This is a weird one. When you see the name “Toast Hawaii,” you probably wouldn’t think that this is an actual German staple. But, somehow, it is. Gaining massive popularity in the 1950s, it remained a lazy-meal favorite up until the ’80s. While Americans were raving about their jello salads, Germans genuinely thought they had reinvented gourmet dining with Toast Hawaii. Jokes aside, this quick little meal is the perfect solution for evenings when you just don’t have the time or the mood to cook a full-size goulash. Plus, it is highly customizable to everyone’s taste!
Somehow, we Germans just love to add ham and pineapple to anything and call it “Hawaii”—Pizza Hawaii being another famous example. Then, of course, there is the bread. For Americans, toast is simply any sliced bread that has been—you guessed it—toasted. But Europeans decided that “toast” specifically has to be square white sandwich bread.
The name was introduced by Clemens Wilmenrod, a 1950s German TV chef. Considering the timing makes it potentially less a lazy-meal, and more a budget-meal. It made you experience luxury for little money.
The Four Essential Ingredients (And How to Customize It)
So now we have pineapple, ham, and toast. What’s missing? Cheese, of course. With those four ingredients, you have the classic base. You simply place some ham on a slice of bread, top it with a pineapple ring, and cap it off with a slice of your favorite cheese. There are plenty of variations out there—some people substitute mushrooms for the pineapple, and I personally like to add a bit of mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and sometimes a dash of paprika powder.
Toast Hawaii ingredients
Little fun fact: The original German recipe from the ’50s actually used a processed cheese slice that is incredibly close to classic American cheese!
A retro German comfort food classic from the 1950s! Toast Hawaii is the ultimate quick, lazy-evening meal featuring a slice of square toast topped with savory ham, a juicy pineapple ring, and melted cheese. Highly customizable and ready in minutes. 🥨
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: German
Keyword: german, lazy meal
Servings: 4toasts
Calories: 275kcal
Ingredients
4slicesbreadsquared
2-4slicesham
4slicescheeseto taste
1tbspmayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Add the mayo onto your bread
Add the ham
Add the pineapples (or mushrooms)
Add the cheese
Put in oven and bake for 10 minutes. You can add some sundae cherries in the middle of the pineapples for optics.
To my wife Ali it was very much like a sweeter ham and cheese sandwich. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Adventure of the Month
Ever wondered where to get the most authentic German food in Metro Detroit? Come with me to Lagerhaus No5 and Deutschtroit to find out.
Wilderness State Park is located just a few miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. It offers miles of nice beaches and shoreline and an extensive network of trails. Furthermore, the park is a designated dark sky preserve and is known for its incredible stargazing opportunities. For us, the campground serves as the perfect base camp for hikes, brewery adventures, and birding.
Recreation Passport required ($20 per vehicle at the park per year, $15 when renewing license plate tab). Camping can be from $25 to $60+ a night.
Park Hours
Campsite: Check-in for camping arrivals start at 3 p.m. and checkout is 1 p.m. Overnight lodging: Check-in for overnight lodging arrivals start at 4 p.m. and checkout is noon.
Target Birds
Piping Plover, Summer Warblers, Common Raven
Best Time to Visit
For Hikes Spring and Fall, for Birding and Mosquitos Summer
Terrain
Plenty of paved and unpaved trails, bike trails, cross-country skiing trails in the winter
Facilities
Modern showers and restrooms, outhouses, playground
Camping at Wilderness State Park: From Modern Sites to Rustic Escapes
The campground offers plenty of modern campsites for all sizes of trailers, rustic tent sites, and a mix of modern and not-so-modern amenities. Recently, they added a newly built playground. There are also some rustic cabins and bunkhouses, as well as group campsites—so, something for every need. While there are many campsites in the park, it is definitely recommended to book as early as possible. The campsites are usually sold out only minutes after they come online.
Why the Rustic Tent Sites Are the Ultimate Highlight
To us, the rustic tent sites are the true highlight. Some of them do have a truly “Great” lake view (pun intended) and you will fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of the waves of Lake Michigan. Some of them are true walk-in tent sites, where you even have to walk a few hundred feet, but most of them are literally just a few yards from your car to the site. As the name rustic says, there is not much luxury available: No power, and only an outhouse for your basic needs. The closest shower is at the East Lakeshore Modern Campground, and better reached by car.
A Must-Stop: Cecil Trading Post
Before arriving at the campground, be sure to buy some local firewood at the closeby Cecil Trading Post. Next to wood, they do sell all campers’ needs, rent out electric bikes, and will recognize if you have a German accent. Last time, in the summer of ’26, I only had to say one sentence and they already identified me as a German. Also, good ice cream! They are only open during the main camping season, which is from somewhere in April to late October.
The Mackinac Bridge, just east of Wilderness State Park
Hiking the Trails: Picking Your Battles
Wilderness State Park has 20+ miles of trails, of which 5.5 are part of the North Country Trail. Having visited the park three times, I highly recommend picking your battles.
Hiking Map Wilderness State Park (Property of Michigan DNR)
The Swamp Line Trail in July is definitely not recommended. You will be eaten alive out there: Not by bears, coyotes, or other bigger wildlife, no—by mosquitoes and other bugs. If you try going out there, bring a lot of bug spray or even some of those full face covers. Last time we went there, it was the worst! But, after we came back to camp, we laughed it off and were happy that we did the probably worst exercise in a while.
In the fall, that same hike is much more enjoyable thanks to far fewer bugs and cooler temperatures—which is true for just about all the trails here. For the summertime, you can use the extensive shoreline to either have a beach hike, or just sunbathe or waterbathe. The year-round relatively cold Lake Michigan serves as a good medium for cooling down.
Michigan Wildlife and Birding: Warblers, Wrens, and Plovers
Now to my favorite part: Wildlife. Like on every campground, you will find plenty of tame squirrels and chipmunks. The biggest highlight so far is the 13-lined ground squirrel, which calls the sandy coast of Western Michigan (especially the dunes) its home. Ali and I never saw one before we went there in summer 2026. Every once in a while there are reports of bear sightings, but it is not a common thing.
Summer Birdwatching “Up North”
One big advantage of being “up north” is that you can find all kinds of Warblers which you would only see during migration. While they might not be quite as abundant as they are at a smaller migrant trap like Red Oaks Park, or at Magee Marsh in mid-May, you can still easily find them. On my last trip here in July 2026, I found Ovenbirds, Canada, Chestnut-Sided, Yellow, Black and White, Magnolia, and Nashville Warblers. That plus Winter Wrens, Veeries, and Hermit Thrushes.
Canada Warbler in Summer Plumage at Wilderness State Park
Another thing is Common Ravens. You will find them nearly as often as American Crows. They will just sit by the road or be visible from the beach.
Spotting the Endangered Piping Plover
The Sturgeon Bay is also known as one of the few breeding habitats for the Piping Plover. The endangered Great Lakes population is heavily protected and there are ongoing conservation efforts. When you are lucky enough, you can see or hear them anywhere by the water. I was not, so far. Please just be respectful when there are actually blocked off areas around their breeding sites.
Exploring Nearby Coastal Cities: Breweries and Eats
While Ali and I love the camping experience, we also love exploring the little coastal Michigan cities. When staying at the Wilderness Campground, there are three nearby cities worth visiting. East of the park, you’ll find Mackinaw City—home to the famous Mackinac Bridge—as well as Cheboygan, which to me is known for the Cheboygan Brewing Co. and its charming little lighthouse. To the south, you will find Petoskey.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mackinaw City
If you ever find yourself in Mackinaw City, we highly recommend a visit to Bière de Mac. This slightly over 10-year-old brewery specializes in French and Belgian beer styles. They have a small food menu, but every single item sounds incredible, and the two sandwiches we tried (I had the pulled pork) were amazing! If you are more in a BBQ mood, you can head over to The Rusted Spoke, which is only 5 minutes away from Bière de Mac.
Cruising South to Petoskey
About 45 minutes south of the campground is Petoskey, which is about as touristy as it gets on the Michigan Great Lakes coast. Before entering the downtown area, you definitely want to stop at Petoskey Brewing. They have a nice selection of beers, including a really good Hefeweizen. We drove down there right after our mosquito-plagued hike, and needless to say, the beer and food tasted even better after that ordeal.
Burger with Fries at Petoskey Brewing Co
Another place worth mentioning in Petoskey is The Backlot Beer Garden. This spot features several different food trucks and offers a wide variety of beers and cocktails. If you cannot decide what food or drink you are in the mood for, this place will give you all the options.
The Verdict
Overall, Wilderness State Park is definitely always worth a trip, despite the mosquitos at times. The park offers everything the outdoor enthusiast could ask for: hikes, water, wildlife combined with a rustic camping experience. The proximity to other lakeshore cities makes it the perfect starting point for your “Up North” adventure.
Have you ever been in that area? What was your experience with the mosquitoes and the breweries? Let me know in the comments below. 🥨🦉
For a little bit closer birding adventure, check out my post about the Pointe Mouille State Game Area just south of Detroit.
Going back to Germany is always an adventure: meeting old friends, exploring old places with a new perspective (as a now-birder), and enjoying the local drinks and foods. In this post, I will show you what’s in my suitcase and provide a bit of my reasoning.
