OT: Is Frankenmuth still a thing in Metro Detroit during the Holidays?
Growing up we loved going multiple times per year. I haven't been in at least a decade, but we took the kids on Sunday and honestly, it was pretty awful. Food was crummy ski lodge tier (at about $25-30 per plate), decor hasn't been refreshed in decades, even the downtown -- Christmas Headquarters! -- put extremely minimal effort into their light displays. Shouldn't their decorations and lights blow you away? I can name a dozen Metro Detroit towns with better holiday exhibits. Have my tastebuds matured or has the town's scene actually gone downhill? Sad to see a unique place slacking, but it could be the economy too. In its current state, not at all worth the drive.
November 27th, 2017 at 6:59 PM ^
"We said you get a lot!"
November 27th, 2017 at 10:58 PM ^
Ahh...Tony's Diner. I remember going as a kid and there was about a 30-minute line to be seated (this was well over 20 years so I have no idea what it's like now).
As for Frankenmuth, my parents take out-of-town family and friends up there to see Bronners and buy the random Armenian Christmas ornament they have in stock. I'd probably do the same thing and take an out-of-town friend up there just to take a look around and eat at Zehnders.
November 27th, 2017 at 7:11 PM ^
Don't know if it is a thing in the Detroit area but it still is in mid-michigan. They just redid the downstairs bathrooms at the Bavarian Inn, so the place is ok by me. Food is still good too.
November 27th, 2017 at 9:14 PM ^
November 27th, 2017 at 9:27 PM ^
as a small child, i was (somehow) convinced that michigan/frankenmuth was special because thats where frankincense (obviously) came from.
Suck it gold & myrrh producers!
November 27th, 2017 at 9:54 PM ^
November 27th, 2017 at 9:59 PM ^
So if you're comparing it to anything metro Detroit it might be a disappointment.
Very "out in the country" feeling, something I crave every so often. Picturesque, walkable, cute shops. good homey food. If you go, check out the Z marketplace for excellent baked goods and treats to take home, presents, etc.
November 28th, 2017 at 11:51 AM ^
I know what you mean, but when it comes to small picturesque towns to browse and dine, we'd do Clarkston, Rochester, Milford or Fenton before Frankenmuth, moving forward.
November 27th, 2017 at 10:37 PM ^
November 28th, 2017 at 1:58 AM ^
November 28th, 2017 at 2:54 AM ^
My family would go once or twice a year when I was kid in the late 60s and 70s. I remember one very cold Thanksgiving day we went with my Uncle and his family and we were in line for what felt like hours. We mainly go to the Bavarian Inn but Zenders was just as good. It was more fun during the summer in the late 60s when the little kiddie land park was there at the corner of Birch Run and Gera RD (where US 83 turns due north south of Frankenmuth). We use to stop there and ride the little train and some small carnival rides. When I come up to Michigan in the Summer, I try to make one trip The food was never the greatest. The Fried chicken and noodles were always good. I miss the little plastic zoo animals they use to put on your bowl of ice cream.
November 28th, 2017 at 7:08 AM ^
Had a nice little collection of those plastic animals at one point.
November 28th, 2017 at 7:34 AM ^
The dinners are still fun and good. We have an an annual tradition of causing at least one scene in Zenders. This past year, my brother (55) excused himself to go to the bathroom by crawling out of the booth on his hands and knees to get clear of the table before standing up, brushing himself off, and proceeding to the facilities. Multiple tables around us started laughing uncontrollably.
Love Frankenmuth. And love that my kids love it.
November 28th, 2017 at 11:33 AM ^
Frankenmuth and also went to Bronners! Yeah it's corny but it was cool that the young ones liked to go on their own.
We also like to watch Hallmark Christmas movies and make fun of them like the Sklar Brothers do, so perhaps we arent normal.