This coming June, Isaac and I (Mollie) are celebrating seven years as moteliers.

In June 2017, with an eleventh-month-old on my hip and our second on the way, we signed on the dotted line and became the owners of the Seagull Bay Motel in Bayfield, Wisconsin. And so began our journey into entrepreneurship.

There’s a saying that if people really knew what it’s like to own a business, they would have never done it. And, if I’m completely honest, there are days when I still wonder if we did the right thing.

But then there are days when I look at our lakeside motel and see how our business and family have grown in the best ways.

We’re truly blessed to have:

• Three healthy and active boys
• A home in a place we love, surrounded by family
• The opportunity to work alongside each other
• Hard-working and supportive staff
• Motel guests we adore

There’s so much to be thankful for. Even so, we’re always thinking of ways to enhance your experience when you stay with us at Seagull Bay.

This week, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look into some new and exciting things you can expect when you visit us this summer at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Sneak Peek: The Guesthouse at Seagull Bay

Keep your eyes peeled for the unveiling of our latest remodeling project – The Guesthouse at Seagull Bay – available for booking in June.

Like most remodeling projects, we thought this would take two months, tops. We thought we’d be ready to show you the before and after by the end of April.

But of course, when gutting an old building, you uncover secret treasures and obstacles you couldn’t have predicted. Things like fire damage, old electrical wiring, and a missing second story.

Needless to say, construction has taken longer than expected. But we couldn’t be happier with the results. 

Here’s an idea of what you can look forward to with our new project:

• King-size beds anchor all three rooms
• A handmade breakfast bar to enjoy pastries from Wonderstate
• Mid-century modern decor and an extra comfy (and totally bougie) pull-out couch
• Clean and crisp white walls warmed by gold accents and driftwood-like flooring
• Lake Superior views from private decks – perfect for sipping your morning coffee or toasting cocktails

As I’m writing this, I’m elbow-deep in paint and need to order microwaves for each of the rooms. Soon the furniture will be delivered, and the photographer will be here to take photos. We can finally update the pictures on our websites and get rid of those 90s floral bedspreads.

Every year, we get one step closer to fully updating all three of our properties. We want you to fully relax in the comfort of your room at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin, and enjoy your view. 

New Amenities for Guests at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin

If you’re anything like me…

When you clean out your closet, you hang on to a few classic pieces and then go shopping for a trendy item or two to freshen up your wardrobe. Using that same idea, we’re bringing in some new colors and styles of Seagull Bay merch for you to choose from.

In the office, you’ll find all new hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.

And because I can’t help myself, you’ll see me sporting my favorite Seagull Bay tank as soon as it warms up.

I’m also really excited to announce our own Box Moxy gifts for Seagull Bay guests to purchase.

We were first introduced to Box Moxy by our business coach who would often send us a custom gift box. I love receiving these boxes so much, I thought it would be a great add-on to enhance your stay.

Box Moxy is a women-owned business that specializes in creating customized gift boxes to help take the stress out of giving. I’ve worked with the company to create special boxes for our Seagull Bay guests to purchase.

So far, we’ve curated: 

• A snack box filled with gourmet goodies. Perfect for munching on while sitting on your private deck or the shared balcony overlooking the lake.

• A luxurious spa box. Indulge in some self-care and take relaxation a step further.

• One or two surprise boxes to help you unwind from your day exploring Bayfield.

These boxes will be available for purchase online. Order ahead of time if you want your box in your room waiting for you when you arrive at Seagull Bay. You can also grab it from our front office.

As we head into our busy season, we also want to remind you of our nightly rental policy when you book a weekend this summer. With all the events and activities going on, you simply cannot fit all there is to see in Bayfield in just two days. I promise!

Making the Most of Your Seagull Bay Getaway

Bayfield’s summer season kicks off Memorial Day weekend and goes through Labor Day weekend. 

During this time, you can expect businesses to have extended hours, a wide variety of outdoor events, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music.

During Bayfield’s most exciting season, you can:

• Spend the day kayaking to the must-see Mainland Seacaves 
• Take an Apostle Islands Cruise and visit a historic (and iconic!) lighthouse
• Enjoy the scenic views as you hike or bike through Bayfield’s hillside
• Taste homemade wine or cider at one of Bayfield’s famous family-owned orchards
• Ride the free shuttle from our parking lot to see a show at Big Top

Those are just a few of the fun activities you can do when you visit us at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

So why not extend your weekend getaway by one more day to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Bayfield?

During the fun-filled summer season, we require a three-night minimum stay when you book Friday and Saturday. 

Now, it’s up to you if you want to come a day early on Thursday or extend your weekend to stay with us on Sunday. If you come on Thursday, you can beat the weekend rush. And if you stay on Sunday, you have one more day to indulge in things like The Copper Crow Distillery’s Sunday Special – Bloody Marys (the best ever, I promise!)

And I must mention: when reserving a family suite or cottage, we require a four-night minimum stay for these larger units. They book up fast, so don’t wait!

However, we’re happy to work with you on a shorter stay. Feel free to call us directly to check availability.

No matter when you come, you’ll discover a laid-back and quiet escape at Seagull Bay.

The Charming and Peaceful Getaway You Expect Mixed with a Modern Boutique Feel

As each new summer season approaches, Isaac and I are more excited than ever to greet you. 

Whether you’re a Seagull Bay VIP or this is your first time in Bayfield, we want you to sit back and enjoy dazzling Lake Superior views that truly nourish your soul. 🌅

Here, you can break free from the demands of everyday life and enjoy a stripped-down daily routine. 

All three of our properties offer:

• Views of Lake Superior
• Direct access to The Brownstone Trail
• Lakeside seating on your private deck or shared balcony

And we have even more to offer with the addition of The Guesthouse!

When you stay with us in Seagull Bay, you’ll have just what you need to sit back and relax without the fuss of maintaining a vacation home. Not to mention the weird house rules of an Airbnb.

Rooms during our high season are filling fast. Pull out your calendar and BOOK NOW to get the room of your vacation dreams.

We can’t wait to be your hosts at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, Wisconsin!

Enjoy the View,

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

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