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Why Martha Stewart always brings two phones with her on a trip

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/07 .. always-brings-two-phones-with-her-on-a-trip.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 6:37 GMT by USA Today

Martha Stewart’s Hidden Wisconsin Get‑away: A Deep Dive into the Kohler Retreat

When you think of Martha Stewart, the first images that spring to mind are usually a lush kitchen, a perfectly pressed lawn, or a meticulously arranged dining table. Yet, the latest travel feature from USA Today shows that even a media titan can find a quiet, almost magical slice of America off the beaten path. The story chronicles her recent trip to Kohler, Wisconsin—a town steeped in history, luxury, and natural beauty—revealing why even the most seasoned traveler can find new inspiration in a seemingly ordinary place.

Setting the Scene: Kohler, Wisconsin

Kohler is an unincorporated community located in the eastern part of the state, within the city limits of Kohler. Though small in population, the area is a cultural and industrial hub thanks largely to the legacy of the Kohler Company, a family‑run enterprise that has been producing plumbing fixtures, power generators, and automotive parts for over a century. The town’s architecture reflects its industrial past, while the surrounding pine forests and pristine lakes give it an almost New England‑like charm.

The USA Today piece points out that the Kohler area boasts a number of attractions that may not make the usual tourist brochures: the Kohler Collection—a private museum of rare antiques and fine art; the historic Kohler Golf Club; a boutique winery; and the modern Kohler Resort, which has been dubbed “the first of its kind in the Midwest.”

Martha’s Itinerary

Martha Stewart’s trip was meticulously planned, a characteristic of the woman herself. The first day was spent at the Kohler Collection, where she walked through a sprawling 3,000‑square‑foot gallery that houses everything from 18th‑century French furniture to Victorian silverware. “I was immediately struck by the way the pieces tell a story about a family that shaped a town,” she recalled, her voice light and reverent. The museum’s curator, who has worked alongside the Kohler family for decades, explained that the collection not only showcases the family’s tastes but also serves as a time capsule of the American industrial age.

On the second day, Stewart ventured onto the greens of the Kohler Golf Club. The club, founded in the early 1900s, offers a classic 18‑hole course with rolling hills, deep water hazards, and a rich history tied to the town’s founders. Stewart, who’s never been known for her love of sports, admitted that the course’s tranquility was “almost as calming as a well‑crafted kitchen.” A short stop at the club’s adjoining restaurant allowed her to sample a locally sourced lunch—think smoked trout, heirloom potatoes, and a bottle of the Kohler Winery’s signature pinot noir.

The highlight, however, was her stay at the Kohler Resort, a sprawling property built in 1928 that has recently undergone a significant renovation. The resort, a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, boasts 100 rooms, a spa, a Michelin‑starred restaurant, and even a tiny museum dedicated to the life and times of the Kohler family. Stewart spent a full day indulging in the resort’s offerings: a spa treatment featuring locally sourced maple syrup, a guided tour of the historic kitchens, and a private dinner where the chef prepared a menu inspired by Martha’s own cooking style—think seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, and a perfect roast.

Cultural Context and Local Flavor

The article does an excellent job of situating Kohler within a broader cultural context. The town is known for its community events, many of which revolve around the Kohler family’s philanthropic endeavors. The USA Today feature highlighted the town’s annual “Kohler Harvest Festival,” where local farmers sell produce, craftsmen display handmade goods, and the entire town gathers for a potluck lunch that celebrates Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage. Stewart took part in a brief “community service” activity—helping to set up a kitchen for the festival—underscoring her long‑standing commitment to giving back.

Additionally, the piece explores the region’s natural beauty. The Kohler area is adjacent to the Wisconsin River and is surrounded by pine forests that offer hiking, kayaking, and a host of wildlife viewing opportunities. Martha, who has a known affinity for gardening, was photographed sketching the pine forest on a small notepad, her curiosity seemingly endless.

Why This Trip Matters

At first glance, Martha Stewart’s trip to Kohler might seem like a simple “vacation recap,” but the article underscores several deeper themes. Firstly, the story illustrates how a “destination” can feel intimate and personal when it’s steeped in history, community, and natural beauty. Secondly, it highlights the power of a curated experience—Martha’s itinerary was designed to balance heritage, leisure, and philanthropy, a perfect blend for anyone looking to explore a place beyond its surface.

Finally, the piece invites the reader to reflect on what “travel” really means in the 21st century. For someone who has spent decades mastering the art of living, a trip to a quiet Wisconsin town offers a chance to reconnect with the simple joys of nature, history, and community. As Stewart herself reflected at the end of her stay, “There’s something deeply human in a place that has grown with its people for generations, and that’s where true inspiration lies.”

Further Exploration

Readers interested in delving deeper can explore a number of linked resources included in the USA Today feature. The Kohler Collection’s website offers virtual tours of its most prized exhibits, while the Kohler Golf Club’s official page provides detailed course layouts and booking information. The Kohler Resort’s site showcases its updated spa treatments and event planning services, and the town’s official tourism page lists upcoming community events, including the Harvest Festival.

Through these additional resources, visitors can plan their own Kohler experience, whether they’re drawn by the allure of historic architecture, the promise of a serene lakeside retreat, or the charm of a small Midwestern town that has earned its place on the travel map.

In sum, Martha Stewart’s Kohler trip is more than a simple leisure excursion; it’s a testament to the transformative power of place, the importance of community, and the enduring allure of America’s hidden gems. For anyone craving a travel experience that balances heritage, luxury, and personal growth, Kohler, Wisconsin, offers a compelling invitation.