“I want you to come here to return to… to return to feelings of nostalgia. To return to life’s simplest pleasures without feeling like you had to create madness to complete your travels.”
We’re in great company with Irene Wood, Founder and Owner of The Fields, where she brings her midwest charm to outdoor hospitality back in her hometown of South Haven, Michigan.
Having grown up on a farm with 5 brothers, Irene had every intention of leaving her small town to travel the world. After doing just that, traveling to the most remote places and staying in the nicest hotels, Irene began to appreciate the beauty of her own backyard.
When her family’s farm went up for sale, she knew this was her moment to showcase and share life’s simplest pleasures at what would become The Field’s. Set on a working blueberry farm, just 3 miles from Lake Michigan, The Fields offers 19 lush guest tents, The Fields Spa, and space for guests to slow down and reconnect.
In this episode, Irene shares how she pays homage to her family’s humbled past, while bringing in new worldly views to her vision for The Fields, the beauty in experiencing The Fields through every season, and why The Fields will always maintain the same intimate feelings of community and connection.
Top Takeaways
[6:25] How traveling the world taught Irene to appreciate where she came from.
[8:35] “Throw the party you want to go to.” And you’ll attract like minded guests.
[11:14] You have to be gentle and patient. Naturally taking care of a farm and animals translates into taking care of people.
[24:18] A warm welcome to The Fields includes a walk through blueberry fields, a communal farm to table dinner, and a campfire under the stars.
[32:18] The beauty in every season at The Fields, from the spring blooms and bees, to the summer sun and the fall kaleidoscope of colors.
[37:00] The reason behind converting from conventional farming to organically grown fields, so all could enjoy.
[39:51] The community of makers creating “charming Americana” in southwestern Michigan.
[46:10] “Life’s answers are in the pause.”
Notable Mentions
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