By Brian D. White
“The Wickwood Inn”
We have been hearing rave reviews of The Wickwood Inn located in the heart of Saugatuck, MI for years and decided to take a little road trip to visit for the weekend! In less than 2 hours from Chicago – this charming Colonial revival house originally built in 1937 was the home of Frank Wicks, the mayor of Saugatuck. Centrally located and just 1 block from the Chain Ferry & steps from downtown shops & Kalamazoo River- it started its life as a Bed & Breakfast back in 1981 and The Wickwood Inn was born. In 2021 the owners then sold to Shea Soucie and Martin Horner, founding partners of Chicago-based luxury design firm Soucie Horner Ltd. Both Indiana natives, Soucie and Horner built upon the Wickwoods years of traditions while adding their own elegant style to the Inn. Now, fully renovated and decorated in a single word….it is SPECTACULAR!
Jr. Suite #9 at The Wickwood Inn
An inviting fire greets you in the Living Room of The Wickwood Inn
Wine & Charcuterie awaits you upon arrival to enjoy in one of the many cozy areas tucked away around the property
Dining Room at The Wickwood Inn
From our fabulous room (Jr. Suite #9) to the delicious Farm-to-Table Breakfast prepared by Oprah’s former chef– Rose Duong – every detail was as luxurious and elegant as can be. Martin & Shea have taken it to the “next level” with cashmere throws & pillows, the most comfortable Vispring mattress and brand new Waterworks marble bathrooms! No two (of the 11) rooms are alike but all have a quiet luxury vibe. Upon arriving we were greeted by the charming manager Susan Michele along with Annica who made us feel right at home with a fire in the fireplace and tour of the property- which included many cozy areas to sneak out to for a glass of wine & charcuterie – in the living room, bar area, dining room, out in the backyard or screened in gazebo! We were then taken to our gorgeous room with fresh white roses and a handwritten note & chocolates welcoming us to The Inn.
“The Cottage” – a fun bar & restaurant across the street from The Wickwood Inn
(L to R) James M. Kinney, Ryan Vogt, Brian D. White and Martin Horner at The Clearbrook Country Club
Fabulous Lobster & pasta served at The Clearbrook Country Club
(L to R) Chef Rose Duong with Ryan Vogt as she prepares the gourmet morning breakfast at The Inn
After a bit of settling in with a glass of wine, fresh blueberry galette & other gourmet treats prepared by the fabulous chef- we were then lucky enough to join Martin Horner and his partner Ryan Vogt for cocktails just across the street at “The Cottage” where they were playing vintage black & white movies on a few screens in the bar area which I have actually done before at some of my own parties at home! As we were leaving Martin pointed out the home across the street & adjacent to The Inn that they just purchased for additional rooms which is referred to as “The Bungalow”- We then headed over to The Clearbrook Country Club where I had an amazing lobster & pasta for dinner outside on the terrace overlooking the golf course. To finish out the evening we ended up at “Bowdie’s Chophouse” for after dinner drinks….then called it a night!
A refined menu of farm to table breakfasts prepared by Chef Rose Duong
(L to R) James M. Kinney and Brian D. White in front of “The Old Boat House”
Taking “Betty” the 1958 electric car (boat) out for a spin around the Kalamazoo river Sunday afternoon!
My Fortnum & Mason hamper equipped with champagne, some kettle chips and handy JBL speaker playing some of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto’s while out on the river
The Saugatuck Chain Ferry
One of many gorgeous houses along the Kalamazoo River
Yacht Harbor in Saugatuck
Sunday rolls around and after starting our day with the delicious breakfast at The Inn we met up with Martin & Ryan at “The Old Boat House” where we had the most fun little Retro 1958 Car (electric boat) named Betty! We then cruised along the Kalamazoo River noticing some gorgeous houses, the “Saugatuck Chain Ferry” and yacht harbors while having some champagne & Cape Cod Kettle Chips I brought along in a fun Fortnum & Mason hamper we just received as a gift a few weeks ago.
Shopping to your heart’s content!
The Historic Saugatuck Village Hall
One of several vintage cars seen around the historic district of Saugatuck
We then took a little walking tour of the many shops & restaurants in the area and came across the historic Saugatuck Village Hall, stopped for the best ice cream you could ever find at Kilwins & continued on to do some more shopping.
This was just the PERFECT weekend get away from the city and we had the BEST time in Saugatuck! Can’t say enough great things about the charming town….or this stylish Inn (that feels more like a 5 Star LUX level experience) and we can’t wait to come back and visit again!
Loading up the car & heading back to Chicago after a wonderful weekend in Saugatuck!
