A closer look at Alpine Village

In determining which series to give to each family member, I didn't have a good feel for Alpine Village. I didn't know much about the series. I turned to the knowledgeable folk over at the Yahoo! Group for advice and information on specific pieces. They were more than happy to oblige (thanks!)

"Among the current buildings, the "Christmas House" and "Glass Ornament Factory," plus the accessory "Alpine Santa" make a nice grouping. (The accessory itself would be a nice gift to Santa collectors in general!)"

"For anyone who brews their own beer, or who truly enjoys imported or other premium beers (as opposed to a guy who just drinks commercial beers like Budweiser because they're cheap and taste doesn't really matter), or for someone who collects fancy beer steins, the "Wolfsteiner Brewery" and accessory set "The Brew Master" might be appropriate."

"Also for those beer brewers/drinkers, the retired "Alstadter Bierstube" plus retired accessory sets "At the Octoberfest," "Tap the First Barrel," "The Bierfest Judge," and "Alpine Villagers" (the set of 5) would make a nice Octoberfest display."

"Among other retired buildings and accessories: Nutcracker collectors may like "Nikolausfiguren" or the D56 25th Anniversary special "Nussknacker Werkstatt," as well as the old "Nutcracker Vendor & Cart" accessory piece."

"Someone who enjoys winter outdoor activities like cross-country skiing or using snowshoes may enjoy the "Trekking in the Snow" accessory set or "Climb Every Mountain," as well as buildings like "Sport Laden" and "Jagerutte - Hunting Cabin.""

"There were a few buildings and accessories based on "The Sound of Music" for lovers of that movie, as well as both a building and accessory set based on the book "Heidi" for people who enjoyed that story. (Probably not for football fans who still remember the infamous "Heidi Game" TV coverage (or lack there of).)"

"However, Green Bay football fans may enjoy the accessory "A Head of Cheese" and the building that went with it."

"Classical music aficionados may appreciate the "Mozart Monument" accessory and the buildings "Alpen Akademie der Musik" or "Danube Music Publisher.""

"For dog lovers, there was the "Bernhardiner Hundchen" and accessory "A New Batch of Christmas Friends.""

"And if someone is a quilter, they may like the "Federbetten und Steppdecken.""

"The Hofburg Castle is wonderful! kind of like what you would expect from a fairy tale."

"The Schwarzwalder Kuckucksuhren (Cuckoo Clock Shop) looks like a combo of a Black Forest Cuckoo Clock and a house."