One of the little things that always puts a smile on my face is finding a handwritten note left behind by a guest.

It’s a simple reminder of why Isaac and I love what we do at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

I’m not talking about online reviews. I’m talking about the little notes we find tucked beside a lamp or left on a bedside table.

The ones written by kids are especially fun to find. Like the little note we received this summer that simply said, “I wish we could live here.” As a mom of three boys, that one hit close to home and reminds me why Isaac and I started this journey in the first place. 

Between caring for guests, managing our properties, and raising three busy boys, it’s easy to get caught up in everything that needs to be done.

There are rooms to prepare, projects to finish, and a seemingly endless list of things that need our attention.

But every once in a while, a little handwritten note reminds me to slow down and appreciate what we’ve created here.

As we wrap up another busy season, I found myself looking back through the notes we’ve collected over the summer.

Some made me laugh. Others brought back memories of familiar faces and conversations with guests.

As I read through them, I noticed a few things kept coming up: the beautiful place we call home, the little details that made someone’s stay special, and the people who made them feel welcome–all while staying at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

A Lake Superior View That Never Gets Old

It’s easy to understand why so many guests mention the views in their notes. Even after living here for nearly 10 years, I never get tired of looking out over Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

But I think it’s more than just the scenery. It’s the little moments our guests get to enjoy because of it.

For longtime guests Bill and Genevive, it’s spending a quiet afternoon reading on the balcony while watching the boats sail across the bay.

For John and Melissa C., it meant enjoying a short walk from The Mill House to the ferry, then spending the day exploring Madeline Island surrounded by beautiful Lake Superior views.

And for others, it’s enjoying a slow morning on the deck of the Guest House, sipping an extra cup of coffee and watching the day unfold.

Some guests fill their days exploring Bayfield and the Apostle Islands. Others are perfectly content to stay put and enjoy the view.

I can relate to both. Even after all these years, I still love watching the morning sun dance and glitter across the water.

And I think that’s one of my favorite things about welcoming guests to Seagull Bay. Everyone finds their own way to enjoy this place.

It’s the Little Things That Make a Stay Special at Seagull Bay

Isaac and I have put a lot of thought into our properties over the years, so it’s especially fun to hear which details stand out to our guests.

When we purchased Seagull Bay Motel and Bay West in 2017, we had a pretty simple goal: create comfortable, welcoming places where people could settle in and feel at home.

We wanted to preserve Seagull Bay’s old-school charm while adding modern design and handcrafted details that made it feel like our own.

Over the years, we’ve updated rooms, changed layouts, and made countless decisions about everything from furniture to decor. Some projects have been bigger than others, but we’ve always tried to keep the same thing in mind: How can we make someone’s stay a little more comfortable?

Of course, comfortable beds, beautiful views, and thoughtful details help. But what makes a stay memorable is a little different for everyone.

For Chris and Hannah, it was celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary together in Bayfield.

For Mabel and Violet, who visited with their family over the Fourth of July, it was the hot chocolate machine that stole the show.

I love hearing stories like these because they’re often about things we never would have expected. We might spend weeks thinking about a renovation or choosing the right furniture, only to find out that someone’s favorite memory was making hot chocolate.

We know that some of the best parts of a Bayfield getaway happen outside the four walls of your room. But after a full day of exploring, there’s something pretty wonderful about coming back to a comfortable place where you can kick off your shoes, relax, and feel right at home.

The People Who Make Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin Feel Like Home

A lot has changed since Isaac and I first purchased Seagull Bay in June 2017.

We’ve added properties, completed more renovations than I can count, and learned quite a bit about running a hospitality business along the way.

Our family has also grown from one little firecracker to three boys who never fail to keep us on our toes.

Through all those changes, one thing has stayed the same. We want everyone who stays with us to feel welcome.

And we certainly couldn’t do it without our staff.

They’re the ones helping guests settle in, answering questions, sharing recommendations, and taking care of all the little things that make a stay go smoothly.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as pointing someone toward one of our favorite hiking trails or sharing where to find the best fish fry in town.

Chris and Hannah said it best in their note: “…staff were professional, and most importantly personable!”

Over the years, we’ve also gotten to know so many of the people who stay with us.

There are familiar faces like Bill and Genevive, who return year after year and have become friends. And then there are guests who are visiting Wisconsin or discovering Bayfield for the very first time.

I love that we get to be a small part of both experiences.

The views and location might be what bring people here the first time. But I’d like to think the way they feel while they’re here is part of what brings them back.

Until Next Time, From All of Us at Seagull Bay 

Looking back through these notes, some from this summer and others from years past, I’m reminded how lucky we are to share this place with so many wonderful people.

To everyone who stayed with us this season, whether it was your first visit or your tenth, thank you.

Thank you for choosing Seagull Bay, for sharing a little piece of your vacation with us, and for taking the time to leave a note. Those little messages mean more than you probably realize.

And while another busy season is winding down, Bayfield isn’t going anywhere.

In fact, winter is one of the most peaceful times to visit. The streets get quieter, snow blankets the hills, and Lake Superior takes on a completely different look.

It’s a slower side of Bayfield that we love just as much as summer. And if you’ve never experienced it, we’d love to share it with you.

Until then, we’ll keep doing what we love at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin: welcoming guests, making improvements, and collecting those little notes that always make our day.

Your Memories with a View!

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks