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! 🥨🦉
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! 🥨🦉
For my 40th birthday, I went to Kentucky with my fiancé, Ali. Our destinations were some world-class distilleries and the beautiful city of Lexington. I already wrote an article about the first part of our trip; this one will look at the rich brewery, bar, and restaurant scene of Lexington. And, because we can’t just eat and drink the whole time, I will also tell you about some parks and recreation options.
Lexington Cheat Sheet: Where to Eat and Drink at a Glance
Dive Bars & Barcades: Why Arcadium is a Lexington Staple
We had the advantage that our accommodation was located right by two Lexington staples: Al’s Bar and Arcadium. Both are situated right at the intersection of North Limestone and 6th Street.
Arcadium is a cozy little barcade with a great selection of draft beers, vintage arcade machines, and fun cocktails. I’m always surprised to see a bar serving Underberg, but the bartender said he loves it. However, he also mentioned he loves Malört, so I’m not sure I can trust his judgment! Al’s Bar underwent a major modernization a couple of years ago. It “elevated” from a trashy dive bar to a still trashy, but much cleaner-looking, dive bar. We arrived at a time when we probably should have just gone to bed. The place was fairly quiet, but they were doing karaoke. I tried my luck with a German song, and surprisingly, they served Underberg here too!
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 Best German Beer in Kentucky? A Swabian Reviews Blue Stallion Brewery
West 6th is only a 10-minute walk from the first two bars (and only 11 minutes from our front door). West 6th has been around since 2012 and has expanded aggressively across Kentucky, with its flagship location on West 6th Street in Lexington. I recommend trying any of their core beers, including their IPA. I can also vouch for the food, which comes from Smithtown Seafood—they share the entrance with the brewery.
Blue Stallion is another 15-minute walk further. This place leans heavily into German-style beers, and I have to tell you, they do a fantastic job with their Hefeweizen. It stood out even more than the last time I was there; it is probably my favorite wheat beer brewed in the US! I was very surprised to see the flag of the city of Schorndorf hanging there, which is only 25 minutes away from my hometown, Weilheim an der Teck. I am still wondering if it’s a coincidence or if that flag ended up there for a specific reason. We didn’t try the food, but the pizza smelled amazing.
Underberg, West 6th Brewing, Lexington, KYHefeweizen at Blue Stallion, Lexington, KYRandom German flags at Blue Stallion, Lexington, KY
Exploring the Lexington Distillery District: Pizza, Ice Cream, and Ethereal Brewing
Lexington is surprisingly walkable if you have the patience. We walked to the Distillery District, Lexington’s historic industrial area. While there aren’t many active distilleries left in this specific pocket, the area has been massively revitalized over the last 15 years and now houses many restaurants and businesses.
During our visit, we grabbed a beer at Ethereal, pizza from Goodfellas, ice cream from Crank & Boom, and finished with a beer at The Burl Brew. Ethereal and Crank & Boom were both fantastic—I highly recommend them. The pizza at Goodfellas was also great; it famously earned a 0.0 from Dave Portnoy in a “one-bite” review, but don’t let that deter you!
Pizza at Goodfellas, Lexington, KYAli and I, Ethereal, Lexington, KY
The only downer was The Burl Brew. Even though they weren’t very busy, we had to wait forever to be served, and the staff didn’t seem interested in selling us more drinks. While I understand that there might be bad service nights, this experience just left a sour taste.
Cajun Comfort in Chevy Chase: Bourbon n’ Toulouse & The Iconic Chevy Chase Inn
One food highlight can be found in the Chevy Chase District: Bourbon n’ Toulouse. They serve comforting Cajun kitchen staples like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and my favorite, Chicken Étouffée. The Étouffée was so good that Ali decided she had to try to recreate it at home. Luckily, we found a 10-year-old YouTube video featuring the owners, and she managed to get dangerously close to the original recipe. Stay tuned for that!
Another famous spot nearby is the Chevy Chase Inn. With a rubber chicken attached to the door and stickers and signs covering every surface, this place is a total vibe. They were also the first place I’ve ever seen with one of those “bottoms-up” magnetic draft machines where the glass fills from the bottom. When you are in the area, you definitely need to “check-Inn.”
