Bayfield Bed and Breakfast: Pinehurst Inn Blog

Dreamcatcher Sailing & Pinehurst Inn – Apostle Islands Sailing Package

April 27th, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

Bayfield and the Apostle Islands provide opportunity for so many wonderful on-the-water activities. Pinehurst Inn guests are drawn to the area for these adventures. Pinehurst Inn and Dreamcatcher Sailing have once again partnered to provide a wonderful lodging and sailing package. As you will see on the Deamcatcher website, “The secrets of the Apostle Islands expose themselves to those who slowly, quietly explore.”

The Pinehurst Apostle Islands Sailing Package provides a mix of two nights lodging along with the Afternoon Sail with Dreamcatcher Sailing. This 2+ hour trip leaves from Bayfield, one of the most popular sailing ports in the Great Lakes. The amazing number of sailboats reinforces that the presence of the islands sets the stage for this great experience.

Dreamcatcher’s captains are the best! Seasoned sailors, they provide a safe and informational experience. Take the wheel, help with the lines or simply relax – your choice! Let them provide the setting and you determine how involved you want to be.

Two hours not enough? Consider some of their other trips: Island Landing Excursion (goes from 9:30-2:00) or the Sea Caves by Sail out of Cornucopia. Pinehurst Inn is happy to arrange special discounted package pricing on any of these Dreamcatcher opportunities.

Plan ahead. Be sure you can get the Pinehurst guest room you prefer along with the Dreamcatcher Sailing Adventure you want. We can help you make it happen. Be sure to book online or call 877-499-7651 with any questions.

Tags: adventure, Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Dreamcatcher Sailing
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities, Bayfield Wisconsin, Nature Tourism, Packages | Comments Off

Pinehurst Inn earns GreenLeader Platinum with Trip Advisor

April 23rd, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

We are so pleased to see Trip Advisor kicking off their GreenLeaders program. This program will provide travelers with a transparent system to find eco-friendly lodging properties. Over 1000 properties have been “certified” earning one of four levels of certification.

Pinehurst Inn once again stands out as a leader in sustainability and eco-friendly practices. We are very proud to have been involved during the planning phases for this program as we assisted in the development of the survey. In the end, our practices have earned us a Platinum status, the highest available.

So why is this important? We are finding that our guests and the travelers coming to Bayfield are truly interested in finding eco-conscious places to stay, to eat and the recreate. This program, and others such as Travel Green Wisconsin, provide a mechanism to find and support such businesses. We applaud Trip Advisor for recognizing this need and stepping up to create an important travel tool.

Tags: Bayfield, responsible tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Travel Green, Trip Advisor GreenLeader
Posted in Sustainable Tourism | Comments Off

Pinehurst Inn honors Earth Day 2013

April 22nd, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

U.S. Senator and Earth Day Founder Gaylord Nelson was a visionary and lifelong environmental activist.

“The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity… that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.” Gaylord Nelson

Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, was an amazing man. His original intent with the first Earth Day in 1970 focused on education – a “teach-in” of sorts that would provide scientific, factual information as a basis of discussion. Discussion about how our actions are impacting the earth, the animals, the air, the water – and our fellow human beings. The messages continue today. The messages also appear to be becoming more critical as we face changing climate, weather extremes and potential crisis with water and energy systems.

As we created our business at Pinehurst Inn, we realized that we had an opportunity. That opportunity was to not only find ways to save energy & water (thereby saving money!), but also to find ways that support our local economy while also enhancing the guest experience. That opportunity was also to gently let our guests know what we are doing and why. Not to convince them to come over to our way of living or thinking, but to simply plant the seed. Hopefully everyone who comes through our doors sees or reads something of interest, some action or product that they find interesting. Perhaps we are simply trying to start the discussion – our own ongoing “teach-in”.

