Gearing Up for Fall

A slight chill in the air and the fact that October is just around the corner is triggering thoughts of autumn. It's the most wonder time of they year in the shop.  We've got new clothing and gear arriving daily for hiking in the woods, late season camping and preparing for hunting season. We're excited to announce that we will be one of only a few dealers in Wisconsin carrying Sitka Gear. Sitka has turned clothing into gear that works, lasts and is so versatile you'll want to wear camo everyday! Join us for a special brand launch on Thursday, October 5th to view the waterfowl and whitetail collections. As we continue to innovate and bring new products into the store, we will continue to stock a variety of products that a essential for outdoor active endeavors such as Petzl headlamps, Yeti Tundra Coolers and the all new Load Outs...trust us it's more than just a bucket. Stop in and see all the new colors of the season in the shop.

Prepping like a Pro

Be a pro and check that stove before you go. No amount of packing, repacking and planning matters more than having a way to cook that coffee and food at camp. Start your packing by testing out that old or new stove before you go. A simple check to make sure it lights and is running well at home will save you a lot of headaches on the trail. Take a few minutes to test, check fuel and clean it. Not sure how to do it. Check with your manufacturer and find easy how to videos like this one from our friends at MSR.

Join our team!

We are hiring two awesome Sales Associates! Come work with fun people, amazing customers. We've got shops with the best views in town!

Solstice Outdoors and our sister store, Solstice have positions open for 20-35 hours a week. If you have a passion for fashion then Solstice on Main Street would be a great fit. If you have a passion for the outdoors and gear then join our team!

Everyone one of our employees is a key part of our businesses. If you are hardworking, love talking with people, can provide exceptional customer service, then we think you're pretty awesome! Send us your resume or stop in to either location.

Highway 2. Northern Idaho.

You twist through the mountains and descend into the town of Sandpoint. Sitting on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is an outdoor lovers paradise, and a perfect jumping off place for mountain adventure.

We love the diversity of Route 2 across the Great USA. Route 2 trucker hats and tees are now in the shop...stop by on your way through on Highway 2 and grab on for the road.

Route 2 Road Trippin'...Montana Bound

In Northern Montana, just south of the Canadian border are over a million of the most spectacular acres in the National Park System. This a landscape of ancient western cedars and snow capped peaks.
 

Glacier.  The Park was founded in 1897.

Drive the Going to the Sun Road. It's a spectacular introduction to the park. Hike to Apikuni Falls and spend a couple of nights in the back-country. Rangers can hook you up with a nice route for a couple days. Reward yourself with a night and dinner at Apgar village lodge.

Don't forget to bring sturdy boots. Our pick is the Salomon Discovery GTX. And don't forget the bear spray!

Route 2. Next Stop...Bemidji Minnesota

Everyone loves a roadside attraction. Paul Bunyan and the iconic stop in Bemidji Minnesota. After a quick stop for a photo opt with Paul Bunyan and old "Blue", we would chill at a campfire with our trusty Chaco Z Cloud sandals, Helinox Chair One (you'll want two), the Yeti Colster to keep our favorite beverage cold; the Royal Robbins Throwback Shirt and the Kuhl woman's Mable plaid shirt.

Bridge in Bemidji

On the road, up there on Highway 2, just west of the Iron Range there's an old steel bridge over the Mississippi River. Up there in the headwaters on a foggy summer morning you might run into the ghost of Mark Twain, Woodrow Wilson Guthrie, or Jim Harrison. How many others in the mist?

Great American Road Trip

Nothing gets us more excited for summer than the great American road trip. There’s no better place to start than US Highway 2. First stop the Brule River, “The River of Presidents”. A favorite summer getaway of Calvin Coolidge. More about the Brule River in northern Wisconsin.

A quick stop along the river to wet a line. Don't leave home without a Yeti to keep your favorite beverage cold.

Over the next month we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite stops and across some of American’s most iconic highways. We’ve got road trip fever and we’re sharing all of our fantasy stops with you. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook as we hit the road.

The Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice! It's the shortest day of the year and the second solstice of the year. Read 10 more fun things about the Winter Solstice...

For the Glamper Camper

Roughing it in style and comfort!

Glow in the dark Nalgene

GSI enamelware makes a camp meal taste even better!

Goal Zero Lighthouse solar lantern

Big Agnes Mountain Glo tent has led lights inside, perfect for finding your s*ht.
 

Easy Gifts for the Impossible

The Eat'N multi tool makes a great stocking stuffer for any outdoorsy person.

Stormy Kromer isn't just for your dad. Nope. The iconic hat company has come out with super cute and functional purses. Thanks neighbor!

Just when we didn't think a Buff could get any better. Now available are limited edition gift packs. Two Buffs in one. We love the polar fleece hats and polartec Buff combo.

Darn Tough socks. Made in Vermont with a lifetime guarantee which means when you give Darn Tough you get the gift of warm feet forever!

#LAKESUPERIORLOVE

Custom Lake Superior gift items for the lake lover in all of us!

