Just because August is almost here, doesn’t mean the summer fun needs to slow down. Award-winning Journeyman Distillery is turning up the heat with some can’t-miss events this month, like Island Night at the Featherbone Factory in Three Oaks, MI, and Dirty Boots Night at The American Factory in Valparaiso, IN. Whether you’re drawn to fire dancers and tropical cocktails or steel guitars and line dancing lessons, there’s something worth putting on the calendar.
WHERE: Welter’s Folly, 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks, MI 49128
TIME: 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. ET
ADMISSION: $9 Adult Day Pass, Kids 12 & under golf free | More DetailsDETAILS: Welter’s Folly lights up after dark for Glow Putt Nights ONE LAST TIME this season. From dusk to close, the green becomes a glowing playground for late-night putting with a laid-back vibe. Whether you are aiming for precision or just enjoying the summer air with a stiff drink, it’s a glowing way to spend a summer evening.
Island Night at the Featherbone Factory
DATE: Friday, August 16
WHERE: The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks, MI 49128
DETAILS: Island Night is bringing a taste of the island life to Three Oaks. As the sun sets, the Featherbone Factory will glow with tiki torches and tropical flair. Expect a Polynesian-inspired buffet featuring island dishes, including soy-ginger pork shoulder, soba noodle salad, and coconut rice, as well as handcrafted tiki cocktails. The evening will also feature vibrant performances, including live hula dancing and a fire show. It’s a dreamy event that captures the laid-back magic of summer nights in Harbor Country with a fun island twist. Tropical attire encouraged!
Dirty Boots Night at the American Factory
DATE: Friday, August 23
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385
DETAILS: Dust off your boots because Dirty Boots Night is back! This high-energy evening kicks off with line dancing lessons from Fred Astaire Dance Studios, followed by live music from Steel Country and plenty of room to two-step. Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, and the cash bar will be open all night. For a full dinner experience, grab a table at Union Hall before the music starts.
Summer Music Live
DATE: Every Wednesday and Friday
WHERE: The American Factory, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385
TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT
ADMISSION: Free Event
DETAILS: Back for its second year, Journeyman is continuing to host their free summer music series every Wednesday and Friday night on the courtyard stage at the American Factory in Valpo, IN. Bring the family for the last month of this series for the season, enjoy lawn games, and soak in the live music under the summer sky. Want to make a night of it? Reserve a table for dinner at Union Hall. Check out the lineup HERE.
The family-friendly Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, the first Hyatt-branded property to open in the picturesque colonial town of Mazatlán, Mexico, offers an all-inclusive luxury experience in a destination often called the “Pearl of the Pacific Coast” because of its beauty and authentic Mexican charm.
Mazatlán, an up-and-coming destination, is ideal for those wanting to feel a connection with local history, cuisine, and culture. Mazatlán’s treasures include the longest malecón on the Pacific Ocean–and also one of the longest in the world as well as a picturesque lighthouse ranked among the highest working lighthouses in the Americas. The town’s Centro Histórico (historic central district) is classically beautiful with its colorful Colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets lined with flowering bougainvillea and jacaranda trees.
Other points of interest include the Observatorio1873 accessible by a funicular ride to the top of Cerro del Vigia with its majestic views of the water and stunning sunsets. Also not to be missed is the Gran Acuario Mazatlán, a bustling aquarium is considered as the largest and most significant in Latin America. Among the world’s largest shrimping ports, Mazatlan is home to an array of restaurants, taco stands, and markets serving a variety of shrimp dishes. Renowned for its annual Carnival, the third largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans, Mazatlán’s lively cultural festivals and a vibrant local scene, makes it an enticing destination for travelers.
For those visiting, Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort offers a wide range of amenities:
Located inside the exclusive Estrella del Mar gated community, just six miles from the Mazatlán International Airport and 20 minutes from the city center
358 ocean-fronting suites including connecting rooms and swim-out suites (the first in the destination) with private furnished balconies or terraces offering stunning Pacific Ocean views and featuring local artwork and neutral tones
Unlimited-Luxury® inclusions such as a fully stocked and daily refreshed in-room mini bar, 24-hr room service and top-shelf spirits
Elevated experiences via the exclusive Preferred Club offering upgrade suites and bath amenities, a pillow menu and dedicated concierge service in addition to a personalized check-in/check-out process
Noteworthy culinary offerings with four à la carte restaurants, a grill, an international buffet, an ice cream booth, and five bars and lounges with options for every palate with no reservations required
On-site activities includinga waterpark with a lazy river (the first in the destination), three oceanfront pools, and dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, complemented by live daytime and nighttime entertainment for all ages.
