Day Tripper

Upon our return from London, we decided to do a series of day trips within Hessen and Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. On our first night back, we had dinner at Bunter Lowen (colorful lion) restaurant in nearby Zwingenberg. We enjoyed a ravioli appetizer, complimentary cream of mushroom soup served in an esperesso cup, steak presented on a wooden plank, bratwurst, pasta, and a spinach-sheep cheese-pine nut baked dish. It was our first visit to this great little restaurant, but we'll definitely be back!

This wonderful meal was followed by a pleasant walk around town. Just as the sun was setting, we came across two women talking who offered to take several pictures of the four of us: 

The following day, we met Matt for lunch at work and spent some time walking around town and a park in Darmstadt.















The next day, we drove to Schloss Johannisberg in the Rheingau region. This former palace houses a very good terrace restaurant with views of the Rhein river and  surrounding vineyard. We all had great meals and shared a delicious raspberry creme brulee with "vanilla foam" (or whipped cream) for dessert.

 

Our final stop was Rudesheim with its signature tourist-packed streets...

 











On our second travel day, we started out in Michelstadt, home to a very popular Easter market. Fitting, then, that we decided to have lunch at Drei Hasen (three hares). The most unique structure was this Altes Rathaus (old city hall)...

There is nice selection of half-timbered homes...

Next stop, Miltenberg, located along the Main river.

Interesting gate on the Miltenberg bridge...


















The most swans I've ever seen in one place!

That night, we had dinner at Piazza with Carrie and her parents, Emma, Adam, Melanie, and Calvin. Here is a picture of Emma in her new Daisy Hat...so cute!

On our last travel day, we drove to Mannheim, the second largest city in Baden-Wurttemberg (the state just south of us). Our first stop was a really good Chinese restaurant near Luisenpark. We walked around that area for a while and then headed to the Zentrum (city center). Pictured below is der Mannheimer Wasserturm (Mannheim watertower) and nice fountains.

On the way back from Mannheim, we stopped in Weinheim. Most of the shops were closed by this time of day (4:30 pm on a Saturday), but we walked around the Altstadt (old city) for a bit before heading home.

For our last supper, we headed to the Pfungstadter fest for some Bratwursts, Flamkuchen (thin crusted pizza with creme fraiche and toppings, Reibekuchen mit Apfelkompotte (potato pancakes with apple sauce), Zucker Popcorn (kettle corn), and Cola. In addition to the classic fest food, we enjoyed live music and plenty of people watching.

Mass brat grilling, German fest style...

This fest was a really nice way to conclude our time together. Mom and Dad / Harold and Diane, thanks for a great 10 days of travel and fun. Love you guys!