At the River’s Bend

— Are you available? — (Holy cow, are you kidding me!) Yes, yes I can be. I am. I’m available; I’ll be there.

I was presented with the opportunity for a trip of a lifetime. And that’s saying something because I’ve taken a lot of trips. So I boarded a plane and took off on yet another adventure.

Delta plane at the ATL gate

Cruising altitude

The nearly-full moon

I landed in Milwaukee, spent the night at a hotel by the airport, and took the first morning shuttle to Kohler, Wisconsin. Yes. That Kohler — the designer and manufacturer of faucets and such. First stop was lunch at the Blackwolf Run Restaurant overlooking the gorgeous River and Meadow Valleys golf courses.

I allowed myself the treat of an afternoon drink and opted for the local brew: Spotted Cow. It paired well with the seared Angus tenderloin tips with cocoa whipped chocolate mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus that I ordered for lunch. Are you jealous yet? I am.

With a full and happy belly I headed to the Kohler Waters Spa across the tree-lined street from the Kohler factory, mostly hidden from view by ivy covered brick walls.

Waters Spa

Kohler factory

Then it was time to become acquainted with my accommodations. I had the privilege of staying in the Carriage House at Riverbend with a view of the Sheboygan River.

Carriage House, front

Carriage House, side

Sheboygan River

Creek and field behind the house

I made my way to the main house through the covered walkway and walked the grounds of the estate until it was time for dinner. Gorgeous, beautiful, breath-taking…pick your adjective, but know it will pale to the surroundings.

Riverbend, main house

covered walkway

Garden maze

Field and river behind the main house

Door to the gardens

Pool

Field in front of the main house

Dinner was served in courses and paired with a wine appropriate for the entire meal. To say it was delicious doesn’t do it justice.

Roses centerpiece

Table setting

Wine

Fruit De Mer

Salad

Roasted duck breast with bamboo rice, swiss chard, and cherry gastrique

I relished the experience under the full moon and retired to my room for the night. I enjoyed my morning coffee on the lawn, startled still, over 12 hours later, to see manicured nails on my hands.

After a casual lunch on the patio I made my way to River Wildlife for an afternoon of trapshooting.

Trapshooting range

First time shooting

Berreta A400 Unico 20 gage shotgun

That evening, after a most pleasant meal at the Lodge Restaurant with a main course of Asiago cheese & almond crusted Canadian walleye with citrus caper remoulade, I relaxed in the Rathskeller with a few glasses of wine and a few games of billiards.

I returned to the spa the next morning for a massage, then boarded the shuttle and returned to Milwaukee to fly back home. Never before have I stayed at such a luxurious place. Never before have I been so well taken care of and so catered to that I simply had to think of something for it to appear before me. Others carried my bags, others opened doors for me, others prepared my coffee, others turned down my bed and left me cookies on the night stand…all I had to do was enjoy myself and enjoy myself I did.

This is not my life. But for 72 hours it was.

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