Historic Restaurants Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

Land of Christmas: The Beauty of Saxony at Holiday Time

Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, Christmas, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, Holiday events, Saxony, Uncategorized

Saxony is Germany’s Land of Christmas, a place where tradition and craftsmanship shine year-round. Throughout the state, artisans create exquisite handmade goods, and during the holidays, their work fills markets with warmth and wonder, allowing visitors to explore a mix of history, culture, art, cuisine, and festive cheer. From Dresden’s historic Striezelmarkt, one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, to Leipzig’s music-filled Old Town, Saxony’s centuries old cities radiate holiday spirit and cheer.

In Seiffen, the famous “toy village” of the Ore Mountains, generations of craftspeople continue to carve nutcrackers and candle arches that are now timeless symbols of Christmas. Meanwhile, Bautzen and Görlitz enchant visitors with medieval streets and castle views steeped in history and folklore. Even after a century of challenges, Saxony’s dedication to quality and artistry endures—especially at Christmastime, when only the finest craftsmanship will do.

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden, with its many beautifully decorated stalls filled with a cornucopia of items, is a stunning spectacle during the winter and Christmas season. Photo: Sebastian Weingart (DML-BY)

View of the 588th Dresden Striezelmarkt from the tower of the Kreuzkirche. Photo: Michael Bader (DML-BY)

Dresden: One of Germany’s Oldest Christmas Markets

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is the crown jewel of Saxony’s Christmas. By medieval right this market dates to 1434, and in 2025 Dresden celebrates its 591st anniversary. The market opens Wednesday, November 26 at 4 pm with a parade and the ceremonial lighting of the stalls. Highlights include the 40 ft high Ore Mountain pyramid and the giant candle arch (both record‐breakers), plus a historic Ferris wheel offering views over the glittering Old Town. Visitors can sip Glühwein and nibble on Dresden’s famous Stollen, which even has its own festival on Dec 6. Beneath the illuminated church towers, shoppers browse handcrafted wooden toys, ornaments and regional foods.

Dresden Striezelmarkt

Leipzig: Music, Markets, and Magic in the Old Town

An hour by train west of Dresden, Leipzig lights up for Christmas in historic style. Leipzig’s festive season begins on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with the opening of the historic Christmas market, running through December 23. The city center will feature over 300 stalls, blending tradition, music, and culinary delights.

Highlights include the Historic Market Square with its 60 ft Christmas tree, nightly trombone performances from the Old Town Hall balcony, and a festive stage with choirs and musicians; the Naschmarkt, showcasing medieval crafts, mead, and freshly baked Handbrot; St. Nicholas Churchyard with the beloved Feuerzangenbowle pyramid for mulled wine; and Augustusplatz, featuring Finnish and South Tyrolean villages and a 125 foot Ferris wheel offering panoramic views.

Trendy districts like Connewitz and venues such as WERK2 and Feinkost host smaller markets with handmade arts, crafts, and regional foods. Music lovers can enjoy performances at St. Thomas Church, including Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, along with numerous advent concerts celebrating Leipzig’s rich musical heritage. Beyond the city, visitors can explore the medieval Christmas market at Felsenkeller, the illuminated Christmas garden walk at Park Markkleeberg, and the traditional Gänsemarkt in Werms, featuring Christmas geese, carp, handicrafts, and Nordic decorations.

Leipzig Christmas Market

Bautzen: Castles and Sword-fights

Eastward in the Lusatian Hills in an area in the east of Saxony that is the center of Sorbian culture in Saxony, the medieval town of Bautzen in Upper Lusatia, is a perfect backdrop for a fairy tale Christmas with turrets and towers and beautiful churches and buildings.

Photo courtesy of Wenzelsmarkt Bautzen Facebook.

In Bautzen’s old town, the historic Wenzelsmarkt (28 Nov – 22 Dec 2025) carries the name of King Wenceslas IV, who in 1384 granted the town market rights. Stalls line Hauptmarkt and Reichenstraße beneath the Reichenturm tower, decked with lights and a giant tree. Bakers’ guilds sell Stollen and smoked sausages, and on weekends a medieval market at the Moench Church Ruins highlight sword-fights and minstrels. Children can enjoy seasonal surprises at the library and hear Christmas tales at the Nikolaiturm (St. Nicholas Tower).

Festive rides at the Kornmarkt (Corn Market) provide extra fun, while live music fills the air throughout the city. From December 1st onward, Santa Claus will delight crowds daily on Wenceslas’s Stage beneath the Main Market tree, opening a new door of the Advent calendar.