Allegedly, McCarthy’s sells the most Guinness in the entire state of Kentucky. Watching how many “Irish Car Bombs” they served during our single pint made me believe it. It’s a very vibrant, loud place. On the quieter side (mostly because we arrived very early) wasMolly Brooke’s. The bartender let us try some of his new house liquors, and I had my first-ever peanut butter whiskey (Skrewball). Overall, a great experience!
Molly Brooks Vibe, Lexington, KYIrish Carbomb at McCarthys, Lexington, KY
Winter Birding in Lexington: Finding the Fox Sparrow at The Arboretum
After two days of visiting distilleries and not having much luck with birding, we started our Saturday on a healthy note by visiting The Arboretum and Jacobson Park.
While the birds in Michigan still seem to be on winter break, the birds at The Arboretum were in full spring mode. We could hear them calling for mates, marking territories, and fighting for the best nesting sites. A pleasant surprise was a “lifer” for me: the Fox Sparrow. We chose Jacobson Park for its large lake, but otherwise, the park is fairly bland this time of year—mostly just a large, grey lawn with some trees. We did stay for a while, however, to watch the silly gooses enjoying the finally unfrozen water.
American Robin, Arboretum, Lexington KYSilly Goose, Jacobson Park, Lexington, KYNorthern Cardinal, Arboretum, Lexington, KY
Verdict
With a few exceptions, I would come back here and do everything exactly the same. This was my second time visiting Lexington, but Ali lived here for quite some time, so it felt like a “local” tour. It’s only a 5.5 to 6-hour drive from Southeast Michigan.
For our next trip south, we are planning to visit Dogslaughter Falls and Mammoth Cave National Park. Have you ever been to Lexington? Let us know which other places we need to visit in or out of the city!
Kentucky is widely known for its Bourbon Trail and its rich Appalachian bluegrass music culture. On my birthday trip to Lexington, Kentucky, Ali and I visited the Castle & Key Distillery—just half an hour away from downtown Lexington, in Frankfort—and the Maker’s Mark distillery, for which you have to go out of your way to reach.
I would not be the Schnitzelbirder if I were not looking for birds while being in Kentucky; of course, the stars of this post are the distilleries themselves. I will let you know what our experience was, what we liked and didn’t like, and which was our favorite.
This is the first part of my 40th birthday trip report. While this focuses on the distilleries, I am focusing more on the rich brewery and restaurant scene of Lexington in the second part– and of course I visited a park to look for birds.
Road Trip from Michigan: A Stop at Alcove by MadTree
Leaving the cold winter weather in Michigan at 7 in the morning on Thursday, we had a brief stop in Cincinnati for a beer and some snacks at the Alcove by MadTree. At 2 pm, we arrived at our first real destination: the Castle & Key Distillery.
Review: Visiting the Historic Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort
Castle & Key is both a very old and a very new distillery. It underwent several closures, changes of ownership, salvaging, and neglect since its first opening in 1887. Under current ownership, the distillery sold its first bourbon in 2022, eight years after the purchase.
Birding at the Distillery: Black Vultures in Kentucky
Waiting in the parking lot was our first surprise. Some Black Vultures were hanging out by the electricity poles. I saw a lot of vultures on our way down here, but I automatically assumed they would be the—in Michigan—more common Turkey Vultures.
The Castle & Key Tour Experience
After we checked in for our tour, we met our guide, Ana, and one of the distillers and future tour guide, Charlie. Ana gave us a more detailed rundown on the history of the place and led us through the holy halls of this literal castle. We learned a lot about why the place is what it is, and what huge effort had to go into the restoration; we also learned a bit about bourbon.
The tour concluded with a tasting of three different bourbons, a hot toddy, and a bourbon ball. About the bourbon, I can only say: you have to try it yourself. We liked their Wheated Bourbon and left with a bottle.