Adventure of the Month
Ever wondered where to get the most authentic German food in Metro Detroit? Come with me to Lagerhaus No5 and Deutschtroit to find out.
Bier and the Hop Passport at Lagerhaus No.5
Dressing for the Unpredictable: April in Germany
In Germany, we say, “Der April macht, was er will,” which means April weather is unpredictable. Therefore, I will bring everything from summer clothing to my winter coat. I will not bring my gloves, though—I am an optimist, after all. Worth mentioning are my cowboy hat, hiking boots, and hiking pants. Not to forget, some comfy clothes for the flight and while hanging out at my German home!
Through a New Lens: My Must-Have Birding Gear
I cannot go without a whole lot of birding gear. This includes my binoculars and my camera with a big lens. Unfortunately, I only discovered my passion for birding while already living in the US. But that makes coming back even more exciting. I can explore the places I’ve known since my childhood through completely new lenses (I do not mean my binoculars or camera). April/May is peak migration in Southern Germany as well!
The Tech Kit: Staying Connected Abroad
This is the boring part of the luggage: work laptop, tablet (with preloaded movies), earbuds, power bank, power adapters, extra batteries for the camera, and a lot of cables and chargers. All are necessary and not always fun to carry around.
A Taste of the US: Bringing American Favorites to Germany
A lot of friends always request that I bring candy. Unfortunately, most candy is not quite as good as what we have in Germany already—or we even have a better version of the same thing. This limits my choices. I usually buy a lot of the theater box candies. Favorites are Milk Duds, Nerds Gummy Clusters, Whoppers, and Butterfingers. All of them are unavailable in Germany. And as a little local special, I like to bring some Sanders Salted Caramels.
In addition, I will bring a bottle of Fireball Apple. While the original Fireball whiskey found its way into German stores and bars, the Apple version is a novelty. Also, some refrigerator magnets have to find new homes! 🥨🦉
My hometown Weilheim an der Teck is located at the foot of the Swabian Jura in the beautiful state of Baden-Württemberg. While there are several Weilheims in Germany, there is only one Weilheim close to the castle Teck, which is also in its official city name. This little 10,000 people town may be an odd choice to write a travel article about, but what can I do? I am from here. I lived in two different houses there, one just by the old town and one in the “suburb” Egelsberg.
Discovering Weilheim an der Teck: The 1,250-Year-Old Gateway
Weilheim was first mentioned on 1 October 769 in a deed of the Lorsch Abbey which makes it at least 1250 years old. With good connections to the House of Zähringen, which it even served as its headquarter for 20 years, and later count Ulrich of Aichelberg, Weilheim got the right to build a wall around its city core and was officially named a city in 1319. Big parts of the city wall exist to this day. If you want to dive deeper into Weilheim’s history I recommend visiting the wikipedia article.
A Stroll Through Old Town: Half-Timbered Houses and Medieval Secrets
If you ever find yourself in Weilheim, do not forget to have a slow walk through Weilheims old town, which is full of beautiful half-timbered houses. The oldest of them, the so called “Loewenscheuer”, was built in 1469. In fact this building is the last remaining part of the City Castle Weilheim. It got renovated quite recently.
Another noteworthy building is the Kapuzinerhaus, which was built in 1565. If you stand in front of the house you will see a really creepy face, called the Neidkopf. As a kid I was afraid to look up there. Nowadays this building is partly residential and partly accomodating the city’s library.
Last but not least, the protestant church Peterskirche. Built, or rather rebuilt after fire destroyed it, in 1489, the Peterskirche is the tallest building of the city and gives Weilheim its distinctive “skyline”. At our last visit we got a little tour through the church and were even allowed to climb the tower. From there you can see the whole city and its surroundings.
View on Downtown of Weilheim an der Teck from The Peterskirche Tower
Hiking the Albtrauf: “Magma Pimples” and Castle Ruins
One of the things I really love about my hometown is its proximity to really nice hiking trails and nature. From my old house I could walk five minutes and I was literally surrounded by forest. An obvious hike to go on is climbing the Limburg. I say obvious, but I actually never hiked up there with Ali when we were visiting. The Limburg is a volcanic embryonic vent of the ancient Swabian Volcano—you could say it’s like a magma pimple that never quite popped. And while you’re here, stop by the highest vineyard in Baden-Württemberg.
Another great hike is the Teck Castle aka Burg Teck. You could either start directly from anywhere in Weilheim and make it a day hike or you could drive to one of the parking lots close to the castle and only do a short but very steep hike to the top. Once you’re there you are greeted by the most beautiful panoramic views and a restaurant. But do not worry, when the restaurant is closed there are vending machines – one of them even selling beer!