Dedicated adults-only section with its own private pool and swim up bar designed with multigenerational travel in mind
Numerous courts for active guests who can enjoy two tennis courts, six pickleball courts, four paddle courts, and play in one of the most desirable and beautiful golf courses in Mexico designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
New to the region spa and wellness center at Dreams Spa, featuring a variety of vanguard treatments, guided hydrotherapy, a full-service salon, bridal suite, and the area’s only Turkish bath
Exclusive add-on experiences include a guided wine pairing dinner at a wine cellar or a tequila tasting experience
Opportunity to learn about marine life preservation at the on-site turtle sanctuary, a unique experience allowing guests to engage with local conservation efforts
You can find more information about the resort here
More than a year-round destination for adventure, fun, and relaxation, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin should also be on every serious foodies list as well. That’s because, under the direction of Food & Beverage Director, Nelly Buleje and new Executive Chef Dustin Urbanik, this popular resort is dishing up exceptional seasonal flavors on their new fall menus.
From the resort’s popular elevated Saturday brunch which are focusing on such autumn delights as pumpkin pancakes and fall flavored mimosas to in-house made desserts like apple crumble to seasonal soups and sides such as lobster bisque with Maine lobster sherry, tarragon, lobster brodo, sourdough crisp and caviar; truffle creamed spinach with black truffle, mornay, and farmstead cheese; and rainbow carrots and parsnips with bourbon and maple glaze, the resort and its collection of restaurants are bursting with fall flavors.
There’s also an impressive new fall cocktail menu with selections like Wisconsin Apple Old Fashioned; Smoked Maple Mile; a White Pumpkin cocktail; Espresso S’MORES-tini; and more (check out the fun visuals here). By popular demand, the resort’s seafood boil and Midwestern prime rib roasts will run every Friday and Saturday through November 12.
In addition to the new fall flavors, here are some new autumn offerings and programming guests and families can expect:
Seasonal outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, an indoor pool and waterpark, horseback riding, championship golf, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and more.
One of the best ways to get around and explore the 1,300 acre-campus and beautiful Lake Geneva as well as Wisconsin’s scenic backroads is by the resort’s scooters and new this year, e-bikes. Rent one for a few hours or take a guided tour around the area with. The perfect way to spend an autumn afternoon with family or a group of friends (must be 18+, check out rules here).
Families will also enjoy new programming such as pumpkin painting; DIY caramel apples; excursions to Pearce’s Farm (local farm with fresh produce, kid’s activities and corn maze); and a Grand Escape – the resort’s very own pop up escape room.
Destination Kohler–one of the world’s foremost golf resorts and home to four Pete Dye championship courses–unveils The Baths of Blackwolf Run, the resort’s unique and entertaining 10-hole, par-3 course.
Spread across 27 acres between the first and 11th holes of Meadow Valleys, The Baths of Blackwolf Run offers holes ranging from 60 to 160 yards and four strategic water features, or “Baths,” situated throughout that are not forced carries unless desired. Although the course will play as a 10-hole course, The Baths’ imaginative routing allows for flexible alternatives for shorter or longer golf experiences.
Adding to the atmosphere, The Baths features a two-acre putting course, plus a log cabin food-and-beverage station with outdoor seating and a firepit surrounding the opening Bath.
Chris Lutzke and Herb Kohler designed the Baths. Lutzke spent over 30 years working alongside Pete Dye as he constructed many of his courses, including the two at Whistling Straits. Over the past three years, Lutzke prepared The Straits for the Ryder Cup, which will be contested Sept. 21-26, 2021.
Mr. Kohler, Executive Chairman of Kohler Co., has over 200 product design patents. He helped bring the course to life by calling upon his many years playing the game’s great courses in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. He also recognized a larger trend occurring within the sport of creating short layouts that promote more enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels.
“We look for ways to enhance the golf experience and grow the game for all golfers” Kohler says. “The Baths complement our four world-renowned championship golf courses while also honoring Kohler Co.’s 130-year history of bathing design. We are delighted to officially open this exciting and unique course.”
