Happy Tuesday, friends!
I might be in a super duper festive mood, but I haven’t bought a gift nor wrapped a thing, and I’ve already forgotten to move my Elf and put candy in our Advent calendar. Needless to say, my cheery mood hasn’t really aligned yet with my “to do” list. #sigh
I did buy myself this book though…
…because you know my new favorite word is “calm”. I started it yesterday and already love it!
Speaking of yesterday, I shared PART ONE of our Thanksgiving trip to Detroit. I hope you read it because today is PART TWO!
This day was extra extra fun because we visited the ADORABLE town of Frankenmuth, Michigan!
Andrew and I had visited Frankenmuth (about 1 hour and 20ish minutes north of Detroit) several times when we lived there, and knowing it was Thanksgiving week, it was FOR SURE on our list of things to do this trip…but it was EXTRA EXTRA fun to go this time because…
…Frankenmuth was #2 on YOUR TOP 10 CHRISTMAS TOWNS IN THE US!
How fun is that?!
Time to recap…
…we loaded up, grabbed Starbucks, turned on Christmas music and drove north to Frankenmuth. The first stop was Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland!
This Christmas store is open year around and holy cow, IT IS FESTIVE!
Here are some pics…
In our happy place!
We came, we shopped, we enjoyed every second before getting in the car and driving into downtown Frankenmuth…
…which is this ADORABLE little German town (and you know how much I love a German town!).
Here are a few pics…
Of course, I had schnitzel for lunch 🙂 .
We ate fudge and shopped in the boutiques…
…we loaded up on more coffee and…
…even bought cheese!
We loved our entire day in Frankenmuth. Kensington said it was worth the flight just for this one day!
Please note, the littlest still loves a good photo…
On our way back to Detroit from Frankenmuth, we stopped in one of our other favorite towns (we had so many, y’all!)…
…Rochester Hills!
It was extra, extra festive and just as adorable as I remembered. I really love this town too!
Later that night, we headed…
…back to Birmingham for dinner at what was our favorite restaurant 20 years ago…
…and 220…
…we still loved you BIG twenty years later.
Another amazing day in Michigan 🙂 .
That wraps up PART TWO!
If you are wanting some very easy and delicious dinners for your December, I have my 24 CRAZY EASY DECEMBER DINNERS for you today too!
Have the best day! I’ll see you all tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
That town looks so festive!! I love it!
http://www.elspethadaybyday.com
ND says
LOVE Frankenmuth every time I visit. The Cheese Haus has some delicious cheese dip and the picture with the mouse and cheese is REQUIRED! Of course, so is Bronners. My grandkids received ornaments every year from there.
Virginia says
Frankenmuth is the cutest! I will go out of my way to stay there at least once a year while in Michigan for work. So festive year round! And the nicest people!
Dawn Timmons says
I’m so excited that you knew about Frankenmuth and love it too! We have family there and ALWAYS enjoy our visits.
The CALM CHRISTMAS book looks wonderful. This season goes way too fast. It’s nice to find ways savor it as much as possible. Have a wonderful day! 🎄
Amy Williams says
Thank you for all the Michigan pictures and memories. I grew up in Rochester MI and I miss it especially during this time of year. I’m going on the 7th for a short visit. We are huge Detroit Sports fans and watch all the Lions and Tigers we can.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! What a gorgeous, gorgeous place to grow up!
Heather says
I grew up in Birmingham and actually got engaged at 220 restaurant 30 years ago. Glad to see it’s still there 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?! I love that!!
SS says
Shay,
I was wondering if you went to Frankenmuth!!! We haven’t been in a few years, but really gets you in tht spirit.
Last time we were there we had to stop at Sugar High…they were on Cupcake Wars!!!
Sounds like you took home a little more Christmas spirit!!! Lol!!!
Becky G. says
We were in Frankenmuth over the weekend. It is always fun and festive! Glad you all enjoyed it!
Faith says
I can’t say Michigan is anywhere on my bucket list but you make me want to visit. It looks very pretty decorated for the holidays. What is it like in the summer?
Mades is such the model! Love it!
Toni :0) says
It’s BEAUTIFUL and Summer is my favorite season here!! Up North near Traverse City is gorgeous (I’m retiring there!), west side of the state near St. Joseph on Lake Michigan is a favorite, Lake Huron also has lots of cute towns and Mackinac Island is my favorite getaway in the state next to Frankenmuth.