Ali and I on the Teck CastleTeck Castle in the Fall
Other possible hikes in the very close proximity are:
Burg Reussenstein: Another striking castle ruin with possibilities to do some Einkehren (stopping in for refreshments) nearby.
Schopflocher Moor: A unique wetland located on the highlands of the Swabian Jura.
Breitenstein: A giant rock plateau that is absolutely perfect for watching a sunset.
Bossler: A mountain peak with even more opportunities to enjoy a few beers at the top.
Hohenneuffen: Another massive castle, and yet another place to reward yourself with a traditional meal and drinks once you reach the summit.
Birding the Swabian Jura: What to Watch and Listen For
All of these hikes and ruins share one massive advantage: you will see tons of birds if you keep your eyes and ears open. Alongside countless songbirds, you can regularly spot Red Kites, Common Buzzards (the origin of the Turkey Vulture’s colloquial name, as early American settlers mistook the native vultures for the buzzards they knew back home), Common Ravens, and the Eurasian Kestrel. Birding unfortunately is not quite as mainstream in Germany as it is in the US; therefore, eBird’s usefulness can be a bit limited.
One of my personal birding highlights is the Common Kingfisher, which—in theory—can be found near most local waterways. In practice, they are incredibly elusive, so while they are around, you will rarely see them. Another fan-favorite is the Black Woodpecker. Germany’s biggest woodpecker can be found in mature forests all across the Swabian Jura, and you are highly likely to hear or spot one in the Reuschwald.
Black-headed Woodpecker in the Reuschwald
Be sure to bring the right equipment to your German birding adventure! Check out my suitcase packing list.
Caves, Bobsleds, and Dinosaurs: Day Trips from Weilheim
If you are not in a hiking mood but still feel adventurous, you can visit one of the many caves riddling the Swabian Jura. The closest to our Weilheim home base is the Schertelshöhle, located in Westerheim. For 4.50 € (3.00 € for kids), you can enter the roughly 700-foot-deep cave to see all kinds of impressive stalactites. And—you guessed it—there is a small kiosk to buy snacks and refreshments right outside. You can even bring your own sausages from home and roast them at the public grilling area.
Not far from the cave, you can stop by the Bobbahn Donstetten. This summer bobsled track is not much of a terrifying challenge for a daring adult, as you can easily ride the entire track without touching the brakes once, but I am certain kids will absolutely love it!
For the museum-goer with an interest in paleontology, the Urweltmuseum Hauff in Holzmaden is an absolute must-visit. The museum is world-renowned for its spectacularly preserved slate fossils. Their most famous exhibits are an ichthyosaur measuring nearly four meters long and the world’s largest fossilized sea lily colony—a staggering piece of ancient sea floor measuring 18 by 6 meters.
More to come!
I am actively expanding this guide to include my absolute favorite spots, day trips, and local culinary gems around the foot of the Teck.
Check back soon for full breakdowns of:
Exploring Kirchheim unter Teck: A deep dive into the historic neighboring market town.
The Stuttgart & Europa-Park Day Trips: How to navigate downtown Stuttgart, the spring and autumn beer festivals, and how to find birds inside Germany’s biggest theme park.
The Ultimate Swabian Jura Food & Beer Guide: My personal reviews of traditional gastropubs and craft breweries in the area, including Deutsches Haus, Gasthof zur Post, Singh Bräu, and the modern craft creations at Braurevolution.
I hope you enjoyed my rather non-conventional guide with a homebase in Weilheim an der Teck. If you are in the area, come say hi to the place I will forever call home. 🥨🦉
In case you wondered why it got so quiet around my little webpage, I did take a creative break. I was not lazy in the meantime: I spent nearly three weeks in Germany, and then right when I came back, I had a wedding to plan. Even during the busy times of traveling and planning, I always had my blog in the back of my head—my dear readers, you were never forgotten.
Coming Soon: Birding and Swabian Culture
With that being said, there is a lot of Germany I want to tell you about. I want to show you more of my German culture, write about birding in Germany and a little bit in the Alps, share what my suitcase consisted of, and tell you about Germans hiking on Labor Day. So, keep your eyes open for what is to come!
Curry Wurst with Fries at a Beergarden in Germany
Act I: The Pre-Wedding Party in Germany
Secondly, I did get married to Ali, and I want to tell you about it right away! I consider our wedding a two-act celebration. Act one was our pre-wedding party in Germany. We invited nearly everyone I knew, drank 200 beers together, and had an overall successful night at the local “small animal breeders club” (Kleintierzuchtverein).
