Goshen, Indiana
Bed and Breakfast hosts Roz and Phil have created a comfortable retreat centered conveniently between Goshen and Shipshewana, Indiana. Spring View Bed & Breakfast is on a 40+ acre farm in the heart of Amish Country, Indiana and is comprised of two houses with six available rooms and a two bedroom suite with a full kitchen. It is a working farm with cattle and planted land, and a spring-fed lake sits just in front of both houses.
The larger house was built first and was designed as a bed and breakfast. The smaller house was built second as an in-laws home to house Roz's mom and Phil's parents. Now that all parents have passed, both homes are for guests. The suite that is in the lower level of the larger house was once Roz and Phil's private home and was converted to the suite after the couple moved next door to assist with Phil's parents in the later stages of their lives. The suite can comfortably sleep six with two bedrooms and a pull-out couch. There is only one bathroom available for the suite, so it may be best for a family rather than for couples looking to share a space with friends. The rest of the rooms in both houses feature large king beds, private bathrooms with whirlpool baths, Amish furniture, and many thoughtful amenities. Rates per night are very affordable at $69-$89 a night (subject to change).
We booked the Plum Room which is located in the second house. The large room was on the lower level and was filled with beautiful oak furniture and Amish rockers. A stocked fridge and a microwave were next to the dresser, and a small basket of snacks was provided for late night munchies. The bathroom featured a steam shower/whirlpool combo that was great during our snowy, cold stay. A nice touch available only in the Plum Room was the independently controllable thermostat, which we used to turn down the temp at night. Guest comfort is definitely a focus of the hosts. The room had fluffy bathrobes (not standard waffle robes), snacks, cold drinks, bottled water, tea and coffee (complete with hand-thrown mugs featuring the Inn's information), and even an umbrella for use. A carpeted step is available outside the shower to make getting in and out easier, a heater fan, and even bathroom spray are readily available for use. But for all of the well thought out amenities and extras, some things were oddly missed. The bed was a king that felt like two twins pushed together. While the bed was comfortable, it felt a bit like it sloped to the center. The rooms had plenty of light, but the bathroom was not well lit. Towels were very small and not very soft; they seemed more like something you'd get in an inexpensive motel rather than a nice B&B. Toiletries were also very inexpensive and not of great quality. Considering the Amish community and the availability of hand-made products, handmade soaps or towels would have been a nice touch.
The common areas of the houses are virtually similar, and both are comfortable and nicely appointed. There's an over abundance of Amish glider rockers and recliners, and oak end tables and bookshelves provide places to place your drink or book while relaxing. Both houses have two sunrooms/four season porches, and they provide a great place to quietly read, play games, or talk with other guests. Popcorn and beverages (hot and cold) are available for guests to use while relaxing, and in the larger house, small candy dishes provide a small treat to soothe the sweet tooth. In the summer months, the grounds are great for sitting next to the lake (perhaps dropping a line for catch and release fishing), taking a walk up to the barn to 'visit' the cows, or just strolling through the gardens. The setting is peaceful and quiet, yet quite beautiful, even in the winter when covered in snow.
A full breakfast is served in the larger sun porch in the large house. During our stay, stuffed french toast and ham, and blueberry pancakes and fresh sausages were served, and all were well prepared and delicious. Fresh fruit and homemade pastries (breakfast cookies and strudel) were also offered. Orange juice and water are served at the table, and tea and coffee are set up at a station in the common room. It has also been set up with the guests in mind and includes a dizzying variety of options for teas, coffees, sweeteners, syrups and more. Roz and Phil join the guests for breakfast, which provides a great time to learn more about the farm and what led them to becoming inn owners. A nicer couple would be hard to find; they are delightful to talk to, very knowledgeable of the area, and have an interesting family history. They truly make the experience at Spring View wonderful. Those looking for a comfortable stay with a filling and delicious breakfast included should add Spring View Bed and Breakfast to their list when visiting Amish Country Indiana.
We plan on returning in the summer when the area's in bloom and more area activities and attractions area available.
Pros: Friendly and accommodating owners
Great value
Convenient location that is quiet and peaceful
Comfortable, large guest rooms and nicely appointed bathrooms
Focused on guest comfort
Delicious breakfast and snacks/drinks available
Cons: Bathroom towels and amenities aren't up to standard set in rest of experience
Sloped bed was somewhat uncomfortable
Spring View Bed & Breakfast rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
30 January 2012
25 February 2011
Pasta, Chocolate, Diners, Groceries, and Pubs
Kohler and Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Kohler offers a variety of dining options within the village, a quick trip outside to Sheboygan brings other local options.
