Archive for the ‘Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities’ Category
January 31st, 2012 by Nancy Sandstrom
It’s funny that many people assume that Bayfield closes its doors over the winter months. Even those of us who live here look forward to the quieter months. Yet, once those months arrive, our schedules stay full and there’s always something going on up here. Ironically, the little things that drive people nuts during the summer months are the ones that don’t exist during the winter. You rarely need to search for a parking space. Almost never will you have to wait for a dinner at our local restaurants. It’s simply a quieter place.
That said, what is there to do? There are many different winter events worth checking out in Bayfield – such as the Blue Moon Ball, Apostle Islands Sled Dog Races, Bayfield Winter Festival and more! Beyond that though, check out our local shops. There are quite a few open year round and you’ll have the time and opportunity to chat with the owners. Better yet, if you’re staying at Pinehurst Inn, let us set up a catered meal for you or enjoy a wine tasting from Bayfield Wine & Spirits. Oh, yes – and there’s Enso Wellness Center and Day Spa ready to schedule your massage or facial. Ahhhhh.
I guess one of the harder things about the busier season here is that we don’t have the time that we would like to contribute to each and every visitor. We’d love to see you up here over the next couple of months.
Here’s to a happy and prosperous new year to you all!
Tags: Bayfield, relaxation, Winter
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August 7th, 2011 by Nancy Sandstrom
The Apostle Islands have become incredibly popular for kayakers. The ability to paddle among this amazing group of islands is truly amazing. Pinehurst Inn guests continue to enjoy this on the water activity, many taking advantage of our ongoing packages with local outfitter, Living Adventure. But many come with their own boats, ready to make their way on this inland sea known as Lake Superior.
With adventure comes risks. Sadly one of the most common destinations for kayakers, the Mainland Seacaves, has also been the site of a number of deaths. In both cases hypothermia and being ill prepared were a part of the picture. Waves at the mainland sea caves can be particularly dangerous because of the bowl-like rock cliffs that reflect and amplify waves. Two large waves can combine to form an extremely large wave.The National Park Service and Bayfield area are working to minimize these dangers.
With support from Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and the Friend of Apostle Islands, kayakers now can check wave heights online before visiting the mainland sea caves at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Using a smart phone or the Web, kayakers can check the live conditions report at www.seacaveswatch.org. The website lists the wave height for the previous six hours in 30-minute increments. The site also displays water temperature and photos of the waves at the sea caves, and it relays wind speed and direction recorded at Devil’s Island.
“We hope kayakers will use this system to make good decisions before venturing out onto the lake,” said Bob Krumenaker, superintendent of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. “We hope it will save lives.”
The rule many of us follow on Lake Superior is this: “The Lake is the Boss.” We love this grand body of water but we also recognize how dangerous it can be at times. We appreciate efforts such as this one to make the decision making just a bit easier.
Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, kayaking
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June 8th, 2011 by Nancy Sandstrom
As spring is coming to an end and summer is rapidly approaching so comes the boating season upon Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Every year the Bayfield community offers a blessing to all of the boaters for a safe and plentiful season – this is called the Blessing of the Fleet.
History comes to life with the traditional Blessing Ceremony this Sunday, June 12th at 1:00pm: commercial fishing boats, tugs, powerboats, sailboats, excursion and transportation craft, and rowboats parade through Bayfield’s City Harbor. As they pass by the tip of the pier, clergy from the Apostle Islands community grant each vessel a blessing for safe passage and a prosperous season on Lake Superior. Lake Superior is Bayfield’s lifeblood. The Lake has drawn countless people to this area, from the Ojibwe, to the fur traders and missionaries, to commercial fishermen, and finally to tourists and pleasure boaters. In the late 1950′s Bayfield inaugurated the Blessing of the Fleet to honor its fishing families who formed the backbone of the area’s economy.
This event is open to all boaters, from kayaks and rowboats to fishing and sailboats. The Ferry Line has even been known to bring a few of their boats through for the annual blessing. Come to Memorial Park for a brief ecumenical service before the ceremony and then enjoy seeing the variety of boats get their blessing for a happy, safe and bountiful boating season.
If you are interested in participating in the Blessing, feel free to contact the Bayfield Chamber with any questions at 715-779-3335 or email Erin at erin@bayfield.org.
Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Chequamegon Bay, kayaking, Madeline Island, Music, sailing
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May 31st, 2011 by Nancy Sandstrom
Pinehurst Inn, known for eco-elegant Bayfield lodging, is thrilled to be partnering with Dreamcatcher Sailing as they begin their 2011 sailing season. This is a great opportunity to sail around Bayfield and among the Apostle Islands with a great group of people.
The Apostle Islands have long been a mecca for boaters and sailers. The island’s protected bays, public docks, pristine beaches, historic sites and natural beauty offer outstanding boating opportunities.
Whether you are a seasoned sailor or complete novice, you will feel at home. Take the time to learn from the USCG licensed captain or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. This year Dreamcatcher is offering a premium Sea Caves Trip (July & August) from Cornucopia Harbor in addition to their Apostle Islands trip out of Bayfield.
Dreamcatcher is Travel Green Wisconsin certified and provides a true eco-tour on each trip. Whether viewing bird life or learning the ideosycracies of Lake Superior, you can sense their dedication to operating with respect for the enviroment.
The Pinehurst By Sea Sailing Package offers a great chance to experience Dreamcatcher. If the package doesn’t fit your schedule, let us know and we can customize for you. We look forward to hearing your sailing stories!
Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Eco-Tourism, sailing, Specials
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May 12th, 2011 by Nancy Sandstrom
Pinehurst Inn loves this time of year in Bayfield, a community that celebrates spring. Bayfield in Bloom is just one way we recognize the arrival of spring and pending summer.
What does Bayfield in Bloom offer for our guests?
- Enjoy the opening of this month long promotion with live broadcast of WPR’s Larry Meiller’s “Garen Talk” show from the Bayfield Pavilion on Friday, May 13th from 11am – 12:30pm. While you’re there, enjoy the numerous vendors providing books, plants, information and education on all topics green.
- Explore Bayfield’s best gardens at the June 4th Garden Tours. Or take your own self-guided tour.
- Head up to Hauser’s Superior View Farm – this wonderful local farm has been growing field grown perennials for years. What a treat to head into their barn and be able to pick from freshly dug perennials. Plus there’s a amazing views!
- Bike or drive the Bayfield orchards bursting with Apple Blossoms.
For us at Pinehurst Inn, the gardens are clearly calling us. Yes, we too have daffodils beginning to bloom – but more than that. This property has over 100 years of “growing history”. For many years in the early 1900s the fields to the south were filled with strawberries. And even then, the perennials were being grown within the stone pathed garden. During our ownership we’ve expanded those perennials and they merge with the native gardens surrounding the Garden House. And as we’ve expanded these areas, we’ve added in numerous herbs, and other edibles that enhance our breakfasts. Then of course there is Steve’s ever expanding vegetable garden.
To add to the celebration, Pinehurst Inn is pleased to offer a wonderful Bayfield in Bloom midweek discount!
Whether you have a green thumb or just enjoy the beauty, join us for Bayfield in Bloom. Here’s the bayfield-in-bloom-schedule.
Tags: Bayfield in Bloom, Bayfield Orchards, Mid-week Discount, Specials
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April 25th, 2011 by kristensandstrom
We would like to wish a Happy Easter to all of our guests. We can only hope that your day was as absolutely perfect as ours. Yesterday was the first truly warm and beautiful day of spring in Bayfield. The Sandstrom family spent the whole day essentially enjoying each other and this beautiful place we live in. Our day began with a scrumptious french toast breakfast and then a long hike in the Sugar Bush (these trails are just two miles from Pinehurst!). It is always amazing to me how much fun it can be to go hiking with a 3-year old. The things that they notice are truly amazing and remind us to really appreciate this place.While the ground cover and trees are still fairly brown up here, Aidyn was eager to point out many little green spots along the trails, animal tracks and more. The moss on the rocks, the small saplings breaking through the leaves on the ground, and even a croxus here and there peaking up at us. Things are really coming back to life around here! The higher we got on this trail the more we could see. Off in the distance we could see the sparkling waters of Lake Superior.
Of course as our day continued, we dyed eggs and had a brief Easter Egg hunt. The day ended with a perfect meal including chickens from our local farmers, asparagus and carrot cake cupcakes! What more could we ask for?
With the warmer temps here we are so excited to get into our gardens, paint a few more walls and simply make Pinehurst look as good as possible for all of our spring and summer visitors. We look forward to sharing our amazing home with you all very soon!