The Verdict: It was a very informative tour in a picturesque setting. We really liked how personal everything felt with a group of only 10 people and basically two guides. We saw the fermentation tanks and the still itself, but the tour skipped a lot of buildings which would have been interesting to see from the inside.
Ana and Charlie did a great job overall! We can only recommend visiting Castle & Key and doing one of their tours!
Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour: Wax-Dipped Bottles and Cedar Tanks
The next morning we had to get up early; unfortunately, I deemed a 10 am distillery visit a good idea. Since the distillery itself is a bit further away from Lexington, we got up at 7 to have enough time to grab breakfast at Great Bagel: a 5 out of 5 breakfast!
Great Bagel BMB Sandwich, Lexington Kentucky
Maker’s Mark is one of the more prominent bourbons on a normal supermarket shelf. Their bottles are known for their distinct shape and the wax coating around the neck/cap. Maker’s Mark has been around since 1953 and is now making bourbon in its third generation.
Navigating to Loretto: Meeting Whiskey Jean
The road Google sent us on to Maker’s Mark was anything but the normal way to get there. Consequently, when we arrived, we didn’t see the sign for visitor parking and ended up at the employee parking. But we finally made it to the right lot and check-in building, which is also the home of the local cat, Whiskey Jean.
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
Whisky Jean at Maker’s Mark Distillery
Exploring the Grounds of Maker’s Mark: Carolina Wrens and Common Grackles
Once the staff called our tour, our guide Chris led us through the distillery estate. When he was giving his initial history rundown, I got a little sidetracked by the Common Grackles and Carolina Wrens announcing the arrival of spring, but I am pretty sure he did a good job.
After a brief history lesson, we went to the fermenter tanks and the still. The tanks you visit during the tour are some really old, fancy cedar tanks. Maker’s Mark has a small, old-school printer and label cutter on its property; every tour visitor got to take an original unused label as a souvenir.
We also walked through one of the barrel storages, the place where they close the barrels, and the bottling (and waxing) facility. Overall, it was a very complete tour where we could see every step from the fermenter tank to putting the bottles into shipping boxes. The conclusion of the tour was again a small tasting: we got to taste four of their current bourbons.
The Verdict: This tour did not leave out anything and was professional from start to finish. But this is also the first critique I have: the groups were bigger, there were several tours going on at the same time, and everything was on a schedule. When our guide said we only had the tasting room for another few minutes, it did not feel like the intimate experience of Castle & Key, but we did see everything I was missing on their tour.
After the Tour we were lead through the probably most fancy hallway of the whole property. I let the picture speak for themself.
Comparison: Castle & Key vs. Maker’s Mark Distillery Tours
Both tours complemented each other perfectly. It was also a lot of fun and unique to dip my own bottle into the wax; likewise, talking to Charlie at the end of the tour and having him personally thank us was a highlight.
If I had to choose only one tour to go on for a weekend trip, I would go to Castle & Key; however, if there are no constraints, I would definitely come back for Maker’s Mark again as well!
What distillery should we visit on our next trip to Kentucky? And what is your favorite one? Let me know in the comments! 🥨🦉
All that bourbon tasting made me crave a hearty German meal. If you’re heading home to cook, my Swabian Goulash is the perfect pairing for a Kentucky bourbon nightcap.
I really do enjoy most of the food available in US restaurants. I like burgers, I like Detroit-style deep dish pizza, and I even catch myself eating a Costco hot dog every once in a while. But even with the infinite choices of restaurants and convenient food, I still find myself missing Germany’s number one fast food: the Döner Kebab.
What is a Döner, anyway?
A Döner, in its most common form, consists of seasoned ground meat (with some binders and spices) grilled on a vertical rotisserie, thinly sliced, and tucked into a flatbread. Much like the experience at a Subway, you then choose your fresh toppings from little trays right in front of you. The first time this meal was recorded in its modern sandwich form was in 1972 in Berlin, when Kadir Nurman served the first Döner sandwich.
Yufka Döner (Döner in a Flour Tortilla basically)
Why is German Döner Kebab So Hard to Find in Michigan?
