What weve been working on.(This is how guests will be able to step back in time when they visit us)You will be able to load up on necessities without ever needing to leave the property.Its something weve wanted to add to camp for 15 years.(And we are guessing the most popular amenity that was offered here back in the 1920s).It was inspired by a old ad we found-the first promotional description from the Wandawega Hotel circa 1925.You wont believe how much we have been able to fit into this space (originally it was our camp chapel, which was only getting used about 10 hours a year, so weve relocated it)…so we can turn this room into something everybody needs.Hint:It will supply campers with unlimited caffeine. And we get to fill It with all the little custom details that make our hearts happy (like our obsession with new custom branded sugar cube packaging that every diner/cafe had up until theyve all but disappeared from America)
Some behind-the-scenes with our friends at @BestMadeCo The small but mighty Wisconsin crew had been braving the storm this week, hauling gear all over like troopers with toboggans, shooting in the Hillhouse, the wood house and all the little houses around camp.Weve always loved the things theyve made (scrolling their feed alone is like taking a mini vaca- which we could really use right about now).(Secretly hoping that they leave behind one of those axes in the woodshed- the firewood stacks need restocking with all this snow weve been getting) BTS of the hardest working crew we ever did see: @duluthtradingcompany + #bestmadeco First pic #WandawegaHillhouse by @bobcoscarelli
What you do at Lake wandawega in the snow season? (David waits all year to get the old Yamaha and pull behind rig out). Last year he nearly dislocated his shoulder pull starting it. (I guess thats what we get for letting it sit in storage 10 months a year). Thanks @lori_seidemann foe the pics and @struggle_inc with @petercreigtoalson for the skate date.
well, this just made our day. week. month. year.DEPARTURES MAGAZINE:”The 15 chicest, most artistic boutique hotels in the U.S.- all of which are a labor of love for their small business owners This little wisco corner just got included in a fancy party round up for @DeparturesMag(In this crowd, were definitely the one strolling into the cocktail party in muddy bean Boots & a 70s tennis racket wrapped in medical tape)Our #WandawegaHillhouse may be the closest thing we have to offer folks as far as luxury goes But we also like knowing that the stars are our #1 luxury amenity. And we get to share that sky with everybody, regardless of threadcount.We always look forward to @MayaKach s lists – everything she writes about makes us want to go travel. (Like, right now.) In this story, shes included some of our favs that have been on our bucket list – especially these two that weve been dying to see: @washingtonschoolhouse and @troutbeck.ny (last couple pics)As well as our old friends at the best glamping resort in the world: @theresortatpawsup (which we can’t wait to go back to, Davids old buddy hosted us once – itis nothing short of paradise.)link to Mayas story: (on profile) https://www.departures.com/travel/hotels/independently-owned-luxury-boutique-hotelsThank you to our friends @bradandjen and @matt.scheffer for letting us use your photos@stancioff for being an overall rad human being, believing in the little guys.
All of our favorite things in this months issue of @countrylivingmag – including our own little camp first aid kit and our new obsession : @theskotchkooler (well be sharing more of this adorable plaid wonder that these guys are creating)All of these things in this issue now please, thanks.
All the morning after feels this morning. Looking for ways to extend this high. Best advice we ever got (if one of your goals is a happier, healthier life)…Do these three things every day:Spend one hour a day on something mentally challenging.Carve out one hour a day doing something physical.Dedicate one hour a day doing something spiritual (anything that puts you in a calm headspace).(The whole mind-body-spirit thing).And ideally, find the thing that gives you as much opportunity as possible to combine these things. Consider buying a summer camp . Even in a pandemic, losing a years worth of events, having to close down for months, and working harder than we ever have – were still grateful for the work. @oolretaw
Not a regular Wednesday.(crying in my coffee & singing along with Garth brooks while muted/camera off on work zoom to spare my co workers)The future is feeling so much more hopeful starting today.And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear, of unity, not division, of light, not darkness, … a story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides, the story that inspires us
Everywhere here, Under the floorboards.There are Layers of stories.In this 1st pic: the lodge kiitchen (top layer was 1970s linoleum…we found under that the original 1920s battleship linoleum that was the most durable flooring during Wandawegas dining hall days. (Not shown here because it was too far gone to save). We are sourcing the OG maker to bring it back and will share the before / after when were done.But this second floor portrait is our favorite…Its in the old bunkhouse. This is the 1920s original Congoleum… each room features a different pattern. Congoleum was historically what folks used when they couldnt afford carpeting to cover their low grade plank flooring. (Most of these Congeum floors have never been covered and have been In consistent use for nearly a century.) Seems to have defied the odds that they would last this long – through wear and trends.Were glad to see that there are things that remain consistent, that sustain because they arent trendy. That remain unchanged based on the simple fact they can still serve a purpose and remain useful. They arent disposable, because their value is not measured by their beauty.There is a beauty in that. We have it everywhere here, if you lift up the layers.Some people that come here notice these things- most dont. When you visit us, (be warned) well probably talk you ear off about all the diff historic floor patterns around camp.Most folks dont look down to see it.An exception is @burtsbrisplease – she notices things that most dont see – and shared all these photos. Were grateful to those who take the time too look. And more grateful to find those who appreciate the little details.* the floor covering you can get a glimpse of in photos 3, 6 & 7 is original, unearthed under layers of carpet, padding, linoleum and underlayment. Its beat to hell, but shows its age so beautifully we cant help but think about all the families that it took to create that patina. Were never gonna rip it up.
Her pictures make our hearts burst A friend sent us a pic of our little treehouse featured in the recent issue of @betterhomesandgardens In @burtsbrisplease gorgeous house – her feed is a must see if youre into home design inspiration We love to get photos from folks that visit the OG treehouse here and then share pictures of their own kid-sized version in their homes. The last pics of her toddler feeding his baby sibling in the treehouse may be the cutest thing Ive ever seen Pictures by @burtsbrisplease Wandawega treehouse by @crateandkids