Bautzen

Görlitz: A Silesian Christmas in Eastern Saxony

From the Napoleonic Wars to WWII, the Saxon town of Görlitz was part of the Prussian province of Silesia, which now belongs to Poland. Today, Görlitz is part of Germany right on the border with Poland and the city maintains many of the Silesian customs, traditions, costumes, cuisine and even its dialect.

The city’s historical importance is evident in its well-preserved architecture, which reflects its past as a wealthy trading town. It was never destroyed during the war and so its buildings are original and incredibly romantic. Each year the city stages the Schlesischer Christkindelmarkt (Silesian Christmas Market). From Friday, November 28 to Sunday, December 14, 2025 the Untermarkt (below the medieval hall) is transformed into a festive village. Wooden chalets brim with gingerbread, hand-carved angels and regional crafts, and the scent of mulled wine wafts past the Gothic St. Peter’s Church. There are special church services,baking, reading, singing and music, plus the “Görlitz Christkind” (christ child) which makes a daily appearance on the market. Bautzen offers a quiet, historic counterpoint to the big-city markets.

Görlitz

Seiffen: Germany’s Christmas Capital in the Ore Mountains

Nestled high in the “Erzgebirge” (Ore Mountains), the village of Seiffen is the Christmas capital of all Germany as it is where many of the beautiful Christmas treasures are created. The nutcracker and the smokers were invented in Seiffen as the woodcutters used their winter time in industrious ways to create the wooden toys, gifts, keepsakes, candles and figurines.

Here families have been making wooden toys and decorations for over 300 years. In Seiffen’s narrow lanes, workshops and shops spill out seasonal bounty: nutcrackers, smoking men, pyramids and candle arches. Local artisans say this craft is truly their passion. As one woodcarver explains, “People are amazed that we can spend so long painting a few details on a minuscule doll’s head… But we love our craft – it’s a love many of us have had since we were children.” Visitors to Seiffen can tour family workshops and the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum), tasting Erzgebirge biscuits amid snow-dusted firs and candlelight. It is truly quintessential Saxon Christmas tableau.

Traditional Christmas Handicraft

They Ate What? Food through the ages.

cooking, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants

The Oldest Recorded Recipe – What Did They Eat 4,000 Years Ago? https://flip.it/Y77d3O

Stagecoach Stops, Al Capone & More: A Drink with History

Book events, Book signings, Books, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, Michiana

I am honored that the Berrien County Historical Association has asked me to participate in “A Drink with History” at Lemon Creek Winery this Thursday, July 10th, starting at 6 p.m. I’ll be discussing my book, “Classic Restaurants of Michiana.”

Lemon Creek Winery, established in 1834, is a multi-generational family farm and winery at 533 E Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs, Michigan. 269-471-1321. They will be pairing their wines with classic restaurants mentioned in my book. It’s a cool idea, I wish I could claim it as my own. But alas, no.

Remember These Brews?

Artisan beer, Breweries, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants

Vintage Beers That Vanished From America’s Fridges https://flip.it/xa_b98

Classic Restaurants of Michiana Book Signing June 11th

Book events, Book signings, Historic Restaurants, Michiana, Northern Indiana, Restaurants, South Bend

The members of the Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church Book/Movie Discussion Group have invited me to speak this Wednesday, June 11th at 6:30 p.m. If you have the time and are interested in the history of restaurants in Michiana, please come. The church is lovely, located in a beautiful country setting at 51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, Michigan. The event itself is next door in the Parish Hall.

Mary’s City of David Vegetarian Cafe in Benton Harbor, which opened in 1931 and closed in 1975, specialized in farm-to-table meals.

Here is the flyer that Terri Moore sent out:

Over the centuries, residents of Michiana have never wanted for superb dining choices. Award-winning author Jane Simon Ammeson will lead us on a culinary road trip through Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.

A cigarette girl at the posh House of David motor lodge and restaurant/nightclub called the Vista Grande

Once a stagecoach stop, The Old Tavern Inn has been open since the time of President Andrew Jackson. Tosi’s is known for its gorgeous starlit garden and gastronomic traditions stretching back almost a century, and The Volcano was amongst the first pizzerias in the country.

One of the earliest hotels in St. Joseph, the Perkins house, built in 1840, stood on the corner of State and Ship Streets. Note the side entrance for the saloon which was, of course, given the times, for men only.