“Einmal Döner mit allem, bitte!”—which means “One Döner with everything, please”—including the chili flakes. I miss saying those words. I also miss Döner Pizza, Yufka Döner, Lahmacun, and all the wonderful things Turkish immigrants brought to Germany—even to my little hometown, Weilheim an der Teck. Unfortunately for me, there aren’t many Turkish people living in Michigan, which makes it hard to even find a Döner!
Doenerspot in Germany with the Doener prepared right in front of you
However, I didn’t find just one, or even two—I found three places in the Detroit area where you can find a Döner. Here is my breakdown of Cork & Gabel, Supergeil, and the Balkan House.
1. Cork and Gabel: A Fancy Twist on a Street Food Classic
This restaurant made the list by coincidence. Ali and I were planning to get a Döner at Supergeil, but they were undergoing renovations at the time. We decided to head to Cork & Gabel, which is located just across the street, in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood.
The entrance welcomes guests through a massive steel tank, and once inside, you are greeted by a rustic, industrial aesthetic with a large bar in the middle. It feels both fancy and cozy. While scanning the menu, we were surprised to see a Döner listed. Since we were already in town for exactly that, we placed our order.
The “German Döner” at Cork and Gabel Detroit
The Verdict: The Döner here is pulled lamb shank meat served on pita bread with fries. All in all, it’s a very good meal. But is it a good Döner? That depends! To me, a Döner is generally not something you’d eat in a “nice” restaurant, so the vibe already felt slightly off. The meal itself is probably ten times higher quality than your average German Döner, but it just wasn’t “it.” It reminded me more of a Pita Gyro. While the spices were good, they didn’t trigger my nostalgia.
Overall Experience: 5/5
Döner Authenticity: 3/5
Pro-Tip: They have a great selection of German beers—another pleasant surprise!
Only two weeks after our surprise Döner encounter, we finally made it to Supergeil. Located in Corktown, this restaurant leans into the “hip” Berlin aesthetic. Their menu is unique—neither strictly German, American, nor Turkish, but rather a fusion influenced by all three. The interior is a mixture of industrial design and art.
Beef and Lamb Döner Sandwich at Supergeil in Detroit
The Verdict: Their Döner meat is a mixture of lamb and beef. It is served in a flatbread and comes in the typical square paper wrap. The taste is great and certainly triggers memories of Döner in Germany. The quality of the meat is excellent, and the “Scharf” (spicy sauce) has a real kick!
However, the presentation isn’t quite at 100% yet—the meat was buried a bit too deep under all the “healthy stuff.” At $17, it is also the most expensive Döner on this list.
Döner Taste: 4/5
Döner Experience: 3.5/5 (The place feels a bit too “artisan cocktail bar” for a street food staple).
3. The Balkan House: The Closest You’ll Get in Metro Detroit
Last but not least is the Balkan House. Located in Ferndale’s vibrant downtown area, the Balkan House offers Balkan specialties and Döner Kebab. Unlike the other two, the focus here is strictly on the food rather than the “nice restaurant” ambiance.
On a search for Döner in the Detroit Metro area, this place is usually the first result. It was for me, too, which is why it was the first Döner I ever tried in the US.
Döner at the Balkanhouse in Ferndale, Michigan
The Verdict: The Balkan House business seems to be mostly carryout. I was sitting alone at a black table with expectations close to zero. Once the Döner arrived, I was relieved: it looked and smelled exactly like a German Döner. Even the taste hit the nail on the head.
The only caveats are the preparation and the bread. I didn’t see a rotisserie grill, nor did I see the Subway-style bar with fresh ingredients and sauces. We could debate the bread choice, but since there are huge regional differences in bread even within Germany, I won’t be too nitpicky.
Döner Taste: 4.5/5
Döner Experience: 4.5/5 (Losing half a point only for the missing rotisserie).
All three restaurants have their place and provide a great experience, but only one truly captures the essence of a German Döner joint: The Balkan House. They aren’t “perfect,” but they focus on the fast, convenient nature of the Döner rather than a fine-dining experience.
I highly recommend trying them for yourself! Or, do what I do: go to Cork & Gabel for the beer, Supergeil for the cocktails, and get your Döner from the Balkan House.
