50th Birthday Feast in the Field
For my 50th birthday we had hoped to travel to Scotland, and ride on a luxury train across the country (my #1 bucket list trip!) However, like the rest of the world- we were forced to change our plans due to the worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19.
While thinking of somewhere safe we could drive to and celebrate with our kids and best friends- The Fields of Michigan (also on my bucket list!) immediately came to mind! A Glamping resort in Michigan, it was just a few hours drive, and at the time there were no travel bans to/from Michigan. We were lucky to find a weekend where we could buy out the entire resort in August and invite our Quarantine Crew to join us!
Everyone arrived on Friday, and the incredible Fields owner Irene and Director Mel, set up a cocktail party at the campgrounds, complete with a signature drink made with lavender they grew on site. We then hosted a wood fired outdoor pizza party, served communal style by the pond, then relaxed around the fire pit for some of the most amazing star gazing. (see post here)
Saturday morning we were served delicious breakfast sandwiches & much needed coffee to go. We all headed to the pier in Saugatuck & boarded our retro boats for a tour down the Kalamazoo River. Afterwards, The Fields of Michigan arranged a picnic lunch for us on the beach! (see post here)
Ready to party! Fun fact… the night before I decided to trim the lining of this Staud dress, but cut it way to short… so I cut it even more and tucked it into a pair of jean shorts!
After a day of fun in the sun, everyone returned to their Glamping tents at The Fields to relax and shower (YES their are full bathrooms with showers in every “tent.”)
I took advantage of their supremely comfortable beds and took a nap!
Then we all gathered for games and cocktails at The Willow before dinner. Entertainment was provided by a lively folk duo, Dede and The Dreamers.
The champagne was flowing, and the hors d'oeuvres and laughs were plentiful! I can’t actually think of a better place to spend my birthday- there are some silver linings to this pandemic.
As the sun began to set, we moved to a communal table set in the fields under twinkling lights. The delicious & sumptuous Mediterranean feast was catered by The Organic Gypsy.
The intimate Fields of Michigan provides many areas for entertaining. They actually MOWED a space in their wheat field a few hours earlier & created the most enchanting dining space! Mel even went to a local nursery to pick up some plants and potted herbs (which they sent home with guests the next morning as parting gifts!)
We booked the entire resort for the weekend and took advantage of all the beautiful spots to explore- from casual bike rides around the property, to wandering the blueberry fields- they encourage snacking as you stroll on the fresh blueberries…yum.
2020 will be a year we all remember. Amidst the many challenges and cancelled graduations and celebrations, I will always remember my 50th birthday as a magical weekend in the woods!
I pre-ordered Comfy’s for all our guests. The Fields staff wrapped them up and placed them in the tents for when the guests arrived. We all appreciated them that night, even in August the evenings can get chilly. Every night they light a bonfire and provide s’mores with homemade marshmallows! An added treat- they also light the fire pits outside each tent for you during dinner.
“Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years.”