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Bavarian Inn proud partners of POWERMAN Michigan duathlon races

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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®.

A Picture Doesn’t Speak A Thousand Words — A Video Does!

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Bavarian Inn Lodge Launches Animated Video to Attract Tourists
Frankenmuth, MI (July 1, 2013) – The Bavarian Inn Lodge, Michigan’s largest indoor water park hotel, recently launched an animated video which vividly illustrates all the Frankenmuth-based resort has to offer for families looking for a wide range of activities to pack into a single summer vacation. The spot, entitled “The Stixx Family Plans THEN Enjoys the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge,” was produced by big brand creative supplier Epipheo and is now available on YouTube (http://youtu.be/y2uudjpECik).

“It’s unique for a small resort like us to use this kind of cool technology in social media, but we wanted to produce something that stands out from other vacation destination advertising as much as our facility stands out from other alternatives,” said Bavarian Inn Lodge COO Jim Engel. “We believe we’ve done this with the Stixx family video.”

After Epipheo producer Jeff Hickman visited the Lodge, it became apparent that traditional photos or video don’t do the resort justice. “I came away with the fact that pictures don’t really tell the story,” said Hickman. “To see firsthand the size, scale and architecture was impressive. You can’t really take it all in unless you’re actually there.”

The animated video answers the common family summer vacation question, “How are you going to keep everyone happy and enjoy a relaxing time on a vacation where every family member wants different experiences?” The video, the first produced by Epipheo for a hospitality property, quickly and visually answers that question: “The Bavarian Inn Lodge,” says the narrator, “where you can relax, eat, shop, play and have fun.”

With all that was needed to be included in the spot, one of the biggest challenges was fitting all that the Lodge has to offer in 81 seconds, something the Epipheo creative team was able to accomplish in just 40 seconds as the video closes with narrated images of the Stixx family “sliding, playing a round, pwning, splashing, dining, climbing, glockenspieling, time travelling, chicken eating, soaking, entertaining, bonding, stress relieving, enchanting, dreaming and relaxing all in one fun place.”

Engel was exposed to the unique video product at a computer user’s group conference where the Lodge COO viewed a number of Epipheo’s previous works and from that encounter a partnership was born. In addition to YouTube, a 30-second version of the spot will run on other local Michigan media outlets as the Bavarian Inn Lodge spreads the word on all they have to offer families this summer.

Engel envisions turning the Stixx family into a multi-video campaign with other family members being introduced in subsequent spots. “I envision a reunion cartoon being produced, grandparents bringing their Grandkids for special memories, or maybe even a Stixx wedding,” Engel said. “The possibilities are endless.”

About the Bavarian Inn Lodge (bavarianinn.com): The Bavarian Inn Lodge, nestled along the Cass River in Michigan’s number one 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 27 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening, along with its top rating on TripAdvisor®.

About Epipheo (epipheo.com): Founded in 2008, with offices in both Cincinnati, Ohio and Portland, Oregon, Epipheo is a company of storytellers that help their clients find, and then effectively communicate their unique human value. Their storytelling expertise spans across video, interactive, branding, retail, event planning and most other communication mediums. Epipheo’s clients include a host of some of the top Fortune 100 companies, along with smaller brands and startups in the technology, health care, human resources and app development sectors. Spending enough time with Epipheo you will hear about their dedication to truth, story and love.

Voters Tell Bavarian Inn Lodge to Keep Original Name

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‘Family Fun Center’ Receives Voters Mandate

Nov. 12, 2012 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — The votes have been counted and the people have spoken.  Just like in our national election, the current party will remain in office:  The “Family Fun Center” will continue as the name of the entertainment area of the Bavarian Inn Lodge.

“Despite the $3-million expansion currently under construction,” said Judy Zehnder Keller, president and founder of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, “people have asked that we keep the same name. Like the old saying goes, ‘You don’t mess with success.’”

Since Bavarian Inn Lodge’s  entertainment area is being refurbished, Zehnder Keller and her staff thought perhaps the time was right for a new name as well — something to reflect the renovation. A contest was created, asking people to pick from one of four names for the Center as well as create a new name of their own.

The four names voted on were ® FunnerPlatz, ® Willy’s Kingdom, ® FunnerHaus and the existing ® Family Fun Center.  The runner up:  ® Willy’s Kingdom, which will be added to the current name: Family Fun Center – Home of Willy’s Kingdom.  As a result, anyone voting for the names “Family Fun Center” or “Willy’s Kingdom” will receive two free passes for miniature golf at the Lodge.

Zehnder Keller said she appreciates the more than 500 people who participated in the contest.  And, while she was genuinely surprised with the outcome, she was heartened to receive a mandate for the Center’s original name and pleased to get such a positive reaction.

“The Family Fun name has been with us since the Center was added in 1989,” said Zehnder Keller. “People relate to it and love it.”

The 35,000 square-foot entertainment venue offers all-ages recreation from pools to mini-golf to more than 100 video games.  The renovation is focused on two dramatic water slides — a body slide and a multi-person tube slide. The Lodge will offer four indoor pools — including a zero-depth entry and one for adults only.  Guests will also enjoy a fun facelift to the 18-hole mini-golf area. Both projects are planned for completion before Thanksgiving 2012.

