After visiting Flint, Michigan on a recent trip, my husband and I traveled on to one of the most interesting little towns – Frankenmuth.  Known as “Little Bavaria” the sign welcoming us gave a feel for what was to come as we explored the town.  Its Bavarian-style architecture highlights its German roots.

On of the first things we saw on entering the town was Bronner’s Christmas  Wonderland.  They claim to be the world’s largest Christmas store.  Larger than two and a half football fields the enormous building contains over 50,000 gifts and trimmings for Christmas.   It was a little overwhelming!

Since we have just downsized in moving to a smaller place we were able to resist buying anything here.  The Cheese Haus, however, was a different story.  We love cheese and this store is certainly a cheese lover’s fantasy.

The store carries over 120 different kinds of cheese, including chocolate cheese.

I was not brave enough to try that chocolate cheese but could not resist buying a block of Colby cheese.

Looking forward to some authentic German food we stopped at the Bavarian Inn Lodge for lunch.

Nestled along the Cass River the Lodge has 360 European-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants – all under one roof.

Sadly the line waiting to eat when we arrived was very long and the wait would have been 30 to 45 minutes.  Since we were both very hungry and being diabetic could not really wait that long we looked for another  spot for lunch.

While certainly not as fancy as the Inn, we found a small wine bar and charcuterie called Prost!

Prost is one of the most important Oktoberfest words.  It is a German cheer to good food, great wine and the warm conversation and laughter among family and friends.  And here I got my German food fix.

Charcuterie (pronounced “shar/kew/tree”) describes any kind of cured meat, but is typically associated with specialty and gourmet meats.  The term “charcuterie board” often refers to an assortment of meats that are paired with different accompaniments, such as toast, fruit, cheese, and sauces.  The menu at Prost! offered lots of choices but I zeroed in on the  bratwurst with sauerkraut and lots of mustard on the side.

By this time evening was approaching and reluctantly we headed home.  There is so much more to see in this charming town.

• Bavarian Belle Riverboat
• Ultimate Mirror Maze
• Silent Night Chapel
• Rose Garden

And the list goes on.  So come spring we will be heading to Frankenmuth for a much longer stay.