July 26

Frankenmuth, MI.  This was originally just a pin in our travel map that we planned on staying at for a few days as we worked our way east.  It was way more than that, it was a perfect place to spend a few days.  First of all, we stayed at Jellystone Park so of course there was a Yogi Bear theme throughout the park, fun.  The big surprise with Frankenmuth was that it was a German theme town, but this time not just as a tourist attraction but because it was the towns heritage (settled by German Immigrants back in 1845) we felt as if we were back in Bavaria. 

To our surprise Frankenmuth is also the home to Bronners the world’s largest Christmas store spanning 2.5 acres of indoor showroom space located at 25 Christmas Lane, the massive year-round holiday retailer features over 50,000 trims and gifts, a half-mile illuminated street and a replica of the Silent Night Chapel.  In 1818 “Silent Night” was first sung in the original chapel in Oberndorf Austria. 

We were not even in town for a hour and we were walking through the front door of Bronners.  3 hours later we left with a bag full of Christmas decorations that we be fun to put on the tree this year.

Being a German town we of course we looked for the best location for some German cuisine, success, we found the perfect place that served all meals family style, a little smoked pork and schnitzel and our belly’s were happy.

Frankenmuth was a great place to spend a few days just walking around town, eating ice cream and enjoying a little beer and wine.  Everywhere we went it was clean with beautiful flower gardens.  We really enjoyed our time there

July 29

As we bid farewell to Frankenmuth we were on a mission to Dayton Ohio to visit The Air Force Museum, you can bet that Walter was excited about this museum.  The museum was literally our first stop in Ohio even with the RV Trailer in tow (thank goodness they was parking to accommodate) What a great experience.  Walter was my own personal guide, he was able to share his knowledge and personal experiences on many of the planes displayed.  It was a perfect experience for both of us.

The Presidential airplane at the museum had quite history.  It served 8 Presidents, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Clinton.  We walked through the spot where Johnson was sworn-in after the Kennedy had been shot. We have all seen those photos in history but to actually see the real thing was so surreal.

We spent just one night in Ohio on the way to one of our favorite places Elkhorn Creek RV Park in Frankfort, KY.  Yep you guessed we will be visiting the Buffalo Trace Distillery (for the fourth time 😊)