Sprinkles of Christmas Magic and A Perfect Present in "Little Bavaria" U.S.A.

Who doesn't want a bit of 🎄🎄Christmas magic sprinkled on their life? 🎄🎄The 🎄🎄Christmas season is often the one month when giving and sharing are at their peak, it's a time for gathering with family, and friends, and eating festive foods, a time when the church doors are open longer, and faith is a bit stronger. It's a time to BELIEVE 🎄🎄🎄in the magic of Christmas. It's also a time to travel, but with dozens of countries still locked down to tourists, traveling around the globe isn't so appealing. So why not stay closer to home? My one wish this year was to travel internationally to a place like Argentina, Germany, India, or Switzerland, but that didn't happen. Even my plans to go visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona or Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia  (USA) were shattered. I was giving up hope until I remembered about a place pretty close to home called "Frankenmuth" otherwise known as "Little Bavaria."🎄🎄🎄

FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN at Christmas is like stepping inside the pages of a perfectly illustrated fairytale. It has all the fixings of Christmas; a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf, Austria where the Christmas carol "Silent Night" was composed beckons visitors who feel as if they've been transported to Austria. Just a few yards away from the chapel is the world's largest Christmas store called "Bronner's Christmas Wonderland." At Bronner's you'll find over 50,000 trims and gifts for all reasons, seasons, and budgets. As if this isn't enough Christmas magic, there's plenty more, just one mile from Bronner's and the Silent Night Chapel is the town of Frankenmuth that was settled by 15 Germans in 1845 led by Reverend August Craemer, a Lutheran minister. The small band of settlers came to the area from Neuendettelsau, Germany, for the purpose of evangelizing to Native Americans. Today, Frankenmuth looks and feels like an authentic village in the Bavarian federal state of Germany.

MAGIC IN FRANKENMUTH:

Enter Frankenmuth, and feel the sprinkles of magic warm your heart and body with hope, peace, and love. Begin your journey with a cup of hot cocoa and a carriage ride with the Fantasy Carriage Company at 780 Mill Street. Take a ride down beautiful Main Street and check out historic sites as well on a comfy carriage ride that makes you feel like a king or queen. Next grab some ice skates and skate your way around the ice rink at Zehnder Park. Admission is $10.00 and skate rentals are $3.00. Thanks to the generous contribution of Huntington Bank the Zehnder Park Ice Rink is open to all from November 18th to mid February. Feel like shopping? Explore more than 40 shops and attractions at the Bavarian themed "River Place Shops." Here you can shop for everything from clothes to candles to wines. If you're feeling hungry, feel French and indulge in authentic French crepes at Le Crepe du Jour or some tasty beignets at N'Orlins Beignets. You'll need at least an hour to explore "River Place Shops." Next head to the Frankenmuth Spectular Musical Tree Show next to the Frankenmuth Visitors Center and gaze at the gorgeous Christmas tree while listening to Christmas songs that will warm your soul.

Now it's time for a meal. The two most famous places to eat are Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder's. Both of these large restaurants are known for their chicken dinners and other amazing German dishes. The atmosphere is "Bavarian" with the staff dressed in German clothing. Both restaurants feature a variety of shops downstairs. Cozy up and fill your stomach with delicious food at either the Bavarian Inn Restaurant or Zehnder's. Why not eat at both if you plan on staying in Frankenmuth for more than one day. 

Main Street Frankenmuth is a jewel of a place at Christmas time, when the days are dark and the street are lined up with lampposts, and Christmas lights. As you stroll down Main Street you can go inside a variety of shops, "Amazin' Mitten" featuring Michigan artistic products, "Frankenmuth Clock Company," with about 1,000 clocks hailing from Germany, and "Frankenmuth Cheese Haus" for out of this world cheese, meat, and specialty foods. For the oldest and largest candy store in Frankenmuth visit "Rau's Country Store." Over at "Zak & Mac's Chocolate Haus" indulge in fudge, truffles, and other treats in a cozy setting. "Covered Bridge Shop" carries everything from footwear to handbags, to shirts, wallets and more. 

You'll be so magnetized by the charming and idyllic Frankenmuth, that spending the night is a must if time permits. My suggestion for a peaceful night of rest is at the fantastic "Bavarian Inn Lodge." Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Cass River across from a unique covered bridge, this Bavarian-style resort features a water park, mini golf, an arcade, plus two restaurants. The atmosphere here is spectacular as is the location. Book a night or two at "Bavarian Inn Lodge."

BONUS ATTRACTION: (Absolutely Divine)

Silent Night Chapel at Bronner's and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Bronner's Silent Night Chapel, a 56 foot-tall landmark is nestled on the southern tip of Bronner's 27 acres of landscaped grounds. The Silent Night Chapel is a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf, near Salzburg, Austria in which "Silent Night" was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818. Go inside the lovely chapel and feel inspiration, hope, love, and peace. The chapel is open daily for visitation and meditation.

