Apostle Islands | Bayfield Bed and Breakfast: Pinehurst Inn

Posts Tagged ‘Apostle Islands’

15th Annual Apostle Island Lighthouse Celebration

August 15th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom

“Within the boundaries of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the largest and finest single collection of lighthouses in the country.”

- F. Ross Holland, Jr., Great American Lighthouses, 1994

Raspberry Island Lighthouse, Apostle Island National Lakeshore

If you enjoy lighthouses, Bayfield is the place to be from August 25th – September 11th. The 15th Annual Apostle Island Lighthouse Celebration offers the opportunity to explore the 9 wonderful lighthouses still on the various Apostle Islands.

During this time, there are a variety of lighthouse tours offered, the Keeper’s Reunion Day and Keeper’s Dinner (September 10th), a variety of presentations by Apostle Island National Lakeshore staff, and presentations and signings from a variety of lighthouse artists and authors.

Here’s the message – if you are into lighthouses, make the time to visit. These are beautiful structures that are being perserved for all to enjoy – a very important part of Bayfield and Lake Superior history.

If interested in more information call 1/800/779/4487 or visit the Apostle Island Lighthouse Celebration website.

Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Island Cruises, lighthouses, Sustainable Tourism
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities, Lake Superior B&B | No Comments »

So, what do people do on Madeline Island anyway?

July 15th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom

Madeline Island Museum, just a short walk from the ferry dock.

Once you have made your way across the Chequamegon Bay on the Ferry to Madeline Island many people wonder what they should do next. In a previous post we mentioned having a meal at Lotta’s Lakeside Cafe, which is of course a culinary delight including local foods and a fabulous wine list.

But there is so much more. Just a few steps from the ferry dock you’ll find the Madeline Island Museum. This small museum will show you so much about the history of Madeline Island and the Village of La Pointe. Did you know that La Pointe was founded before Bayfield? There are amazing fur trading exhibit, Ojibwe exhibits and a wonderful short film for all to watch with music provided by the performers at Big Top Chautauqua.

What’s next?

The bridge over the lagoon at the Madeline Island Town Park

Why not drive or bike out to the Madeline Island Town Park? Here you will find some of the most beautiful beach on the Island. The water at the town park is generally quite shallow and perfect for the kids to play.

There is also a breathtakingly beautiful lagoon perfect for canoeing and birdwatching – there is a certain serenity and peacefulness in this area that truly takes you away from the outside world. The other great thing about this lagoon is the warmth of the water. If you are not the type to enjoy the “refreshing” coolness of Lake Superior, try the lagoon!

There are many other wonderful places to explore on Madeline Island – the shops, the state park with its brownstone cliffs, the golf course and the restaurants. These are just a few of the things that our family loves about Madeline. Most of all it is a great place to escape to and enjoy the history and beauty of this area that we are so very lucky to call home.

Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Biking, History, Madeline Island, Madeline Island Ferry
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities, Madeline Island | No Comments »

The Magic of the Madeline Island Ferry

July 8th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom

Located at the gateway to the Apostle Islands on the south shore of Lake Superior in Northern Wisconsin, Madeline Island Ferry Line provides passenger, bicycle and car transportation between the picturesque towns of LaPointe and Bayfield. The 25-minute trip provides spectacular views of the Lake itself and several of the 22 Apostle Islands.

As a child, my family spent part of every summer on Madeline Island. And as our girls grew up, they too experienced this magical time each summer. One of the most exciting parts of our trips was the increased anticipation as we drove onto the Madeline Island Ferry to make our voyage across the bay to Madeline Island.

Now we watch our guests come and go, most making a decision to take this same journey over to Madeline Island. And many come back expressing the same joy at this unique form of transportation. It seems that the ferry ride is the transport to a bit of another world.

From the ferry, you are able to get a completely different view of Bayfield and the hills surrounding this small city – amazing in the fall!
Taking the ferry in the evening for a quick dinner at Lotta’s Lakeside Cafe can be amazing with the sunset over the mainland as you return to Bayfield.
Rough water? No fear – the captains maneuver these “boats” with amazing skill.

Madeline Island Ferry Line is also Travel Green Wisconsin certified – working on incorporating sustainable business practices that improve their bottom line. Examples include solar panels on the Ferry Terminal, use of biodegradable, vegetable based hydraulic fluids in engines and more.

Yup, taking the Madeline Island Ferry never ceases to give me joy. But then we get to Madeline Island itself….ah, there’s more to the story.

Tags: Apostle Islands, Madeline Island, Madeline Island Ferry, responsible tourism, Sustainable Tourism
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Pinehurst Inn loves Living Adventures – Apostle Island Kayaking Up and Running

May 25th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom

Pinehurst Inn guests have discovered that kayaking on Lake Superior among the Apostle Islands is something of a dream. And who better to work with than Living Adventures, a Bayfield based kayak outfitter.

Living Adventures offers a variety of kayaking trips, each with experienced guides who know and understand kayaking, Lake Superior. The trips are open to both beginner and experienced paddlers, providing great instruction and a strong emphasis on safety on the water.

