The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin

An Ambience of Tradition

By Belinda Clarke

Upon entering the American Club in Kohler, Wis. for a holiday weekend getaway, one's first reaction might be, "This is something we should do every year." The grounds are decked with approximately 250,000 elegant white lights in the numerous trees, and the interior of this spacious resort is warm and impeccably festive.

Built in 1918 to provide housing for immigrant workers at the Kohler Company (of faucet and sink fame) and to provide recreation and dining options for Kohler workers and family members, the club now serves as an all-season resort -- AAA's only five-diamond resort in the Midwest. During the holiday season, the American Club offers a holiday weekend package that includes a night's stay, a holiday dinner for two in one of three restaurants, breakfast one day, plus a holiday gift.

Located across from the actual Kohler plant, the American Club offers a host of amenities right on the grounds of the resort, if not minutes away in the village of Kohler. Kids can enjoy special festive activities such as breakfast with Santa and his elves, which includes a knee-high buffet table and holiday toys. In the evenings, carolers in Victorian dress sing holiday songs in the resort's library, next to a roaring fire. The Wisconsin Room, which was the original dining room for the immigrant boarders, serves brunch, afternoon tea and dinner and is elegantly decorated for the season with garland and bows adorning the mini-lampshade chandeliers. The restaurant itself has a diverse, Midwest menu and serves "the best Weiner schnitzel in the world," according to my husband.

The atmosphere at the American Club is elegant, but not stuffy, and the service is attentive, but casual. For fans of easy Midwest attitudes and sophisticated charm, this is the perfect place to escape to for a weekend in December, or all winter long. Visitors may stay in one of two places: the original American Club resort or at the Carriage House, which is next door. All rooms are cozy with down comforters and dark wood. Rooms at the Carriage House have skylights and high, slanted ceilings.

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