Over at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, it's Christmas everyday. Since 1945 Bronner's has sold everything Christmas; trees,  nutcrackers, ornaments, lights, nativities, calendars, wreaths.....the list goes on. Bronner's is the largest Christmas store in the world and is open to devoted customers 361 days a year. Many famous people have made their way through the doors of Bronner's to do their shopping.

Seek and you shall find, that's what I did this December when I was longing for a beautiful Christmas town that warmed my heart. How blessed I was to have Frankenmuth nearby. Frankenmuth, Michigan U.S.A. is truly one of the best Christmas towns in the world. Come and visit Frankenmuth in December and give yourself the gift of Christmas magic!

A Taste of New Orleans at Christmas in December!

Most people associate New Orleans, NOLA with the famous Mardi Gras in February or March but there's another popular time to be in this French influenced city, CHRISTMAS. From caroling to shopping New Orleans is filled with Christmas magic in December. Arrive by bus, car, plane, or train and begin getting into the Christmas spirit in one of America's most European cities. Nicknamed the "Big Easy" New Orleans was founded in 1718 as Nouvelle-Orleans by the French explorer Bienville. New Orleans, a southern state is on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico is home to some of the countries best chefs and musicians which means you'll never run out of days to eat a tasty meal or hear fantastic music.

CHRISTMAS MAGIC IN NEW ORLEANS:

With unique traditions scattered throughout the city, NOLA is wonderful in December. Holiday music is heard clearly at St. Louis Cathedral. Throughout the month of December some of the areas best musicians perform for you with free concerts open to the public at the cathedral. Luna Fete, highlights arts in New Orleans through new and exciting video mapping technology. The Luna Fete festival takes place in early December.  One spectacular tradition is the lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve. These bonfires takes place on the 24th of December, upriver about 30 miles from New Orleans in St. James Parish. Over at Jackson Square hundreds of candles illuminate the square for the annual caroling. Candles and song sheets are provided and singing begins at 7:00 pm.

The famous French Quarter feels like France and the special holiday light displays during the Christmas season will warm your heart as you stroll to your favorite shops and restaurants. The residential communities have their own share of holiday display and one thing worth exploring are the Holiday Home Tours conducted by Preservation Resource Center. Check out Miracle of Fulton Street. It's a pedestrian corridor transformed into a winter wonderland. This free event  has gingerbread displays, light shows, and illumination. Plus you can sip on festive holiday drinks while getting into the Christmas spirit. If you like ice skating than head to New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center for a decked out ice skating rink.

City Park is a favorite holiday spot in New Orleans during December. Tour and enjoy rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the outdoor bar in the Botanical Garden. Considered one of the most spectacular light festivals in the country since the late 1980's, City Park will warm your heart with good cheer. You can drive through the park if you're not up to walking much.

Visit the animals at Audubon Zoo and wish them a happy holiday while enjoying a dazzling festive lighting display or go shopping on historic Magazine Street and walk a few miles checking out art, activities, entertainment, and shopping while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa.

Give yourself a week to take in all the fun things to do at Christmas in NOLA. Drink, Eat, and Be Jolly!

WHERE TO HAVE A MEAL IN NEW ORLEANS:   

*Barrow's Catfish serves amazing cornmeal dusted fried catfish, shrimp, and po boys sandwiches. Also try their creamy delicious potato salad.

*Central Grocery and Deli is a gem of an Italian market specializing in their famous muffeletta sandwiches.

*Deanie's Seafood Restaurant in the French Quarter is one of the best restaurants for seafood.

*Gris Gris specializes in Southern classics, chicken & dumplings, shrimp & grits, oyster BLT, creole redfish court-boullion, and many others plus the best bread pudding in New Orleans.

*Luvi Restaurant is a top choice when craving Asian food. Chef Has Gong is a master of Chinese and Japanese cooking.  Bam Bam Chicken, Dan Dan Noodles, Vegan Dumplings....all are fantastic.

*Mulate's is known as the king of Cajun food and live music. Everything from the cornbread to gumbo, to the chargrilled oysters, and bbq shrimp is delicious. For dessert indulge in pecan pie or bread pudding. Enjoy the full bar and dance floor. One of the best restaurants in New Orleans, loved by locals and tourists.

*Small Mart is my favorite for mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian options. Delicious meals like Chaat Bowl, Curry, Jamaican Veggie Patty, Po-Boys, to name a few plus wonderful masala chai.