Faith says
Love it! I’ll have to add it to my list!
Sarah M. says
I love a “haus”!! Things just taste better from there 🙂
I love how Ashby is a mini-Kensington in her Ugg slippers and white socks.
Diana Johnson says
I was born in Ann Arbor, MI and lived my childhood years, 50’s-60’s, in South Lyon, MI. As a child, I remember driving to Frankenmuth with my family to enjoy their famous, delicious chicken dinners served family style. 😋
Melanie M says
I love Frankenmuth. They also have the best fried chicken there. Of course, I haven’t been there in years, but, I am sure it’s probably still the same. Your pictures brought back some good memories. I hope you and your family have a very nice Christmas!
Sandy M. says
I’d love to know what you bought at Bronner’s! Michigan girl here.
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought a new Snow Village house, an ornament, two cookbooks and then the girls each bought something for their rooms.
Jill says
The photo of Mades and your Dad is fantastic!!
Alana says
Madeley is such a vibe! I was laughing scrolling through the pictures!
I appreciate seeing how much you love Michigan. I lived in Brighton, MI for a year and definitely did not appreciate it like I should have! Growing up in a small town with one traffic light, it was a big change and I did not love the business of the area. Your photos make me want to go back and enjoy all there is to offer in the lower peninsula!
With that being said, northern Michigan & the UP is much more my vibe. I think you would adore Mackinac Island, so hopefully you make the trip to experience it some day! Even driving over the Mackinac Bridge is magical!
Leslie Wilcox says
I LOVE everything about this post!! I also love Bronner’s. We get a dated ornament every year and have since 1989.
Erika Slaughter says
Well, this town looks adorable!
Toni :0) says
You know I have lived my whole life in Michigan and had never gone to 220 Merrill until last December 😂 when my boss took us all to lunch there. Their food is great and their desserts are nothing short of “Wow!” factor. Frankenmuth is always a yearly long weekend stay for us as it has lots of memories, we love shopping and their family style chicken dinners are delicious. Always a great time. It’s been fun seeing your recaps and knowing where all this is as I’m not well traveled and don’t get out much LOL. Thanks for visiting and come back for Mackinac Island and the U.P.! Also, read Viola Shipman’s The Wishing Bridge as it’s based around Bronners and Frankenmuth! ☺️
Arika says
This is completely random and in no way relates to today’s post, but my crafty 4th grader asked for White Out for Christmas. It made me think of you because I remember you saying in a post that you actually still use White Out and I think you’re the only person I know who does. My daughter will be in good company!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have already used it once today. Bahahaha! I MUCH prefer the liquid to the tape. I feel like I should send your daughter White Out for her stocking 😉 .
Arika says
HAHA Love it! It will be a fun stocking stuffer for sure. It will also give me an opportunity to visit an Office Depot, and I don’t think I’ve been inside one for years!
Lois says
Hi Shay, so glad you have a fun time in Michigan! I grew up in Kalamazoo and my family made a trip to Frankenmuth every holiday season. It’s so festive! Madeley is such a ham! Has she taken to a sweet tooth now (I see many photos of her with ice cream, lollypops and the cotton candy)? It’s ok if she has, I just thought I remembered her being the only one in the family who didn’t partake in desserts. Thanks! Lois
Mix and Match Mama says
You are correct! She is typically not a dessert person. That cotton candy had her WOUND UP!
MJ says
I’m 30 minutes from Kzoo! We are already experiencing some crazy winter weather. Although the winters here can be a bit long Michigan is definitely a beautiful state to experience all 4 seasons!
Connie says
Yay!! I love Frankenmuth too!! So glad all of you enjoyed your trip to Michigan! 🥰
Jenny says
Just read parts 1 and 2, and I was just at Pop’s last night! So glad Michigan did not disappoint, and all your favorite towns are mine too!
Concetta Michael says
I wish I would have run into you at the Village Mall in Rochester hills. Love how much you love MI! I have never taken my kids to Frankenmuth, only the water park, and now I want to
Stacey Werden says
Too fun to see you enjoying our neck of the woods! Looks like we will have to give 222 restaurant a try.