Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, Wisconsin

Location

Featuring views over the peaceful waters of Wisconsin’s Lake Superior, you’ll be well positioned for a relaxing stay. In the town, the inn is in good company with Victorian-era residences and a range of fine restaurants. Just 20 minutes walk from Lake Superior, the area makes for delightful bay walks or boat cruises.

Accommodation

Accommodation is spread across 20 guest rooms in three buildings – the Old Rittenhouse Inn, Le Chateau and Rittenhouse Cottage. The former is notably Wisconsin’s first bed and breakfast and dates back to the 1890s; rooms feature bird’s eye maple furnishings, fire places and hardwood floors, some have views over Lake Superior. The historic hillside Chateau was first built as a mansion for a local lumber baron as rooms make up parts of the original ballroom and even the turret. Expect wing back chairs and brass beds. Lastly, the romantic Arts and Crafts cottage is perfect for honeymooners, families and coupes alike.

Dining

Matt Chingo, the restaurant’s executive chef, serves gourmet, scratch-made offerings to be enjoyed in the restaurant’s Victorian ambience, complemented by vintage wallpapers, grand fireplaces and views over Bayfield and Lake Superior. Complimentary two-course breakfasts include fresh bakery products, a range of hot side dishes – bacon, sausages, fish or double-smoked ham – and entrées such as Belgian waffles, cinnamon-swirl toast and quiche all washed down with coffee, tea or juice. For dinner, menus feature upscale American and French cuisine in dishes such as poulet aux champagne, Lake Superior Chowder and steak, served with red wine-veal reduction and giant mushroom caps.

Facilities

In Bayfield, there is less of a focus on resort-facilities and more on enjoying the natural surrounds. You’re perfectly positioned to forays to the Apostle Islands, the area’s main draw. An assortment of 21 rocky outcrops, their forested interiors and windswept jagged fringes are an outdoorsman’s dream. Boat trips around the collection with kayaking particularly popular for exploring their tidal inlets. On the islands proper, there’s excellent hiking while back at the hotel there’s high speed WiFi.