At least, that’s our goal. Now we simply say to all our guests, friends and peers: Happy Earth Day. May every day be Earth Day as we all move forward to to take baby steps to ensure future generations will find our natural world in a state that will support and grow the global economy. And let us all say a quiet “Thank You” to Gaylord Nelson, a very wise man.

Tags: Earth Day, Nature Tourism, Sustainable Operations
Posted in Bayfield Wisconsin, Sustainable Living, Sustainable Tourism | Comments Off

Spring Equinox at Pinehurst Inn, Bayfield Wisconsin

March 20th, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

From all of us at Pinehurst Inn we wish you a Happy Spring Equinox! I’m not sure what the weather is like elsewhere, but here, we are having a tough time believing it is spring! Two days of snow along with 30-40 MPH winds out of the NW….cold and lots of snow removal going on! The photo to the right was taken yesterday looking over to Madeline Island – notice the swirling snow squalls!

But we know this will change, allowing snows to melt and the signs of spring continuing to show themselves here in Bayfield, WI.

So I thought I share a bit about the Spring Equinox. Also known as the “Vernal Equinox”, the word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” Days and nights are approximately equal everywhere and the Sun rises and sets due east and west. The diagram below provides a visual.

The bottom line? Increasingly longer days, warmer temperatures and the visible signs we all crave! Flowers, leaves, more green, more birds to name a few.

And in Bayfield, other signs of spring: Kurt, our UPS driver is driving the big truck with oh, so many more deliveries coming to all our businesses, flurry of activities in shops and restaurants as they prepare for the coming season. For Pinehurst Inn, the paint brushes come out, rooms torn apart, put back together. Kitchen testing of new recipes. Increased phone calls and inquiries. While we love the slower pace of winter, we thrive on the anticipation of busier days.

Of course, many see the equinox as a sign of new beginnings. Rightfully so. Each new season brings new hope – but none quite so much as spring.

What does the spring equinox mean for you?

Tags: Bayfield, Equinox, spring
Posted in Bayfield Wisconsin | Comments Off

Transition Time at Pinehurst Inn – Is it Winter or is it Spring?

March 18th, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

Seasonal transitions are difficult. As I look out my window here at Pinehurst Inn, Bayfield is getting snow. Again. It’s been a great winter for those of us who love to XC Ski, Snowshoe or simply play in the snow. We’ve seen lots of Pinehurst guests donning their winter gear to head up to Mt Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area – coming back with huge smiles. Other guests have taken it up a step to try dog sledding with Wolfsong Adventures in Dog Sledding, having the opportunity to create a brand new adventure running their own team of dogs. More smiles. And often, these folks come back to Pinehurst Inn prepared to enjoy the sauna.

The opportunities for these adventures will continue through March. This is great news, as we are continuing to offer some wonderful midweek special rates. And we continue to shovel, plow and make sure we are prepared to help our guests make the most of their Bayfield visit in winter, as long as it lasts. But trust us….it will change soon!

When the sun shines, we are feeling warmth. The snow and ice will soon be gone, making way for the gardens, spring cleaning and a different sort of outdoor activities. So it is transition time. Over the next few days, we will be posting our Spring-Summer Specials & Packages on the Pinehurst Inn website. Sailing, kayaking, and other on-the-water activities. On the land, there is golf, hiking, museums, great shopping and eating….well, you get the idea. We can keep you busy.

Our blog posts will certainly be there for you to get the most current information. But don’t forget our Pinehurst Facebook Page – we are actively encouraging our Facebook-friendly guests to “like” our page where we share snippets and announcements. And you have the opportunity to share your thoughts and comments as well. Let’s have some conversations!

We look forward to chatting about making your visit to Bayfield, the Apostle Islands and Pinehurst Inn the best it can be.

Oh, and thank you!

