Nestled at the foot of Lake Orion in Joslyn, Michigan, is one of the state’s most beloved historical sites, the Olde World Canterbury Village. It extends some twenty-one acres, offering guests of all ages a place to relax, eat, enjoy Christmas year round and discover a treasured part of Michigan’s German culture and history, all thanks to its creators, Stan Aldridge and family, whose collection of world treasures are displayed for all to see. In fact, there are many things to do and see at Canterbury Village, including a Christmas store, festivals, a restaurant, a castle, courtyards, gardens, a pub, a banquet center, a pavilion, a clock tower, a theatre, a carousel and even antiques.
Aldridge’s Always Christmas
Stan Aldridge, this fine Christmas store provides over ninety-thousand square feet of holiday shopping. It is the world’s biggest Christmas store, selling model airplanes, train sets, car racing sets, toy trucks, remote control cars, dolls, wine racks, wall mirrors, vases, stands, screens, lamps, clocks, miniature Christmas houses and villages, ornaments and furniture. It’s open on Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 6pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 7pm and Sundays from 11am to 5:30pm.
King’s Court Castle
King’s Court Castle is a fine example of craftsmanship from the old world. It elaborately decorated with stained glass windows, tapestries, medieval armor, carvings, luxurious furnishings, rich colours and oak paneling. Even the olde world fireplace gives it an aura of English charm.
King’s Court Castle Restaurant
This fine castle restaurant makes every guest feel royal and is perfect for almost any occasion. In fact, the King’s Court Castle Restaurant has become a local favourite, providing contemporary elegance in a big dining room.
Menus are varied. Dinner offers succulent starters, soups, salads and entrees to make even the fussiest mouth water with delight. The choices are top notch with steak, filet mignon, pork tenderloin, a risotto, salmon/white fish/perch, pasta and chicken that come complete with vegetables, bread and a choice of a salad or soup. Lunch is equally as inviting with many smaller sized versions of the dinner menu, and for those twelve and under there are plenty of easy treats, all including fries and soft drinks. Prices range from $2.50 to $24.00 before tax, though all kids meals are a mere $4.95. Restaurant hours are: Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 9pm; Saturday from 11:30am to 11pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm.
The Clansman Gaelic Pub
Guests cannot resist the charm of stone and cedar combined into an atmosphere that is reminiscent of a country Scottish pub when they enter the Clansman Gaelic Pub. In fact, it is definitely one of the area’s most well-hidden secret hideaways, situated behind King’s Court Castle.
This Gaelic pub offers a wide selection of imported and domestic beers, fine wines, cocktails and spirits. A relaxed bar food service provides quick meal of soups, salads and sandwiches in plain view of large plasma televisions. Best of all, summer at the pub is a time to relax on its outdoor deck with umbrellas and garden views. In fact, special events and parties are quite often held at the pub and easy to arrange.
Pub hours are from 11am to 10pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and 12pm to 8pm every Sunday.
Special Events, Banquets and Festivals
Canterbury Village is also known for the Canterbury Banquet Center, which contains one of Michigan Theater’s famed chandeliers. It gives a wonderful atmosphere to any event, banquet or festival with an English antique fireplace, a stained glass window, tapestries, swords, armour, carvings and oak panels.
The center is a year round extravaganza of events, being best known for its Dickens Christmas atmosphere thanks to the Canterbury Clock Tower and nearby pavilion. Inside the Canterbury Pavilion is a kids’ paradise with an authentic German carousel.
During the summer, the King’s Court Castle courtyard comes alive with entertaining music, with performances going from 6pm to 10pm. Festivals continue into September and October with steam engine festivals (mid-September), Oktoberfest (end of September) and the Annual Darci Seipke Benefit Fund Craft Show (first weekend of October).
