What’s in Michigan?
by Valerie Nusbaum
When Randy and I were finally able to plan and schedule our vacation to Michigan, we told the people who needed to know and the questions started: What’s in Michigan? Do you have family there? Are you visiting friends?
We don’t have family or friends in Michigan. Randy and I go on vacation to get away from family and friends. For one week every year, we take some time out for ourselves. This year, in particular, we needed that.
As far as what’s in Michigan, well, two of the Great Lakes are there, with access to the other three. There are loads of lighthouses, several forts, lots of historical sites, and more fudge than you can shake a stick at. There are beaches, bridges, bays and rivers, and tasty local cuisine.
We decided to drive to Michigan. We both love a road trip. One of Randy’s friends asked, “Do you and your wife get along that well? That’s a long time to be in a car together.” We both made it home, Matt, so I guess you have your answer.
When we told our neighbor, Steve, that we were traveling up to the Great Lakes, he asked, “What happens if you get all the way up there and they’re only so-so lakes?”
Why Michigan? About a year ago, I came across an article in a magazine about a town called Frankenmuth, Michigan. Frankenmuth was settled by German immigrants and has held on to the heritage. Almost all of the downtown shops and hotels are built in the Bavarian style. The magazine boasted that the town featured the world’s largest Christmas shop and the world’s best fried chicken dinner. At that point we were hooked. We knew we had to go. Also, my friend, Marilyn, is from that area and she said it was worth the trip.
Randy drove the truck while I navigated the maps and directions. It was fairly simple since we took both the Pennsylvania and Ohio Turnpikes. There were plenty of rest areas for me, but we did have to pay a lot of tolls. Also, we saw several signs reading, “Prison Area – Do NOT Pick Up Hitchhikers.”
Frankenmuth did not disappoint. We booked a hotel in the heart of downtown, so we could walk to the shops and restaurants. I honestly have never seen such gorgeous flowers and landscaping. There were huge hanging baskets of petunias on every lamppost, and every single business and residence featured eye-popping plant displays. Parks and fountains were scattered everywhere. The huge wooden covered bridge spanned the Cass River, and we walked across it. We also took the river boat tour, where we learned that a couple of families own most of the real estate and that there are tunnels and underground rooms everywhere. Randy is the picture-taker in the family, and he must have taken a thousand photos. I’m proud to say that the city of Frankenmuth is using one of his photos of the covered bridge to promote the town.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland was, indeed, the largest Christmas shop I’ve ever seen. In fact, it was so big and bright and noisy that I couldn’t focus on anything. And like everything else in Frankenmuth, it was expensive. Randy marveled at all the life-size displays. We nearly lost him in the forest of lighted trees.
We didn’t find the chicken dinner to be the best in the world. It was good, but we’ve had better. The pastries and ice cream in Frankenmuth were delicious. If you’re ever there, try a long John from Zehnder’s Marketplace.
My only criticism of our visit to Frankenmuth is that I had a terrible time getting into our hotel room. I couldn’t get the darn key to work no matter what I did, but when Randy pointed out that we were in room 312 and not 308, the key worked just fine.
After several busy days in Frankenmuth, we got back in the truck and headed to Mackinaw City. This city is the home of the famous Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula, and it fronts both Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Our hotel room balcony overlooked the beach and Lake Huron, and I’d have gone for the view alone. There’s something so relaxing about being near the water.
We toured a couple of lighthouses and Fort Mackinac. We tried a local fare called “pasties,” which we found delicious. We had chili dogs from a place called “Weinerlicious.” There was a forty-foot-long hot dog, complete with bun, on the roof of the restaurant. We had to go there.
We rode the ferry over to Mackinac (also pronounced “Mack-i-naw”) Island. The Island is famous for its ban on gas-powered engines. Everyone there uses bicycles or horse carts and carriages. As you can imagine, the air is fragrant and not entirely pleasant, but every now and then, we’d get a whiff of fudge mixed in. I counted fourteen fudge shops on Mackinac Island’s main street alone. I finally broke down and bought some for us and some more to bring home for gifts. At $17.00 per pound, I’m convinced it’s laced with gold. I hope it’s gold. There were so many horses.
Randy drove us over the bridge to the U.P., too. The area over there seemed a little less developed and less tourist-y. Honest, we tried hard to see and do everything since we might never go back. We came home broke and exhausted, but happy that we’d gone.
What’s in Michigan? Beautiful sights, lots of water, good food, and fun…and now, most of our money.
