Trip to Boulder Junction

Have you ever gone into a situation with very low expectations and come out surprised beyond your wildest imagination? That just happened to me this past weekend.

Sunday night September 16^th, I was booked to be the keynote speaker at an annual sales meeting for Uline, a company that specializes in shipping and packing supplies.

The meeting was being held at a corporate retreat named The Red Crown in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin. Where’s that, you ask? Turns out it’s in the wilderness of northern Wisconsin. You can fly into either Milwaukee or Minneapolis and then take a REALLY small plane to Rhinelander. I have been a road warrior for over 21 years and I have NEVER heard of Rhinelander. From there it’s another 45 minute drive to the meeting facility.

My speech was scheduled for 7:30PM Sunday night. Normally, when I’m speaking that late I just fly in the same day and leave the next morning. However, considering how out of the way this place was, I decided to fly in Saturday and leave Monday. As you know from reading this blog, I try not to place a lot of trust in airlines, especially when I know I can’t fly Southwest. But then this created a problem.

There was no room available for me at The Red Crown on Saturday night. There was another corporate meeting going on there that day and it would only be available for the Uline meeting starting on Sunday.

The Uline people told me they would make other arrangements for me and ended up finding a room at The Big Bear Hideaway in Boulder Junction; about 10 miles from the Red Crown. They told me I could move to the Red Crown on Sunday or just stay at the Big Bear both nights. I chose the Big Bear and, oh man, am I glad I did.

Don’t get me wrong The Red Crown was nice; beautiful setting right on a gorgeous lake; fantastic staff who couldn’t be nicer; but in the rooms, no TV; no internet access and no phones.

Now I’m not quite sure what I was expecting from the Big Bear Hideaway, but it wasn’t much: boy talk about never assume. This place was beautiful. They call it a Bungalow Retreat, but it’s much more than that. The bungalow I stayed in had two bedrooms, a full kitchen; living room; and dining area and that’s just the downstairs. Upstairs was even bigger and just as nice. In every unit, the refrigerator is stocked with drinks; there is a basket loaded with all the kinds of snacks you love, but shouldn’t eat; a full stocked wine rack, a big screen TV (where I got to watch the Giants embarrass themselves against the Packers): one of three TV’s in my unit and free wireless internet.

The Main Lodge had a fully stocked bar, with premium liquor. I ordered a shot of 21 year Glenlivet and when I asked “What do I owe you?” Bill, the manager said, “We don’t have a liquor license, so we don’t charge for drinks.” Now I’m not much of a drinker, but I know people who could put a real dent in their budget.

Jeff is the owner, but Bill the manager took care of me as if he’d known me my whole life. He picked me up at the airport Saturday and drove me to The Big Bear. He drove to The Red Crown on Sunday and picked me up after my speech. On Monday morning he was up at 4AM to drive me back to the airport for a 6AM flight. There is no request too big at the Big Bear; they have 24 hour concierge service.

As for Boulder Junction, it’s beautiful. Lakes everywhere; great kayaking; fishing; hiking; boating; biking; terrific place!

Now for the biggest surprise: Saturday night, I asked Bill to recommend a restaurant in town for dinner. He mentioned “The Outdoorsman." I asked what kind of restaurant it is and he said, “Upscale.” Now I’m a born and bred New York City boy and real picky about restaurants; I like good food. I never expect much when I’m in a place like Boulder Junction: WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Let me tell you about The Outdoorsman.

If this place were in New York City there would be a line out the door. The food was amazing. I had duck as my main course. Now I’m not saying it’s the best I’ve ever had, but I sure as hell can’t remember ever having better. I even had dessert (homemade blueberry pie) which is something I hardly ever do. Not only was this one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten in, but the service was great, everyone was so nice (not surprising when you’re in the Midwest), and the prices more than reasonable.

I’m ashamed to say, like so many other people in this world, I assumed and prejudged. I felt so stupid about my attitude; I was so narrow minded and agenda driven I could have been a member of the mainstream media.

So if you’re ever up in Northern Wisconsin, or looking for an out-of-the-way place to kick back and relax, check out the Big Bear Hideaway in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin and don’t forget to eat at The Outdoorsman; guaranteed you’ll love it.