These restaurants and other classic eateries remain part of the thriving local food scene. But the doors of others have long been closed. Some like Mead’s Chicken Nook and Robertson’s Tea Room linger in memories while The Owl Saloon, O. A. Clark’s Lunch Rooms, and Lobster Lounge are long lost to time.

The restaurant is still open at the Barbee, it was a fav of Al Capone. However, when he arrived, all the other guests had to leave.

Jane Simon Ammeson is a food and travel columnist who has authored seventeen books, including Classic Restaurants of Northwest Indiana. Always willing to travel for food, she blogs about her experiences at janeammeson.com.

At one time, the lakeside towns of southwesterern Berrien County had a large Swedish population. The Swedish Coffee Pot was just one of several. Only the Swedish Bakery remains.

Light refreshments will be served

For more information contact:

Terri Moore, 269-782-6925, t2sewmoore@outlook.com

Schuler’s Announces Opening of Venue 19 Zero 9 in Historic Downtown Marshall

Historic Restaurants, Hotels, Restaurants, Schuler's Restaurant & Pub, Venue 19 Zero 9

In less than a year, one of Marshall’s most historic yet long-vacant buildings has been converted into an elegant, first-class event space called Venue 19 Zero 9. An extension of Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub, is named for the year in which Schuler’s was founded–1909. The public is invited to view the transformation of Venue 19 Zero 9 at an Open House on Thursday, March 20 from 4-7pm.

“We can’t wait to share this newly renovated space with our community and guests,” says Sue Damron, President & CEO of Venue 19 Zero 9 and Schuler’s. “Over the years, we’ve been committed to expanding and enhancing the hospitality experience here in Marshall. The addition of Venue 19 Zero 9 gives us another unique space to create memorable events complete with catering and planning services.”

Housed inside an 1880s historic landmark, known for many years as Dreamers Furniture, Venue 19 Zero 9 sits two blocks from the Marshall’s legendary Schuler’s Restaurant. The restoration of the iconic stone structure aligns with the town’s dedication to its heritage, offering the perfect blend of tradition and modernity while creating a beacon of sophistication and unparalleled experience for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

The multi-use Venue 19 Zero 9 features a large room accommodating up to 300 seated guests, an intimate soft-seating area, two changing quarters for wedding parties to get ready, as well as three stylish boutique hotel rooms, adding a touch of class for those seeking an all-encompassing experience.

To ensure an exceptional culinary offering, Venue 19 Zero 9 features exclusive catering by Schuler’s Restaurant. Known for its impeccable service and delectable cuisine, Schuler’s will bring its signature touch to elevate events held at Venue 19 Zero 9 including unparalleled professional onsite planning services. Drawing upon the extensive hospitality experience of the Schuler’s team, the venue aims to provide full-scale event coordination, ensuring that every detail is meticulously executed.

“The MEDC is proud to have helped support the reactivation of the long-vacant Dreamers Furniture Building through a Revitalization and Placemaking grant. With its fieldstone exterior and more than a century of history, this property has long been a downtown landmark,” says Michele Wildman MEDC’s Chief Place Officer. “As we continue to execute our Make it in Michigan economic development strategy, focusing on People, Places, and Projects, we are excited to watch the building begin a new chapter and look forward to celebrating the vibrancy this project will add to Marshall’s historic downtown. We appreciate our bipartisan partners in the state Legislature for their support of this vital tool and the placemaking opportunity it brings to communities across the state.”

The Venue 19 Zero 9 project is the latest initiated by Damron, who acquired the legendary restaurant in 2019 and has worked for the company for almost three decades. Over the past five years, she and her team have been responsible for ongoing renovations at the restaurant and pub, but more notably she led the charge to transform former office and storage space (part of the building’s original hotel footprint) into seven new mixed-income units—four of which are reserved for low-to-moderate-income residents—and five boutique guest rooms branded as The Royal Hotel. In 2020, she also developed a picturesque off-site outdoor venue in rural Calhoun County called Hyde Away, which adds diversity to the company’s hospitality portfolio.

Damron says she couldn’t have completed this project without the support of the City of Marshall, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, and Homestead Savings Bank. The project was eligible for a grant coupled with significant investment from Damron and Schuler’s Restaurant.

Founded in 1909, Schuler’s is noted as one of Michigan’s most iconic restaurants. With more than a century of successful years in the industry, Schuler’s remains a hospitality leader not only in Michigan, but throughout the country.

Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub is located at 115 S Eagle St. in Marshall, Michigan. (269) 781-0600; SchulersRestaurant.com

Venue 19 Zero 9 is located at 112 N Eagle St., Marshall, Michigan. https://19zero9.com

It’s Not Too Late to Attend the Bourbon Classic

Distiller Spirits, Distilleries, Drink, Drink mixes, Events, Gastronomy, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, James B. Beam Distillery, Kentucky Bourbon Classic, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville, Regional & Ethnic, Southern cuisine, Tours

https://www.bourbonclassic.com/saturday/

Bourbon City Recognized As A Top Foodie Destination

Distiller Spirits, Distilleries, Elegant dining, Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, Kentucky Bourbon Classic, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville, Michter's, Restaurants, Uncategorized

Extensive collection of national outlets name Louisville a top place to visit

As fans of Bourbon City raise a glass to mark the end of 2024, it’s time to recap and celebrate a momentous year in the city’s dynamic tourism industry. Louisville was frequently in the winner’s circle over the past 365 days, earning top travel accolades from national travel media heavyweights such as TripAdvisor, Travel + Leisure, and Airbnb, among others.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (Photo by Marty Pearl/Special to the LCVB)

Louisville started out 2024 on a high note, being named to Travel + Leisure’s list of ‘50 Best Places to Travel to in 2024.’ Contributing to Louisville’s historic year was the back-to-back hosting of the 150^th running of the Kentucky Derby and the 106^th PGA Championship, helping Louisville earn a spot on Travel Pulse, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Manual’s lists of ‘Best Places to Travel to in May.’ Both TripAdvisor and Airbnb marked Louisville as a top “trending destination” in the United States, with the online platforms using reviews and booking data to affix Louisville to the prestigious lists.

21c Museum Hotel is a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Photo courtesy of LCVB.

Throughout 2024, Bourbon City upheld its status with an outpouring of accolades for its vibrant culinary and cocktail scene. Louisville’s restaurant reputation is sizzling, with Travel + Leisure highlighting it as one of the ‘Best Food Cities in the U.S.’ and Cheapism proclaiming it as one of ‘America’s Best Food Cities.’ The hip and artsy NuLu neighborhood earned recognition from AFAR magazine as one of the ‘Best Food Neighborhoods in the USA,’ with numerous NuLu restaurants also receiving individual accolades.

North of Bourbon. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.

Several of Louisville’s culinary standouts were awarded accolades from the prestigious James Beard Awards. Chef Lawrence Weeks of Enso and North of Bourbon and Dallas McGarity of The Fat Lamb were both named semifinalists.

Nami interior. Photo courtesy of Edward Lee.

The LEE Initiative, co-founded by Top Chef contestant and recent ‘Culinary Class Wars’ competitor Edward Lee, received a James Beard Humanitarian award, marking the Louisvillian’s second James Beard Award win. Lee also received a shout for his Butchertown restaurant Nami, which was named to USA Today’s ‘2024 Restaurants of the Year’.

Several of Louisville’s beer and bourbon festivals were also recognized nationally. The sixth annual Bourbon & Beyond music festival had a record attendance of 210,000 attendees over the four-day weekend, including 60,000 on a single day. This marked the festival’s highest single-day attendance ever.

Fort Nelson Distillery. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.

Garden & Gun magazine highlighted festivals Bourbon & Beyond, Garden & Gun Distilled and the Bourbon Boule as three of the ‘Seven Standout Southern Bourbon Festivals,’ while Tailspin Ale Fest captured a spot on USA Today’s 10Best ‘Beer Festivals in the US.’

Louisville’s powerful reputation as a convention destination was also widely recognized with a trifecta of awards including winning the Groups Today Readers’ Choice U.S. ‘Destination of the Year,’ a MeetingsToday’s ‘Best Destination Marketing Organizations in the South,’ and a ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award.

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery. Photo LCVB.

Some of Louisville’s top national accolades for 2024 include:

“Best Places to Travel in 2024” – Travel + Leisure
“Best Places to Go in 2024” (Kentucky) – Frommer’s
“The World’s Best Travel Destinations in 2024” – Culture.org
“The South’s Best Cities 2024” – Southern Living
“Trending Destinations – United States” – TripAdvisor
“Top Trending Destinations Locals Love” – Airbnb
“Most Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in the U.S.” (Butchertown) – TravelMag
“Best Places to Travel in The South This April” – Southern Living
“Best Places to Travel in May” – Conde Nast Traveler
“Where to Travel in May 2024” (Churchill Downs) – Travel Pulse
“Best Places to Visit in May”– The Manual
“Best Places to Honor Black History in 2024” – U.S. News
“These 10 Destinations Elevate Black Culture Year-Round” – The Points Guy
“Awesome and Unique Bachelorette Party Destinations” – Purewow
“Best Vacations in the U.S. to Explore America’s Adventure Capitals” – Men’s Journal
“2024 Readers’ Choice Awards” (Destination of the Year) – Groups Today

Visit the city’s official tourism website for the complete list of Louisville-based accolades received in 2024, including those for hotels, restaurants, and festivals.

