ScheckTrek: Near Whistling Straits, in Wisconsin

On the date of this August 9 posting, practice will begin for the 2010 PGA Tournament, to be held August 12-15 at Whistling Straits, on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin.
(Photo of Whistling Straits by Jack Fabick.)

If you are at all familiar with this area of Wisconsin, you may assume that The American Club ($400/night), in Kohler, is the only place to stay. But not so. There are some very decent options in Sheboygan (even closer to Whistling Straits than Kohler is) and in Plymouth (an extra 8-10 minutes’ drive along a pleasant country highway).

I’ll say more about The American Club later, but would like first to mention Sheboygan’s offerings.

The largest is a beautiful resort on the water, the Blue Harbor (about $200/night), done in a style that’s somewhat reminiscent of the Del Coronado near San Diego. It sports an indoor water park, which may or may not be considered a plus, depending on your perspective and the age of your fellow travelers. Nevertheless, this place is definitely easy on the eyes.

Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan, WI (ScheckTrek Photography)

Many times I’ve thought of these chairs, overlooking Lake Michigan, and wished I could be back there, sitting in one of them.

Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan, WI (ScheckTrek Photography)

The hotel’s interior includes whimsical, water-related touches, such as this ceiling in one of the cafes…

…and this window to a bar.

Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan, WI (ScheckTrek Photography)

Considerably smaller (and no doubt, quieter) are two rather mansionous B&B’s: the Brownstone Inn ($175-250) and Lake View Mansion Bed & Breakfast ($129-249), both either overlooking or very near Lake Michigan. The décor is a bit too “authentically Victorian” for my taste, but I’m sure the architectural details are a treat. Here are photos taken of Lake View Mansion’s exterior when last we were in town.

Lake View Mansion Bed and Breakfast, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (ScheckTrek Photography)

Though it is not my pick for virtual travel – which ignores all suggestions of budgetary restraint – for my money, I would drive an extra 8-10 minutes to stay at the Inn on Windhill ($99-159) in Plymouth. My family and I can personally attest to the charm of this delightful bed & breakfast, though I must warn you, some redecorating has taken place since our visit in 2006; so double-check online if you’re considering it.

Inn on Hillwind, Plymouth, WI (ScheckTrek Photography)

Normally, flowered patterns get an automatic veto from me; but I made an exception for this place, and we didn’t regret it. This was the suite we chose.