Tags: adventure, Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Hiking, Specials, spring, Winter
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities, Bayfield Wisconsin | Comments Off

Enso Spa Services Set Stage for Blissful Relaxation at Pinehurst Inn

March 12th, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

As I walked out to our Pinehurst Inn parlor this past weekend, I came upon one of our bed and breakfast guests sitting in the rocking chair by the fireplace, gazing peacefully into the flames. I quietly apologized for disturbing her. She mentioned that she’d just come up from Enso Day Spa having had one of their facials. When I asked how she enjoyed the service, her response: “Blissful. Simply blissful. And just look at my afterglow!”

We are so pleased to have Enso Wellness Center & Day Spa as part of the Pinehurst Inn family of partners here in Bayfield – having them located here onsite is a great amenity for our lodging guests seeking pampering services.

So have you ever had a facial? Why would you? What are the reasons to consider allowing yourself this “blissful” experience?

Facials help reduce the impact of sun exposure, smoking and other environmental factors as well as incorrect product use.

Women are more susceptible to aging due to stress. Facials help reduce stress. Stress can certainly speed that aging process we all dread.

During your facial, your licensed esthetician, will recommend appropriate skin care for home use to help you continue the benefits of our facial and correct ongoing skin care issues.

But here’s some really good news. Enso Day Spa is offering a great Enso March Facial Special, offering 27% off on their facials and more! Combine that with some of our Pinehurst specials you can increase the value of a great Bayfield stay and experience that “blissfull afterglow” to boot! Just one more example of the Pinehurst Inn efforts to connect adventure, environment and personal rejuvenation.

Tags: Bayfield, Enso Day Spa, facials, rejuvenation, Specials
Posted in Bayfield Wisconsin, Spa Package | Comments Off

Pinehurst Inn Top 5 Winter Adventures In and Around Bayfield

March 5th, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

The Winter Season in the Bayfield, WI area can be magical. It also can be long. We will typically have in excess of 150 inches of snow in the higher elevations – often around 120 inches here at Pinehurst Inn. The active snow season at our Bayfield B&B can start in December and go through the end of March. Survival of this fairly long season is so much easier if we embrace the outdoor opportunities!

Here are the Pinehurst Inn Top 5 Winter Outdoor Activities:

1. Simply snowshoe the trails behind Pinehurst Inn. Trails can take you up and around numerous ravines and valleys created eons ago. Pikes Creek meanders and weaves it’s way through this rugged landscape. A number of sitting spots are great for simple contemplation or rest.

Photo credit: Hired Lens Photography

2. XC Ski the groomed trails at Mt. Ashwabay Recreation and Ski Area – just a few miles up the hill from Bayfield’s Pinehurst Inn. There are over 40 KM of trails, some groomed for classis and some groomed for skate. This is incredibly beautiful terrain, somewhat challenging on some trails, but worth every minute.

3. Hike or Snowshoe the trail above the Mainland Sea Caves. In the winter the caves have periodically been accessible by ice. This is often NOT safe, so be prepared to take the trail on the land adjacent to the shoreline – you will be trekking some rugged terrain for approximately 2 miles out to get just above the most well know cave structures. Incredible sounds of ice shifting or water swirling within the cave areas can be eerie. We always recommend caution in this trek – be sure to read the information contained in the above link. This is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

4. For a bit more relaxed time, hike or snowshoe the Brownstone Trail. This goes along the old railroad grade coming south out of Bayfield for a few miles. This out and back is a relatively simple trek, also good for a quick run. This trail is managed by the Bayfield Regional Conservancy. Please be respectful of the adjacent property owners by staying on the trail.

5. Snowshoe or XC ski at Big Bay State Park. One of our favorite outings, this trek requires the right conditions: a safe ice road. If the ice becomes safe between Bayfield and Madeline Island, an ice road is plowed that we are able to drive on. Here’s the opportunity to drive on Lake Superior to Madeline Island. Head out to Big Bay State Park – the trails await you! Always check on the conditions of ice road!

For any of these outings, we recommend checking on accessibility, conditions and appropriate preparations.

Let’s make winter a great adventure! Enjoy a pdf version of this Pinehurst Inn’s Top 5 Winter Outdoor Activities.

