CHOOSING SMALL HAS A BIG IMPACT

As you plan your summer getaways and explore new destinations, you can have a big impact on the areas you visit by how you choose to spend your dollars.

Did you know that small businesses recirculate a far greater percentage of revenue locally?

That means that as a traveler, when you choose to spend your dollars with a local business, you are investing in that community. Spending locally creates more local wealth and more jobs and enables the community to thrive economically. When searching for lodging, restaurants, guided trips and shops during your vacation, consider choosing locally owned businesses to support the community hosting you and your family.

ST. JAMES SOCIAL IN BAYFIELD, WISCONSIN

Beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin, is a charming small town nestled on the south shore of Lake Superior. From scenic views of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and miles of hiking and biking trails, to Bayfield’s historic downtown district, this quaint lakeside destination is a favorite for Midwest travelers.

Bayfield is also home to the future boutique hotel and lounge St. James Social. With a focus on connection and community, local resident Annalisa Bermel is restoring a historic structure in the heart of Bayfield.

“The St. James Social is kind of this magic of what happens when you take 100 years of design layers, you peel it back, and you try to reimagine the space for the modern-day traveler.” – Annalisa Bermel, owner and founder

When completed, the 140-year-old building at 200 Rittenhouse Avenue will include eight boutique hotel rooms upstairs with wood-fired sauna access, a rooftop patio with views of Lake Superior, and a community social lounge and lobby bar on the main floor.

Bermel encapsulates the heart of a local entrepreneur who is investing in her community to see it thrive. When travelers spend money at local establishments, she sees the positive ripple effect and hopes to create her own.

“If [St. James Social] is the one place on Main Street that keeps its doors open yearround, that’s going to help the retailer across the street from me, that’s going to help the grocery store, that’s going to help the gas station, it’s going to help the ski hill,” she said. “We’re all so interconnected.”

St. James Social is set to open its doors in the summer of 2023.

Make reservations at stjamessocial.com.

SUPERIOR WAFFLES IN SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN

A summer road trip to Yellowstone sparked a sweet business idea for Cal and Natalie Harris that has turned into a local favorite eatery. Superior Waffles serves up delicious creations that include both sweet and savory. Try their S’mores specialty waffle if you’re feeling sweet, or since we are in Wisconsin, maybe their Braffle — a brat nestled in a waffle with raspberry jam and syrup. The Harrises regularly give back to their community through sponsorships and donations.

After one visit, you’ll consider this beloved restaurant a must-stop on your family’s future road trips.

Learn more and view their menu at superiorwaffles.com.