Voting took place on Bavarian Inn Lodge’s Facebook page from Sept. 20 through Oct. 4, 2012.

About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Since its opening in 1986, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has undergone five additions, expanding the number of rooms, adding the Ratskeller Restaurant and a full service conference center that can accommodate up to 500 people. In 25 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.

Media contact:

For more information about the Bavarian Inn Lodge, please contact Sue Voyles, Logos Communications, Inc., sue@logos-communications.com or 734-667-2005 or visit the online press room at https://bavarianinnlodge.logos-communications.com/

Photo Gallery

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Construction Continues at Bavarian Inn Lodge

Construction Continues at Bavarian Inn Lodge

Back Row: Chip Hendrick, R.C. Hendrick & Son, Judy Zehnder-Keller, Michael Keller – Zehnder, Jacob Zehnder (held by Michael), Amy Zehnder-Grossi, Dorothy Zehnder, Bill Zehnder, Lexie Zehnder, Tonly Leuenberger, Project Manager – R.C. Hendrick & Son, Dan LaPan, – Lead Coordinator, R.C. Hendrick & Son, Front Row: Luke Zehnder-Grossi, Sophia Zehnder-Grossi.

Back Row:Judy Zehnder-Keller, Michael Keller – Zehnder, Amy Zehnder-Grossi, Dorothy Zehnder, Bill Zehnder, Lexie Zehnder, Front Row: Jacob Zehnder, Luke Zehnder-Grossi, Sophia Zehnder-Grossi.

Bavarian Inn Lodge Asks Friends to Rename Fun Center

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Sept. 20, 2012 – Frankenmuth, Mich. — Bavarian Inn Lodge’s “Family Fun Center” is taking on a new look, and it’s looking for a new name to reflect the renovation.

The 360-room Frankenmuth resort is inviting the public to vote on a new name for the Family Fun Center — a 35,000 square-foot entertainment venue offering all-ages recreation from pools to mini-golf to more than 100 video games.

The reason for the new name? The Lodge is underway with a multi-million dollar investment focused on two dramatic water slides — a body slide and a multi-person tube slide. Along with the new slides, the Lodge will offer four indoor pools — one zero-depth entry and one for adults only.  Guests will also enjoy a fun facelift to the 18-hole mini-golf area. Both projects are planned for completion before Thanksgiving 2012.

The contest asks participants to pick from one of four names for the Center. They also have an option to create a new one of their own.

“The Family Fun Center name has been with us since it was added in 1989,” said Judy Zehnder Keller, president and founder of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge. “Now, we’re thinking that our fresh face might want a fresh name to go with it.”

The four names to be voted on are:

  • ® FunnerPlatz – What’s even more than fun?  How about funner?  Combine it with the German word for place (platz) and you have ‘FunnerPlatz’ — a specially coined term bringing together all of the elements of the Fun Center into one playful word that’s fun to say.
  • ® Willy’s Kingdom – Our mascot Willy — an 8-foot tall, Lederhosen-wearing dragon — would like to have the Fun Center named after him.  After all, the Center is Willy’s enchanted domain, and his magic does fill the air.  He’s even been spotted doing the Chicken Dance in the Ratskeller at night!
  • ® FunnerHaus – This name is similar to ‘FunnerPlatz,’ but we’ve changed the name place to Haus (house).  While not really a true German word, it does capture the essence of the fun that awaits in the ‘FunnerHaus.”
  • ® Family Fun Center – Despite all the renovations to the Center, some folks believe you just can’t improve on the traditional name.  So we’re offering the original title, ‘Family Fun Center’ for those whose vote is the incumbent.

After they’ve cast their ballot for one of these four choices, participants can also submit a name of their own creation.  Here’s how to participate:

[Or, CLICK HERE to go to our Face Book Page and LIKE us.]

  • To be eligible to vote, you’ll have to “Like” the Lodge page
  • Then vote for one of the four names you like best
  • ·         Then there is your opportunity to submit a name of your own creation
  • Along with the name, you’ll be asked to explain in 300 – 500 characters  why your idea best describes the new look and feel of Bavarian Inn Lodge’s entertainment venue

Winners will be chosen one of two ways.  If one of the four names — ® FunnerPlatz, ® Willy’s Kingdom, ® FunnerHaus, or ® Family Fun Center — is selected, everyone who voted for the winning name will win two miniature golf passes.  If one of the creative new names is picked, that individual will win a two-night, get-a-way for a family suite, breakfasts and dinners, and limousine transportation provided after the renovation is complete.

There’s only one vote allowed per person and you must be a Facebook friend to participate.  The contest runs from Sept. 20 through Oct. 4, 2012.  Details are also available on the Bavarian Inn Lodge website at http://bavarianinn.com/stay/

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About Bavarian Inn Lodge

Since its opening in 1986, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has undergone five additions, expanding the number of rooms, adding the Ratskeller Restaurant and a full service conference center that can accommodate up to 500 people. In 25 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.

Media contact:

For more information about the Bavarian Inn Lodge, please contact Sue Voyles, Logos Communications, Inc., sue@logos-communications.com or 734-667-2005.