“Just visiting Bayfield? Why not stay!”

That’s a message being communicated in a flier distributed by the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce – and it’s not just idle talk. Chamber Executive Director Cari Obst is evidence – the former director of Uptown Minneapolis moved to Bayfield eight years ago.

Mayor Larry MacDonald also is a transplant. He and his wife visited the community in 1989 and within a month purchased a local bed and breakfast.

“We traded a larger income for a better lifestyle,” he said.

It might be a trend. This year alone, a dozen businesses have dropped anchor in the waterfront community: CF Design, Apostle Island Booksellers, Fissinger Chiropractic Clinic, Unbridled Hope, Adventure Vacations, Dreamcatcher Sailing, Absent Tenant Security, Second Street Shop, Sustainably Speaking, White Space Graphic and Design, Big Water Café and Coffeehouse, and Tourmaline Marketing.

Sometimes, it’s love at first sight. Eight months ago, Dr. Edwin Fissinger, 61, was content to retire from chiropracty in Edina, Minn., following a 33-year career.

“The way healthcare went, I felt like I was 91,” he said

Fissinger headed south for the winter and decided to stop in Bayfield on his return trip.

“I came over the big hill, saw the lake and said ‘Wow – I’m going to move here,’” he said. He had no plans, however, to resume his medical practice. But at the urging of local residents, he rethought that decision.

“I had this idea: If I just eliminate insurance claims and appointments, I’d try it that way,” he said. In less than a month, Fissinger hosted a ribbon cutting at his new practice. Open just 2.5 days a week, it offers walk-in appointments for $18 cash or check.

“I think I’ll be here for awhile,” he said at his grand opening, which was attended by some others of like mind. Susan Dietel resided in Elk River, Minn., before moving to Bayfield in May. Her husband Kevon still commutes to his Twin Cities job in the aerospace industry, She said his work hours have steadily increased over the years.

“There are just so many stresses that go along with it,” said the former pre-school instructor. “I love the big lake and the kayak. It’s like being in another world even though we’re only four hours away from the Twin Cities.”

“It’s fantastic to see what’s happening here,” Obst said. “People are coming here for the beauty and the restfulness” both in work and in play. “We attract people who want to work for themselves in their own environment. That’s a real common theme here – people want to run their own lives.”

“This is the biggest group (of new businesses) we’ve had in six to seven years – a whole lot of optimistic people putting it all on the line,” MacDonald agreed.

It’s not without risk. Much of Bayfield’s commerce revolves around tourism, according to 2000 U.S. Census data, the latest available. Twenty-five percent of all businesses are in the food/lodging sector, with another 19 percent in retail. The city has just 570 permanent residents, with 656 more living in the surrounding township, according to 2008 estimates. Many companies have to earn the vast majority of their revenue in just the summer portion of the year, when visits are heaviest.

Those who can afford it close their stores during the winter. Others supplement their income by operating more than one business.

“You do have to adjust your lifestyle somewhat and create your own economy,” said Mary Gardner, who left the Twin Cities behind 14 years ago. Now, her primary venture is Water Music Jewelry and Art, a retail store and workshop. But she also operates Paradise Meadows Live Food Cuisine, catering vegan and raw foods. In addition, Gardner grows produce and herbs for local restaurants and teaches about vegan and healthy foods.

“I decided to make a living doing what I loved. I never looked back, and the rewards are beyond my expectations,” she said.

The ambiance is a powerful draw. Despite a devastating recession, tourist spending increased by 7.5 percent during 2009, Obst said. Thanks to the warm spring, some properties have seen advance bookings triple so far in 2010. And the market area seems to be expanding. In addition to Minnesota visitors, the area is seeing a growing number of tourists from the Fox River Valley and Chicago.

Going forward, Obst said the biggest challenge is to have a vibrant business community without losing the quaint atmosphere that in 1997 led the Chicago Tribune to label Bayfield “The best little town in the Midwest.” As more and younger people relocate to the area, she said it’s important not to forget the city’s roots.

“We have to keep doing what we do well, not something else,” Obst said.

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