Milkweed Inn (update), Wetmore, Michigan, 7/18-20/25

main lodge – 15.5 Rd, Wetmore, MI 49895

You can read the previous write up of Milkweed Inn from 2022 here.   It was recently featured in Art Culinaire Magazine so we thought it was time to re-visit and check out any changes.  First and foremost the food and hospitality were equally superb and I think this year’s group of guests was even more fun than the last.  Chef Regan is transitioning from Iliana to Lane but that seems to only have focused their culinary talents.  The hunting lodge in the Hiawatha Forest now offers 4 interior bedrooms to stay in, some glamping tents and the Air Stream is now a Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van.  It is definitely off-the-grid and a totally laid back weekend of eating, drinking and chatting with like minded foodies.  Regan is still an expert forager as well as gardener and incorporates that into the meals in addition to hunting donations from neighbors.   There is also a sauna which you sign up for in pairs and lots of friendly dogs, pigs and soon to be horses on the property.  Reservations are through the website <www.milkweedinn.com> and often are made a year in advance.  One tip we took advantage of is to watch for vacancies that pop up to re-sell.  Since retiring we have that flexibility and can skirt the long wait.  Last visit the weather was uncomfortably warm which was not at all usual.  This time it was nice and cool with a good breeze.  Chef Regan and her partner Eve are absolutely delightful and will make every effort to ensure you have a memorable visit.   If you are seriously into food and enjoy very casual surroundings this is an experience you should sign up for.  Chef can make some adaptations to the menu for the dozen people in attendance, but check first if you can’t eat some things.  There was no printed menu, so all descriptions are what I could jot down. Continue reading

Fitzgerald’s (update), Eagle River, MI, 7/22/22

exterior – 5033 Front Street, Eagle River, MI, 49950

We visited The Fitzgerald in 2018 and much has changed at the Eagle River Inn where it is located.  The dining room is the same but the menu seems smaller.  They still have the whiskey bar but the 12 rooms have now become 6 and they are (you guessed it) twice as big and have air conditioning.  The waves of Lake Superior are still right off the dining room or any room at the inn, so the scenery is excellent.  The dining room is wood-filled with lots of light from the windows.  The crowd is casual and they did have specials for the night.  Service was excellent, friendly and helpful.  They still specialize in barbecue and you can see evidence of adding-on to the kitchen in front of the building, so not sure what will be added.  Portions are generous and combined with the beautiful scenery, this is a lovely place to spend a meal and then retreat to your room to sleep with the sound of the waves.  It’s out of the way but go if you get the chance, especially if you’re a whiskey lover. Continue reading