LET’S EAT
Foodies can look forward to an eclectic selection of culinary delights in Door County, which proffers a wide range of eating and dining menus for your delectation. As one of the top cherry producingregions inthe country, Door County harvests between10-15 million pounds of cherries each year of which 95% are of the Monterency variety. Because of their tartness, theseare used mainly for wines, jams and preserves. [Mmmm, I wonder how many cherry pies one can make withall those c h e rries?]. Around 50 acres , however, are planted with the Bing variety for your eating pleasure. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, located in Sister Bay, specializes in huge Swedish pancakes, made in crepe-like style and served with the restaurant’s legendary juice and jam. Patrons shouldn’t be surprised to see goats grazing on the grass roof during the warmer months. But takenote,they adhere to bankers hours(May to October,Hours: 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.)!Visit www.aljohnsons.com for more details. Carrington Pub & Grill at the 4-season Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor, is situated on 40 scenic acres, and overlooks the waters of Green Bay. The filling buffet, available on a regular basis, is followed by a Comedy Club performance, thus providing guests with both food for the body and laughter for the soul. A delightful way to spend an evening! To learn more, go to www.thelandmarkresort.com.

The Door County Coffee & Tea Company in Carlsville, owned by Vicki Wilson, prides itself on roasting in the old-fashioned manner over 80 different flavours of coffee. Here you can start your day with a cup of your favourite java or, like us, have a delicious lunch chosen from their appetizing menu. We settled on Jack & Dill Cheese sandwich (made with munster, marble, cheddar,and Swiss cheeses) coupled with Smoked salmon and corn chowder.You will also be tempted to take with you some of their gourmet food such as jams, jellies, mustard and dried fruit. Go to www.doorcountycoffee.com to learn more about this great enterprise.

Harbor Fish Market & Grille, in Baileys Harbor We have fond memories of a superb and beautifully presenteddinner at this fine dining establishment, which is committed to serving the best in New England style seafood along with a wide selection of meats and poultry. Guests can savour the creatively prepared and varied menu in agarden/waterfront setting overlooking Lake Michigan during the warmer months, or in the cozy dining room all year long. Alcoholic beverages and wines from the restaurant’s diverse wine list make great accompaniment to the food, while the service provided by the attentive staff is friendly yet unobtrusive.Visit www.harborfishmarket-grille.com.
Harbor Landing Restaurant in Egg Harbor was built in 1877 by Eli Thorp, who had made hismoney in the Gold Rush. The interior has a rustic feel, with glass-topped tables made from the original doors of the house.All meals are prepared with local and in-season ingredients, all of which can be enjoyed in a casual and friendly atmosphere.I loved their lemon blast smoothie, topped with whipped cream that arrived with the panini-style sandwich and soup I ord e red.
Go to www.harborlandingeggharbor.com for complete information.

White Gull Inn This all-season historic inn was established in 1896, and features a number of beautifully antique-decorated rooms, suites and cottages. It is also a venue for an authentic “Fish Boil” (Friday evenings November through April; or Wednesday to Sunday between May to October).
Innkeeper Andy Coulson continues the tradition of the fish boil which was begun by Scandinavian settlers some 100 years ago, when the oily whitefish they caught was cooked outdoors over an open fire and fed to large groups. In this way, they utilized the staples they had in large quantity: potatoes and fish. The fiery, and colourful, process makes the pot boil over, thus effectively removing the oil from the pot. Usually prepared on Friday nights, the fish boil is available to large groups, and church socials.
All details can be obtained by visiting www.whitegullinn.com.

DRINK UP!
There are five local wineries in Door County, in an ever-expanding grape growing industry, with the largest (at 30 acres) being Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery. Our introduction to Wisconsin wines, however, took place at two other notable wineries. Orchard Country Winery & Market Returning from our trolley ride we explored Orchard Country Winery & Market in Fish Creek, a family-run venture of quality fruits and fruit products. Operated by the 4th generation of the Lautenbach family, the winery was established in 1985 and currently has five acres of vineyard, all of which are planted with 32 cold hardy, French hybrid varietals. After tasting some of their wines we helped ourselves to samples of their other products such as sauces, jams, as well as cherry and apple nibbles. More information is available at www.orchardcountry.com. Door Peninsula Winery, situated bayside in Door County, is known for its fruit and sweet/semi-sweet wines. In recent times, however, consumers are becoming more aware of the premium styles such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These easy drinking light wines are great any time just to sip and savour, but also with food. Complimentary tastings are available at the bar, and for a nominal fee of $3.00 visitors can take a tour of the winery. Visit www.dcwine.com for complete information.

