Search results for 'germany'

I have some German in my heritage so I love to visit authentic German restaurants wherever I may be. This is really fun to find this family history right in the town of Akeley.

Generally, I write about hotels that stand still, however, this time, you get to take your hotel with you! If you can drive a car, you can captain a boat on a canal. After a short demonstration and briefing, you get the keys to your own floating Villa. You don’t ever have to worry about getting seasick, because these boats are so stable, you won’t spill your morning coffee. 

Baby its cold outside – what a perfect time to pack up the grand kids or just yourself and head to Michigan and the Bavarian Inn. If traveling to Germany with the family is not an option this year, then have no fear, this will satisfy the thirst until then. The Inn is a family run business from the ground up, so great care is taken to make you feel welcome, comfortable and well fed. Here's what the President, Judy Zehnder Keller had to say, “Family is everything to us. My mother Dorothy, at nearly age 91, is still very active in the kitchen, my brother Bill and I along with our spouses oversee the restaurant and lodge. We both have two of our children in the business, nearly nine family members in senior management at this time. There are four in the fourth generation, four in the third generation and one in the second generation. It is a blessing and an honor to work with family.” I don't know about you, but this is the kind of place that I want to visit.

As we begin in earnest to prepare for the upcoming Christmas Season, where else but in Europe will one experience the enchantment and traditions of the holidays!  Strolling through a Christmas Market is where the romance of the holiday will truly rekindle in you a sense of joy and peace!

Munich is the largest city in the Bavarian state of Germany.  It ranks as the third largest city followed by Berlin and Hamburg.    Of all the cities in Germany, I find Munich to be the most “tour-friendly” since I can just walk or bicycle myself around town.  Street maps are an easy read though always on a first visit to any international destination, I enjoy taking the “hop on hop off” bus tour to get a true overview of the city and mark those destinations that I wish to return to explore further.

Susie is always glad to hear from her canine friends, admirers, and boyfriends, both in the United States and abroad. She just received news from her German Shepherd buddy, Fritz, that there is a dog hotel at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany.  Of course Fritz, a bit on the fresh side, invited Susie to join him in one of the kennels at the hotel. Although Susie will pass on the opportunity for now, who knows what the future holds.

I so enjoy my visits to Germany – actually seven cities that I frequent – but I had no Idea that I would enjoy Stuttgart – “The City of Cars”!  Historically, it is my hubby who is in love with the auto-industry but after a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and recently opened state of the art, Porsche Museum, I have become an avid fan of these impeccably designed vehicles!  View the legendary 356, 550,911 and 917 models! Also my favorite – to finally view the original “Beetle” – brings back memories of those college days!

I love Hamburg in the summer and even in the winter when it is ice cold!  It is a beautiful city, and I often just take the” hop on hop off bus” which guides you through the hidden hills and magnificent countryside, with breathtaking views overlooking the canals and famous city port. Truly, it should be called a sister city to Stockholm, Amsterdam and Bruges with its lattice of canals running throughout the city –hence its’ name – Venice of Northern Europe!

I think anyone that has been in business for over 30 years and is involved in travel deserves to be checked out. I ran across the Evergreen Club (for people over 50) and found it to be a bit unusual, so it caught my eye and I decided to speak to the owner. It turns out Linda's mother started the company 30 years ago and she is now the keeper of the flame.

It's actually a take on the idea of a Bed and Breakfast, but it has a twist. This is a people to people set up in a person's spare guest room that also includes breakfast. I know – a bit quirky, but cool at the same time.

Well, here's one for the guys and for the ladies who love their cars. The V8 Hotel in Stuttgart, Germany is located in the old former Stuttgart airport building near Meilenwerk, where classic cars are available for viewing or purchasing – this was the airport hangar from the 1920's. There is not much in the immediate vicinity, but it is right by the Autobahn and 10 minutes from town. The bottom line is to come to this location by car and  there is ample free parking at the hotel.

Let’s get off the interstate and “Go on Patrol!!” Today we are traveling on 31W, one of the original north south routes that run parallel to I-65 from Michigan to Alabama. On a car lot in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, we found Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum. It is without a doubt the best free Car Museum in the U.S. Owner, Bill Swope, has collected and put on display 60 cars built between 1900 and 1970. They have been lovingly restored in every detail. I am a collector (not of cars) so I’m in total awe at what Mr. Swope has accomplished. He has found many totally original cars that are in “like new” condition. 

No trip to Germany would be complete without visiting the romantic city of Heidelberg. You should take 2-3 days and enjoy the sights. The nearest airport is Frankfurt which is about 45 miles away and well worth the side trip. Stop by the Rail Station or Tourist Information Office and purchase a Heidelberg Card. You can get a 2 day Pass for around 10 Euros which will include the Castle, 12 museums, public transportation, a walking tour of Old  Town, a City guide and additional discounts.

Cologne is one of the oldest large German cities and its name dates back to Roman times. The imperial governors of Rome resided here and soon the town grew into one of the most important trade and production centers in the Roman Empire. The Emperor Claudius's fourth wife Agrippina – Nero's mother – was born here.

My wife and travel partner, Carolynn, saw The Beatles on September 3, 2023 at the Indianapolis State Fair. She was 13 years old. She sat on the 20^th row on the floor with her friends, Janice and Penny, and her sister, Sharon. “It sounded like being inside a jet engine. I knew then that something bigger than The Beatles was happening”, she told me recently. It changed her life.