Even the most seemingly insignificant sensory experiences can trigger lasting memories.

For many, those special memories start with the satisfying crunch of fresh snow beneath their tires as they round the bend into Bayfield.

Bayfield is an ideal setting for festive family gatherings, particularly in winter, when a sense of peace seems to blanket the landscape.

Kristen Sandstrom, marketing manager with the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau, explains, “As someone who lives in Bayfield, the one thing I love about being here at this time of year is the sense of peacefulness. It’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the world around you.”

If you’re in need of a winter getaway and on a tight budget, it’s time to get creative. Doing nothing is one of the best reasons to visit Bayfield in the “quiet time,” and that will cost you, well, nothing.

Simple relaxation can be the best part of your getaway, says Sharon Locey, innkeeper at the Thimbleberry Inn.

“Many people come here and just sit in front of the fireplaces and read or play board games,” she says. “It’s a chance for them to rediscover themselves.”

For outdoor aficionados, Lake Superior beckons. When the big lake freezes over, drive the free ice highway to Madeline Island from the mainland, Locey says.

“Once you leave the ice road, head over to Big Bay State Park to cross-country ski. We like to go on Wednesdays and then stop by the Bell Street Tavern for their weekly ‘Ice Road’ chicken dinner specials.”

Sandstrom says one of the big events this holiday season, as it always is, will be seeing Santa arrive in Bayfield aboard the Madeline Island Ferry. Santa makes his appearance on Dec. 12 this year.

“He’ll arrive by noon, followed by a free lunch and photo with Santa,” Sandstrom says.

On Dec. 13, the Big Water Café & Coffee Roasters will host a Christmas cookie decorating party, with all the goodies needed to decorate cookies.

“The only cost for this event is the cost of the cookies, which are sold by the half-dozen,” Sandstrom says.

Strolling through the village and window shopping are favorite pastimes with visitors as well as locals. On Dec. 10, Bayfield features a city-wide open house, with gift-certificate giveaways and special treats at participating businesses.

Naturally appealing

There are plenty of activities in the Bayfield area to keep you content during the holiday season and beyond.

Nancy Sandstrom, innkeeper at the Pinehurst Inn, credits much of Bayfield’s appeal to its natural beauty.

“We provide the setting, guests simply take advantage of it,” she says.

She says that when Bayfield is dressed up in its winter finery, it can be one of the most beautiful times of year to visit.

“You can hike or snowshoe right outside our door,” she says. “Local beaches are also amazing in winter. Yes, the beaches are magnificent to hike, photograph or simply view in wonderment.”

As winter progresses and Lake Superior’s ice gets thicker, one of the most spectacular activities is to hike the ice caves off of Meier’s Beach.

“They’re simply phenomenal and worth a visit,” says Mark Phillips, innkeeper at the Rittenhouse Inn.

Phillips says his family also enjoys the tubing runs at Mount Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area (www.mtashwabay.org).

“It’s a great little ski hill,” he says. “Picture this: A grooming machine tows the tubes to the top of the hill and then kids and adults have the time of their life sliding down.”

Other low-cost and no-cost outings include visiting the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center or the Bayfield Maritime Museum or taking a tour of the South Shore Brewery in nearby Ashland.

Food options

Dining in Bayfield remains a treat, even in winter. True, there are fewer local restaurants open here in the off-season, but superb local food is available at several restaurants.

At the Rittenhouse Inn’s distinctive dining rooms, you can enjoy a five-course chef’s menu.

“But if you’re on a budget or have a lighter appetite, we also have a two-course menu,” Phillips says.

From now through Dec. 26, visitors can enjoy a Wassail Concert featuring the Rittenhouse Singers. The gourmet dinners and musical accompaniments are staged in the Rittenhouse dining rooms.

“At the concert, you’ll receive a $50 gift card that you can use for a return trip to the inn,” Phillips says.

For those who prefer to eat in, the Pinehurst Inn is happy to provide Italian fare from Rachelli’s to enjoy at the inn’s Gathering Room. If you’re headed over to the Good Thyme Restaurant in nearby Washburn, Pinehurst also provides complimentary wine tickets to guests.

At Maggie’s, look for the “Lucky $7” lunch specials and dinner special every night, seven days a week. Also, Big Water Café & Coffee Roasters has a lunch special featuring local foods whenever possible, Kristen Sandstrom says.

Where to stay

There are many lodging choices in Bayfield — in a variety of price ranges. You’ll find motels such as the Seagull Bay Motel, where rooms with water views are priced as low as $40 per night for two people.

If cabins are your thing, consider a full housekeeping cabin from Superior Rentals for $100 a night. The idea is to bring the family so everyone is together in one cozy hideaway. For bigger groups, check out the cabin that accommodates 12.

Of course, there are icons like the Rittenhouse Inn, where last-minute Internet specials can be found, Phillips says. The Thimbleberry Inn, on the shores of Lake Superior and overlooking several Apostle Islands, offers winter rates of $99 per night. Winter specials are available Sunday through Thursday, and the second night is half-price.

“Our winter lodging special includes wood-burning fireplaces, a dessert in front of their fire each night, a morning wake-up basket ... followed by breakfast in the dining room,” Thimbleberry innkeeper Locey says.

Pinehurst has a “Two Good to be True” special from Dec. 26 through May 1, Sunday through Thursday. Stay two nights in a Garden House room for $222.

“These are high-end, eco-elegant rooms with whirlpools, fireplaces and private baths, plus you’ll have Continental breakfast in the Gathering Room of the Garden House,” innkeeper Sandstrom says.

INFORMATION

For details about visiting Bayfield, call the city's Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau at 800-447-4094 or check www.bayfield.org.

 

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