So, we continue with our trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan. We walked up and down the street, visiting many shops. The Visitor's Center / Chamber of Commerce is about a block away from the Bavarian Inn. The fountain featuring children dancing around the maypole was beautiful.
The Visitor's Center is centrally located, with plenty of information and clean public restrooms.
There was a Scarecrow Festival this weekend, and the there were many scarecrows in the commons area in front of the Visitor's Center. They also featured a giant bride and groom made from round bails.
The Frankenmuth Historical Museum is just across the street.
It featured a description of the founding of Frankenmuth and a photograph in the front window. The reflection makes it a bit difficult to see, but if you look closely, you can read what the sign says.
There are an abundance of unique shops.
This sign was outside a boutique called It's Raining Cats and Dogs, which featured things for pets.
There was a Cheese Shop...
that was trying to make a point.
There were several candy, taffy, and fudge shops.
We watched some turtle fudge being made, and bought a little to bring home. I bought some tea...
but none of these flavors. I got maple and blackberry instead. I had a cup at school this morning, and it is delicious.
We visited two Woolen Mills.
This shop specialized in wool batted quilts.
It had a pretty Bo Peep mural.
And... I've lost my sheep... as well as my marbles, apparently.
We had a fantastic tour of the Zeilinger Wool Company mill. I bought a half pound of gorgeous 70 alpaca/30 wool combed top in a royal blue and black mix.
It was pouring rain when we were there, so I didn't get any pictures.
With a quick stop in the rain to check out the River Place shops
we decided it was time to head north once again. Get it? Clock? TIME to head north?
Pun intended.
We took our time heading toward home. We drove around Mackinac City, which is the town you pass through just before going back over the Mackinac Bridge. There is an old fort where they have recreations. There are cute shops with a lighthouse theme.
And a couple of real lighthouses to visit.
This is the McGulpin Point lighthouse.
This is the view of the Mackinac Bridge and Lake Michigan from the beach behind the McGulpin Lighthouse.
This is the Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
It is located at the foot of the bridge.
I really like this shot that I took out of the car window in the rain. I love the trees framing the buoy in front of the bridge. The colors are muted to black and gray by the rain.
I had read about a cute little Mom and Pop type of motel in Munising, Michigan that got great reviews. We drove on into night to get there. Our room was literally on the shore of Lake Superior. It had a cabin feeling, with a kitchenette, sofa, separate bedroom, and bathroom It was cozy while it was cold and raining outside. We ordered a delivery pizza and watched a ballgame on TV.
We were in 104.
And this was the view to the east from our room.
And the view to the west, toward home. I'd definitely stay here again.
In spite of thick fog, rain, 46 degrees and wind; we had to stop in Ishpeming to visit Da Yoopers Tourist Trap. Some of you may be familiar with Da Yoopers from their "Thirdy Point Buck" song and others. Their Tourist Trap is full of pure corn type humor.
This big gun "Big Ernie" is in the Guinness Book of World Records,
as is "Big Gus" the world's largest operational chain saw.
If you would prefer a more manual chainsaw, they have that, too.
Of course, they have a snowplow. Christine on steroids.
This is a snowblower to be used only by the manliest of Yoopers. If you don't believe me, just read this sign.
There are a few months of the year when Yoopers need a lawn mower. Check out this rig.
And if a Yooper wants to bag a nice squirrel or rabbit for dinner, try this weapon on for size.
It's a double barreled Yooper slingshot. I've got to believe the under wire gives it a little extra pop.
All told, we traveled 1,400 miles in four days; and saw an awful lot. We had a terrific time.
As long as I have my "travel necessities" of a lovely Pumpkin Spice cappuccino and some nice wool to knit; I'm always ready to go!
Hope you enjoyed our mini-vacay!
Be grateful and see the beauty in each day!
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