FROLICKING IN FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN

A few weeks ago I visited Frankenmuth, known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria” (http://www.frankenmuth.org/directions).  There is no off-season for Frankenmuth; they have festivals throughout the year (http://www.frankenmuth.org/festivals). 

For some reason, my favorite part of Frankenmuth is the covered bridge (http://my.net-link.net/~michaelf/zehnders.htm):

Zehnder's Covered Bridge
Frankenmuth, Michigan

There are also carriage rides you can purchase, but I settled for watching others ride:

Many people go to see the Christmas decorations at Bronner’s (http://www.bronners.com). Others go for the mouth-watering chicken and bakery products at Zehnder’s (http://www.zehnders.com/dining/zehndersdining.htm).

I confess to purchasing a number of items at Zehnder’s bakery.

My husband and I stopped for coffee at The Harvest Coffeehouse & Beanery on Main Street.

We took our large cups of coffee upstairs and sat at a table near bookcases filled with used books that you could browse through or buy inexpensively. My pumpkin-flavored coffee was truly one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had.  They have a variety of other food options such as tea, smoothies and baked goods. There is also free Wi-Fi for those who want to hang out and surf the Internet.

The atmosphere was cozy at The Harvest Coffeehouse, and I enjoyed looking at the wide array of artwork and decorations throughout the restaurant.

For lunch, we dined on the patio at Tiffany's (http://www.tiffanysfoodandspirits.com) and enjoyed the outstanding autumn day. My ham and cheese on French bread was excellent, and my husband enjoyed the Polish sausage. 

The rest of the day was spent browsing in the numerous shops (http://www.frankenmuth.org/shopping). I especially enjoyed Rau's Country Store (http://www.rauscountrystore.com) and Abby's of Frankenmuth (http://www.frankenmuthabbys.com/default.aspx). 

If you would like to learn about the history of Frankenmuth, see my blog post entitled “Frankenmuth, Michigan: Do You Have Michigan Ancestors?" (http://www.theartofgenealogy.com/2013/11/frankenmuth-michigan-do-you-have-german.html)

CRUISING THROUGH CANASTOTA, Madison County, New York

I had the chance to visit my home town of Canastota last month. It is a small village—around 4,000 people—and it was a pleasant and safe place to grow up.   Canastota is located in Central New York and has quite a history. 

The Erie Canal runs right through downtown, and we all know how important the canal was back in its heyday.  Today there is the wonderful Canastota Canal Town Museum (http://www.canastota-canal.com) filled with memorabilia about the canal and Canastota.

Erie Canal
Canastota, New York

Canastota Canal Town Museum
Canastota, New York

Each year that I visit, I see that the village has been adding more historic items of interest to its streets. See the new murals below (http://canastota-canal.com/Events.html).

When I was young, my friends and I studied at the library. There were many hours poring over encyclopedias—no Internet back then.  Little did I know that I was studying in one of Andrew Carnegie’s libraries.

And then there was the imposing Methodist Church that I attended at one time. It was also the location of my Girl Scout classes. Now, it is no longer a church, but has been converted into Greystone Castle, a banquet facility (http://www.thegreystonecastle.com/history.html).

Greystone Castle
Canastota, New York

If you want to enjoy a fabulous Italian meal in a cozy restaurant, check out Casatina’s on Main Street (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g47407-d857250-Reviews-Casatinas-Canastota_New_York.html).

Put Canastota on your list of quaint towns to visit. 

The following books about Canastota are worth a look:

Canastota and Chittenango (NY) (Images of America) (Arcadia Publishing) by Lionel D. Wyld (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0738563927/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1381842131&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70)

The Italian Farmers of Canastota by Joseph T. D'Amico (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1451547420/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1381842131&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70)

Title Town, USA: Boxing in Upstate New York by Mark Allen Baker (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1596297697/ref=mp_s_a_1_121?qid=1381843095&sr=8-121&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70)

YOU HAVE TO LOVE WEGMAN'S

Last month I had the chance to visit Wegman's in Fayetteville, New York (www.wegmans.com). I know this isn't your typical travel blog item, but visiting Wegman's is like going to your favorite tourist attraction. First, it is a thing of beauty. Here is what you see as you enter the store:

Upon entering the store, there is a food court on your right. You name it, it is there. The pizza caught my eye:

Then there is the beautiful produce:

and fresh meat:

and varieties of cheese:

and, finally, the dazzling desserts:

They also have plenty of food choices for those on special diets.There is, of course, much more, including a pharmacy and florist. 