Their philosophy rounds out their trips:

A “Living Adventure” trip can be the thrill of an outdoor experience, the satisfaction of art expression, or the quiet knowing gleaned from an insightful conversation; experiences that create new perspectives on ourselves and the world we live in.

Living Adventures day trips include:

Sea Caves Full Day Trip (includes fantastic lunch!)
Red Cliff Point Day Tour (includes fantastic lunch!)
Ship Wreck Half Day Trip

Overnight Trips are available as well.

Pinehurst Inn Innkeepers are happy to work with our guests to set up a Living Adventures “adventure” – consider combining this with some Enso Day Spa services and you’ll have it made!

Have you paddled among the Apostle Islands? Share your story!

Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, kayaking, Nature Tourism, Wisconsin
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities | No Comments »

Dreamcatcher Sailing up and “sailing” for the season

May 21st, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom

Pinehurst Inn guests come to Bayfield to enjoy many different activites. One of the most popular is sailing.

Sail Magazine lists Bayfield as one of the top ten places to sail in America and once you’re here, you’ll know why. Explore places that provide pristine sand beaches amidst crystal clear water of Lake Superior, hearing only the periodic luff of the sails and the swishing sounds as the boat cuts through the water.

Dreamcatcher Sailing, Bayfield, Wisconsin just announced that their charter sailing is open for the 2010 season, offering sailing every day with two options. The Island Excursion runs from 9:30am – 2:30pm as they sail out to one of the Apostle Islands where they may anchor in the island’s protection to enjoy the fresh catered lunch or use their zodiac to explore the beaches or perhaps take a swim.

The second option is the Afternoon Sail running from 3:00pm – 5:30pm. This shorter sail provides a taste of sailing the Apostles. The option is there to either sit, relax as the captain manages the boat, or be active as you take the helm or trim the sails.

Captain John Thiel and his crew do a superb job of helping novice sailors learn about sailing, about Lake Superior, the islands and more as noted by their tagline: “Hands On Apostle Island Sailing Adventures.” Dreamcatcher is also Travel Green certified – John has done a great job of finding a variety of ways to operate his boats with an eye to energy conservation and more. Take some time to chat with him about this approach to running his sail charter business.

Pinehurst Inn is pleased to provide a great sailing package with Dreamcatcher Sailing – to be announced in a subsequent blog post!

Have you sailed the Apostle Islands or with Dreamcatcher? Share your stories and photos.

photo credit: Dreamcatcher Sailing

Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, sailing, WI, Wisconsin
Posted in Bayfield & Apostle Island Activities, Nature Tourism | No Comments »

Signs of Spring at Pinehurst Inn

May 13th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom

We know that spring has truly arrived in Bayfield simply by our wildlife viewing. As we worked in the Pinehurst Inn kitchen a few days ago, a familiar red fox was sitting on the driveway enjoying the sunshine. We’ve noticed this fox roaming the property regularly keeping the mouse population down! As we hiked the trail behind the Bayfield Fish Hatchery earlier this week, the “drumming” of the ruffed grouse resonated through the forest – this thumping is their mating call. Black bear wander these same trails as evidenced by the significant tracks in the muddy by Pikes Creek shoreline.

But more than anything, we are aware of the migrating birds. For the birders out there, we are clearly in the midst of prime birding season with the Apostle Islands providing an ideal migratory route. The Warblers are evident – seemingly at their normal time in spite of the early spring we’ve had. Also seen and heard: hermit thrush, woodpeckers hammering out their mating calls, broad wing hawks and turkey vultures.

The wildlife viewing in the area can be amazing. But it does help to have someone like Steve to help you understand what we’re seeing and hearing!

Pinehurst Innkeepers are pleased to provide any of our guests with birding and hiking suggestions – a great way to enjoy the Bayfield peninsula. This is nature tourism at its best.

If you are a birder, what are some of your favorite birding spots? Please share!

Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Nature Tourism
Posted in Nature Tourism | No Comments »

Pinehurst Inn Blog – Opportunity to share

May 8th, 2010 by Nancy Sandstrom

We are very excited to have our new Pinehurst Inn website up and running – and to have this blog a part of our ongoing effort to communicate with our guests and visitors.

So let us share the top 5 reasons to check into the Pinehurst Inn Blog regularly:

1. Stay currents on Pinehurst Inn specials, discounts and add-ons – all designed to enhance your Pinehurst experience at great value.
2. Enjoy up-to-date information on events in Bayfield, allowing you to plan your visit.
3. Are you a foodie? We’ll provide orchard updates and restaurant reviews, specials menus items and more.
4. Ah, the Apostle Islands. Period posts providing information on how to best enjoy this archipelago known as the Apostle Islands.
5. Enjoy periodic bits of information on our environmental efforts, sustainable tourism and our green philosophy.

And while you’re at it, let us know your thoughts – we love to hear from you!

Tags: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Bayfield Orchards, Discounts, Specials, Sustainable Tourism
Posted in Lake Superior B&B | No Comments »

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