How did you like this little Essay about my quest of finding proper Doener in the Detroit Metro? Let me know in the comments, and make sure you’ll check the subscribe box. You can also find my opinion of German restaurants in the metro here. Every of my birding posts comes with some restaurant recommendation as well, so if you’re not here for the birds, just scroll down for the bites. 🥨🦉
Reflections on Heritage, Red-winged Blackbirds, and the Secret to Authentic Goulash
Celebrating a German birthday in Michigan is a mix of old traditions and new discoveries. From cooking a massive pot of authentic beef goulash to spotting my first Red-winged Blackbird, this 40th birthday marks a major milestone.
When you read this, I will probably be in Kentucky to celebrate concluding forty years on this planet I call home. I will post a detailed report about that trip later, but for now, I want to look back.
While forty years is a lot of life, the past four years have definitely been the most life-changing. I landed in Detroit in February 2022; the original plan was to be here as an expat for only two years. Now, in 2026, I am still here—and quite a few things have changed!
Discovering Michigan Birding: The Red-winged Blackbird
After walking “blind” through my first year in Michigan, being rather stunned by everything being so new, I discovered those black birds with the bright red wingtips. My curiosity took over, and I Googled what they were. I became a birder that very day! There is a reason my “About” page features a huge Red-winged Blackbird.
Red-winged Blackbird at LSC Metropark
Finding My “Person”
The other life-changing event happened a bit later: I met my now-fiancé, Ali. Coincidentally, she also liked birds (not as obsessively as me, but close enough). We also discovered we have plenty of other things in common, like our taste in music, a shared wanderlust, and a mutual love for discovering new breweries and local food.
German vs. American Goulash: A Cultural Kitchen Shift
One of my favorite things to do for Ali is cook traditional German meals. Early on, I impressed her with my Goulash—but only after I learned what “American Goulash” actually was!
A Quick Translation: In Germany, Rindergulasch is a slow-simmered, rich gravy made with tender cubes of beef and a massive amount of onions and paprika. In Michigan, I discovered that “Goulash” often means ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce. Both are delicious, but they are entirely different species of comfort food!
After a few more cooking sessions, an engagement, and moving in together, I got the idea to start a recipe collection and share my birding stories. And here we are now: post number 20, published on my 40th birthday.
My Traditional Swabian Birthday Menu (Recipes Included)
Last Saturday, the 7th, I did something I really do not like: Celebrating my birthday before it actually was my birthday. But with my Kentucky trip and Ali working the weekend after, it made sense to pre-celebrate my birthday. Celebrating your birthday before the actual date is considered bad luck in Germany!
Nonetheless, I invited some people over to our house to provide them with the finest German food:
Gulasch/Goulash: The German winter comfort food! I cooked a big pot of it the day before.
Spaetzle as a side dish. Making them fresh when the guests were already there was part of the entertainment!
Oreo Truffles: Ali made her famous Oreo Truffles. You must try them!
Kaesefuesse: A German appetizer best described as savory cheese cookie.
Baetscher: A adaptation of the Swabian Baetscher. Yeast dough, sour cream and some toppings like bacon, carraway and chives.
Goulash in a big batch and SpätzleGoulash fancied up for the pictureCooking traditional Goulash in a big batchBaetscher and Kaesefuesse (savory cheese cookies)
All recipes you can either find already here, and they are linked, or I will update them later!
The Not-birthday Birthday Celebration! Visiting the Haunted Tavern in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Before we welcomed our guests, we went to the Haunted Tavern in Ann Arbor. This is a traveling event, where you can drink some selected cocktails and listen to spooky stories adapted to the area they are visiting at the time. It was a lot of fun, and you should definitely check them out, the next time they are around!
The Celebration itself was calm, we had some drinks and everybody was enjoying the food. I wish I could have celebrated with all my friends and family from Germany as well! But we will make up for that soon in April and May when we will be visiting Germany for the next time!
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
Now one last ask for my birthday: Please subscribe to my mailing list 🙂 🥨🦉
