Quiet Serenity and Country Views at Mountain Meadow in Nolalu
As I walk in, “make yourself at home,” says Margaret who has operated the Mountain Meadow B&B since 1994. The B&B is Southwest of Thunder Bay in Nolalu, close to South Gillies and is smaller than most B&Bs comfortably set for one couple. Guests are typically looking for a quiet place when they come here, a place to get close to nature. Typical guests come from the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, from Oklahoma, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and other parts of the U.S. Germans are also frequent guests.
Other guests include deer with fauns, black bears, and new to the area, raccoons. Yes, the raccoons are moving north. There are a few territorial birds, including woodpeckers, chickadees and jays. The nearby meadows, full of milkweed, allows for easy sightings of butterflies, including the monarch.
In the distance you can see the flat top mountains and if you’re up for a trek you can climb them from the back and get a dramatic view of the forested horizon to the South. The forest is accessible with lots of shared trails with neighbours. Much like an uninhabited park you may see moose, and regarding the bears, Margaret states, “As long as you don’t do anything foolish, we can exist together.” Yet, it’s good to be cautious.
Nearby is the Rose Valley Lodge and Restaurant where you can get 5 course dinners on weekends. Those who phone first to reserve ahead get to choose the menu. Their number is: 807-473-5448.
Related: Spectacular Views and Savory Flavours at Rose Valley Lodge
Also close at hand is the Silver Mountain Station an old railway station turned into a restaurant. It’s near the 588/593 junction. With lots of history they also sell lots of books about the area. Call the owner Shelly Simon at 475-4406 or 621-2156 for more information.
If you’re in the Nolalu/South Gilles area, check out Mountain Meadows, you won’t be disappointed.