Acorn Ridge Motel Blends Mid-Century Charm With New Guest Experiences Under New Local Ownership

Mae and Mark Wilton purchased Acorn Ridge Motel at the corner of 23 and 73 in Princeton, WI from longtime owners Eric and Linda Johnson in May 2024, marking the start of a thoughtful transformation that honors the motel’s retro identity while introducing modern comforts and new gathering spaces.

Under Eric and Linda’s stewardship, Acorn Ridge Motel had earned a reputation as a rare time capsule, known for its impeccably clean rooms and authentic mid-century modern style. Following the purchase, Eric and Linda continued to live onsite in the motel’s office residence while managing daily operations and mentoring the Wiltons through the ins and outs of running the property. When Eric and Linda moved into their new home in October 2024, the Wiltons officially stepped into full operations, carefully building upon a proven foundation of warm hospitality, retro charm, affordability, and exceptional cleanliness.

Acorn Ridge Motel Room - Pre Renovations This was what the rooms looked like when Mark and Mae Wilton purchased the motel

​With the help of Mae’s father, Tim Walsh, the Wiltons updated flooring in many rooms and introduced new bedding, Keurig coffee machines, upgraded televisions, and improved Wi-Fi. These enhancements were designed to add modern comfort while maintaining the motel’s distinctive vintage feel. In the coming year, guest rooms will also feature new artwork showcasing historical images from the area, a project completed with assistance from the Princeton Historical Society.

Rooms Post Renos After redoing the bedding and floors (along with other updates, this is what the rooms now look like - new artwork coming soon!)

Beyond room upgrades, the Wiltons recognized an opportunity to expand the guest experience. Over the years, visitors naturally gravitated toward the motel’s outdoor spaces, gathering outside their rooms, on the deck, and around the charcoal grills. Longtime guests often reminisced about Bernie's Italian Steakhouse, once located across the street, and the sense of community that came with having a nearby place to sit, gather, and unwind.

Bar Basement Before This is the basement when it was Eric and Linda’s own private rec room, that showcased Eric’s trophies and served as a fun gathering place for their friends and family. Not pictured is a small bar

Inspired by guests’ love of gathering and the nostalgia of a place to sit, unwind, and share stories, Mae and Mark transformed the basement of the motel office into a fully licensed public bar now known as Tim’s Hardware Store. The space had previously served as a private rec room and bar for former owners Eric and Linda Johnson, and it was where many of the purchase conversations took place, making it a natural setting for the next chapter of the property. The bar’s name is a nod to Mae’s father, Tim, who built the entire space by hand. Growing up, “the hardware store” was often Tim’s lighthearted alibi, and bringing that phrase to life felt like a fitting tribute. Since opening its doors on October 3, Tim’s Hardware Store has quickly become a lively gathering place for motel guests, golf and fishing groups, and the local community alike.

Bar Basement Same Angle Post Taken from the same spot in the basement as the before picture, this is what the basement looks like now as Tim’s Hardware Store.

​Looking ahead, the Wiltons are exploring additional improvements, including enhanced parking and the creation of outdoor seating areas for the summer months. Their vision remains rooted in preserving what makes Acorn Ridge Motel special while continuing to evolve it into a welcoming destination that blends nostalgia, comfort, and connection.

​For more information, visit acornridgemotel.com or follow Acorn Ridge Motel on social media
@acornridgemotel and @timshardwarestore.

Mae and Mark with previous owners - Eric and Linda Johnson This photo was taken at the Title company on the day of closing