Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Tuesday Travels: This One's for the Michiganders!

I know, I know. It's Wednesday, not Tuesday, but I'm in the process of switching laptops... and let's just say that yesterday was not a good computer day. It certainly didn't help that the gloomy New Orleans weather was fouling up our wireless Internet connection – and keeping me from visiting my favorite blogs. Grrr.

So, thank goodness for the hubby, who's the technophile to my technophobe. With his help, I even managed to update my American Nomad travel blog with a post about Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland in the little town of Frankenmuth, Michigan. That said, I'd like to dedicate today's post to my online Michigander pals – namely Bridget, Martha, Steph, and Becky (even though, technically, she's in Oregon now) – who I'm assuming know what Bronner's is all about. If I've forgotten any, please forgive me – my brain's still recovering from the computer headaches of yesterday.

Although I love being in New Orleans at this time of year – the French Quarter is especially lovely decked out with white lights, green garlands, red ribbons, and golden bells – but sometimes, I actually miss the winter wonderland of northern Michigan. So, enjoy the season, ladies!

13 comments:

Becky said...

Never made it down there, I'm afraid. In fact, my hubby would probably put it on his top 10 list of places to avoid. He's a bit of a Grinch when it comes to Christmas, I'm afraid. Hmmm, actually that's bit of an understatement. But I've heard all sorts of good things about it. But yes, I actually do miss MI this time of year. Call me insane, but I loved winters there! Of course it helps that I lived in Louisiana for 20 years. I'll take cold MI winters over hot muggy LA summers any day!

Stephanie Damore said...

OMG'osh, I was going to blog about Bronner's tomorrow and dedicate my post to you (as in "this one's done Laura style"). Too crazy. I love Bronner's. It's only about 15 minutes away from my house. I've been there 5 times this holiday season, oh wait, make that 6. My sis and I love spinning in the tree exhibit until we're giddy with Christmas spirit. I would post more, but then what would I write about tomorrow?

J.B. Chicoine said...

Awe, shucks, Laura. I'll trade you're inclimate weather for ours!

Stephanie Thornton said...

Wow! That's quite the extravaganza in that picture! Last year we were in Guatemala for Christmas so this year I'm enjoying a chance to be home in the snow.

Laura Martone said...

What?! Becky, I can't believe you lived in Michigan for three years - and never went to Bronner's!! That's just crazy. Sorry to hear your hubby's such a Grinch. Even my hubby - who can be a little Bah-Humbuggy around the holidays - thought it was worth a look. The lights, the ornaments, the animated figures - it's quite a wonderland. Oh, and re: winter, I am so with you - I'd totally take a frigid MI winter over a sweltering NOLA summer - any day of the week!

Steph D. - That is freakin' hilarious! I can't wait for your post tomorrow. I'm so flattered that you would think of me and Bronner's in the same sentence. I love Bronner's, too - course not as much, it seems, as you. LOL! Six times already?! That's some serious dedication to the holiday spirit. I'd love to see you and your sis spinning around in the tree exhibit - what a sight that would be!

Bridget - Okay! Bring on the snow! Bring on the snow! I think the French Quarter would look even prettier that way. :-)

Steph T. - Yeah, that's one of my favorite aspects of Bronner's - the themed Christmas trees. I found the wedding one particularly intriguing. Well, enjoy the snow this season - though I bet Guatemala was quite a cool place to be during the holidays.

Martha W said...

oooOOOOooo... I love Bronner's - as a matter of fact, I was thinking of heading there next week. Just to torture myself. *grin* It is so beautiful and they have the most wonderful decorations. *sigh* But not until my two rugrats learn to keep their tiny paws to themselves.

Otherwise, I'll own the whole store. And not in a good way. lol!

Natalie said...

Wow, that looks awesome! We don't have anything approaching that level of coolness (or that of the French Quarter decked out in lights either). I'm jealous.

And I gave you a little award today. :)

Laura Martone said...

That's awesome, Martha! You should totally go next week - as I said in my American Nomad post, it's hard NOT to get into the holiday spirit at Bronner's. It really is beautiful - if a bit overwhelming. And just be patient - the rugrats will grow up soon enough. I'm kind of in the same boat. No Christmas trees with a rambunctious kitty around. Twinkling lights and fragile ornaments would be much too tempting for her. But I love her so. Sigh.

Laura Martone said...

What? An award? Aw, Natalie, that's really sweet of you. *blush* Especially since I've been a naughty girl lately, not visiting other folks' blogs as I should be. Darn crazy schedule!

P.S. Where do you live? There must be cool holiday stuff going down somewhere!

Deb said...

I love that display! Pretty. Hmm, we drove to town last week and I saw a six foot blow up Grinch perched on someones barn, bobbing around in the wind... Yah.

Laura Martone said...

It is pretty, Deb - I'm just not sure I'd want a Xmas tree like that in my house!

Thanks, btw, for the image of the six-foot-tall Grinch. That's hilarious!

L.T. Host said...

Sooo I was born in Grand Rapids. Lived there, Lansing, and then Detroit til I was 8 and we moved to California.

I go back to MI to visit family on occasion but-- I've never been to Bronner's!! I didn't even know it existed!! And I'm so sad now.

*Sigh*-- when I go back next time I will have to make time to go, no matter what.

Laura Martone said...

Hi, L.T.! I must've missed this comment the first time around. Oops.

I didn't realize you were part-Michigander. Well, then this post was for you, too! And you should definitely see Bronner's - and the rest of Frankenmuth while you're at it. It's a hoot and a half!