Michigan Bed and Breakfast Earns Title of Best in the U.S.
Bed and breakfasts come in all shapes and sizes, each offering something special. From cozy cottages to modern getaways, every B&B has its own unique vibe. With so many options, there’s a perfect bed and breakfast for everyone’s taste.
USA Today’s 10Best has compiled a collection of the best bed and breakfasts across the United States. They had a group of experts put forward the nominees. Then their editors narrowed it down to the final ones. From there, readers got to have their say and vote on the ultimate winners.
The list features a range of bed and breakfasts from diverse places like Chicago, Illinois; Chestertown, Maryland; and West Bend, Wisconsin. A Michigan gem snagged a spot on their top ten list. Wickwood Inn in Saugatuck scored fifth in their ranking. This spot offers a waterside experience in Michigan without the hassle of heading to the Upper Peninsula. Beyond a complimentary homemade breakfast, guests can also partake in locally sourced charcuterie during the evenings. A stay at Wickwood Inn puts visitors steps away from Butler Street and Wicks Park. A range of accommodations is available for guests, from cozy rooms to luxurious estate suites. Additional amenities include complimentary lobby newspapers, luggage storage, and access to a library.
According to the Wickwood Inn website, the Colonial revival house, originally constructed in 1937, later became the residence of Frank Wicks, Saugatuck’s mayor. In 1981, Sue and Stub Louis acquired the house and undertook renovations, shaping it into an inn inspired by London’s Brown’s Hotel. After a decade, the Louis family handed over the reins of the 11-room inn to Julee Rosso and Bill Miller, their neighbors. Rosso, renowned as a gourmet food expert and co-author of the iconic Silver Palate Cookbook, and Miller, a native of Holland, Michigan, transformed Wickwood into a culinary haven embracing the farm-to-table ethos. In 2021, Rosso and Miller passed ownership of Wickwood to Shea Soucie and Martin Horner.
Check out the full list of best bed and breakfasts in the nation here.
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
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Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
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Waffles
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There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