We were contemplating having a traditional Polterabend, where the guests bring porcelain and smash it on the ground for good luck, but the venue did not allow it in order to protect the animals. Overall, it was a great success, and we are happy that we could celebrate with everyone!
Act II: The Underground Celebration in the US
The second act of our wedding celebration was the legal part in the US. We found a really nice location in Flat Rock called The Underground. A lot of people came down, and we had a wonderful American wedding with a classic reception, cake cutting, speeches, a first dance, and—untypically—German food!
We got our food from Deutschtroit, which I just wrote about in my most recent post. Our menu consisted of German classics like Schnitzel with mushroom gravy and Spätzle, but also a slow-cooked brisket in beer gravy! As an appetizer, we had Flädlesuppe (pancake strip soup), and I will post the recipe for it soon!
Again, thanks to everyone who celebrated with us, especially the family who made it all the way from Germany to the US.
Adventure of the Month
Ever wondered where to get the most authentic German food in Metro Detroit? Come with me to Lagerhaus No5 and Deutschtroit to find out.
Lagerhaus No.5 is a brewery in the heart of Detroit’s Eastern Market neighborhood. In addition to their self-brewed beers, they offer a wide selection of bottled and canned beers from all around the world and have a full bar. They partnered up with Deutschtroit, a German food truck, and serve a variety of German specialties.
During peak market times it gets rough, other than that plenty
Food recommendation
When they have it on the menu, try their Bierfleisch. You can never go wrong with Schnitzel
Prices
$$
A little bit of History
When I first went to Lagerhaus No.5 at some point in 2023, I just went there because the Eastern Market Brewing Company around the corner was too busy. Little did I know that this little brewery would become one of my favorite places to get German food.
Bier and the Hop Passport at Lagerhaus No.5
Back then, they were selling freshly baked goods, had some sandwiches and some potato salad, but no consistent food menu. Which was a shame – the location had a full kitchen in the back; it only needed someone to actually staff that kitchen. In March 2024, this is exactly what happened and Deutschtroit moved in to make the Lagerhaus their base of operations.
If you ever went to the Lagerhaus, you can also see that this partnership is perfect. The brewery’s self-brewed beers are often very traditional German varieties, and the whole decor screams German Brauhaus. Anything other than German food would not quite be fitting here.
I do not exaggerate when I say that the atmosphere reminds me very much of a German Brauhaus. They achieve that with a mixture of German and Americana decor, beer benches, and lots of German beer.
Like in a typical Brauhaus, there is no server bringing you the drinks and food to the table. You will have to order and get everything at the bar. With only one active POS system, this can sometimes take a bit on busy days. But even in a traditional Brauhaus you have to stand in line, so this is not a dealbreaker. Like in most self-service places, they provide you with a little beeper to tell you when the food is ready to be picked up.
The Menu: Everything German
Jana and Shawn will be your hosts when it comes to food. Unlike other German restaurants in Metro Detroit, Jana’s recent German roots help Deutschtroit to offer contemporary German meals. The Goulash, the Spätzle, the Currywurst – all resemble more the German kitchen of today than what you would find at Jacoby’s or the Dakota Inn (find my article about them here).
If they have it as their special, you must try their Bierfleisch – a beef brisket slow-braised in beer and other spices. If not, you can never go wrong with a Schnitzel on a bun or with Spätzle and mushroom gravy. I can also recommend the currywurst and all the other brat variations. Also, the Americanized soft pretzel with mustard or beer cheese is not missing!
Bierfleisch Sandwich with Fries
The Verdict: Is the Lagerhaus No.5 with Deutschtroit authentic?
At this point, I have to admit, I am a little bit biased. Deutschtroit was catering our wedding in May 2026. We would not have picked them if we did not think we could serve their food as authentic to our German and American wedding guests. Jana and Shawn went above and beyond to create the perfect menu for our special day.
With that being said, the answer is a clear yes! Good vibes, good beers, good food. For the money, definitely the best German food you can get in Metro Detroit.
Vibe
5/5
Service
4/5
Food & Drinks
5/5
Also, for anything German-related, the Lagerhaus No.5 is a good spot. During the World Cup 2026, this is the place to watch.
Adventure of the Month
Ever wondered where to get the most authentic German food in Metro Detroit? Come with me to Lagerhaus No5 and Deutschtroit to find out.
Bier and the Hop Passport at Lagerhaus No.5
Have you ever visited the Lagerhaus No.5? What was your experience? Let me know below! 🥨🦉
The Red Oaks Nature Center, nestled into Friendship Woods in Madison Heights, is one of Metro Detroit’s hidden gems when it comes to songbird migration. You will find every Warbler species migrating through Michigan here. Additionally, you can spot all the Thrushes, such as Veeries, Swainson’s Thrushes, Wood Thrushes, or Hermit Thrushes, as well as Scarlet Tanagers and Indigo Buntings.
