By Brian D. White
“The Wickwood Inn”
We have heard rave reviews from The Wickwood Inn I have lived in the heart of Saugatuck, MI for years and decided to take a little road trip to spend the weekend there! Less than 2 hours from Chicago – this charming colonial style house, originally built in 1937, was home to Frank Wicksthe Mayor of Saugatuck. Centrally located and just 1 block from the Chain Ferry and steps from downtown shops and the Kalamazoo River – it began life as a Bed & Breakfast in 1981 and the Wickwood Inn was born. In 2021 the owners then sold to Shea Soucie and Martin Horner, Founding partner of Chicago-based luxury design firm Soucie Horner Ltd. Soucie and Horner, both Indiana natives, built on the long-standing traditions of Wickwoods and added their own elegant style to the Inn. Now, completely renovated and decorated, in a single word… it is SPECTACULAR!
Jr. Suite #9 at Wickwood Inn
An inviting fire welcomes you in the living room of the Wickwood Inn
Upon arrival, wine and charcuterie await you, which you can enjoy in one of the many cozy areas on the property.
Dining room at Wickwood Inn
From our fabulous room (Jr. Suite #9) to the yummy Farm-to-table breakfast prepared by Oprah’s former chef– Rose Duong – every detail was as luxurious and elegant as possible. Martin & Shea took it to the “next level” with cashmere blankets and pillows, the most comfortable Vispring mattress and brand new Waterworks marble bathrooms! No two (of the 11) rooms are the same, but all have a calm, luxurious feel. Upon arrival we were greeted by the charming manageress Susan Michele together with Annika who made us feel at home with a fire in the fireplace and a tour of the property – which included many cozy areas to retreat to for a glass of wine and charcuterie – in the living room, bar area, dining room, backyard, or screened-in gazebo! We were then escorted to our beautiful room with fresh white roses and a handwritten note and chocolates welcoming us to The Inn.
“The Cottage” – a nice bar and restaurant opposite the Wickwood Inn
(From left to right) James M. Kinney, Ryan Vogt, Brian D. White and Martin Horner at Clearbrook Country Club
Fabulous lobster and pasta at Clearbrook Country Club
(From left to right) Chef Rose Duong with Ryan Vogt preparing the gourmet breakfast at The Inn
After settling in with a glass of wine, fresh blueberry galette and other gourmet treats prepared by the fabulous chef, we were lucky enough to Martin Horner and his partner Ryan Vogt for cocktails just across the street at The Cottage, where they showed old black and white movies on some screens in the bar area, which I have actually done at some of my own parties at home! As we left, Martin pointed to the house across the street and next to the Inn that they had just bought for extra rooms, which was used as “The Bungalow”- We then went to The Clearbrook Country Club where I had a fantastic lobster and pasta for dinner outside on the terrace overlooking the golf course. To end the evening we ended up at “Bowdie’s Chophouse” for drinks after dinner… and then it was time to call it a day!
A sophisticated breakfast menu with farm-fresh ingredients prepared by Chef Rose Duong
(From left to right) James M. Kinney and Brian D. White in front of “The Old Boat House”
Take a ride on the Kalamazoo River on Sunday afternoon with “Betty”, the 1958 electric car (boat)!
My Fortnum & Mason hamper with champagne, kettle chips and a handy JBL speaker playing some of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos while I’m out on the river
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry
One of the many beautiful homes along the Kalamazoo River
Saugatuck Marina
Sunday is approaching and after starting our day with a delicious breakfast at The Inn, we met up with Martin & Ryan at “The old boathouse” where we had the funniest little retro car (electric boat) from 1958 named Betty! We then drove along the Kalamazoo River and noticed some beautiful houses that “Saugatuck Chain Ferry” and marinas while enjoying champagne and Cape Cod Kettle Chips that I had brought back in a fun Fortnum & Mason gift basket we had been gifted a few weeks ago.
Shop to your heart’s content!
The historic Saugatuck Community Center
One of several vintage cars seen in Saugatuck’s historic district
We then took a short walk through the many shops and restaurants in the area and came across the historic Saugatuck Community Center, stopped to eat the best ice cream you could ever find, at Kilwins and went on to do some more shopping.
This was simply the PERFECT weekend escape from the city and we had the BEST time in Saugatuck! I can’t say enough good things about the charming town…or this stylish inn (which feels more like a 5-star luxury experience) and we can’t wait to come back and come back!
After a wonderful weekend in Saugatuck, the car is loaded and we head back to Chicago!
