Frankenmuth Trip - Part One

by Jared Wayland

Frankenmuth Trip - Part One

Frankenmuth, Michigan, is a picturesque town with Bavarian charm, world-famous chicken dinners, and unique shopping experiences. What makes it even more special is its dedication to accessibility! I recently had the pleasure of taking a road trip and spending three incredible days in Frankenmuth with my family during the beautiful fall season, and I'm excited to share my experience, highlighting how accessible it is for travellers!
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Exploration
My journey to Frankenmuth started with a comfortable road trip in our accessible van, specially designed to accommodate my needs so that I could stay in my Stretto for the duration of the drive.
Once we arrived after our 5 hours on the road, we checked into the Springhill Suites on the main street of the town. It offered accessible parking close to the entrance and featured spacious, wheelchair-friendly rooms with roll-in showers, desk cutouts and other necessary facilities. The staff was also more than helpful during our stay. My Stretto also made it easy for me to explore the hotel and even zip down to the lobby to grab breakfast each day!
Once we were settled in, we ventured into downtown Frankenmuth, where I found smooth, well-maintained sidewalks and ramped curbs, making it easy to explore the shops, boutiques, and Bavarian-style storefronts. I felt completely at ease as I browsed handmade crafts, sampled delicious chocolates, and indulged in a little bit of retail therapy. While some stores had some narrow aisles, they were no match for my Stretto, which allowed me to maneuver around flawlessly. The town's accessibility extended to its charming parks and gardens, where we enjoyed the beauty of the Bavarian Inn Lodge Courtyard.
A long day of travel meant an early bedtime, and getting rest so we could enjoy our next day in town!
Day 2: A Taste of Frankenmuth and Riverplace Shops
Our second day in Frankenmuth began with a visit to the Riverplace Shops in the morning. Every single one of these charming boutiques and stores were accessible, allowing me to explore and peruse unique items, gifts, and souvenirs. The picturesque setting by the river added to the overall appeal of the shopping area, creating a delightful morning excursion. Again, smooth pathways, ramps and curb cutouts made it super easy for me and my Stretto to get around.
In the evening, we made our way to the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Known for its world-famous chicken dinners and let me say - it lived up to its reputation. The accessible seating arrangements allowed me to comfortably enjoy a delicious meal. The highlight, of course, was the tender and flavourful world-famous chicken dinner, accompanied by hearty sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing. As a wheelchair user, I appreciated the care and attention to detail in ensuring that every guest had an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant's Bavarian décor and the live accordion player added a unique and unforgettable touch to our evening.

Head over to Part Two to hear more about my Frankenmuth adventures!