Eagle River Lodgings

EAGLE RIVER INN
(800) 352-9228; (906) 337-9959
Fitzgerald's restaurant and bar occupies most of the downstairs of this contemporary building on the Eagle River beach. Each of the 12 pleasant, simple guest rooms has a lake view, phone, satellite TV, and 2 double beds or a double and queen. Summer rates are $105 to $122 with free self-serve breakfast. Closes middle of October. 8-person whirlpool overlooks lake. Sauna. Sun deck. Ask about the one-bedroom condo. Not far from Eagle Harbor and Calumet ski trails.

SAND HILLS LIGHTHOUSE INN
(906) 337-1744
After 3 years of working to restore one of the Great Lakes' largest and newest (1919) lighthouses, retired Dearborn portrait photographer Bill Srabotta and his wife Mary have fulfilled their vision: to turn it into a luxurious B&B with outstanding food. The plain, almost modernistic exterior Italian Rennaisance is quite a contrast to the grand Victorian interior decor, aimed at high drama. It has lots of reds and purples, and a few favorite portraits of beautiful women. Among Mary's duties are baking for breakfast and evening treats and playing soft romantic music on the 107-year-old grand piano in the cushy living room overlooking Lake Superior. Mary takes couples up to the tower 101 feet above Superior and takes their photograph. The 35-acre property includes 3,000 feet of stony but accessible shoreline. Guests at any time can climb to the lighthouse tower and linger on the sizable roof. Because it faces north, both sunrises and sunsets can be seen. Five of the 8 rooms (mostly $159-$238/night) face the lake; the sixth has a side view. Two whirlpool rooms with balconies are $212. Two-night minimum from May through October. Air-conditioned and smoke-free. No TV—anywhere. One phone is for guests' use. An elegant breakfast is served at 9:30. Reserve well in advance, especially for specific dates. This place has been so popular through word-of-mouth and lighthouse fans that it's been full midweek in April.

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