This brief guide shall help you to fall in love with this little park the same way as I did. If you want to explore more of my favorite spring migration spots, checkout my Spring Migration Overview post.
Red Oaks Nature Center and Friendship Woods Quickfacts
You will find two main trails: The Habitat Trail in the north and the Forest Trail in the south. Especially during peak migration, the Habitat Trail is where you’ll find most of the action, but the Forest Trail also has its charm. There is an additional Sensory Trail which leads to a vernal pond. At this pond, you can add some waterfowl to your list.
Adventure of the Month
Ever wondered where to get the most authentic German food in Metro Detroit? Come with me to Lagerhaus No5 and Deutschtroit to find out.
Bier and the Hop Passport at Lagerhaus No.5
The Early Shift: Kinglets and Sparrows
In late March and throughout April, before the Warblers arrive, the park is already full of life. Golden-crowned Kinglets, in particular, love to have a little rest stop at the park. White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows also like to make an early appearance. Year-round, you can find the local Cooper’s Hawks (and sometimes their offspring) here.
The Main Event: Peak Migration in Friendship Woods
Late April and throughout May, Friendship Woods turns into a birdwatcher’s haven. This little spot of dense woodland must look like an “all-you-can-eat” buffet from above, and it is a scarce sight, especially in Metro Detroit.
The “Edge Effect”: Why I Start at the Parking Lot
My favorite area to get a sight of a Warbler is actually around the parking lot. You can get a pretty good view of different levels of the canopy and bushes. Especially when the sun is out, the birds simply follow where the insects come out to warm up. The edge effect of the clearing also allows more light into the lower branches. Other than that, I usually just circle the Habitat Trail and try to listen and observe movement in the bushes and trees. Sometimes there is so much going on that it is hard to focus on one bird alone.
Magnolia Warbler at the Red Oaks Nature Center
Hidden Waters: Sightings at the Vernal Ponds
In the north of the trail, you will find another vernal pond. I like to stray a little bit off the paved path to see who’s out there. One time I got lucky and saw a Night-Heron there. Generally, most of the birds use this pond to drink.
A Personal Milestone: Where I Discovered American Warblers
This small little park also has added significance to me personally: It’s the place where I realized Warblers existed for the first time since moving to the U.S. My personal highlights here include Magnolia Warblers, Canada Warblers, Golden-winged Warblers, as well as all the different Thrushes.
Now what? Einkehren at Cadillac Straits Brewing Company
Usually, I visit the park right before work, so my next stop would, unfortunately, just be work. But on other occasions, I like to go for some drinks or dinner afterwards. Cadillac Straits Brewing Company is only eight minutes away and is my recommendation for a bite afterwards.
They have a simple menu of sandwiches, Mac and Cheese varieties, and pub food, along with a decent selection of craft beers. As always, we try to sit at the bar; their bar personnel have always been nice and attentive toward us.
In this little post, I will give you an overview of my favorite birding spots in the spring. I will curate this list over time and keep it current as the season progresses. As a little extra there is also an overview about the migration timing.
The Red Oaks Park and Nature Center is a little gem for suburban birding. Located in Madison Heights, it is a convenient stop on my morning commute. During May, I like to head there for 60 to 90 minutes before going to my day job. You can find all kinds of Warblers, Sparrows, Thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings there. The best time to go is in the morning.
30300 Hales St, Madison Heights, MI 48071 – oakgov.com
Robert H. Long Park
Located in Commerce Township, the Robert H. Long Park is a small park with some trails and a marsh area. During the peak migration, you can find the most common Warblers, some shorebirds, as well as waterfowl there. Furthermore, the park houses Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows, and in 2025, even a breeding pair of Least Bitterns.
40900 W 14 Mile Rd, Commerce Township, MI 48390 – commercetwp.com
Lake St. Clair Metropark
The nature trail area offers all kinds of birdwatching opportunities. In early spring, a lot of shorebirds and ducks will make a pitstop in this park, and later, all varieties of Warblers. Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, and American Redstarts use this park as their breeding grounds. LSC MP is also known for its variety of breeding raptors, including Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Great Horned Owls (I could not confirm them breeding in the 2026 season due to construction at the trails).
Since LSC MP is one of my favorite parks, there will be two spring guides: One for the early arrivals, and one for the rest of the migration season.
31300 Metro Pkwy, Harrison Township, MI 48045 – metroparks.com
Belle Isle
Belle Isle offers all kinds of different landscapes. You will find everything from gulls, raptors, Warblers, breeding Ospreys, and Thrushes here. My favorite thing is to go there early, watch the sunrise from the southeast tip, and then walk through the little forested area to hear the birds wake up.
