LAKE LIFE SHEBOYGAN
WINTER ALONG THE LAKE
Explore the tranquility of Sheboygan
WELCOME, WINTER
After the holiday season has ended, we’re left facing a few months composed of short days where the sun sets before 5pm. Don't let the dropping temperatures drop your spirits, Blue Harbor Resort is your lodge for inviting winter relaxation in a playground of warm adventure all year round!
Winter reminds us to turn our attention towards nature, create peace with the colder, shorter days, and to make space for tranquility in our daily lives. During this season, mother nature slows down, and being located on Wisconsin’s most beautiful lakeshore, we see this reflected in the calm winter waves of Lake Michigan
In this issue, we invite you to escape to the lake for some well deserved rest and relaxation after the holiday season.
Plus, start making your Valentine’s Day plans early! We’re providing some inspiration for a romantic weekend getaway, while also sharing some exciting additions to the resort this season.
So, nestle under a cozy blanket and plunge into the latest issue of Lake Life Sheboygan at Blue Harbor Resort!
"There is something so beautiful about walking in snow that no one else has traveled. We’re reminded of those childhood moments of wonder and joy when the cold didn’t matter because we were truly lost in its magic. Come rediscover that experience with us here along the shores of Lake Michigan this winter and see why in any season, it’s always Better at the Blue!”
Delaine Reichert, General Manager Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center
BEHIND THE SCENES
The Beacon Restaurant was recently transformed to create a new dining experience. Imagine dining in a room that has been crafted like a picture frame, and the masterpiece is the Lake Michigan Shoreline!
Winter AlongtheLake
Em von der Ruhr
Winter on Lake Michigan is an especially magical time, and invites us to truly reflect on the themes of the season
Story & Photography by
Winter settles over Blue Harbor Resort like the wind coming off the lake
Life mirrors nature, and much like the icy lake captivates our gaze, winter invites us to take the time to reflect as well. It’s as if Mother Nature begs us to pause, breathe deeply, and take life a little slower. The mammals are hibernating, the trees are retreating, and the birds are traveling So why aren’t we?
This winter, we’re encouraged by the animals and the landscape to take a break and incorporate elements of self care and reflection into the early months of the new year. Thankfully, in Sheboygan your escape to the lake isn’t far away at all. Although the winter views are significantly less green than they are during the warmer months, the blue hues are breathtaking Plus, blue is kind of our thing
Winter settles over Blue Harbor Resort like the wind coming off the lake; it surrounds us like a blissful breath of fresh air and encourages us to cuddle up with those we love and hunker down During other seasons, it’s hard to find moments of stillness and peace to just sit and be, but winter urges us to do so.
Being located right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, views from the resort never get old But in winter, there’s a serenity in the calm beaches that harbor very few by-passers and certainly no hectic beach goers crowding the shoreline.
However, everyone’s definition of relaxing and recharging is different- especially if you have kids or a call to adventure yourself. Breaker Bay has all your favorite waterpark features, plus an indoor surf simulator. Take a lesson from of our certified instructors and learn to surf on The Riptide, satisfying even the most restless thrill-seekers. Besides, winter is one of the best times to learn a new skill.
We truly believe there is relaxation for everyone at Blue Harbor, whether your definition of a break is a change of scenery packed with new activities, or kicking back with some peace, quiet, and stunning views from the comfort of your room. Welcome, to winter on the lake.
Although we may try, pictures can never do Lake Michigan justice. Ironically, although the sun sets early during the winter, we try to look on the bright side and enjoy the gorgeous gradients in the sky as the sun begins to set Although Blue Harbor faces sunrises over the lake and not sunsets, we still see pretty pastels spread over the skyline as the sun passes over the roof to the west facing entrance.
Taking a stroll along the city’s paved lakeside trail is a favorite pastime of ours as well as our guests. Plus, you’re only a short walk back into the warmth of the resort if the winter temperatures get a little too strong.
We recommend putting your feet up in front of the balcony doors, sip some hot cocoa from Shoreline (without having to leave the warmth of the resort) and enjoy the view
Or, perhaps that sounds a little too dull for you. If you’d rather seek fun and adventure, you’re in luck, No need to go far to find a full days’ worth of fun. Breaker Bay is your winter waterpark wonderland!
Entering Breaker Bay, one of the first waterpark features you'll see is the Riptide, an indoor surf simulator. Ride the waves like a pro in the safety of a controlled environment Never surfed before? It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro surfer or if this is your first encounter with the sport. Join the Riptide Surf Club for one hour of personal instruction from one of our experienced surf instructors! Up to
Slide into the adults only hot tub tucked away from the rest of the excitement in the waterpark to soak up the soothing warm waters Conveniently, the hot tub is locate right next to the lazy river. Slip into a laid cruise through the more temperate wate when the hot tub has you ready for a bre It’s the perfect way for you and your partn enjoy the waterpark in a more secluded w rather than taking the waterslide route
Then again, perhaps you and the family a ready for some friendly competition. In th case, climb the main platform up to the yellow and orange dueling slides for a waterslide race! This slide is the ultimate waterslide attraction for older and taller kiddos, as well as adults.
