CAMP WANDAWEGA

Camp Wandawega was everything I dreamed of and more.

For my 28th birthday, Cameron booked us the Hillhouse at Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. I have been wanting to visit Wandawega ever since I saw a retreat there hosted by the Soho House Chicago. It is a summer camp for adults who want to relive their simpler times. It also happens to be so well designed so I was geeking out hard - no surprise! The owners, David and Tereasa, put so much detail into every element of this place. They actually live in Chicago, but have been quarantined here all year with their daughter and pup, Frankie. Tereasa is a creative executive at Oglivy & Mather and David used to work there too, which makes complete sense once you notice every creative detail put into the Wandawega brand.

My birthday was on a Thursday so we took a couple days off work and packed our car with our floof and groceries to last the whole weekend. We spent Thursday evening and Friday with just the two of us and our really good friends aka family joined us Friday evening for the rest of the weekend. After losing my favorite person on my birthday the year prior, I was ready to completely sign off my birthday for good. The day itself terrified me and I did not want to relive the previous year. It was (and still is) too painful to comprehend the loss, let alone the loss happening on my actual birthday. Cameron convinced me that is not option and we need to try to make the best of it. I am so glad we did because he and my friends made me feel so special, more special than I even thought possible.

Oh Hillhouse, how much I LOVE you. Most of the camp is pretty rustic, except for Hillhouse. This is a newer addition to the Wandawega property and was re-built from the original footprint of a lake home located here in the 1930s. From the moment you step into this house, you feel the immediate warmth from the dark hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, eclectic decor and distinctive light fixtures. Ash, the best counselor ever, always made sure our wood was highly stocked all weekend. I could argue that coming here in the winter is better than the summer because everything feels so cozy.

The natural light this house got in every room made me so happy. The kitchen was equipped with every pot, pan and gadget you could think of. The cabinets were stocked with Wandawega branded plates, platters, bowls and mugs. We had to buy ramekins on our way out in the camp gift store so we could bring a little part of Wandawage home with us.

Wandawega normally does not allow dogs to come visit, but they made an exception this time because it was off season and since B is small.

On the upper level, there is a lofted area with two double beds. On the lower level, there are two additional guest rooms. All rooms are very cozy and well designed. Kohler is not too far from here so all plumbing fixtures are from the Kohler brand. I fell in love with this bath tub and I felt the epitome of relaxed on my birthday.

When we arrived we wanted to explore right away. We got B’s Canada Pooch jacket on and walked around camp. I quickly recognized each area from stalking photos over the years, but it was so surreal to finally see it in real life. It was just as I imagined. On top of that, we really lucked out with the weather. It was only about 40 degrees, but we had constant sunshine so what else can you ask for on a Midwestern day in December?

As the sun set we had ourselves an outdoor fire while James smoked a cigar. James, being the Eagle Scout he is, was in his element or so he claimed. The first fire took him a little longer than it should, but he got the hang of it as the weekend went on. The house luckily comes with a plethora of vintage wool blankets to keep us warm. That night, James cooked me delicious bacon-wrapped scallops and broccolini for my birthday dinner. We all got in our Christmas jammies and snuggled up by the living room fireplace.

On Friday, we got to sleep in (finally) and then we went for a long walk around camp. We ventured down to the lake and got to see all the different houses around the lake. We talked about how much we want to come visit this place when it is in full swing during the summer months.

As described when you book a cabin at Wandawega, “it’s a back-to-basics, no-frills, primitive experience. Simple rooms, vintage furnishings.” Each cabin has its own unique flair. Only the Hillhouse has direct access to a bathroom and shower, otherwise you use the communal showers in the center of camp.

On our walk we went up into the famous Wandawega treehouse. Renters cannot rent out the treehouse, but it is a communal space for campers to go and hang out or read a book. Much to no surprise, as we were on our walk, we realized we were matching in our camo colored joggers and black jackets. This A-frame structure on the bottom right can be rented by two campers. It is small, but the direct view of the lake is exceptional.

That evening, Jules and Tim arrived followed by Emily and Chris. We ate chili and caught up by the fire. We had not gotten to see each other much this past year so it felt good to be together and we were excited for the weekend festivities ahead.

Cheers, it is Saturday!!

That morning James made everyone breakfast. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, butternut squash, sausage and champs. Tim aka THE Tim from Tim Sauers Productions, decided it would be fun to film us making breakfast. See Cute Wandawega Vid here.

Breakfast is when James and I decided to let everyone in on our weekend plans. We planned a day of camp competitions with a special prize for the winning couple. James and I split up and randomly picked another couple as our team. I got Emily and Chris on my team and James got Jules and Tim. On our walk, the day prior, we mapped out the activities we would compete on, starting with a classic game of knockout on the basketball court. Let the games begin…

Beatrix was less into the hiking and more into being held, per usual.

After knockout (my team won), we ventured on a little hike where we surprised the group with the archery course setup. We had some surprisingly good archers in the group, James nor myself were one of them. However, give credit where credit is due, James was the perfect camp counselor especially when it came to a little competition. He came equipped with a clipboard so that tells you how serious he took his role.

One of our other competition’s was whomever could find the little fairy village first got 15 points for their team. Emily was the winner so 15 points went to my team. Good job, Em!

Saturday afternoon we gathered around another one of the outdoor fire pits. There are many located around camp and because we were the only ones there, we got our choice!

We saw the sun was setting so we walked down to the lake. Little did we know, the sunset was going to be magnificent. The six of us were in complete shock over its beauty. The colors did not seem real and the photos do not do it justice. I cannot help but think this was my grandma’s doing. How else would we get such a magical sunset in the winter, in the middle of nowhere and on my birthday weekend. Her presence was there and I am so grateful for that.

After the campfire, we went back to Hillhouse to get warm. We blasted the Chicks (formally known as the Dixie Chicks) in the kitchen while prepping for dinner. James grilled us bone-in ribeyes and the most delicious salmon, Jules made caprese and Em made amazing brussels sprouts, asparagus and a farm-style salad. Tim and Chris supported us from afar. I must say, I was very impressed with all of us.

James, knowing my obsession with Ingrained Chicago, got me a custom cake as a surprise for my birthday. Syd is the owner and she and myself have become first name basis friends due to how frequently I order from her. The cake was a peanut butter brownie base with peanut butter chocolate cups. All gluten-free, refined sugar and dairy free. Thank you, Syd!

After a very robust dinner and dessert, we refilled our whiskey glasses, put on our matching pjs and the girls learned how to play poker. What started off as a couple of open-hands, quickly turned into betting for real money until all of a sudden it was 2:30 in the morning. It finally came down to a James vs. Tim finale. A great, last night with many laughs and cheers to cap off a wonderful birthday weekend.

The next morning we were sad to leave. We could have stayed for many more nights, but it was time to head back to the city and back to reality.

Camp Wandawega, we will be back! Thank you for being the most perfect quarantine getaway and thank you to my wonderful husband and friends for going out of their way to make me feel SO special on not an easy birthday. I will never forget this trip.

Partial photo credit to my amazing talented photographer cousin, Jules Kennedy Photo!