Bayfield visitors are showing an increasing interest in patronizing lodgings and businesses that are operating in an eco-friendly manner. Pinehurst Inn is very proud to provide premiere eco-friendly lodging. But how do potential visitors know whether the lodging they are considering is truly operating in a sustainable manner?

According to Eco-Green Hotel there are basic areas to probe including energy usage, sourcing of food and supplies and more. This is a good start. Those businesses that truly have sustainable operations will typically have this information on their website and be ready to share more detailed information when asked.

Travelers in Wisconsin can also learn about Wisconsin-based travel industry by checking out Travel Green Wisconsin, a tourism based certification program that rates the level of sustainable operations with a numerical rating system. Pinehurst Inn is pleased to have the highest score in the state as of this writing with a score of 140 points. And as of this writing, Bayfield has 40 Travel Green certified businesses. Bayfield and Pinehurst Inn are clearly great examples of eco-friendly tourism businesses and eco-friendly community.

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Our “Get on the Water” series has featured a number of blog posts on sailing and kayaking – somewhat active ways to be on the water among the Apostle Islands. But not everyone is prepared or physically able to paddle for a few hours or physcially get onto a sail boat. The good news is that the Apostle Island Cruise Service is accessible, relaxing and informative.

The most popular cruise with Pinehurst Inn guests is the Grand Tour, a 3-1/4 hour tour traveling approximately 55 miles among the majority of the 22 Apostle Islands. Their description says it all:

“Throughout this memorable cruise, you’ll pass extraordinary natural scenery, beautiful historic Raspberry and Devils Island Lighthouses, standing rocks, extensive sea caves and marine wildlife. Learn the rich history of centuries of human interaction with Wisconsin’s “Crown Jewels” on majestic Lake Superior.”

The Apostle Island Grand Tour will provide a superb overview of this amazing Apostle Island National Lakeshore. The Grand Tour runs daily through October 13. Starting June 28th a variety of other tours are offered including a shorter Evening Grand Tour, Glass Bottom Boat Tours, Raspberry Island Lighthouse Tours and more.

Sit back a relax and soak in the beauty, the history and the amazing expanse of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

Would you like more help planning your visit to Bayfield and the Apostle Island? Or get the most current specials and packages offered by Pinehurst Inn?

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One of the most common questions we hear is “What should we try to do while we are visiting Bayfield and the Apostle Islands?” During the spring-summer-fall season, I typically will say, “Get out on the water.” Lake Superior has it’s own story. Walking the beaches, gazing out at Madeline Island or Basswood Island (the most visible from Bayfield) is wonderful. But being ON the water takes you to a new level of appreciation.  So over the next few blog posts, we will explore the various ways to put yourself on the water.

We’ve already mentioned the Pinehurst Dreamcatcher Sailing Package in an earlier post. We love sailing and it can be both exhilarating and relaxing.

For the more adventurous folks out there, the Apostle Islands offers magnificent Lake Superior kayaking. Sitting in a this cozy vessel, peacefully paddling in these amazingly clear waters of Lake Superior, floating among the the wooded shorelines or water-ice-carved cave formations – all these experiences and more make this opportunity one not to be missed.

Pinehurst Inn is pleased to partner with Living Adventure, a terrific outfitter ready to create a magnificent paddling experience. LA is once again the recipient of Sea Kayaker Magazine’s prestigious Readers Choice Award for ‘Best Tour Company/Central Division’; an area that encompasses the Great Lakes and Midwest. In other words, they know what they are doing.  The variety of trips offered can be enjoyed by the majority of visitors regardless of experience. The guides will provide training and expertise in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Pinehurst Apostle Island Kayaking Package is a perfect way to start building your Bayfield adventure. Combining eco-elegant lodging with the Living Adventures Sea Caves trip has proven to be a winner with our guests. If you’re looking for a unique opportunity in a beautiful place, this is it. A great way to actively “get out on the water.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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!

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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.

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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.

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