I'm thinking of taking a short weekend trip up to Frankenmuth, Michigan and was looking for suggestions on good places to eat/shop and what there is to do in Frankenmuth or the surrounding area. Thanks.

I know nothing beyond what I saw in the film "Roger and Me" by Michael Moore, so I can't recommend it, but I heartily recommend the movie.
Have fun.

Frankenmuth is great. Lots of shops in town. A huge Christmas shop, Bonner's. The Bavarian Inn is a good place to stay and eat. There are outlet shops close. You'll love it. I hear that there is a good Rock & Roll band playing there this week-end. I'm sorry we had to miss it. Have fun for me.

We recently stopped near Frankenmuth on a trip to another destination. What a pleasant surprise we had there! The town is beautiful with its Bavarian theme, flowers everywhere, shops and boutiques galore, and wonderful restaurants. I can't speak for hotel-motel accommodations as we were in a motor home but I can say the KOA there was one of the nicest we have ever visited. The Bavarian Inn is a good restaurant and there are many others to select from. Be sure and sample the Bavarian cuisine...it's great! Bronner's Christmas Store is a MUST. I don't think you will see anything like it anywhere else. Have fun!

You can get info from: Frankenmuth Convention &
Visitor Bureau, 635 South Main Street, Frankenmuth,
Michigan 48734 - phone: (517) 652-6106.
Hope this helps!

I also love Frankenmuth and try to go there everytime we are in Michigan. WE also stay at the Bavarian Inn and an absolute must is Bronner's Christmas Store. Have fun! Wish we were there!

My husband and I were there in August.
If you have ever been to Germany, don't
go to Frankenmuth. You will be sorely
disappointed at how tacky and fake every-thing is in Frakenmuth. Sorry to
disappoint anyone.

I live a few miles away from Frankenmuth. It is a charming and safe town. The food isn't all that wonderful, chicken that only tourists would come for. Bronners is a huge XMAS store, we usually end up taking guest there and they enjoy it. It is tacky in a tasteful way...does that make sense. Its not junk, its nice stuff. The shops in town are a little touristy, but if you are a tourist, go for it.

I think it would make a very pleasant weekend, along with shopping at the outlets at Birch Run. I would guess 200+ shops within 10 minutes of Frankenmuth. Gap, Guess, Nike, Tommy, Spiegal, Espirit, etc. Also if you are not planning on staying at the Bavarian Inn, (the main place to stay) there is a Country Inn and Suites right at the outlets and several other chain hotels in Birch Run, most which are fairly new.

The Flint area isn't really worth visiting about 15 minutes south. Thats where Roger and Me was based

We love Frankenmuth. Cute town. You absolutely have to try there Famous chicken dinners (DELICIOUS!!!) We are thinking of heading up there soon. This is a popular time of year at Frankenmuth due to Christmas theme and all. Worth the drive!! Eat at Zenyders or Bavarian Inn (across the street from each other) Best Chicken Dinners!!! Also there is a shopping outlet not far from Frankenmuth called Birch Run. Lots of stores. Make sure to go to Bronners christmas store in Frankenmuth. BEAUTIFUL decorations!!
Have fun!
Jan

I'm with Sue. I thought I was the only person who was disappointed with what Bronner's has to offer. I expected really classy stuff; hard-to-find, one-of-a-kind items. I didn't find it, and in fact, haven't been back to Frankenmuth since I attended a wedding there about 14 years ago.

The Bavarian Inn was very nice to stay at and I'd recommend it for lodging. The area is great for shopping, too, with lots of tiny shops to browse. I think you'll have a good time, but again, don't expect too much from Bronner's.

IMHO, it's tacky, but in the same cute way other tacky places are. Bronner's is a must. We call Basketville the "Bronners of baskets", and "Yankee Candle" in MA the Bronners of candles.

Boy, I must be in the minority, but I think Frankenmuth must be one of the worst tourist traps I've ever been to. Those "famous" chicken dinners are incredibly mediocre and overpriced, all those Christmas ornaments are nothing you can't find anywhere else less expensively, and I just don't see what the attraction is. To each his own.

Being a Michigan native I must say that Frankenmuth is a major don't see on your Michigan adventure. And I avoid Flint at all costs!

There are much nicer and less touristy places to visit in Michigan and no matter what you do AVOID the chicken dinner!

Who has the best chicken dinner? Bavarian Inn, or Zenders?

Same family, same food .... go to Zenders - it's smaller and has better (less tacky) atmosphere.