Just down the street from the enormous roadside hot dog I showed you this week, there is a beautiful lighthouse. The Old Mackinaw Point Light was deactivated in 1957 after almost six decades of service.
Today, it’s a beacon of education, serving as a museum where visitors can go up in the tower. Sadly, we arrived too late in the day to climb the 62 feet up the tower.
I like that it resembles a castle tower.
However, we did get to walk around the shore and admire the lighthouse which presides over the Fort Michilimackinac State Park.
From here, you can also see the Mackinaw Bridge, the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world.
One of our first destinations in Michigan was Lavender Hill Farm, just a few miles from Petoskey. They say they’re the largest lavender farm in Michigan.
Even though we didn’t see much lavender growing during our visit, it was beautiful and seemed like a special place.
They offer guided tours for a fee but it’s free to pick up a map and walk around. The crown jewel of the property is a century old barn that’s been restored for events like weddings and concerts. When we were there, it was set up for a concert that night and I was in awe of it all.
The seats are mismatched theater seats that can be removed and rearranged. The posts and beams are handmade and enormous.
The light was incredible.
In addition to lavender, they grow flowers for cutting and have bees. I saw that they offer classes including yoga.
The gift shop is packed with lavender products including the expected soaps, sachets, candles and lotions as well as things like shortbread cookies and bottled drinks.
The lavender lemonade was surprisingly refreshing!
I was sad to not see more lavender plants but surprised given the late date in the season. This is a place you should visit if you are in the area. Learn more about this locally owned business at their website. Click here.
If roadside oddities and record breakers are your jam, Mackinaw City, Michigan has just the thing for you.
We were walking through town when this monstrosity came into view. At 63’ long and 15’ 2” high, this hot dog sculpture is the largest hot dog in the world made of spray foam.
According to the World Record Academy, it was created by Florida artist Ron Berman to perch atop local landmark Wienerlicious. We did not go inside but their website says they’ve been in business and serving signature dogs since 1916.
What do you think? Cool or over the top? Personally, this is the kind of thing I live for when I’m traveling – especially when they materialize without notice!
Phew!! It has been a long week but we finally made it to Friday. Here’s another picture from Frankenmuth, Michigan to brighten your day. Tomorrow, we will move on from Frankenmuth to another destination from my journey through Michigan.
A week ago today, I was winding down vacation and exploring Frankenmuth, Michigan. We went for Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland and for the Little Bavaria appeal of the town but were pleasantly surprised to find classic cars everywhere we looked.
That’s because the town was preparing for an enormous weekend long auto show set to start on Friday. Many car owners arrived on Thursday and spent the evening cruising the block.
Remember cruising?
That’s when carloads of (usually) teenagers went out driving along a popular route in town, often socializing with riders in other cars. If you’re not familiar, see the movie “American Graffiti.”
Most American towns have cracked down on this activity for the last several decades and you just don’t see it done much. However, Frankenmuth welcomed these drivers to cruise the block and even challenge each other at times.
The cops were miraculously absentee while we stood and watched all those beautiful old cars go by. By the way, those drivers were all ages – from teenagers to elderly – and all seemed to be having a blast.
They were expecting thousands of cars for the weekend and I hated to leave without seeing them all. I’m thinking it would be fun to go back next year and check out all the fun they have planned.
As much as I enjoy planning a trip, there’s something special about rolling into town and encountering the unexpected. This is one of the reasons we travel and one of the things that make adventuring amazing.
At Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, you can celebrate Christmas 361 days a year. This Frankenmuth, Michigan landmark is the size of about one and a half football fields and is packed with trees, ornaments and lots of other things you need to celebrate the holiday.
Their slogan is “We’ve been making spirits bright since 1945.”
Bright spirits, indeed.
This place is almost overwhelming but it sure was fun to tackle. Their 6,000 ornaments are organized by topic like Santa, snowmen, birds, nativity, nautical, sports and pets .
Brands like Precious Moments, Jim Shore Department 56 and Hummel have their own area. There’s a forest of trees of all sizes and colors, lights, garland, angels, ornaments from around the world, outdoor decor and more. They even have a section where they will personalize your ornaments. If you’re playing Santa Claus, they have beautiful Santa suits, glasses and sleigh bells.
I really like the Department 56 stuff but I don’t collect it.
This little vintage reindeer was adorable. I kind of wish I had bought him.
These angels were tempting too.
Don’t worry. The map they give you at the door will help you navigate the store and the snack stand provides a place to rest and refuel.
Outside, you’ll find Silent Night Chapel, a small chapel they built to honor the Carol “Silent Night.”
Come back at dark to see their incredible outdoor light display. Honestly, I have paid good money to see light displays that weren’t this good.
My expectations were low but I really loved this place. That statement is true of all of Frankenmuth, also called Little Bavaria. We had a lovely visit here but it was too short and I’m dying to go back another time. In fact, I would not mind going back closer to Christmas to sip hot chocolate and browse the Christmas selection when it’s actually time to decorate and celebrate the holiday.
Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk about another leg of this journey!