Locally made Lake Superior ceramic mugs. Dishwasher safe and the perfect way to enjoy your morning joe. (Joe is also the pottery dude).

Lake Superior adjustable trucker hats. Great for everyone! On size fits most.

12 and 16 oz Hydroflasks will bring joy to the java drinker. Keeps drinks hot for 6 hours and cold for 24. Custom insulated Klean Kanteen coffee mugs and bottles are also available. All in fresh new colors!

Handmade silver Lake Superior wire necklace

Lake Superior soft beach towels. Psst...they make a great family gift. Get 20% OFF when you purchase a set of four!

Amazing Gifts Under $30

Giving amazing gifts doesn't have to break the bank. Check out some of our favorites and more in the shop. Stop in!

Smartwool socks will keep the toes cozy and comfy.

Paddywax soy driftwood and indigo candles are made in the USA and come in great little reusable enamelware. We love the Evergreen and Fir too!

Yeti Lowball great for hot cocoa or cold whiskey!

Gift Like a Pro Holiday Gift Guide

We've got the goods that will make everyone on your list smile and leave you looking like a pro. All the items can be found at our location on Highway 2, Lake Shore. Can't make it to Ashland? No problem. We can ship most things to you. Just give us a jingle.

Frost River rugged canvas Ruck Sack. Made in Duluth, MN by our neighbors.

Mountain Khakis pants. Amazing fit with comfort and durability.

Stormy Kromer caps. Warm, and legendary. Made in the Michigan's Upper Peninsula by our neighbors.

Darn Tough merino wool socks. Guaranteed for life. Made in Vermont.

Yeti Hopper. Strongest, most durable soft sided cooler ever made. Only cooler he will need.

Gently Used Kayaks For Sale

It's that time again for our end of season gear sale. We have some awesome gently used boats available. Quantities are limited. Boats will be available for pick up on September 12th. Call or stop in to purchase.
 

Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II   SALE PRICE $8952 in stock

Necky Manitou Sport                        SALE PRICE $6233 in stock

  Ocean Kayak Malibu XL                  SALE PRICE $6232 in stock

Pedal power!

Bike rentals are a great way to see the City of Ashland. Cruise around to check out the murals, grab a frozen yogurt on Main Street, stop by our little clothing boutique, Solstice on Main Street and ride through Prentice Park.

Super duper staff member wanted!

We have an awesome part-time job available. Great opportunity for a college student, high school student! Join our team of exceptionally fun folks. Sales Associate position available at Solstice Outdoors and Solstice on Main. Interested? Send your resume to katie at solsticeoutdoorstore.com

10K & Half Marathon Training Team

Registration is now open for our 2015 Solstice Outdoor 10K and Half Marathon Training Team. We are pleased to have Mari Kay Nabozny back as our ROCKSTAR trainer!

Mari-Kay Nabozny is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified RRCA Running Coach. Over the past 7years she has coached several runners who successfully completed their first races or set new personal records while igniting their passion for distance running. Mari's goal is to provide fun and effective fitness programs that improve your overall fitness level while providing you with the positive support, encouragement, and proper workouts to help you attain your goals!  She believes that whatever goal you have, it is attainable.

“I love to motivate people and drive them to challenge themselves, and I hope my energy and love for fitness will help encourage other people. I thrive on trying something new and enjoy helping others discover the joy of running whether they are a beginner or an experienced runner looking to go to the next level.”

Ice Caves Set to Open Saturday

For the second year in a row the Ice Caves of the Apostle Islands are set to open on Saturday. The National Park Service is warning that conditions will be slippery and windy. We recommend that you pack water, a camera and wear YakTrax or IceTrekkers for added traction and use lightweight trekking poles. We love the Tubbs two and three piece snowshoe poles.  Stop in the shop and pick up your supplies.

Book Across the Bay Morning

Despite our best efforts to run the Book It Free Fun Race and the new Book IT Sprints; mother nature won. The morning was sub zero, blowing snow and frigid even by northern Wisconsin standards. There's always next year! Check out the video Alan shot the morning of Book Across the Bay.

Until next year....happy skiing!

Staff Pick...Patagonia Better Sweater

Reviewer: Alan We all have a few pieces of clothing in our wardrobes that we could not imagine living without. Some are practical, some are sentimental, and some are both. Some, like my Patagonia Better Sweater, could tell some pretty good stories.

Part of the reason for that is that it gets worn all the time. Hardly a day goes by that I don't slip it on for something. I wear it when I split a little firewood or take out the recycling. I wear it when I walk the dog. It has been a pillow on airplanes and kept me warm on early trout stream mornings in Wisconsin, Montana, and beyond.

If I'm outside and my Better Sweater isn't on, you can bet it's in my rucksack. In the place that I live, and most of the places I visit, the old timers say that if you don't like the weather just wait a few minutes. Your clothing needs to be adaptable! I love my Better Sweater because it is simple and versatile. It is warm enough for fall sailing and stylish enough for the Pub.