Tags: Bayfield, Hiking, Nature Tourism, relaxation
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January 12th, 2011 by Nancy Sandstrom
We are so fortunate in Bayfield to be situated on the South Shore of the grand Lake Superior – this time of year provides lake effect snow, resulting in frequent snowfall, preserving the clean winter vista while also providing consistent snow for outdoor play. With this in mind, we are happy to provide out top 5 Winter Adventure recommendations:
1. Bayfield Peninsula provides magnificent terrain for dog sledding! Consider a Wolfsong Dog Sledding trip. Their trips are magnificent! Be sure to check out Pinehurst Dog Sledding Packages.
2. Mt Ashwaybay Ski Area provides downhill skiing, over 40 km of beautiful XC Ski and snowshoe trails. Just up 2.5 miles up the hill from Pinehurst Inn.
3. As safety allows, visit the Mainland Sea Caves. Magnificent winter landscapes unique to Lake Superior and rugged shoreline. Typically accessible late February. Always check the National Park Service website for current conditions and safety recommendations.
4. Make your way to Madeline Island! Whether by ferry, windsled, or ice road, this is a true adventure.
5. While on Madeline, head out if able to Big Bay State Park for some great snowshoeing along the sandstone cliffs.
All of these activities will get you out to incredibly beautiful areas, view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Island, serene hardwood and pine forests. Some simple ways to embrace winter in your search for adventure.
Watch for our upcoming post on the Pinehurst Inn Top 5 Winter Relaxation Ideas!
Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Dog Sledding, Ice Caves, responsible tourism, skiing, snowshoeing
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December 7th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom
We were pleased a few days ago to get an email from a freelance travel writer, Jeanette Hurt, who shared an article on Third Coast Digest featuring both Wolfsong Adventures and Pinehurst Inn. Jeanette and her husband visited Bayfield and Pinehurst last winter.
This article provides a great overview of a day of dog sledding – getting to know the dogs, learning to harness, learning to drive your own team, and more. And to finish your day back at Pinehurst Inn with a whirlpool or sauna (or both!) – what more could you ask for!
So if you’ve considered the Pinehurst Inn Dog Sledding Package, this piece may just convince you to act! We look forward to helping set the stage for a great winter adventure (along with just a bit of relaxation).
Remember that you can book online or call 877-499-7651.
Tags: adventure, Bayfield, Dog Sledding, Specials
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November 29th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom
Well, the time has come to decorate our beautiful old home for the holiday season. We will be heading out to Hauser’s Tree farm today to cut our own trees, and then the process of getting all of those boxes from the attic begins. While there are certainly times that this can seem tedious and overwhelming, we really attempt to make it a special time at Pinehurst. Turn on the John Denver & The Muppets Christmas album, heat up the kettle for tea and hot chocolate and away we go!
Opening up these old boxes is always fun and takes twice the time it should due to stories about when we got certain ornaments, or noticing the dates and stories on the newspaper used to wrap the decorations, or simply stopping to sing along with Kermit and Miss Piggy. We all have these different holiday traditions. At Pinehurst we decorate two trees. The larger one as you walk in to the main house is full of our family ornaments and decor. It’s a stroll down memory lane for the Sandstrom family, but our guests seem to love it too, when they notice that “we have that ornament too!” We do have a smaller tree on the landing in the main house as well, full of musical notes, instruments and more. Music is one of the biggest treats of the holiday season, and this small tree just serves as a reminder to all of us to keep singing along! Under this charming small tree, we take special time to arrange all of Nancy’s caroler collection in the perfect choir. There are plenty of other touches throughout the Inn such as Santa Claus figures along the mantle and garlands dressing the windows.
The most important thing about all of this decorating is spending the time with family and enjoying the moment. Please be sure to take time with your friends and family this year and continue all of those old traditions, and try to think of some new ones too!
Off to cut down our Christmas trees…
Tags: Bayfield, Entertainment, family tradition, History
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It’s funny that many people assume that Bayfield closes its doors over the winter months. Even those of us who live here look forward to the quieter months. Yet, once those months arrive, our schedules stay full and there’s always something going on up here. Ironically, the little things that drive people nuts during the summer months are the ones that don’t exist during the winter. You rarely need to search for a parking space. Almost never will you have to wait for a dinner at our local restaurants. It’s simply a quieter place.
