Christmas in June? Frankenmuth, MI

Wednesday, June 4th 2014 - Day 5

We traveled 218 miles to Frankenmuth, MI where we were to stay 2 nights. I was tiring already of the daily driving, so I looked forward to having a day off, but I questioned the destination. There wasn't too much to do in this town this early in the season, but a fabulous chicken dinner was promised and shopping possibilities. This is our first trip traveling with a group, so we have to “go with the flow”.

Parked rather close, but great for gathering with
friends at the end of the day.

   After arriving at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone RV Park, we were greeted by sunny skies, temperatures in the 70’s with a brisk, refreshing wind. Camping  sites that were large, flat,but a little to close for comfort. A virtual parking lot with grass strips in between.  At least our neighbors were all friends,which made visiting with one another very convenient.

Looking out the window, I could have sworn this was snow!

  Looking toward the sky was a sight that confused the mind.  Was that SNOW?  There was a “blizzard “ of white fluffy seeds of some type.  Looked to us like the largest proliferation of dandelion seeds ever sent skyward.  I was thinking of the poor people trying to get rid of the ensuing weeds in the months to come!   Then I imagined how many dandilions could be harvested for dinners! ( One of my favorite meals from childhood.)  But someone in the group with obvious horticultural knowledge explained that those fluffy seeds that had settled  in our drinks and food were from the nearby Cotonwood trees.  Amazing!

Cottonwood seeds make the ground look like a there was
 dusting of snow

That evening, all 30 of us met at a huge local restaurant that seats a whopping 1500 people called Zehnders.  They are noted for their all-you-can-eat family style chicken dinners.  I opted for the healthier choice of broiled Northern Lake Whitefish, which was also very delicious. The unhealthy desert of an ice cream sundae tasted even better!

We were having such a good time (and loud), I am sure the other patrons were relieved when this cheerful group of retirees left.

All 30 of us had dinner here.  

Thursday, June 5^th, 2014 - Day 6

Today I met with a couple of other woman to do some shopping. I didn't really need anything, but what fun would it be if I had?  If we have a chance to shop without our pouting husbands in tow, all the better!

Bronners Christmas World.  Said to be the
Largest Christmas shop in the World!

A  Frankenmuth must-do stop was at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which was founded in 1945 by Wally Bronner. When Wally painted his first sign over 50 years ago, little did he.dream that his small business would one day become the world's largest Christmas store visited by millions of people. Open 361 days of the year, Bronner's features over 50,000 trims and gifts.

Since we have lived in The Villages we don’t bother decorating for holidays very much, but I enjoyed browsing in this gigantic store for 2 ½ hours.

 We had a lovely, albeit late, lunch in a Bavarian Inn restaurant after browsing another shopping village.

The guys loved not being dragged around the shops and did the “manly” tour of a brewery and stopped at a beer store boasting more than 450 different beers.  Norm found one that he just couldn't pass up!

Norm's "Raggedy Ass?" Where do they get these names? 
How could he possibly not buy this?