Cucina is Kohler's Italian restaurant. Located at the Shops at Woodlake, Cucina is an intimate restaurant with a diverse wine and dining menu. Entrees selections include pasta with optional meats, steaks and seafood. A raw bar and appetizers are offered as starters, and the dessert menu includes an extensive list of traditional Italian sweets. The wine selection of the day was a velvety Chianti that our table loved.
Entrees are reasonably priced starting at $13 for pastas.
Kohler's grocery store is Woodlake Market, a complete grocery with a deli, bakery, fresh meats, and an impressive wine and beer section. From cereal to cleaning supplies and produce to paper goods, Woodlake stocks a full selection of necessities. Hours are convenient and staff is helpful. Stop by to pick up local brews and wine, or to grab a snack for the room.
We headed into Sheboygan one morning to see what the small town on the lake had to offer. We found many of the shops downtown to be vacant, but we came across a gem at the end of the old main street area--Victorian Chocolate Shoppe. From the second we walked in the door, the scent of chocolate overtook us making leaving without buying something impossible. They offer a wide variety of handmade chocolates, including many different kinds of truffles. Be sure to try the blueberry cheesecake or amaretto. They have a small section of old-style penny candy and retro candy bars, and I was thrilled to find bubble gum cigarettes that puffed out powdered sugar (a relic from the past!) Because we were there right before Valentine's Day, many holiday-specific candies were on display including hard candies, chocolates, and licorice. Stop by and watch the candy being made before buying some for the road.
Just a block down the main street from the Victorian Chocolate Shoppe sits Jumes Restaurant, a cozy diner where locals get great food and large portions. Opened in 1929, Jumes has been a part of the Sheboygan community for generations, and after a quick stop in for lunch, it's not hard to see why. While the inside is stark and decor is minimal, the food more than makes up for it. The ham and cheese omelet I ordered was large enough to fill me and two others at the table. The locals are warm and welcoming, and service was efficient. Catering is available.
Expect to pay $5-10 per person.
The Horse and Plow is Kohler's pub. Located inside the American Club, the restaurant/pub has a cozy almost British pub feeling. The menu is traditional American fare with burgers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Portions are very large, and prices are reasonable. Try the fried cheddar cheese curds--they're amazing. The bar menu is impressive, offering a number of microbrews on tap or by the bottle. Wine selections are very limited, and there's no bar menu other than for the beer, but there is a full bar if you know what mixed drink you would prefer. Service is leisurely paced, allowing for conversation and an unhurried dining.
Per person cost is $10-$15, not including drinks.
Kohler offers a variety of dining options within the village, a quick trip outside to Sheboygan brings other local options.
Cucina is Kohler's Italian restaurant. Located at the Shops at Woodlake, Cucina is an intimate restaurant with a diverse wine and dining menu. Entrees selections include pasta with optional meats, steaks and seafood. A raw bar and appetizers are offered as starters, and the dessert menu includes an extensive list of traditional Italian sweets. The wine selection of the day was a velvety Chianti that our table loved.
Entrees are reasonably priced starting at $13 for pastas.
Kohler's grocery store is Woodlake Market, a complete grocery with a deli, bakery, fresh meats, and an impressive wine and beer section. From cereal to cleaning supplies and produce to paper goods, Woodlake stocks a full selection of necessities. Hours are convenient and staff is helpful. Stop by to pick up local brews and wine, or to grab a snack for the room.
We headed into Sheboygan one morning to see what the small town on the lake had to offer. We found many of the shops downtown to be vacant, but we came across a gem at the end of the old main street area--Victorian Chocolate Shoppe. From the second we walked in the door, the scent of chocolate overtook us making leaving without buying something impossible. They offer a wide variety of handmade chocolates, including many different kinds of truffles. Be sure to try the blueberry cheesecake or amaretto. They have a small section of old-style penny candy and retro candy bars, and I was thrilled to find bubble gum cigarettes that puffed out powdered sugar (a relic from the past!) Because we were there right before Valentine's Day, many holiday-specific candies were on display including hard candies, chocolates, and licorice. Stop by and watch the candy being made before buying some for the road.
Just a block down the main street from the Victorian Chocolate Shoppe sits Jumes Restaurant, a cozy diner where locals get great food and large portions. Opened in 1929, Jumes has been a part of the Sheboygan community for generations, and after a quick stop in for lunch, it's not hard to see why. While the inside is stark and decor is minimal, the food more than makes up for it. The ham and cheese omelet I ordered was large enough to fill me and two others at the table. The locals are warm and welcoming, and service was efficient. Catering is available.