Wegman's has figured out how to make a grocery store a sought-after destination.  I only wish that we had Wegman's in Michigan. For those lucky enough to have daily access to Wegman's, there is even a Wegman's app. 

PRATT'S FALLS, Manlius, New York

On a recent trip to Central New York, I visited Pratt's Falls, 7671 Pratt's Falls Road, in Manlius (http://onondagacountyparks.com/pratt-s-falls-park).

It's a wonderful place to hike, picnic or just view the magnificent 137 ft. waterfall.

Don't forget to wear practical shoes! I saw some young ladies in sandals climbing the wooded hillside, and I doubted their good sense.  There are handrails and paths.

Pratt's Falls is the site of Onondaga County's first mill in 1796.

Be careful and have fun!

CLINTON CIDER MILL, Clinton, New York

I love cider mills. A few weeks ago my husband and I visited the Clinton Cider Miller, 28 Elm Street, Clinton, New York (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clinton-Cider-Mill/148505475475).  

We had just finished a long afternoon researching at the Clinton Historical Society and we needed a break. Cider and donuts were just what the doctor ordered.

The pies looked tempting too:

You can also purchase a variety of other items, such as jam and apple sauce.

After obtaining our cider and donuts, we retired to chairs outside on the deck.  We had a great view of what appeared to be an apple press:

The Clinton Cider Mill is just one more reason why I love the town of Clinton, home to Hamilton College. Put it on your list of special places to see in Central New York. 

Clinton, New York

There's something about college towns... Clinton, New York, home to Hamilton College, is one of those lovely towns that take you away from the suburban jungle.

Hamilton College
Clinton, New York

Downtown Clinton is as lovely as can be. There is a park in the center of town with benches, a gazebo and memorials to soldiers of many wars.

There are interesting shops and restaurants in town, including Artisan's Corner, a store that sells artwork done by local artists (http://villageofclinton.com/merchants/artisanscorner).

I adore the pretty Stone Presbyterian Church (http://stonepres.org/1.html), where many of my ancestors were married.

Stone Presbyterian Church
Clinton, New York

Clinton Historical Society (http://www.clintonhistory.org), of which I am a member, is truly one of the best historical societies around.

Clinton Historical Society
Clinton, New York

If you love the arts, check out the Kirkland Art Center (http://www.kirklandartscenter.org), founded by Howard Chaney, my 2nd cousin 1x removed.

The houses in the area are well tended and historic.

After a day in Clinton, I was ready to move there. You'll love it too.

EBENEEZER’S CAFÉ AND CREAMERY, SHERRILL, NEW YORK

If you are ever in Central New York, please take the time to visit Ebeneezer’s Café and Creamery, 624 Sherrill Road, in Sherrill (http://www.ebeneezerscafeandcreamery.com).  This cozy restaurant has wonderful food, great service and a relaxing atmosphere.  I have blogged about this restaurant before on my genealogy blog: http://www.theartofgenealogy.com/2013/03/ebeneezers.html.

Ebeneezer's Cafe and Creamery
Sherrill, New York

Recently I stopped by Ebeneezer’s for lunch and had an enormous tuna sandwich. This is a link to their menu: http://www.ebeneezers.netdzyne.com/f/MAIN_MENU.pdf. I wanted to try the ice cream at their adjoining ice cream parlor, but I was too full. I love this restaurant because it has a Welsh motif, and my great grandparents were from Wales.  Here are some interior shots:

If you are so inclined, you can also purchase items from Wales, such as CDs and china. If I lived in New York, I would be visiting Ebeneezer’s every week.