A Friendsgiving to Remember
Ever consider taking your celebration away from home? One guest looking to create the ultimate Friendsgiving experience decided to reserve the entire inn and host their annual Friendsgiving at the Wickwood. “It was a perfect weekend of indulgence and relaxation and a real break from the ordinary,” she said. “The Wickwood team took care of every detail. They created an itinerary tailored to our specific interests, served us delicious food and drinks, and arranged for our holiday meal. We didn’t have to shop, cook, or clean up. All we had to do was walk in the door and enjoy ourselves!”
And enjoy, they did. From sunrise dune hikes to fireside nightcaps and s’mores, the eleven couples engaged in memory-making shared experiences. They explored Saugatuck’s picturesque charms, immersed themselves in the area’s wondrous natural setting, and connected in the Wickwood’s luxurious ambiance. “You can tell a pair of interior designers own the inn,” another guest noted. “It’s filled with art and antiques, every room is beautiful and cozy, and the marble bathrooms are nicer than the bathrooms most of us have at home!”
Pampered, inspired, and well-fed – thanks to Executive Chef Rose Duong’s locally-sourced, farm-to-table breakfasts and snacks – the friends relished having the inn to themselves. “The privacy that came with booking the whole inn made the weekend feel really special,” said another of the guests. “We got to hang out from morning ‘til night, with a staff to take care of our every need and so many fun things to do.”
Among those activities: dinner at Pennyroyal Café – an area favorite – followed by make-your-own galettes, featuring locally-grown fruit. Nightly fireside chats, games, and cocktails. Hikes up Mount Baldhead, and leisurely walks along Lake Michigan’s beautiful shoreline, all while taking in peak fall colors. Private cider tastings at Virtue and Modales. Freshly-made pastries and pies from Cranes. And of course, “the best Thanksgiving meal we’ve ever had!” according to one member of the group. Along with plenty of laughter and heartfelt toasts, fresh, seasonal, locally grown ingredients were the stars of the Wickwood-planned-and-procured epicurean feast. “The Wickwood team arranged for everything, from the perfectly roasted turkey to the decadent desserts,” he continued. “They know the best places to get the best food and put together a menu that made our usual Friendsgiving pale in comparison.”
“The Wickwood team took care of every detail. They created an itinerary tailored to our specific interests, served us delicious food and drinks, and arranged for our holiday meal. We didn’t have to shop, cook, or clean up. All we had to do was walk in the door and enjoy ourselves!”
The group ended their weekend with a champagne brunch – a fitting send-off to their stay. “I’d tell anyone to treat themselves and book the entire inn to celebrate a holiday – or really, any special event. You could do birthdays, anniversaries, girls’ weekends – you name it,” the organizer enthused. “Our entire experience was an expertly orchestrated blend of luxurious comfort, outstanding dining, and activities curated just for us. I mean, how do you beat that?”
Book Your Private Retreat!
Looking to hold your own private retreat at the Wickwood Inn? Give our general manager, Susan Michele, a call to discuss how we can design a perfectly unique weekend for you & your group, too!