Expect to pay $5-10 per person.
The Horse and Plow is Kohler's pub. Located inside the American Club, the restaurant/pub has a cozy almost British pub feeling. The menu is traditional American fare with burgers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Portions are very large, and prices are reasonable. Try the fried cheddar cheese curds--they're amazing. The bar menu is impressive, offering a number of microbrews on tap or by the bottle. Wine selections are very limited, and there's no bar menu other than for the beer, but there is a full bar if you know what mixed drink you would prefer. Service is leisurely paced, allowing for conversation and an unhurried dining.
Per person cost is $10-$15, not including drinks.
Kohler Waters Spa
Kohler, Wisconsin
At the end of our stay in Kohler last February, I elected to try Kohler's spa facilities. Part of the package we booked granted a discount off of spa rates, so I booked the Kohler Waters Wrap, a seasonal treatment that used exfoliation and moisturizing to replenish dry winter skin.
The Kohler Waters Spa facility is luxurious. The entry and check-in area is filled with plush couches for resting, water features, and a fireplace, as well as a store display containing clothing, videos, and Kohler and Aveda skin and body products for sale. Off in a separate room is the salon area, and another small room contains the manicure/pedicure room.
The full spa facility is on the lower level. Guests are greeted at the lower level by a spa attendant who provides a locker and offers a tour of both the locker room and spa facilities. Guests are taken through a set of doors into the spa waiting room which contains a large plunge pool fed by a water feature. Surrounding the pool are lounge chairs, small tables containing water, nuts, and fresh and dried fruits and magazines are tucked into the room's corners. The locker rooms, located off to the left side of the waiting room, contain both a dry sauna and a steam room, and a whirlpool and cool plunge pool. Guests who are having a treatment are welcome to use the facilities as long as desired; spa charges include usage. Those who wish to stay for an extended period of time can order from a lighter fare spa menu that features salads, light entrees, and even a Bento box option. Hotel guests who do not have treatments at the spa can pay $15 for a day pass.
Rates for some treatments are higher than I have experienced at other spas, with body treatments starting at approximately $120 and massages starting at $100 for 25 minutes. A number of unique treatments are offered, including reiki and numerous bathing treatment options. I was disappointed by the few body treatment options offered, however there were numerous massage, facial, and bathing options to select from. The spa also offers treatments for men and couples. While the men's options are varied, available treatments for couples are limited. Packages that include hotel room, meals, and spa treatments can be booked too.
The treatment rooms are comfortably sized and well appointed. The treatment left me feeling very soft and relaxed. Every detail was attended to, and staff was thoroughly helpful and polite. While I've had many spa experiences around the country, this was one of the better ones I've experienced.
I do plan on returning in the fall with friends. This is a great girl's weekend location with a trip to the spa as a centerpiece.
Pros:
Courteous and helpful staff
Modern yet comfortable design
Exceptional attention to detail
Cons:
Somewhat limited options for certain treatment types
Costs of some treatments are high based on length of service
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
At the end of our stay in Kohler last February, I elected to try Kohler's spa facilities. Part of the package we booked granted a discount off of spa rates, so I booked the Kohler Waters Wrap, a seasonal treatment that used exfoliation and moisturizing to replenish dry winter skin.
The Kohler Waters Spa facility is luxurious. The entry and check-in area is filled with plush couches for resting, water features, and a fireplace, as well as a store display containing clothing, videos, and Kohler and Aveda skin and body products for sale. Off in a separate room is the salon area, and another small room contains the manicure/pedicure room.
The full spa facility is on the lower level. Guests are greeted at the lower level by a spa attendant who provides a locker and offers a tour of both the locker room and spa facilities. Guests are taken through a set of doors into the spa waiting room which contains a large plunge pool fed by a water feature. Surrounding the pool are lounge chairs, small tables containing water, nuts, and fresh and dried fruits and magazines are tucked into the room's corners. The locker rooms, located off to the left side of the waiting room, contain both a dry sauna and a steam room, and a whirlpool and cool plunge pool. Guests who are having a treatment are welcome to use the facilities as long as desired; spa charges include usage. Those who wish to stay for an extended period of time can order from a lighter fare spa menu that features salads, light entrees, and even a Bento box option. Hotel guests who do not have treatments at the spa can pay $15 for a day pass.
Rates for some treatments are higher than I have experienced at other spas, with body treatments starting at approximately $120 and massages starting at $100 for 25 minutes. A number of unique treatments are offered, including reiki and numerous bathing treatment options. I was disappointed by the few body treatment options offered, however there were numerous massage, facial, and bathing options to select from. The spa also offers treatments for men and couples. While the men's options are varied, available treatments for couples are limited. Packages that include hotel room, meals, and spa treatments can be booked too.