Tags: adventure, Apostle Islands, Ashwabay, Bayfield, Nature Tourism, relaxation, Winter, Wolfsong
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities, Bayfield Wisconsin | Comments Off

February Starts in Bayfield with Apostle Island Sled Dog Race

February 1st, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

Photo:Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau

February has become the month of play in Bayfield. I am constantly amazed at the ability for the folks who live here to find ways to play and find adventure in the winter. We see a series of events happening through the month, starting with the Apostle Island Sled Dog Race organized by the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau.

The 18th Annual Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race will be held on Saturday and Sunday, February 2nd and 3rd, 2013. Races begin at 10:00 am on both days, with half of the total race distance completed each day. There are two main races: an 8-dog, 80-mile race and a 6 dog, 60-mile race. There’s also a 40-mile Sportsmen’s Race, a 6 to 8-mile Family Race and a 6 to 8-mile Youth Race (16 and under). Multiple spectator locations are available with amenities including a warming tent, concessions and bonfires.

Many Pinehurst Inn guests enjoy this event as spectators, volunteers and even racers. Watching these dogs as they make their way into the chute is amazing. The cacophony of yelping and barking and eagerness to take off followed by silence with only the sound of the sled runners making their way along the trail. Such great winter adventure is simply part of our brand.

Of course, so same guests head back to their eco-elegant lodging accommodations at Pinehurst to enjoy the sauna or their whirlpool tub to warm up, sip some cocoa or wine and simply relax.

What else is coming up? Check it out!

Blue Moon Ball – Feb 9th – Kick up your heels at this winter prom for us “older folks”

Book Across the Bay – Feb 16 – XC ski from Ashland to Washburn on luminary lit trail on ice!

Bayfield Winter Festival – March 1-3 – Winter fun for all!

Tags: adventure, Apostle Island Sled Dog Race, Bayfield, Winter
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities, Bayfield Wisconsin | Comments Off

Snow! Glorious Snow! XC Skiing at its Best!

January 27th, 2013 by Nancy Sandstrom

Photo credit: Hired Lens Photography

Yes, Bayfield has had its share of cold temperatures in recent days, however along with it we’ve received about 18+ inches of new snow – beautiful, white, sparkling snow. So what better time to think about some XC Skiing. For those who aren’t aware of our location, Pinehurst Inn is located about 1.5 miles from Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area.

The Mt. Ashwabay/Jerry Jolly Cross-Country trail system covers 40 km of classic and skate trails with ratings from beginner to expert. All trails inspected daily and are groomed and tracked as needed. The beginner’s trail is the picturesque Sugar Bush Trail. Intermediate terrain can be enjoyed on Anchor, Seagull and Raven trails. Advanced skiers can venture out on the longer 15 km loop, which combines Sugar Bush, Deer Path and Raven trails, returning to the Mt. Ashwabay chalet.

If winter adventure in a picturesque setting is your goal, Pinehurst Inn and Mt. Ashwabay are prepared to meet your needs. Our Pinehurst – Ashwabay XC Ski Package is designed to provide discounted opportunity to enjoy Pinehurst Inn eco-elegant accommodations and a great XC Ski experience. Winter is clearly with us. Let us help you enjoy it!

Tags: adventure, Bayfield, skiing, Winter
Posted in Packages | Comments Off

Happy New Year! Discounted 2013 lodging through end of December, 2012

December 28th, 2012 by Nancy Sandstrom

Enjoy two or more nights in 2013 at a 20% discount. This offer is good through end of day December 31, 2012, so act now!

Book two or more nights and we will apply 20% discount to the applicable room rate! Our way of saying THANK YOU! to all our friends out there. As we start our 17th year here at Pinehurst Inn, we love creating fun and valueable ways for our guests to enjoy Pinehurst Inn, Bayfield and the Apostle Islands.

Be sure to check out the specifics on this offer.

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Discounts, Specials
Posted in Bayfield Wisconsin, Specials | Comments Off

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