Coming Back to Colmar

Just a week after our trip to Italy, we were happy to host more friends in Wiesbaden.  Our neighbors in Brookings, Dan and Kelly Beinhorn, came over for a week towards the end of October.  Pete had a business trip in Switzerland, so we all jumped in the car for a trip to Biel/Bienne.  The city is bilingual - German and French - right on the border between the 2 regions as the two names of the city imply.  While Pete was busy with meetings, the rest of us took a boat tour on Lake Biel.  The autumnal colors were at their height however, I forgot the camera at the hotel (a blonde moment) so no pictures!

After a night in Biel, we headed back towards Wiesbaden by way of the Alsace region of France.  We had been to Colmar about a year ago and loved it.  This was Dan's first trip to Europe so everything was a new experience for him.  And the beer was certainly a hit!  He has a picture of every beer sampled... just a few are in this blog. 

The weather in Colmar was perfect for late October and colors were awesome.  We drove on the Route de Vin that connects 90 miles of vineyards, villages and fortresses.  During this time of year, the whole area is full of color and their is much wine tasting.  Colmar is one of those cities that is well-preserved and fortunately is not deluged with tourists.  The American and British military were careful not to bomb the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.  So, scenes like the one above are around every corner.  Colmar is known for it's favorite son - Fredric Bartholdi - the designer of the Statue of Liberty!  Many mini statues are all over town.  And Pete thinks his relatives originate from this region - or so he's been told.

Wine shops, antique shops, and Alsatian food are everywhere.  Tarte Flambe is similar to the German version called Flammkuchen - a very thin, crispy crust with creme fraische topped with bacon, cheese and sometimes potatoes.  It's one of my all time favorites.

Just north of Colmar are little towns bordering the vineyards.  One we visited was Riquewihr where we entered a wine cave and sampled the region's white wine - Pinot Blanc.  We came back to Wiesbaden via the Black Forest and enjoyed more great meals in our home away from home. 

Thanks for coming to visit us, Dan and Kelly !! 

Kelly and Dan in front of an Alsatian half-timbered house in Colmar.

One of many a bier stub where we sampled...

...bier al fresco!

The local church in Colmar with beautiful October colors.

One of many cozy restaurants in Colmar.

A Blonde Beer for my blonde moment.

A special Autumn blend!

Our crew just before moving on to Riquewihr.

Vineyards along the route de vin.

The beautiful road leading into Riquewihr.

The main street in Riquewihr where our wine cave was located.

Typical hanging signs and a view towards the surrounding vineyards.

A classic scene in the Alsace region of France.

Back home in Wiesbaden in the Marktplatz near sundown.
Tschus!