The treatment rooms are comfortably sized and well appointed. The treatment left me feeling very soft and relaxed. Every detail was attended to, and staff was thoroughly helpful and polite. While I've had many spa experiences around the country, this was one of the better ones I've experienced.
I do plan on returning in the fall with friends. This is a great girl's weekend location with a trip to the spa as a centerpiece.
Pros:
Courteous and helpful staff
Modern yet comfortable design
Exceptional attention to detail
Cons:
Somewhat limited options for certain treatment types
Costs of some treatments are high based on length of service
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
11 February 2011
Village of Kohler and Inn at Woodlake
Kohler, Wisconsin
Located about 1 hour north of Milwaukee and 2.5 hours north of Chicago, the Village of Kohler is a small enclave not far from Lake Michigan. Founded by the Kohler family of bathroom/kitchen fixture fame, this small village is a luxe respite comprised of two hotels, a top-notch spa, two championship golf courses, quality restaurants and more. Looking to enjoy a weekend away with friends, my spouse and I headed north to experience what Kohler had to offer.
We had settled on the Relax INN Kohler weekend package, which included a 2-night stay at the Inn at Woodlake, continental breakfast each day, 3-course meal at the Horse and Plow, discounted spa rates, and complimentary admission to the athletic club. A number of additional activities were also offered for a nominal fee, including kitchen demonstrations/cooking events, winter sports activities, and tours of the Kohler factory.
The rooms at the Inn at Woodlake are large, comfortable, and well-appointed. Our king room had a spacious desk (triangle-shaped, but plenty large enough for a laptop and paperwork) with a comfortable desk chair, pull out couch, two small benches flanking the dresser (over which hung the large flat-screen TV), wet bar, and ample closet space. The room was decorated in dark woods with crisp, white Frette linens, and the sink for the wet bar was crimson and provided a pop of color. The room was also designed for the techno-geek of today with a docking station for an iPad/iPod/laptop that would both connect to the TV and play through the surround sound speakers in the room.
As you would expect being part of a bathroom empire, the bathrooms were large and luxurious. Our bathroom did not have a tub, just a large shower with two shower heads and body sprays (and a seat!), a large vanity area surrounding the sink, and the toilet. This room was also white with a slate shower, and included the nice touch of a speaker in the room that would play either the TV sound or docked media device. An odd omission was the lack of bathrobes for guests to use. For a brand known for spa luxury, it was somewhat expected to have robes and a bathtub in the guest rooms.
The Lakeside Rooms in which we stayed have a small patio with two chairs that overlook the lake and private beach. Due to a recent blizzard, the snow pack and cold temps made using the patio impossible, but it is a nice feature and provides a quaint view for guests. During our stay, ice skating was available on the lake, and skates were available complimentary from the front desk.
The Inn itself is decorated in an Arts and Crafts style with mission furniture and slate floors in the common areas. A large, double-sided fireplace is located in the area where breakfast is served. Tables and comfortable chairs add to the cozy environment. The room is available all day to read, play cards, or enjoy a cup of complimentary tea or coffee. The breakfast offered was a standard continental, however I did find the selection somewhat limited. While there was a different hot option each day (eggs/sausage for breakfast sandwiches one day, French toast the next), the breads, pastries and cereal options were few. There was no waffle maker, and oatmeal was out of a packet. While the Inn at Woodlake is the more value-oriented of the two properties (the other being The American Club), I was still surprised that these items were missing considering that they are standard at most chain hotels in the US.
Front desk staff is polite and helpful, providing recommendations to restaurants in Kohler or nearby Sheboygan, answering questions about activities inside the village, or calling the complimentary shuttle service to take you wherever you need to go within the village. The attendant at breakfast was also prompt in refreshing breakfast items and making sure the tables were bussed if needed. The rooms were well cleaned and small details were attended to, including mints left bedside.
Pros:
Friendly & helpful staff
Luxurious bathrooms and comfortable beds
Large guest rooms
Convenient to village offerings (walking or shuttle)
Cons:
Continental breakfast options limited
No robes in rooms
No tub in room
No thermostats in the room, only small window units for climate control (made room temp control difficult)
Overall rating for the Inn at Woodlake and the Village of Kohler, 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Located about 1 hour north of Milwaukee and 2.5 hours north of Chicago, the Village of Kohler is a small enclave not far from Lake Michigan. Founded by the Kohler family of bathroom/kitchen fixture fame, this small village is a luxe respite comprised of two hotels, a top-notch spa, two championship golf courses, quality restaurants and more. Looking to enjoy a weekend away with friends, my spouse and I headed north to experience what Kohler had to offer.
