“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
~ J.R.R. Tolkien
Ever since we’ve owned Wickwood, and because of my background and love of food, sharing and enjoying good food with guests is an integral part of all we do. It’s what The New York Times said, “At Wickwood Inn, life revolves around food and wine,” and this is what makes Wickwood unique! Good food is just part of my DNA.
This time of year is perfect to take in the abundance our area has to offer. The excitement over what’s in season is palpable … each week something new emerges at the markets and in the stands. Right now, we’re devouring blueberries, peaches, and corn, but it won’t be long before we start seeing apples, pears, squash, pumpkins, grapes, late season raspberries, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, and cauliflower.
Our friends from Mud Lake Farms just brought two big crates of fresh herbs and edible flowers plus huge bunches of basil and pea shoots into our kitchen. It’s pesto making time! There’s also baby arugula, bok choy and watercress, all picked yesterday. Doesn’t get much fresher than that! Wahoo! We use it all extravagantly at Wickwood Inn.
Just for starters, in the evening we love serving creative combinations on crisp leaves of bok choy: Salmon Mousse & Artichokes, Capers & Paremesan, Prosciutto, Roasted Tomatoes and Aioli, just to name a few.
Why not reserve a guest room or suite at Wickwood Inn today and get a taste of the good life?
We’ve compiled a short list of some of the tasty stops that would make up an incredible Saugatuck food tour that you won’t want to miss while you’re here! Let us help you be in the know about local foods, taste new and authentic artisan flavors, be savvy about the best restaurants, that undiscovered spot, the just opened, the local’s secret joint, the cutting edge chef to brag about, and all things latest and greatest.
Get to know the real rockstars of the area … our farmers! There are farmers’ markets in Saugatuck, South Haven, Holland and Zeeland.
Or, stop in at one of the many area farm stands. At Evergreen Lane Creamery, you’ll find simply the tastiest goat and cow’s milk cheeses around! Their fresh chèvre is the best we’ve tasted, and the aged Cow’s Milk Poet’s Tomme is perfectly balanced, bright. and slightly salty. Visit Evergreen Lane in the spring, and you’ll delight in watching the baby goats as they find their way to their feet.
Try our newest bakery in downtown Douglas, Kismet, where the crusty loaves of Seedy Salt bread, flavorful focaccia, decadent cakes and cookies, fresh salads, dips and sandwiches will keep you wanting more. Don’t miss the perfect pasties featured on the front counter … the buttery crust crumbles and melts in your mouth.
Another favorite is FarmHouse Deli just up Blue Star Highway. Their Kale Caesar Salad, Cubano Sandwich, Fresh Green Juices, and Savory Scones are top notch. Oh, save room for a Triple Ginger Molasses Cookie!
Lose track of time in one of the area’s orchards or vineyards. Whether you want to pick, or simply purchase, you’ll soon understand why we are known as the Fruit Belt of Michigan. Try Crane’s Pie Pantry & Winery where the handmade fruit pies are still made the old fashioned way from family recipes passed down through the generations … using fresh fruit straight off of the farm. Take a tour, or simply taste, at Fenn Valley Vineyards. Enjoy a glass of wine and a small plate on one of their gorgeous patios, take a stroll through actual production vineyards, or plan a picnic.
Hear the sounds of sheep and observe the chickens while enjoying a pint of cider at Virtue Farms. We have trouble picking a favorite from their European style ciders, but we lean towards Brut or Percheron in warmer weather and Mitten when there’s a chill in the air.
The selection of beers at Saugatuck Brewing is as impressive as it is varied. Oval Beach Blonde is a great place to begin on a hot August day, but go ahead and dig deeper with their Bonfire Brown or the Backyard IPA.
When you’re ready for a fantastic meal, Saugatuck offers you everything from fine dining to creative, casual grub. Try Bowdies Chophouse for the best steak we’ve tasted in years, The Southerner for fried chicken and all the delicious fixings, or Everyday People Cafe for Drunken Shrimp, Grilled Lamb Chops, or Ahi Tuna.
If you only have time for an appetizer or want a special place for dessert, lounge and luxuriate at Borrowed Time. Try the bruschetta or flatbread before dinner, and save room for the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crumble or the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie after.
It’s tough to decide where to eat in Saugatuck as this region is bursting with flavor. If you’re a foodie you’ll quickly find that Wickwood Inn is the perfect place to experience it all! Reserve your getaway and taste the good life today!