SPRING. There isn’t another season that builds more anticipation.

The warmer weather brings dreams of backyard barbeques and beach days. The smell of brats sizzling on the grill and Coppertone sunscreen. You’re ready – but we’re not there just yet.

The grass is starting to green and crocuses have bloomed. Bright green leaves poke through the ground, seducing you to watch for their flowers yet to come.

The ice is disappearing from Chequamegon Bay. And choruses of birds are welcome reminders that winter is really over.

How about the smells? You know what I’m talking about – the first warm rain and the smell of dried mud clinging to your boots. You can smell green!

You trade in snow boots for rain boots, eager to venture into your backyard vegetable garden and perennial flower beds. You check the weather and know mother nature hasn’t completely loosened her grip on the cold – but soon.

In Bayfield, the farmers are preparing. Apple trees are being pruned and fences mended. Spring is a time to prepare for the upcoming harvests.

If you’re a planner you have already started your seeds under a light or next to your south-facing window. Seedlings have sprouted and the promise of fresh summer tomatoes teases your taste buds.

Or if you’re like us early spring planting slips by without even a nudge. You peruse the Better Homes & Garden Magazine while standing in the grocery line and think “someday” or, “if only I had the time.”

You envision yourself strolling down the aisle of a greenhouse. Dressed in a hip pair of overalls, a sleeveless tank top, and chic ankle-style mud boots. Just like the woman in the Duluth Trading Company ads.

The warm humid air greets you as soon as you walk in the door of your local nursery. The smell of soil, leaves, and petals fill your nostrils. Subtle splashes sound underfoot. Purple, pink, yellow, orange, and green surround you. You take a deep breath, lower your shoulders, and find a moment of peace.

Then there’s the reality of it all. You stop by a greenhouse in the middle of errands with at least one child who does not have the patience for you to carefully select the perfect plant.

“Can we go yet?” is repeated over and over. Or they have lots of ideas of which plants you should pick and eagerly pull them off the shelves to show you.

A relaxing springtime daydream is actually a stressful, rushed reality. You put everything back and go home with nothing.

You’re in need of a springtime recharge now more than ever before, and we’re ready to welcome you in for some much-needed rest at Seagull Bay Lakeside Motel. Here’s why a Bayfield getaway is the restful recess you deserve.

Spring in Bayfield

Spring and Bayfield. Rarely do these two words go together when you think about visiting – but we think May is an ideal time to visit Bayfield.

It’s the perfect place to recharge and be inspired by beautiful landscapes. Here you find orchards, wineries, and greenhouses waiting to greet you.

Bayfield’s rich farming history is dotted throughout its hills. It boasts orchards and fields of berries, cherries, apples, perennials, grapes, and hazelnuts.

Bayfield’s Rich Farming History

Bayfield’s commercial farming dates back to 1870 when an Apostle Islands lighthouse keeper began to experiment with growing fruit trees on Michigan Island.

Roswell H. Pendergast and his wife, Helen, planted over 1,000 trees and a variety of shrubs testing Lake Superior’s microclimate. After establishing an extensive orchard they began to sell fruit trees and other plants to Bayfield residents.

In 1905, William Knight planted the first commercial apple orchard on the mainland of Bayfield. Outside the city limits, Knight planted 20 acres of apple trees and 20 acres of cherry trees. Some of these heirloom trees are still harvested today at Hauser’s Superior View Farm.

The Best of Bayfield’s Plants and Flower

Hauser’s Superior View Farm is a 5th-generation farm located 1.6 miles from Seagull Bay. Hauser’s is well known for its bare root perennials. Bare root perennials are known for their hardiness and are ideal for growing in zones 3 and 4. Here you will also find:

• Annuals
• Fruit Trees
• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Hazlenut Seedlings
• And more… – 8 pages more when scrolling through their website.

But we recommend strolling through their red barn instead.

April 29th marked the annual opening and much anticipated “Red Barn Plant Sale” at Hauser’s.

This 1920s barn was mail-ordered from Sears Roebuck in the 1920s and hauled up from the city of Bayfield by horse-drawn wagons. Costing a mere $896.00 dollars the red barn stands high on the hill overlooking Lake Superior and provides the inspiration found in its name.

Tetzner’s Greenhouse in Washburn WI

Another local favorite is Tetzner’s greenhouse located outside of Washburn – 16 miles from Seagull Bay. Tetzner’s greenhouse is a family-owned business and sits above the family’s dairy farm that dates back to the late 1800s.

Tentzner’s greenhouse is home to rows upon rows of annuals, vegetables, and indoor plants. Plan ahead and reserve one of their curated hanging baskets that perfectly adorn any home. They’re also a lovely reminder of your weekend away in Bayfield.

Bring Home a Piece of Bayfield

Like Bayfield’s historic family-owned fruit farms, Seagull Bay – A Lakeside Motel lends itself as a Bayfield staple. Dating back to the 1940s, Seagull Bay has greeted guests for almost 80 years.

We can’t wait to dress the motel with hanging baskets of flowers and plants throughout the property. Until then we invite you to beat the summer rush and indulge yourself in a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway.

Visit Hauser’s Superior View Farm and take your time as you orchestrate your plantings. And for those busy mama’s out there – or anyone that needs some extra time to recharge – we’re offering an extra 10% off!

Stay 2 nights at Seagull Bay – A Lakeside Motel in May and receive 10% off! (excludes Memorial Day weekend, family units, and can’t be used in conjunction with other promotions)

Use promo code: MAMAS22

BOOK NOW your room is ready.

Your hosts,

Mollie, Issac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

QUICK LINKS:

Hauser’s Superior View Farm

Bayfield Chamber of Commerce – Orchards and Berry Farms