“The Baths will be a new twist for our resort guests, regardless if they are a serious player wanting to hone their game or someone yearning for an extraordinary closer to an amazing day on one of our 18-hole golf courses,” adds Dirk Willis, Vice President of Golf for Kohler Co. “Our continued mission is to find new and innovative ways to grow the game and make it more inviting and accessible to all. The Baths of Blackwolf Run allows us to do just that.”
Kohler Golf ushered in championship golf in the state of Wisconsin when it hosted the 1998 and 2012 U.S. Women’s Open at Blackwolf Run, along with the 2004, 2010, and 2015 PGA Championships at Whistling Straits.
The historic American Club is the Midwest’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort hotel. The nearby boutique Inn on Woodlake recently launched new two- and four-bedroom suites that are well-appointed for group and buddy travel.
Tee times at The Baths can be reserved by calling 800-344-2838 or visiting the resort’s golf booking page. For golf package information, call 855-444-2838. Visit DestinationKohler.com for more information.
About Kohler Co.’s Hospitality & Real Estate Group The Kohler Co. Hospitality & Real Estate profile includes The American Club and world-renowned championship golf venues Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. The Inn on Woodlake in the Village of Kohler is a three-diamond property. Their sister property, the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St. Andrews, Scotland, is located at the birthplace of golf literally alongside the 17th fairway of the Road Hole, the most famous and difficult par-4 hole in golf.
Herb Kohler created Kohler Co.’s Hospitality & Real Estate Group with the reclamation of The American Club and then built world-renowned championship golf courses, The Straits and The Irish at Whistling Straits, and The River and Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run. Kohler Waters Spa is the only five-star spa in Wisconsin and has four locations elsewhere in the world. The resort features 12 dining establishments from the remarkable Immigrant Restaurant and Winery Bar to pub fare at The Horse & Plow. And then there is River Wildlife. Herb Kohler believes River Wildlife, located in a forest next to a river on an early Winnebago Native American encampment, has the best country gourmet dining in the United States.
The resort is located in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin, one hour south of Green Bay, one hour north of Milwaukee and two and a half hours north of Chicago, just off of I-43.
Recipes
Kohler’s is known for the wonderful food served at its many restaurants. Here are two recipes from Kohler chefs Paul Smitala and Evan Wallerman that showcase the creativity of their foods.
Bloody Mary Eggs Benedict
4 slices of English Muffins
8 slices applewood bacon (cooled and chopped)
1 cup mushroom duxelles (recipe below)
1 cup Bloody Mary Hollandaise Sauce (recipe below)
4 poached eggs
Toast English muffin and cover with 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles that has been warmed.
Top with poached eggs, cover with hollandaise sauce and finish with chopped bacon.
Bloody Mary Hollandaise
4 egg yolks
1/2 pound butter (melted and warm)
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons celery salt
1 1/2 teaspoons horseradish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Tabasco
½ juice of one lemon juice
2 cups + 2 teaspoons horseradish vodka
1/4 cup tomato paste
Salt and pepper
In a 2 quart sauce pan, combine shallot, garlic, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce, tomato paste and vodka. Heat on medium, allow to flame and reduce to one cup and strain through a fine mesh sieve.
In a separate pan, melt the butter and keep warm.
In a 2 quart sauce pan bring 1 inch of water to a simmer, place a bowl on top of pan to make a double boiler. Add the 4 egg yolks and reduced liquid to the bowl and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly. Do not let the water boil.
Slowly stream the melted butter into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly until all the butter is incorporated.
Add the 2 tablespoons of vodka, celery salt, lemon juice, season to finish with salt, tabasco and Worcestershire to taste.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar baking powder and salt. Pour in the sweet potatoes, egg, beer and melted butter; stir with a whisk just until blended, a few lumps are okay. Fold in cooked bacon.
Heat a waffle maker to desired temperature. Follow directions on your specific waffle maker. Coat with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface for each specific waffle maker.
In a sauce pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter and stir in 3 tablespoons flour.
Cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock and heavy cream, bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Add Chipotle Peppers and Wisconsin Maple syrup, simmer for 20 minutes.
First Fridays Glow Putt Nights
Summer Music Live
