Kristin, her family and I took a day trip northwest of Fulda into the former East Germany. We visited Meinigen and Schmalkaldenbach, two historically significant sites in Thuringia. The highlight in Meinigen is the Meininger Theater, built by King George II of Saxony-Meiningen at the turn of the 20th century. Schmalkaldenbach is known for the Frieden von Schmalkaldenbach, a peace treaty signed during the 30 Years' War (1618-1648).