Dive into the captivating tale of Ralph "Bal" Ballantine, a visionary artist whose journey from the quaint streets of St. Johns, Michigan, to the bustling city of Chicago and the idyllic shores of Hilton Head Island is as inspiring as it is remarkable. From his childhood adventures at 506 S Oakland to his iconic creations like the 'Jolly Green Giant,' join us as we explore the life, resilience, and enduring legacy of a true creative genius.
Step inside the historic walls of 506 S Oakland and journey through generations with the Ballantine family. From the laughter of children echoing through the halls to the bustling energy of servants tending to lush gardens and fountains, this grand residence witnessed the vibrant life of the Ballantine clan. Join us as we unravel the tales of love, loss, and legacy that shaped the history of this storied home. From the entrepreneurial spirit of Ralph Ballantine to the artistic legacy of his son, Ralph 'Bal' Ballantine, each corner holds secrets waiting to be discovered. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the remarkable lives of the Ballantine family and explore the evolution of 506 S Oakland in our upcoming blog post.
Welcome back to The Nordic Pineapple's ongoing exploration of the people who have left their mark on our historic establishment. In this next installment, we delve into the captivating story of Charles Theodore Babcock, a figure whose vision and influence helped shape the rich tapestry of history woven into the very walls of 506 S Oakland St.
As we continue our journey through the annals of time, we uncover the remarkable life of Charles Babcock, from his birth on September 28, 1859, to his enduring legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur, community leader, and beloved resident of St. Johns. Join us as we unravel the threads of his journey and discover the profound impact he had on The Nordic Pineapple and the surrounding community.
Welcome to the captivating journey through time as we delve into the rich history of The Nordic Pineapple and the remarkable individuals who shaped its story. Our inaugural blog in this series is dedicated to the visionary behind the construction of this iconic building—Oliver Spaulding. Join us as we unravel the life, legacy, and enduring impact of General Oliver L. Spaulding, the esteemed builder of The Nordic Pineapple and a pivotal figure in the tapestry of St Johns' history. His story unfolds as a testament to dedication, leadership, and the enduring mark he left on this historical landmark.
Nestled in the heart of Michigan, the charming town of St Johns offers not only a picturesque setting but also a delightful array of dining options to please your palate. But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there; the surrounding areas of DeWitt, Owosso, East Lansing, and Lansing all have their own unique flavors to offer. Join us on a mouthwatering journey through some of the great places to eat in and around St Johns.
Last month, our blog focused on excellent travel destinations within an hour's reach of The Nordic Pineapple. This month, the spotlight shifts to even closer spots. If staying at the inn and eager to explore the vicinity, there's good news: Lansing, Michigan's capital city, is just 20 minutes away, offering numerous attractions. Additionally, there are several nearby...
Welcome to The Nordic Pineapple! Our cozy bed and breakfast located in the heart of Michigan is the perfect location for any traveler, whether you are just passing through or staying for a longer ...
We are so excited about the upcoming Mint Festival in St. Johns! We thought it would be a great time to learn more about how it came to be and how St. Johns became known as Mint City USA! How could it be better than learning it from 3rd and 4th generation Mint Farmers, Andy and Gene Livingston? With the five-year anniversary of the Nordic Pineapple soon approaching, we thought we'd share some of the things that were important to us when we started this Inn and are still important to us today!
If you have been following us on social media or have read any of our recent blog posts, you know how important we think it is to source locally, especially when it comes to the food we serve at our Inn! We spend lots of time at local Farmers Markets, looking for the best ingredients for one of Greg's new recipes. Occasionally, we even find a treat for ourselves....
Writing for the Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast is something that hits close to home, quite literally for me. I was born and raised in St. Johns and have lived here most of my life. The Inn used to be the home of one of my best friend's grandmother and we used to hang out...
With the five year anniversary of the Nordic Pineapple soon approaching, we thought we'd share some of the things that were important to us when we started this Inn and are still important to us today!
Let's face it, Valentine's Day can be a bit of a challenge if you haven't picked out something special for your sweetheart. Finding the perfect gift can be stressful, but in our opinion, Valentine's Day is a time to stick with the classics. When you're visiting our little town of St. Johns, these are some of the best gift ideas you will find!
We're so excited about the new things we will be offering this year, that we couldn't wait to share them! We have been hard at work (with still some left to go), getting ready to delight our friends and guests in the new year.
At the Nordic Pineapple, we are all about "the Experience."
What happens at the Nordic Pineapple for Christmas?
When it comes to Christmas decorating, the Nordic Pineapple takes it to another level. We have eleven trees to decorate, four mantles, the stairs to the second floor and what we call a Gnome Overload.
If you've ever seen photos of the beautiful dishes we've posted on social media and wondered how Chef Greg creates such delectable breakfast choices? Or have you stayed with us before and loved the breakfast so much, you aspired to prepare some yourself when you got home? Now's your chance as Chef Greg shares some of his favorite recipes!
THE BEST PARKS TO VISIT WHEN VISITING THE NORDIC PINEAPPLE
September 2022
Our little town of St. Johns, Michigan has a great selection of trails and parks. Whether you're looking for a cool morning walk, a summer time swim or a chance to lace up your ice skates, the Mint City won't ...
It's a little unusual for Innkeeper's to have a 1700 square foot living space inside of their bed and breakfast. Most innkeepers might essentially live in guest quarters with their kitchen and living spaces as part of the inn. That is not the case for Kjersten and Greg.
There's always something to do in our great city of St Johns and you can learn more about all of them by visiting our Things to Do page. When it comes to events, our local festivals are some of the best around. These are just some of the great events you can ...
10 REASONS WOMEN LOVE TO STAY AT THE NORDIC PINEAPPLE
June 2022
Whether it's a cozy place to stay for the night after a trip up north or a romantic weekend getaway, women love staying at the Nordic Pineapple. We'd like to think there are more than ten reasons, but we'll stick with some of our favorites. Feel free to add more in the comment section:)
It could be argued that central Michigan has become the best golf destination in Michigan in recent years with some great new golf courses and several classics. Connecting it all is highway 127, just a duck hook away from our Inn.
As a stay and play option, the Nordic Pineapple is hard to beat. Our 7 suites...
You're cozy and warm, you want to stay in bed.... with nothing required of you today.
When you're on a getaway, what you're really after is a chance to recharge. We recharge by letting others take care of us, handling the things we are normally tasked with. We...
I mean is there really even a debate? My kids might think so, they love a good hotel pool. Me on the other hand, never. I would rather stay at a Bed and Breakfast before a hotel any day.
Here's why. First and foremost it's the food. The gourmet breakfast is the way to my heart. The Nordic Pineapple prepares from scratch some really delicious offerings...
I think St. Johns has been moving in a forward direction for a few years now. By forward, I mean it's a place where people not only want to live, but want to stay and play too. There's been a shift in the mind set that in order to be entertained we have to go to Lansing or Grand Rapids. Don't get me wrong, I love these places too, but it's...
Christmas is my absolute FAVORITE time of the year. It's the anticipation leading up to it really, with the decorations (I decorate A LOT), and the lights, and the baked 7...
Hi friends! I'm excited you are here! I will be writing about ALL of the things that make The Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast unique, the first being the innkeepers, Greg and Kjersten. They are the driving force ...