Winding down this winter at Blue Harbor is easy as pie! Regardless of if your definition of a relaxing break means doing something fun and new, or enjoying scenic views and some much needed R&R, Blue Harbor is the place to go!
Why not start 2025 with a trip, and head to the wintery wonderland that awaits on the shores of Lake Michigan! Detox from the stress of the holidays your way when you stay at The Blue.
More relaxation awaits to be discovered on our website Visit our Winter Fun landing page to plan your stay, learn about our seasonal special features, and everything else going on at the resort during your stay.
EXPLORE
WINTER FUN AT BLUE HARBOR RESORT
blueharborresortcom 735 Blue Harbor Drive Sheboygan, WI 53081
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
The Sheboygan Visual Artists (SVA) have been sharing selection of their stunning, one-of-a-kind artwork with Harbor Resort since the summer, and selling them through The Boutique. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these incredible pieces share the beauty of Sheboygan well past the duration of your stay
SHEBOYGAN VISUAL ARTISTS
The SVA truly is a product of the one and only Sheboygan, Wisconsin. A city rich in the arts, it’s clear even just from a visit to downtown that the community values local artwork Founded in 2007, the Sheboygan Visual Artists was born with the mission to create a platform that supported local artists. The group started quite small, with just four artists banding together, but since then, it’s grown to a full organization lead by artistically driven and talented artists.
Blue Harbor Resort has had the honor of being home to a select collection of rotating seasonally-inspired art since summer of 2024 This collection can be viewed off the left hand side of the lobby leading towards the conference side of the resort. All of the artwork on display is also available for purchase through The Boutique.
Take home an authentic piece of Sheboygan from your trip to Blue Harbor, by purchasing one-of-a-kind art by local artists that demonstrate the beauty of Sheboygan for many years to come It’s clear that the area means something special to each of the artists who incorporate elements of Sheboygan’s charming beaches, unique landscape, native flora and fauna, nautical, and historical influences into their pieces.
Stay up to date with the SVA artwork at Blue Harbor by visiting blueharborresortcom/the-boutique/ and following us on our socials @blueharborresort You can also keep up to date with the SVA by following @sheboyganvisualartists
Spa Day at
Reflections Wellness Spa A
for some well deserved self care
It’s a New Year, and it’s easy to get swept away in the pressure to be a “ new you ” . Instead of focusing on what you need to change about yourself, reflect on what your body and mind really need.
We’re all used to hearing it, “New year, new me” Sometimes it’s encouraging and inspiring- other times, not as much. It feels like there is immense pressure for us to fix our unhealthy habits, improve ourselves, and show off our progress while keeping up with our day-to-day routines (which usually don’t care if it’s a new year or not).
Instead of focusing all of our attention on the pressure to change aspects of ourselves that we think need to be “fixed”, we should focus more on what is working for our personal wellbeing. What is it that our body and mind crave, what is your body trying to tell your mind it needs?
At Reflections Wellness Spa, taking into consideration what wellness looks like for you is at the heart of our practice We understand that wellness is a very personal journey, and incorporating your definition of wellness is what sets our spa apart from so many others.
There is both a physical and emotional component of wellness that we find important to take into consideration during your appointment at Reflections Spa. Your needs drive your session, which is why we offer an array of services ranging from touchless experiences to therapeutic massages and skincare services.
Touchless Spa Experiences
Drift into a private, warm, sauna using infrared light to improve circulation, relax muscles, and rejuvenate your skin during the winter months. Our infrared sauna provides a gentler experience than traditional saunas and can even aid in pain relief, and detoxification of your skin Plus, this it’s a completely touchless spa experience that you can enjoy alone.
Our other touchless experience is our farinfrared heat and PEMF therapy that provides therapeutic relaxation, and is perfect for balancing your body’s energy This synergy enhances circulation, aids in reducing inflammation, and releasing muscle tension.
Massage Treatments
After the holiday season, who isn’t in need of a massage? We tend to hold stress, anxiety (both excitement and nerves) and of course, physical strain deep in our muscles It’s time to release that after surviving the busy month of December.
Our Warm Winter Head and Neck Renewal exists precisely for this particular time of year. This incredibly nurturing experience focuses on dissolving stress, fatigue and tension specific to the head, neck and shoulder areas
The service begins with customized aromatherapy, and pressure points to release tension and discover a comfortable sense of wellbeing. The treatment finishes with a warm oil scalp quench that nourishes, conditions, and hydrates your hair and scalp
Created and refined to awaken your individual sense of balance and wellbeing, this treatment will leave you feeling lighter, revitalized, and radiant.
Another personalized massage experience offered at Reflections Wellness Spa is the Intuitively Yours massage. During this treatment, your massage therapist will customize your experience by listening to your body and allowing it to guide your session, providing exactly what your body needs most. This particular therapy relies on a variety of techniques and pressures to deliver maximum relaxation.
Skincare Services
In our neck of the woods, winter is a pretty dry season. That’s why our number one skincare recommendation is our Farmhouse Fresh Custom Facial Taking into consideration your skin type- whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin- this customizable service will relax and hydrate your skin, leaving it with a rejuvenated glow from all natural Farmhouse Fresh products. Take care of yourself this winter! To book an appointment at Reflections Wellness Spa, visit blueharborresort.com/spa
Always a Reason to Celebrate!
Whether it’s “Happy New Year”, “Happy Birthday”, “Happy Anniversary”, or “Happy Groundhog Day”, at Blue Harbor we believe in finding a way to celebrate no matter the occasion!
If you’re booking a stay with us in honor of something special, leave the setup to us We understand that it can be a hassle to travel and set up a birthday surprise or a romantic gesture. After a long day of sitting in the car or a plane, you’re tired, eager to be done with carrying bulky bags, and ready to slip into vacation mode. We also get that you want to make this trip special, a surprise they’ll never see coming and will hold onto the memory of for years to come.
That’s precisely why Blue Harbor Resort offers B’loonies Packages to be added to room bookings for whatever your celebration may be for!
B’loonies is a local partner of Blue Harbor, teaming up with us to help bring your celebration dreams come true! Choose from three packages for your special celebration: The Mini Birthday Package includes: a balloon arrangement of 3 latex balloons on a fun fringe weight one large air party puff number balloon
Upgrade to The Birthday Package for: balloon arrangement of 5 balloons
3 balloon arrangement with fun fringe weight one foil air puff balloon happy birthday banner And 6 plates, napkins, and cupcakes. Birthdays really are better at The Blue!
Celebrating something other than a birthday? The Special Occasion Package is perfect for romantic gestures, consisting of 15 loose balloons filling your rooms’ ceiling
“I” heart “U” balloon banner
10 battery tea lights, finished off with scattered artificial rose petals
Take your celebrations to the next level in 2025 by adding one of these packages to your room booking We are honored to be chosen as your celebration destination.
To learn more special packages and birthday/special occasion room requests, visit our website: blueharborresortcom/stay/packagesand-specials/
Photography Contest
We are seeking photography that seasonally showcases Sheboygan, WI!
There will be four seasonal campaigns, so if you have photography that showcases the season well, plan to submit it in the appropriate campaign period
Those 18+ may submit one entry in the Spring Campaign by 2/22/2025!
One winner will be selected to have their photography featured in an issue of Lake Life Sheboygan!
ENTER
This photo of Blue Harbor Resort was captured by Em von der Ruhr
Date Night
Inspo
By Em von der Ruhr
Escape to the lake for a Couples Winter Weekend Retreat at Blue Harbor Resort.
The holiday season has ended, the days are cold, and the sun still sets early Many of us feel this jarring transition from the festivities of the holidays to the slower part of the winter season like the drop on a roller coaster: an impending and rapid descent. Others might simply call this the winter blues. But while the nights are still long, there’s some extra time to focus on you and your significant other. After all, the season of love is upon us. A weekend getaway to relax, and to take some time to focus on each other is just what you and your partner need. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, serenity and romance await at Blue Harbor Resort
SUITES FIT FOR A KING AND QUEEN
At Blue Harbor Resort, we want to make sure that all of our guests feel like royalty That’s why we have an array of accommodations to fulfill your exact needs! Whether that includes a getaway vacation with the whole family, or a romantic weekend trip for two, we have just the room for you.
Our whirlpool suites are a seasonal favorite of ours during the winter What better way to settle into your room than to warm up in a hot bath? Comfort and luxury are our top priorities, and there’s nothing quite like a whirlpool and a fireplace to provide both Consider adding a romance package to your room booking to make your stay extra special for your beau!
ADULTS ONLY HOT TUB
Who said adults can’t have fun at the waterpark too? Most of us are craving a warm retreat from the dry and cold air after the holidays have ended. Why not skip the airfare and head to Breaker Bay Waterpark for your balmy winter escape?
Submerge yourselves into relaxation mode in Breaker Bay Waterpark. Our Rocky Bottom Bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alike to help aid you in achieving that vacation-state-of-mind. Whether you’re warming up in the hot tub or floating down the lazy river, you’re sure to enjoy a warm winter paradise without even having to leave the Midwest!
WINTER LAKESIDE STROLLS
Picture this: you’ve made it out of the city and soft, lulling waves replace the sound of traffic, fresh coastal air fills your lungs, and for all you know, it’s just you and your partner in the world right now sharing this moment
Lake Michigan has a special kind of magic this time of year. The beaches aren’t crowded, the lakeside is quiet, and the views are always stunning (no matter the time of year).
It may be frosty, but grab a hot coffee or cocoa from Shoreline Café before heading down the Grand Staircase to the lakeside trail located practically on Blue Harbor’s doorstep. Enjoy the intimacy of winter in Sheboygan! For more Sheboygan winter activities, visit blueharborresort.com/winterfun
“Picture this: you ’ ve made it out of the city and soft, lulling waves replace the sound of traffic, fresh coastal air fills your lungs, and for all you know, it’s just you and your partner in the world right now sharing this moment.”
LAKELIFESHEBOYGAN
blueharbor.com/lake-life-sheboygan marketing@blueharborresort.com
@blueharborresort