Family vacation, Fall 2016
Ask me one of my favorite places in the world and I can tell you without hesitation: Bayfield in the fall. My family's been going up north to this small town on Lake Superior ever since I was born, and my mom had gone with her family ever since she was a little girl, too. So yeah, it holds a special place in all of our hearts.
Apple Fest is the big annual draw to Bayfield, but we always visit the weekend after to avoid the crowds. Our trip itinerary isn't full of spills and thrills, and that's exactly why it's so perfect. It's just what a small town, up north weekend should be. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in the little gem that is Bayfield.
Walking in the woods
Getting out in nature and watching the colors change — that's the primary goal of most up north Wisconsin weekends in the fall, isn't it? It's no different in Bayfield. And there are some very picturesque spots to hike. Our first go-to is The Brownstone Trail — or as we've called it my whole life: The Path.
Then we walk up by the cemetery to wonder at history and snap a photo or two (with multiple chins) in front of the towering red tree. It never, ever fails to be this fiery shade during our annual Bayfield trip, like it knows we're coming and dresses to impress.
As you follow the main road just a few paces past the cemetery (on the left side, as you're leaving town), there's another wooded path to stumble upon. It leads you through fields and phot-ops to a small site dedicated to the unknown victims of a 1942 flood. History is cool!
Eating, drinking, and eating some more
Apple Fest is the big annual draw to Bayfield, but we always visit the weekend after to avoid the crowds. Our trip itinerary isn't full of spills and thrills, and that's exactly why it's so perfect. It's just what a small town, up north weekend should be. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in the little gem that is Bayfield.
Walking in the woods
Getting out in nature and watching the colors change — that's the primary goal of most up north Wisconsin weekends in the fall, isn't it? It's no different in Bayfield. And there are some very picturesque spots to hike. Our first go-to is The Brownstone Trail — or as we've called it my whole life: The Path.
Eating, drinking, and eating some more
Mmm — one of my favorite things to do in life. We started our tour of eating and drinking at Erickson Orchard & Country Store, where we bought apple cider donuts and tasted fresh apple chips — then quickly hatched a plot to purchase a fruit dehydrator and make millions. While at Erickson's, make sure to sit in the giant chair.
Then it was on to the Bayfield Winery for a wine tasting: 5 samples for $5, and you get to keep the glass! There's also a little shop where you can buy necessary things like apple peelers and unnecessary things like giant pencils *cough* Adam *cough*. Note: It is in no way worth it to climb the two flights of stairs to look out of the barn loft window. All you will see is a dirty pane and a bunch of dead flies on the sill. But there is a tire swing, so swing away!
As for legit restaurants in Bayfield, you can just about count them on one, maybe two hands. This year we checked out the Pier Plaza for a Friday fish fry. Verdict: The fish was good (a mix of whitefish and trout), the slaw was good, but the french fries are nothing to write home about and the garlic mashed potatoes were a disappointment. Next time, I might try a new spot instead.
Then there's the old stand by: Maggie's. Man I love the vibe in this place. What I don't love: Tables right by a cold air vent and mediocre chicken fajitas. They looked fresh and beautiful, but tasted like a big nothing. Adam wasn't a fan of his brisket sandwich either. Other people had pizza and burgers — not mind-blowing, but solid.
Our surprise new favorite spot: Broad Street Eatery. They serve Turkish favorites and, you guessed it, pizza! Okay, so you didn't guess it. And we didn't guess that the pizza was going to be so tasty, but it was! And Kevin loved the chicken sandwich he got — so simple, so good. The place is in need of some TLC from an interior perspective, but the owners have plans to dress it up by next summer. Until then, you can always get pizza to go.
For coffee drinks, hit up Big Water Coffee Roasters. We really fell in love with this place. The interior and overall brand is definitely the freshest in town. I got the feeling that Big Water could easily feel at home in a place like Bay View, for instance. Plus, their drinks are wonderful, with goodies like sugar bush lattes (sweetened with pure maple syrup) and frothy hot chocolates — the kind that make your eyes roll back in your head.
Other places to try next time: Fat Radish and Ethel's. Check hours; lots of places are closed Sundays and early into the week.
Enjoying the view
When we're not walking the woods or filling our bellies, my family can usually be found just enjoying the view. We always rent a condo on the water. The sun rises over the Lake Superior, and it's nice to make a point to get up at the crack of dawn one morning and watch the colors change. The sunsets aren't too shabby either!
Also, just walking up Bayfield's many hilly streets will give you a great view of the blue lake framed by golden-yellow trees. This place really is so picturesque, and early October almost never fails to have gorgeous weather: sunny, but just crisp enough to remind you it's autumn. As always, I can't wait for next year.
P.S. Huge THANK YOU to the lovely and talented photographer extraordinaire, Erin Gosch, for sharing many of these amazing photos. Me and my little blog are so grateful for you!
Then it was on to the Bayfield Winery for a wine tasting: 5 samples for $5, and you get to keep the glass! There's also a little shop where you can buy necessary things like apple peelers and unnecessary things like giant pencils *cough* Adam *cough*. Note: It is in no way worth it to climb the two flights of stairs to look out of the barn loft window. All you will see is a dirty pane and a bunch of dead flies on the sill. But there is a tire swing, so swing away!
Then there's the old stand by: Maggie's. Man I love the vibe in this place. What I don't love: Tables right by a cold air vent and mediocre chicken fajitas. They looked fresh and beautiful, but tasted like a big nothing. Adam wasn't a fan of his brisket sandwich either. Other people had pizza and burgers — not mind-blowing, but solid.
Our surprise new favorite spot: Broad Street Eatery. They serve Turkish favorites and, you guessed it, pizza! Okay, so you didn't guess it. And we didn't guess that the pizza was going to be so tasty, but it was! And Kevin loved the chicken sandwich he got — so simple, so good. The place is in need of some TLC from an interior perspective, but the owners have plans to dress it up by next summer. Until then, you can always get pizza to go.
For coffee drinks, hit up Big Water Coffee Roasters. We really fell in love with this place. The interior and overall brand is definitely the freshest in town. I got the feeling that Big Water could easily feel at home in a place like Bay View, for instance. Plus, their drinks are wonderful, with goodies like sugar bush lattes (sweetened with pure maple syrup) and frothy hot chocolates — the kind that make your eyes roll back in your head.
Enjoying the view
When we're not walking the woods or filling our bellies, my family can usually be found just enjoying the view. We always rent a condo on the water. The sun rises over the Lake Superior, and it's nice to make a point to get up at the crack of dawn one morning and watch the colors change. The sunsets aren't too shabby either!
Also, just walking up Bayfield's many hilly streets will give you a great view of the blue lake framed by golden-yellow trees. This place really is so picturesque, and early October almost never fails to have gorgeous weather: sunny, but just crisp enough to remind you it's autumn. As always, I can't wait for next year.
Looks great...warm and cozy family time.
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