We had settled on the Relax INN Kohler weekend package, which included a 2-night stay at the Inn at Woodlake, continental breakfast each day, 3-course meal at the Horse and Plow, discounted spa rates, and complimentary admission to the athletic club. A number of additional activities were also offered for a nominal fee, including kitchen demonstrations/cooking events, winter sports activities, and tours of the Kohler factory.
The rooms at the Inn at Woodlake are large, comfortable, and well-appointed. Our king room had a spacious desk (triangle-shaped, but plenty large enough for a laptop and paperwork) with a comfortable desk chair, pull out couch, two small benches flanking the dresser (over which hung the large flat-screen TV), wet bar, and ample closet space. The room was decorated in dark woods with crisp, white Frette linens, and the sink for the wet bar was crimson and provided a pop of color. The room was also designed for the techno-geek of today with a docking station for an iPad/iPod/laptop that would both connect to the TV and play through the surround sound speakers in the room.
As you would expect being part of a bathroom empire, the bathrooms were large and luxurious. Our bathroom did not have a tub, just a large shower with two shower heads and body sprays (and a seat!), a large vanity area surrounding the sink, and the toilet. This room was also white with a slate shower, and included the nice touch of a speaker in the room that would play either the TV sound or docked media device. An odd omission was the lack of bathrobes for guests to use. For a brand known for spa luxury, it was somewhat expected to have robes and a bathtub in the guest rooms.
The Lakeside Rooms in which we stayed have a small patio with two chairs that overlook the lake and private beach. Due to a recent blizzard, the snow pack and cold temps made using the patio impossible, but it is a nice feature and provides a quaint view for guests. During our stay, ice skating was available on the lake, and skates were available complimentary from the front desk.
The Inn itself is decorated in an Arts and Crafts style with mission furniture and slate floors in the common areas. A large, double-sided fireplace is located in the area where breakfast is served. Tables and comfortable chairs add to the cozy environment. The room is available all day to read, play cards, or enjoy a cup of complimentary tea or coffee. The breakfast offered was a standard continental, however I did find the selection somewhat limited. While there was a different hot option each day (eggs/sausage for breakfast sandwiches one day, French toast the next), the breads, pastries and cereal options were few. There was no waffle maker, and oatmeal was out of a packet. While the Inn at Woodlake is the more value-oriented of the two properties (the other being The American Club), I was still surprised that these items were missing considering that they are standard at most chain hotels in the US.
Front desk staff is polite and helpful, providing recommendations to restaurants in Kohler or nearby Sheboygan, answering questions about activities inside the village, or calling the complimentary shuttle service to take you wherever you need to go within the village. The attendant at breakfast was also prompt in refreshing breakfast items and making sure the tables were bussed if needed. The rooms were well cleaned and small details were attended to, including mints left bedside.
Pros:
Friendly & helpful staff
Luxurious bathrooms and comfortable beds
Large guest rooms
Convenient to village offerings (walking or shuttle)
Cons:
Continental breakfast options limited
No robes in rooms
No tub in room
No thermostats in the room, only small window units for climate control (made room temp control difficult)
Overall rating for the Inn at Woodlake and the Village of Kohler, 3.75 out of 5 stars.
07 February 2011
A preview of what's to come...
I am a traveler at heart. I get home from a trip and begin thinking about the next one. At times I have an almost paralyzing case of wanderlust. Even as a child I was always day dreaming about where I would travel if given the chance, and where I would like to live or experiences I'd like to have. I've been fortunate to visit some of the world in my three decade-plus years on this earth, and I intend to visit much more of it before I'm through. After all, I have a lot of things to cross off my list.
Why write when there are so many travel writers and bloggers out there? Well, because I want to keep track of my own experiences. And because I've noticed over time that more and more people come to me for recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, what to see, and what to miss at various locations I've traveled to. This will serve as a repository of those opinions for future reference.
I'll be updating this with my reviews of locations up until now, as well as other informational or helpful travel information. So dust off the passport, grab your travel journal, and make some notes about where to go next.
Why write when there are so many travel writers and bloggers out there? Well, because I want to keep track of my own experiences. And because I've noticed over time that more and more people come to me for recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, what to see, and what to miss at various locations I've traveled to. This will serve as a repository of those opinions for future reference.
I'll be updating this with my reviews of locations up until now, as well as other informational or helpful travel information. So dust off the passport, grab your travel journal, and make some notes about where to go next.
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