Good food, good beer and great atmosphere!!! A must do when visiting Bayfield! "Riding the Wind" has become my new yearly must do event!
Friends had recommended the Seagull Motel to us and they were spot-on. Is just as lovely as it is advertised. Sitting out on our deck the Lake air was fresh and seemed full of extra oxygen! The facilities were extra neat and clean and the staff were friendly, funny and helpful. Beds extra comfy. The shuttle bus stopped right there and took us up and back to a concert we were attending at Big Top Chautauqua. Nice walking trails and close to downtown Bayfield, we will come back again and again.An experienced staff shuttle people in and out smoothly and once there the site offers food and drink for reasonable prices. The acoustics inside the tent are wonderful, even toward the back.
As a part of the Bayfield experience, a trip to Big Top Chautauqua is something not to be missed. It's a special place at the bottom of the Mt. Ashwabay ski hill in a big blue and white canvas tent housing wonderful musical productions and big name and local musicians up close and personal. Food and beverages are available. Our favorites are the ice cream with raspberry sauce and the brats, but of course there are other choices. You will love it!
We enjoy checking out the local shows as we travel and this one was recommended by the visitor centre and other travellers we met. We were not sure what to expect with the title of "Big Top" which accurately describes the large canvas tents that make the site look a bit like the circus. It is amazing the variety of shows that are offered each season from well known singers to organisers creations, seminars, and kids events. We attended the "Big Top Opry" which showcased local musicians and was good value. It was an enjoyable evening, the music, the presentation, the venue were all good. They also offer food and beverages (including alcohol) for sale onsite and the free shuttle from Bayfield is a great bonus. You can select your seats when you purchase your tickets. Agree that you need to check the weather and bring a jacket as it can get quite chilly as the sun goes down.
The Big Top is a unique place to spend an evening for musical shows under a large tent. Be sure to go early so you can walk up on top of the ski hill for a breathtaking view.
This was one of the most delightful evenings I have experienced in a long time! It was my pleasure to visit Bayfield at the end of the Big Top season and I had the pleasure of experiencing the house band in one of the last performances of the year. With gale force winds bearing down on us the band performed the most absorbing rendition of the Edmund Fitzgerald that I have ever heard. The percussion and strings had me rocking in my seat. From Irish reels to Paul Simon, from mandolin to mouth organ the music and the night skies were lively and electric. Don't miss this fabulous venue.
Food & drinks on-site. Easy parking. Bring sweater as it cools off at night on the hilltop, The free Bayfield shuttle takes a little longer to get to the Bigtop, but if you have the time and need a DD that the way to go!
I have been going to concerts at Big Top for the past 10 years and have not been disappointed yet. It is a cozy venue where you are sitting on folding chairs, church pews, and whatever has been donated for the cause. Artists are first rate and all seats are good. The house shows are fun, informative, and worth the visit.
We love the "house" concerts, and especially love the new show they have. Nothing beats coming out on a lovely evening and enjoying a show, some food, and seeing old friends. Go when you can! I also love going to the name act shows they have as well. Wish I could have made the beer tasting they had, oh well...you can't do it all!
I have been coming to this peaceful little town for four years now. I never went to the Big Top. It was recommended to me by the hotel staff and a restaurant owner. It was a wonderful experience I cannot describe here. All I can say, if you're coming here and Riding the Wind is playing, SEE IT!!