Stay tuned for my Belle Isle Spring Guide!
Detroit, MI 48207 (Follow signs for Sunset Point or Scott Fountain) – michigan.dnr
Pte. Mouillee SGA
A bit of a hike from my suburban home, Pte. Mouillee SGA is probably a top spot for spring migration and can even compete with places like Magee Marsh in Ohio. The only downside of Pte. Mouillee is its size. I definitely recommend bringing a bike or the endurance for long treks. Whatever bird migrates through Michigan, you’ll find them here!
While I am still working a spring guide for Pte. Mouillee, you can find my Shorebird guide here.
While you can also find all kinds of migrating waterfowl here, Kensington offers a big network of trails through open woodland. Just see where the Chickadees are; the Warblers will follow. Kensington is also home to an impressive Great Blue Heron rookery.
At the end of April, there are several birds you can lure into your backyard. This includes Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles. All you need is to lure them in with either the right flowers or some nectar and fruits. All of our Southeast Michigan regulars also behave differently: the Blue Jays get even louder, Cardinals want more attention, and the Robins will wake you up again in the morning.
Migration Timing Southeast Michigan
Late February
Arrival of Sandhill Cranes, Red-winged Blackbirds, and early waterfowl (Canvasbacks, Scaup).
Arrival of Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, Fox Sparrows, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
Mid-Late April
First wave of Warblers (Yellow-rumped, Pine), plus Osprey and Broad-winged Hawk migration.
Early May:
Peak “Warbler Wave” begins; arrival of Baltimore Orioles, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
Mid-May
Peak diversity and numbers for most Warblers, Vireos, and Scarlet Tanagers.
Late May
Late migrants like Blackpoll Warblers, Connecticut Warblers, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos.
June
Late flycatchers (Willow, Alder) and transition to local breeding and nesting activity.
It is very tempting to be out in the field for the whole day. For that it is always good to be prepared and bring your own snacks. I have compiled a list of some German Snacks you’ve probably never even heard of (including their recipes).
What are your favorite spots in the wider Detroit Metro? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to get my monthly update! 🥨🦉
From Peeps to creepy Easter Bunny costumes, Easter in the US is slightly different from what I witnessed in my little Swabian village. I will show you some of the things which surprised me a little bit. I don’t claim that my observations are universally valid for the US or Germany.
German Easter Holidays vs. US Working Days
In Germany, Easter Weekend is long. It starts with Good Friday and continues all the way to Easter Monday. In the US, Monday is no federal holiday and most businesses will be open as usual. As a young adult, I used this long weekend often to travel Germany and Europe. For families, this gives more time to visit the grandparents, have long Easter brunches, or just to sleep in. While in the US even on federal holidays most stores are still at least partially open, in Germany they will be closed Friday, Sunday, and Monday. That means in the week leading up to Easter and on that Saturday in between, grocery stores will look like war zones and people will stock up like there is another pandemic.
Adventure of the Month
Ever wondered where to get the most authentic German food in Metro Detroit? Come with me to Lagerhaus No5 and Deutschtroit to find out.
Bier and the Hop Passport at Lagerhaus No.5
The History of the German Osterhase and the American Easter Bunny
While the Easter Bunny (Osterhase) is a staple in both countries, his roots are firmly planted in German soil. The tradition of an egg-laying hare was first mentioned in German writings in the 1600s and was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants in Pennsylvania.
In Germany, the Osterhase is often depicted as a more naturalistic hare; however, in the U.S. the Easter Bunny is more like Santa Claus—often appearing in malls for photo ops or as a guest at family Easter gatherings. They can be really creepy and made their way into meme culture with depicting really creepy easter bunnies and crying children!
Creepy Easter Rabbit and me
Traditional German Egg Decoration vs. American Plastic Egg Hunts
In Germany, painting real eggs is part of the celebration. Those eggs are either hard-boiled or just blown-out eggs. The painted or decorated eggs will then often be put on pussy willow branches for decoration. While some US families still dye hard-boiled eggs, the “Easter Egg Hunt” almost exclusively utilizes bright, snap-together plastic eggs. These are filled with jelly beans, “fun size” candy bars, novelty toys, or even dollar bills and coins. The German Easter Egg hunt focuses more on the proper gifts. Instead of having hundreds of those eggs spread throughout the backyard, Germans will have to hunt for fewer but better-hidden gifts.
Looking back
As kids we built some nests in backyard out of moss, leaves and other things. Our parents would then put every other day some candy into the nests. Checking them was part of our daily routine in the morning.
