The Nordic Pineapple Bed & Breakfast News from St Johns

Fire fighters working on the fire at 506 S Oakland ST

A Fiery Chapter in the History of 506 S Oakland St.

The grand brick colonial home at 506 S Oakland St. has stood for over a century, witnessing countless stories unfold within its walls. But one of the most dramatic chapters occurred in early November 1992, when a devastating fire engulfed the home, leaving a lasting mark on its history.

The Kuntz House

A Legacy of Love and Laughter at 506

Welcome back, dear readers! This month, we're excited to share the fascinating history of Tony and Agnes Kuntz and their unforgettable time at 506 S Oakland Street, affectionately known in our community as "The Kuntz House."

The Hobo Haven Years and Dr. R.E. Benson

A Glimpse into 506 S Oakland's Colorful Past

In the bustling railroad town of St. Johns, Michigan, the grandeur of 506 S Oakland stood as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of life. After the departure of Ralph and Beullah Ballentine in 1940, the once elegant home fell into a state of disuse, its halls echoing with the memories of families past. Yet, amidst the whispers of bygone days, a new chapter unfolded, marked by the unexpected arrival of weary travelers seeking refuge from the elements.

Ralph "Bal" Ballantine

A Story of Creativity, Resilience, and Legacy

Welcome back to our blog series! Last month, we delved into the captivating life of Ralph Ballantine Sr., uncovering a wealth of fascinating stories. Now, we shift our focus to another compelling figure: Bal, the son of Ralph Ballantine Sr. His journey is nothing short of remarkable, filled with its own unique twists and turns. Get ready to be inspired once again as we explore the incredible life of Bal.

Ralph Ballantine

Inside the 'Big House': Uncovering the Ballantine Family History

In 1927, Ralph Ballantine and his wife, Beulah, embarked on the next chapter in the history of 506 S Oakland, a historic residence that had previously been owned by Charles Babcock, as chronicled in our previous installment. With them were their four children – Ralph Jr., Bobby, Betty, and Joan. This vibrant family, who affectionately referred to the residence as 'the Big House,' infused it with the joyful sounds of children's laughter and the warmth of familial bonds.

Charles T Babcock

A Legacy of Prosperity, Community, and Quirkiness

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.

General Oliver Spaulding

Born on August 2, 1833, in Jaffrey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Oliver L. Spaulding's life chronicles the tale of a pioneer whose journey intertwined with the narrative of Michigan's history. From his birthplace in New Hampshire to his monumental contributions in St Johns, his legacy echoes the spirit of dedication, service, and the forging of enduring legacies.

Journey to Michigan & Family Life

A Foodie's Guide to Mid-Michigan

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.

St. Johns Area

Ryan's Roadhouse

Lansing Uncovered: Hidden Gems and Hotspots

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 smaller cities that are worth visiting.

Explore the Heart of Central Michigan

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 vacation. With our central location, you can easily explore all that Michigan has to offer. Our inn is just a short drive away from many popular tourist attractions, including beautiful lakes, scenic hiking trails, and charming small towns. We offer comfortable accommodations and a friendly staff who are always happy to help you plan your trip.

The History of Mint in St. Johns

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?

We Love Farmer's Markets

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....

Springtime in a Small Town

The Kind of Town You'll be Visiting

Local Sports

8 Important Things

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!

Making People feel at home, only better!

A Day in the Life of an Innkeeper

Have you ever thought about running your own bed and breakfast?

The thing about being an Innkeeper and part of the reason Kjersten and Greg love what they do, is that every day is different. No two days are exactly the same. "There are different people in our building all the time, so you're meeting new people. You get to experience people's personalities and perspectives. There is a typical rhythm to the day, we always laugh that we are the first people up and the last to bed."

6:00am - 10:30am/11:00am Prep for breakfast.

The Best Local Gifts for Valentine's Day

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!

The Year of the Pineapple

The Six Latest Offerings at The Nordic Pineapple in 2023

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.

The Nordic Pineapple Blog ...

St. Johns Area

The Six Latest Offerings at The Nordic Pineapple in 2023