ART, GALLERIES AND ANTIQUES
Alas, there wasn’t time to visit the more than 100 art galleries, museums and performing arts venues to be found throughout the county. However, the three we did tour were impressive indeed. Dovetail Gallery/ Studio and Egg Art Museum in Egg Harbor, housed in the historic dovetail log home, belongs to Kathy Mand Beck and Tom Beck. The g a l l e ry is chock full of intere sting artifacts, including an egg art museum with an impressive number of Faberge eggs as well as an authenticated

Harbor Fish Market & Grille,in Baileys Harbor We have fond memories of a superb and beautifully presenteddinner at this fine dining establishment, which is committed to serving the best in New England style seafood along with a wide selection of meats and poultry. Guests can savour the creatively prepared and varied menu in agarden/waterfront setting overlooking Lake Michigan during the warmer months, or in the cozy dining room all year long. Alcoholic beverages and wines from the restaurant’s diverse wine list make great accompaniment to the food, while the service provided by the attentive staff is friendly yet unobtrusive.Visit www.harborfishmarket-grille.com.
Harbor Landing Restaurant in Egg Harbor was built in 1877 by Eli Thorp, who had made hismoney in the Gold Rush. The interior has a rustic feel, with glass-topped tables made from the original doors of the house.All meals are prepared with local and in-season ingredients, all of which can be enjoyed in a casual and friendly atmosphere.

dinosaur’ egg. Resident artist, Kathy Mand Beck is renowned for her carved and etched egg art designs and sculptures. Visitors looking for that very special gift can commission personalized eggs, symbols of friendship and love. A visit to her workshop, where she demonstrated the intricate and painstakingly amount of work required to fashion these remarkable eggs, brought home the incredible scope of this artist’s talent. Her copper art rotating sprinkler designs, crafted by husband Tom Beck, can be found in the gallery’s gardens along with other décor. It was an awesome revelation to witness Kathy as she painstakingly designed and created the extraordinary eggs. To see all her works, and learn more about the gallery, hours of operation and studio demonstrations, go to www.dovetailgallery.com. A Decorator’s Gallery, in Egg Harbor, is where you can purchase some stunning original oils and pastels, limited edition art and prints, or the more economic prints. On-site framing services are also available. Allow yourself ample time when you visit, as there is much to see. Go to www.decoratorsgallery.com for all details.
Ellison Bay Pottery was transformed from a fruit barn in 1974 by John Dietrich into a studio, gallery and living quarters for John’s p i t - f i red and functional pottery creations.
Their website is http://ellisonbaypottery.wordpress.com.

SHOPPING
Just in time for Christmas, I took advantage of the multitude of shops and galleries that were decorated for the holiday season. One stop was the “Country Walk Shops” in Uptown Sister Bay where one could purchase anything from cookbooks to kitchen utensils, to golf and other accessories, unique souvenirs and upscale designer fashions. Egg Harbor provided a fabulous assortment of shopping venues. The Main Street Shops were festively decorated, especially the “All I want for Christmas … and then some” store. Although the “Cinnamon Windmill” enticed us, we ended up spending a good deal of time in the “Made in Britain, Ltd.” where we tasted a number of delicious jams and curds and considered urchasing plaques/plates made by those who produce street and underground signs in England. Chocolates and sweets can be ordered on line, for delivery to your home anywhere in the world. Visit www.madeinbritainltd.com for details.
Down the street, at The Patricia Shop, shoppers can’t help but fall in love with its ample selection of high-end and unique women’s fashion.
Shopping in Fish Creek, with its streets and shops decked out in holiday gear amidst a backdrop of fresh snow, made for a ‘winter marvel’. The Hide Side Corner Store, with its leather goods and a plethora of other items, was particularly inviting.
“Jacksonport Craft Cottage”, owned by Joe and the very gracious Sue Jarosh, occupies the original main floor of an 1860’s era log home that has been restored. It is a regular treasure trove of craft (such as quilts, pillows, rugs) and original work of over 100 artists. I challenge anyone to leave this store without making a purchase….perhaps one of their exclusive collector lighthouse pins and collector frame? For more details, visit their website at www.jacksonportcraftcottage.com. If I’ve managed to pique your interest, then plan to make your next trip to Door County, Wisconsin. All information can be obtained from their most comprehensive website at www.doorcounty.com.

Happy travelling!