Easter Food Traditions: Swabian Brunch vs. American Holiday Ham
The long weekend gives families in Germany plenty of time to prepare one of the best meals: an Easter Brunch. Starting close to noon, everything which sounds like breakfast will be put on the table. This includes egg salad, fresh bread rolls, Hefezopf (yeast braid), deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, soft and hard-boiled eggs, and so many more things! The centerpiece of a US Easter meal is the ham. Usually in a potluck style, one family will host the Easter lunch and prepare the ham, and everybody else just brings whatever they see fit. One time someone just brought freshly smoked pulled pork. A rather Swabian “Easter” thing are Maultaschen: they are meat-filled pasta, just like ravioli, but not quite.
Authentic German Hefezopf
Comparing Easter Candy in Germany and the USA
In the U.S., the candy aisle is dominated by “Peeps” (marshmallow chicks that people either love or hate), Cadbury Eggs, Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs. In Germany, it’s all about the chocolate quality. You’ll find the gold-wrapped Lindt bunnies with their little red ribbons and bells everywhere, along with Kinder Surprise eggs and fine hazelnut pralines. You can also get the golden Lindt bunnies here, but the red ribbons comes without the bell. While the U.S. wins on quantity and sugary variety, Germany definitely takes the prize for the best chocolate.
German Easter Candy: Lots of Kinder productsUS easter Candy: PeepsUS Easter Candy: Lindt bunnies without the bellGerman Easter Candy: Milka Hasen
Like in Germany, Easter in the US is not the most important holiday, but it definitely has its impression on culture. How do you celebrate Easter? 🥨🦉
Review: Alpino Detroit – Authentic Alpine Dining in Corktown
On my quest to find authentic German food, my fiancée recently showed me a TikTok about Alpino in Corktown, Detroit. As the name suggests, Alpino tries to capture an alpine flair. Their interior is rustic, their food menu includes Alpine-sounding meals, and they have a big German beer selection. But can they hold up to a German’s critical standards?
Ever wondered where to get the most authentic German food in Metro Detroit? Come with me to Lagerhaus No5 and Deutschtroit to find out.
Bier and the Hop Passport at Lagerhaus No.5
The Vibe: Upscale German Dining in Detroit’s Corktown
Established in May 2023, Alpino is part of Corktown’s rise out of the ashes. While there are other, more legacy restaurants for German food in the Detroit metro, Alpino tries to capture a more upscale audience. A first look into the interior confirmed that. Their homepage recommends making a reservation. When we went there on a Friday night, it was definitely necessary.
Alpino’s menu is inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Alpine regions, spanning the mountains of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy. Classic German/Austrian dishes like Wienerschnitzel, Spätzle, Rotkraut, and Goulash are accompanied by fondue, raclette, risotto, and panna cotta from the other Alpine countries.
Ali and me at Alpino in Corktown Detroit
Drinks & Service: Expert Bartenders and Custom Cocktails
Our favorite spot, even for finer dining, is always the bar. Our bartender Conner was very knowledgeable about the menu and could help us make an informed decision on drinks and beer. He even made a custom cocktail for Ali after she gave him her preferences. With cocktail prices between $16 and $20, they are scraping the pricier side, but nowadays I believe this is just normal.
The Bar at Alpino in Corktown Detroit
The Menu: From Alpine Fondue to the “Bartender’s Handshake”
The couple sitting next to us was indulging in their cheese fondue, and we could not resist and had to order it ourselves. In addition, we also had the raclette, which was some pan-grilled melted cheese served atop sourdough bread. Both apps were delicious with a little caveat: for my taste, the cheese could be a bit stronger/sharper.
As a main, we shared the Wienerschnitzel, which is, contrary to most schnitzels, actually made with veal. Our sides were Spätzle with mushroom gravy and some crispy potatoes. The schnitzel was thin, tender, and perfectly fried. The sides were pretty standard. We then opted out of dessert and decided to have a Fernet-Branca. Our bartender said ordering this is considered to be a bartender’s handshake—which means I signal to him that I work in the bar service industry myself. It couldn’t be further from the truth.
Raclette Wiener Schnitzel at Alpino in Corktown DetroitCheese Fondue
How authentic is it? Compared to modern Alpine restaurants, I would say it captures the quintessence of it: classic meals in modern clothing, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. Overall, our night was not cheap, but neither was the quality. I can fully recommend. In numbers:
Vibe
5/5
Service
5/5
Food & Drinks
4.5/5
Have you ever been to Alpino? How did you like it? Let me know in the comments below!
And if this post awakened your gravings for some Schnitzel, check out my Schnitzel recipe! 🥨🦉