Pho Tau Bay is the ultimate for Vietnamese food. My first meal in New Orleans was here and I wanted to eat here everyday because it's that incredible. The summer rolls and vegetarian soup called PHO are divine.

*Toups Meatery is where to get authentic Cajun delicacies like charbroiled oysters and fresh made sausage. Chef Isac Soups is a James Beard nominated chef for good reason.

BED & BREAKFASTS:

Ashton's Bed and Breakfast, Canal Street Inn, Grand Victorian Bed and Breakfast, Magnolia Mansion, 

HOTELS:

Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Hilton New Orleans, Holiday Inn at French Quarter, Hotel Saint Vincent, Hyatt Regency, St. James Hotel, Roosevelt Hotel.

WHAT TO EAT:

Banana Foster, Gumbo, Po-Boys, Jambalaya, King Cakes, Beignets, Pralines, Muffulettas, Oysters, Turtle Soup, Red Beans & Rice, Etouffée. Also try the Tabasco sauces.

WHAT TO DRINK:

Cafe Au Lait (Coffee)

Cocktails: Cafe Brulot, Daiquiri, Hurricane, Mint Julep, Sazerac, Grasshopper, Vieux Carre

New Orleans Trivia:

Unlike the rest of America which has counties with the exception of Alaska that has boroughs, the state of Louisiana has parishes. New Orleans is in Orleans parish. 

Coffee first came to North America by way of New Orleans in mid 1700's. By the 19th century, the Port of New Orleans was the second largest port in American and the fourth largest in the world. It was the residents of New Orleans, Louisiana who had coffee before any other folks in the United States.

Coffeehouses are a tradition in New Orleans but the most famous is "Cafe Du Monde." This 150 year old coffee shop is a great spot to enjoy a traditional cafe au lait with chicory. Not to be missed is the delicious beignet, a square shaped piece of dough that are deep fried and generously sprinkled with confectioners sugar. At "Cafe Du Monde" you get outstanding beignets, cafe au laits, and a unique atmosphere. It's no wonder "Cafe Du Monde" is a top attraction in New Orleans.

The oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world will take you past many historic antebellum mansions, Audubon Park, and Tulane and Loyola Universities. It's the St.Charles Avenue Line.

The French Quarter is the city's historic heart, famous for its vibrant nightlife and colorful buildings with cast iron balconies. Bourbon Street is the iconic spot for jazz clubs, Cajun eateries, and cocktails.

Since New Orleans has some of the best eating establishments in the country why not take a cooking class? If you want to learn how to prepare authentic inspired Louisiana dishes consider the following schools for a cooking class, Casa Pelican B & B and Cooking School, Mardi Gras School of Cooking, and New Orleans School of Cooking. I can attest to how fabulous it is to take a cooking class since I myself took some cooking classes at New Orleans School of Cooking. What an awesome experience it was and now I can make banana foster, gumbo, grits, pralines, and more.

Opera fans will be interested to know that the first opera in the U.S.A. was performed in New Orleans. It was presented on May 22, 1796 at the Theatre St. Pierre on St. Peter Street.

New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. The oldest jazz club in New Orleans is "Fritzel's European Jazz Club." It is located in a historic club at 733 Bourbon Street.

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway near the city of New Orleans has been declared the longest continuous bridge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records.

New Orleans was home to the first pharmacist in America, Louis Joseph Dufilho Jr. Check out the shop on Chatres Street, it's now a pharmacy museum.

Pralines, a popular confection in New Orleans were brought to the city by French immigrants. These pralines were made of hazelnuts and almonds but because Louisiana has lots of pecans, the pecans replaced the almonds and hazelnuts. 

HOW TO MAKE PRALINES, (A PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT)

PRALINES are sweet confections made primarily of butter, nuts. and sugar. Pralines are a nutty version of fudge with a caramel-like flavor, they melt in your mouth and they're absolutely divine tasting.

1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups toasted and coarsely chopped pecans, 1/4 cup boiling water

Prepare a baking sheet, and lightly butter the baking sheet with softened butter. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Mix well and insert a candy thermometer into the mix to check the temperature. Keep stirring the mixture until it reaches 240 degrees. Remove the saucepan from heat and drop cubes of butter on top, without stirring. Allow the sugar to mixture to sit for 1 minute. Add vanilla extract and pecans. Begin to stir the mixture until the candy thickens. Once the confection has a brown-opaque color begin to drop small spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto the baking sheet. If the candy stiffens too much just add a spoonful of boiling water to soften the mixture, and begin dropping small spoonfuls of the mixture back on the baking sheet. Allow the pralines to harden, this takes about 30 minutes, and than enjoy eating them. You can store the remixing pralines in an airtight container or package them in wrapping paper to give as a Christmas gift.

New Orleans, a city that will put you into the Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas!