2019 – The first weekend of August in Frankenmuth will see some amazing athletic competitions as the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Frankenmuth River Place Shops host two annual sporting contests drawing participants from across Michigan and the United States. At the same time, sunflower-lovers can enjoy a day at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm and a unique outdoor dinner.

First up, Aug. 3-4 is the nationally-sanctioned triathlon event TRI-BAVARIA, which pushes competitors to the limits of endurance through a combination of swimming, cycling and running along rural roadways, through the streets of Frankenmuth and in the Cass River, beginning and ending at Frankenmuth River Place Shops.

Starting on Saturday, Aug. 3 with the Little Bavaria Kids Splash and Dash for ages six to 14, the competition kicks into high gear on Sunday, Aug. 4 with five adult triathlon and aqua bike events beginning at 7:45 a.m. The highlight is the Olympic Triathlon that includes a 1.5k swim, a 40k bike and a 10k run. A Sprint Triathlon features the return of the favorite 5k run course, a 20k bike and a 500m swim.

The TRI-BAVARIA weekend is organized by the national sport events company 3Disciplines and is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. More information is available at www.3disciplines.com.

At the same time on Saturday, Aug. 3, the challenge will be on in the parking lot north of Frankenmuth River Place Shops to find the strongest man and woman during the sixth annual Michigan Strongest Man and Woman Competition.

The free event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes a series of five unique exercises like a keg toss, yoke lift, stone over bar and vehicle dead-lifts, all to crown the top contestants in each of eight divisions. The competition will also serve as an official Strongman Games Qualifier.

To learn more, 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.

As a part of the new Frankenmuth Flower Festival, Grandpa Tiny’s Farm will offer a wonderful Sunflower Festival, including a sunflower you-pick, a flower fun color run and a rare opportunity to enjoy a wine-paired farm to table dinner next to the sunflowers out on the farm.

These new Dinners in the Sunflowers feature a menu prepared by the superb chefs of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Tickets are $70 per person and you must be 21 years or older. The first dinner will be on Aug. 2. Diners can go to Facebook for further event information and to get tickets.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn online press room: https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com

About Frankenmuth River Place Shops

An authentic re-creation of a German-themed village, located just minutes from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge. The outdoor mall features more than 35 unique shops and attractions at one location. Visitors enjoy architecture, floral gardens, streams and waterfalls and, of course, great shopping opportunities. River Place Shops hosts a full year of festival and events, learn more at http://frankenmuthriverplace.com

Frankenmuth River Place Shops Press Room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com/

Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge Named ‘Greatest in the Great Lakes Bay Region’

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – July 8, 2019 – Both the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and the Bavarian Inn Lodge have been named “Greatest in the Great Lakes Bay Region” by readers of Great Lakes Bay Magazine.

Announced in the magazine’s July/August issue, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant was awarded first place in the category of “Family Dining.” The Bavarian Inn Lodge placed second in the category of “Banquet Hall.”

Individuals at both locations were also recognized. Amy Zehnder Grossi at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant was named “Greatest Restaurateur.” Over at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Evan Greskowiak was awarded “Greatest Bartender.”

For more information on these award-winning venues, please visit www.bavarianinn.com.

About Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Bavarian Inn Restaurant online press room: https://bavarianinn.logos-communications.com

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge online press room: https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com