Her Tasty Life

photo credit: The American Club

What could be nicer than a weekend getaway that feels like a complete departure from reality? My estimation after my time at Destination Kohler’s The American Club resort is not much. Not much at all. It was such a treat to experience everything this unique destination has to offer just a short, two hour drive North of Chicago. Getting there was easy, but being there felt a million miles away from the real world.

Situated just a few miles west of Sheboygan, Wisconsin in the town of Kohler, sits an absolute jewel: The American Club resort and Carriage House. Steeped in rich history dating back to the late 1800’s, The American Club was once the residence for immigrants who traveled to America from all over the world to work for the rapidly growing, family-owned Kohler Company. Yep. That’s the same Kohler as is stamped on the many bathtubs, showers, and bathroom fixtures around the globe. It all began here.

In 1981, The American Club was reborn from turn-of-the-century boarding house, to world-class resort destination. Featuring four award-winning championship golf courses (hello, Whistling Straights), an 800-acre wilderness and wildlife preserve, boutique shopping, nine restaurants, and the pièce de résistance, the Kohler Waters Spa, it’s a haven and retreat for doers and relaxers, alike.

Who wouldn’t be tempted to play a round of golf on some of these award-winning courses? I’d say that it was every golfer’s dream? I’m not going to lie though, it would be amazing to say that you had the chance to even hit a ball on one of these courses. So much so that you may even want to have a look at some of these better options for golf simulators, so that you can continue playing all year round, even in the winter. Who knows, maybe they’ll have one of these courses on there that you can practice on? Even if you don’t end up playing at this venue, it is amazing to see these views in person. For me, it’s time to check out the spa!

While the unmatched spa featuring all of Kohler’s top in bathing and water-immersive technology is typically what draws visitors in, I quickly learned there is much, much more to enjoy at Destination Kohler (but that spa is beyond FABULOUS, babes).

A weekend getaway with my honey was exactly what the doctor ordered. Upon arrival, we were thrilled to take a spin around the expansive, impressive accommodations.

Our guest suite was delightful. The mix of vintage charm and the latest in Kohler touches is such a fabulous juxtaposition of old and new. I also adored all of the photography and memorabilia in our room honoring Herbert Kohler and the family legacy. Seeing the faces of the generations of work and dedication to this property is beyond heartwarming.

I spent many an hour in that tub, believe me. With a television thoughtfully appointed in the bathroom built-in, there was no reason to leave!

Unless you count heading to the spa a reason. Yes, please! The Kohler Waters Spa is a magnificent haven designed to restore, renew, and reinvigorate. I love their classic spa services (think: facial, massage, nail services) but it’s their signature and seasonal offerings that really wow and can not be found anywhere else.

During this trip I had the pleasure of experiencing the Lavender Rain signature service. Blending a lavender and eucalyptus exfoliation with a warm rinse under a KOHLER® Custom Vichy shower, this treatment is relax-to-the-max and also Includes a full-body moisturizer and warm stone treatment on the back and feet. Talk about bliss!

Pro tip: do NOT miss the Kohler bathing services at the spa. My favorite is the River Bath for Two. There’s no better way to find romance and a little splish splash with your love than with this service.

For what was up next, we needed to work up a bit of an appetite… and what better way than brunch? The Wisconsin Room at Destination Kohler has a killer brunch buffet. There isn’t much more I adore than a generously selected brunch. Yes, I’m looking at you omelette station, brûléed french toast and cured salmon. COME. TO. MAMA.

With brunch in our bellies and smiles on our faces we head to River Wildlife, Destination Kohler’s amazing 800-acre wilderness preserve that offers an abundance of activity in the great outdoors. From canoeing in the summer, to cross-country ski in the winter, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get active and try something new. We took our sense of adventure straight to the gun show and tried a trap shooting lesson with one of Kohler’s fabulous instructors.

Can I just tell you, I loved it! Learning how to shoot a gun was intimidating but thrilling. With our instructor by our sides, I always felt safe and it made me super comfortable that shooting at clay pigeons was as “hunter girl” as I was expected to get. With a little bit of practice, I actually got pretty good (and Eric was great!) this was a huge highlight of the trip. I think we may go again another day, or find places that do it nearer to where we live, it was a lot of fun so why stop! Anyone who is interested can join here and have a look to see if clay pigeon suits them as it suited us.

Such a blast, I definitely think we’ve found a new hobby. Following shooting, we were able to dine at River Wildlife in their member’s only cabin. Enjoying the restaurants rustic gourmet cuisine atop the cabin balcony overlooking a crackling fireplace was the perfect complement to our day in the country. Who doesn’t love spending time in a cabin? There was just something so cozy about it, that it made you feel like you were alone in the mountains. It was truly wonderful. I wonder if there are any cabin homes for sale anywhere? If there is, I think I’d definitely need to have a look at some, as spending time here has really increased my love for this way of living. I couldn’t think of anything better than doing it full time. And all we did was eat a meal. I guess that’s all the time you need. It was just the best day. Annie Oakley get yer gun, indeed!

Our final activity to round out our stay was a visit to the Destination Kohler demonstration kitchen. How perfect for this food lover! Set amongst the fabulous boutiques and restaurants at The Shops at Woodlake you can spend an afternoon learning how to prepare – and tasting – delicious dishes from the Executive Chefs of The American Club.

Our class was lead by the head chef of Whistling Straights, Dan Dries, and focused on a Mardi Gras inspired Bayou menu. Rich, spicy, comforting… these are a few of my favorite things! We learned the techniques of a seafood gumbo, classic jambalaya and baked bananas foster. YUM. It was the perfect tasty note to end our time at Destination Kohler.

The Kohler Company and Village of Kohler have come a long way as you can see. The charm and spirit of The American Club are easily translated in a girls’ weekend, a couple’s retreat or a visit with family and friends. Keep your eyes peeled for amazing packages and weekend-long gourmet events like the upcoming, 4th Annual ‘In Celebration of Chocolate‘ taking place February 19-21. Complete immersion for food and travel lovers, alike.

Find more information and to book your next getaway, visit Destination Kohler.