Explore the Latest Trend in Travel: Jet Setting with Zicasso

Animals, Elegant dining, Gastronomy, Gourmet, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, International, Italian Cuisine, Ocean, Outdoors, Pacific Ocean, Regional & Ethnic, Resorts, Restaurants, Set-Jetting, Thai, Zicasso

The Set-Jetting explosion in the travel industry blends the magic of the silver screen with the glamor of international exploration, letting travelers immerse themselves in the real-world locations of their favorite movies and TV shows. For those who want to indulge, luxury travel company Zicasso offers carefully crafted extraordinary itineraries designed to transport travelers into these cinematic landscapes.

Group giraffe in National Park of Kenya, Africa. Photo courtesy Vyacheslav Argenberg

From the historic paths of Italy and Malta, where Gladiator II will unfold, to the lush islands of the South Pacific seen in Moana 2, the dramatic landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities from Mufasa: The Lion King, and the spiritual depth of Thailand as depicted in The White Lotus Season 3, Zicasso’s tailored itineraries offer an immersive travel experience that’s as captivating as the stories on screen.

Here’s a glimpse into what these luxury set-jetting tours offer:

Gladiator II (Release Date: November 22, 2024): Walk the Path of a Gladiator in Italy and Malta

Beata Vergine del Rosario (Pompei) – Dome Interior. Photo courtesy of Livioandronico2013

Relive the epic drama of ancient Rome with a personalized journey through Italy and Malta. Explore the majestic Colosseum in Rome, the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii, and the historic forts in Malta where key scenes from the Gladiator series were filmed. This itinerary offers a blend of historical immersion and cinematic wonder. Priced starting at $6,600 per person.

Link to itinerary: https://www.zicasso.com/i/italy-malta/walk-the-path-of-a-gladiator

Moana 2 (Release Date: November 27, 2024): Discover the Mystical Islands of the South Pacific

Channel the spirit of adventure on a once-in-a-lifetime trip across New Zealand, Samoa, and Tahiti, the stunning backdrops for Moana 2. Dive into the turquoise waters, explore hidden beaches, and connect with the rich Polynesian culture that breathes life into the Moana universe. Ideal for families and adventure seekers alike, this itinerary combines natural beauty with cultural discovery. Priced starting at $6,900 per person.

Link to itinerary: https://www.zicasso.com/i/new-zealand-samoa-tahiti/islands-south-pacific-tahiti-new-zealand-samoa-itinerary

Mufasa: The Lion King (Release Date: December 20, 2024): A Journey Through Pride Rock in Kenya and Tanzania

Masai Mari. Photo courtesy of Thomas Fuhrmann

Step into the majestic world of Africa’s wilderness with this The Lion King-inspired safari across Kenya and Tanzania, the iconic settings for the upcoming movie Mufasa: The Lion King. This family-friendly safari takes travelers through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, where breathtaking landscapes mirror the scenes from the beloved film. Experience the thrill of seeing lions, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat while learning about local conservation efforts and Maasai culture. Priced starting at $9,800 per person.

Link to itinerary: https://www.zicasso.com/i/kenya-tanzania/lion-king-inspired-family-safari-pride-africa

The White Lotus Season 3 (Release Date: 2025): Explore Thailand’s Spiritual Essence

Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo courtesy of Stefan Fussan.

Inspired by the themes of life, death, and human experience from The White Lotus Season 3, this 12-day luxury tour of Thailand goes beyond the lush shooting locations to dive deep into the country’s rich spiritual and cultural fabric. From receiving a monk’s blessing in Chiang Mai to dining in treetop salas on the serene shores of Koh Samui, this journey offers an opulent experience, filled with reflection and rejuvenation. Priced starting at $9,100 per person.

Link to itinerary: https://www.zicasso.com/i/thailand/cambodia/white-lotus

Each of these itineraries can be fully customized, ensuring that every traveler gets an unforgettable, personalized experience. Zicasso’s in-country specialists are proud to create one-of-a-kind adventures that are tailored to the tastes and interests of discerning travelers who crave both luxury and authenticity.

Featured image photo credit:Vyacheslav Argenberg