Experience The 'Old West' At One Of Michigan's Oldest Restaurants
By Jack Springgate|Published October 19, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
Folks often feel nostalgic about the Wild West from what they’ve seen in movies and on TV. While living the actual cowboy lifestyle might not be for everyone, their recipes live on in a variety of ways. Thankfully, there are restaurants that take their inspiration from the Old West and elevate it for modern palates. No place in Michigan does this better than the White Horse Inn in Metamora.
You wouldn’t find cooking this good back in the Old West. However, the White Hores Inn building is anything but modern. This plaque gives visitors an insight into its more than 170-year-old history.
Originally built as a general store and feed shop, it remained that way for nearly 70 years. It officially changed its name to the White Horse Inn when the building was purchased in 1923.
The second half of this building’s life comes after its 1923 rebrand. According to the restaurant's history page, the building went through years of neglect.
They redesigned the interior and reopened in 2014. Their beautiful dining room and atmosphere pay homage to the days of yesteryear. There are even stagecoach and fox hunt accents around every turn.
Even though the interior changed, the menu stuck with the classics. Many of the menu items received an upgrade. One that stayed true to form is the pot roast.
This fall-apart roast comes with a deep, rich gravy. This one is worth a full day’s ride on horseback just to get a plate.
This beats canned beans by a mile. Their Cowboy Mac n’ Cheese is the perfect meal after a day out on the ranch. It uses cavatappi pasta with a five-cheese blend and comes topped with slow-smoked pulled pork, candied bacon, and panko breadcrumbs.
There’s nothing more comforting after a delicious meal than a warm dessert. The White Horse Inn doesn’t leave you hanging either. Their warm bread pudding will have you wishing you didn’t fill up on pot roast.
Don’t underestimate the baked-to-order chocolate chip cookies either. They perfected another classic with these treats.
The White Horse Inn takes its dining experience just as seriously as it takes its menu. There are so many ways to enhance your meal, whether that’s in one of their luxury igloos or during their holiday light display. The restaurant is also in a beautiful rural area that’s perfect for a family camping trip. Explore more possibilities by making this part of your next RV adventure.
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