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The Story Behind Dining Inn
Across America people are packing their bags, loading up their cars, and driving to small, scenic Inns for a few days rest and relaxation. Midwest Living Magazine states “More Americans will choose to take short vacations (up to 3 days), driving to locations within three hours (200 miles) of where they live than ever before.” Getaways to B&B’s and Inns are quickly becoming one of America’s favorite ways to travel. Whether these relaxing destinations are nestled deep in the country, or sit city center in the heart of a bustling metropolis, people seek out the hospitality, personal service, and fine dining that are the hallmarks of small Inns.
Meet your Host
Your host for DINING INN is Michele Ikerd, a model, single mom, chef and culinary traveler. Michele is a self-confessed “foodie” and lover of small inns and intimate hotels. Michele spends her days planning travel adventures and seeking out new and delicious food. As Host of DINING INN, Michele will introduce the location, the inn, and the owners. Michele will also cook the inn’s signature dish alongside the inn’s chef.
Season 1 | Episode 1
The Hotel Saugatuck has a long and varied history. Originally built in 1865 as an ice house, it’s been a tannery and a lumber mill which made doors, sashes, and eventually wooden barrels. In 1922, it became The Twin Gables Hotel and restaurant, a frequent escape destination from Chicago during prohibition, and a hangout for members of Al Capone’s notorious crime family, The Twin Gables Hotel and restaurant went through cycles of success and failure over the next 8o years.
In the late 2000’s, the buildings were finally shuttered and lay vacant for three years before brothers Tim and Al Heminger decided to bring the inn back to its former glory. Al and his wife, Karrie, are longtime Michigan innkeepers. Al has also served on the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association. In late 2016, after two years of extensive repairs and renovation, the Heminger’s reopened the property as The Hotel Saugatuck, an elegant 18 room boutique inn with breathtaking views of Kalamazoo Lake. Guests fell in love with the Inn, calling it “a perfect respite from the world.”
Sean Kramer and Farrell Leo run the day to day world of The Hotel Saugatuck, coming to Michigan after successful hospitality stops in Jamaica, Lake Tahoe, Park City, Utah and most recently Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their signature breakfast is Chardonnay basted eggs served over a mushroom hash. The dish is served alongside an array of locally produced yogurt with seasonal Michigan berries and fruits—a guest favorite.
In production now, Ep 1 THE HOTEL SAUGATUCK
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The Story Behind Dining Inn TV
Discover the story behind Dining Inn TV and how it has impacted audiences all over the world. Follow the journey of the characters and the emotional rollercoaster that they take you on.
Meet the Host
Your host for DINING INN is Michele Ikerd, a model, single mom, chef, and culinary traveler. Michele is a self-confessed “foodie” and lover of small inns and intimate hotels. Michele spends her days planning travel adventures and seeking out new and delicious food. As Host of DINING INN, Michele will introduce the location, the inn, and the owners. Michele will also cook the inn’s signature dish alongside the inn’s chef.