A visit to Door County, Wisconsin

[chalet05]

Unfortunately, I have iffy Internet here so no photos, but what a great few days!

We came Thursday, got checked into the campground (one of my membership parks) and lunched at a Chinese buffet, then we took off for a ride in the country south of Sturgeon Bay. We had picked up a brochure at the visitors' center about the quilt blocks on barns so set out to see some of those. Stopped at the first of several roadside 'markets'. We headed for a winery intending to do some tasting, but since they had more elaborate tastings for a fee, we passed (I'm the only one who imbibes). Not to fear, I still bought some local wines!

Friday we headed up the west side of the peninsula. Many beautiful homes for sale due (probably) to many jobs lost at the local ship builder. More roadside markets with much sampling - especially of the cherry items they are famous for here. The trees had more color the farther north we drove. Lunch was at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Ellison Bay. A log cabin look building with a grass roof maintained by goats!! Definitely a tourist draw. Lunch was a Cherry Lager beer (yum), a whitefish sandwich (whitefish is very mild) and a cup of clam chowder followed by caramel apple pie ala mode. All very good! L's gd's volleyball game was the end of the day, and I was tired!

Saturday was L's gs's football game in the cold rain! After we all went for another Chinese buffet. They left for home and we headed up the east side of the peninsula - the rain had stopped. Markets, lighthouses, barn quilts, fall colors, turkey. Dinner was another Door County speciality - a Fish Boil. This is done outside in a large black kettle over an open fire. First the potatoes go in, 10 minutes later the whole onions, 10 minutes later the 2 inch whitefish steaks. After the next 10 minutes, they throw kerosene on the fire - Whoosh - so the fire will be extra hot, the kettle boils over getting rid of all the fish oil that has come to the top. The boilmaster explains the whole thing and then tells corny jokes waiting to put the kerosene on. It is served with coleslaw and freshly made bread followed by the famous cherry pie.

Okay, I have had enough to eat in the last few days to last awhile!! I'd like another day or two here, but it is raining again.

[BirdbyBird]

No grass growing under your wheels Sounds like you are making fun happen all around. Keep finding the interesting stuff and sharing it with us.

[Rufflesgurl]

Thanks Anita for sharing your story of a very different countryside. Did you like the "fish boil"?

Linda

[dpf]

Oh that sounds like fun! I have been intrigued with Door County since I read LaVyrle Spencer's book "Bittersweet" and I do plan to get there someday! It's fun to hear you talk about all the different towns and sites that were depicted in the book. I am looking forward to the pictures when you have a good connection. Yes...that is a major hint!

For anyone who has never read Spencer's books they are romance novels almost always set in the Midwest and range from historical to present day. She is from Minneapolis. They're so different from the Danielle Steel Gucci and Pucci books. They're about everyday middle class people who the readers can relate to and they're not trashy. She quit writing several years ago. My favorites are "Bittersweet" and "Forgiving". The latter is a historical novel set in old Deadwood SD during the gold rush. I don't think she wrote a bad book. I enjoyed all of them and highly recommend them to anyone who like romance novels.

[Acadianmom]

I was wondering how you liked the "fish boil" too. Around here they make a fish stew that is tomato based with onions, celery, bell peppers and usually catfish served on rice. It's ok but I would rather have my fish fried.

I had some cherry wine one time and it was very good. If you run into any try it.

Martha

[Rufflesgurl]

Pat - loved all the Leveryl Spencer's that I read - it's been quite awhile since I've read any of her books. Definitely gave up Danielle Steel's - they were pretty much predictable but read just about all of her earlier books. Have you tried Susan Wiggs?

Linda

[AlmostThere]

Oh that sounds like fun! I have been intrigued with Door County since I read LaVyrle Spencer's book "Bittersweet" and I do plan to get there someday! It's fun to hear you talk about all the different towns and sites that were depicted in the book. I am looking forward to the pictures when you have a good connection. Yes...that is a major hint!

For anyone who has never read Spencer's books they are romance novels almost always set in the Midwest and range from historical to present day. She is from Minneapolis. They're so different from the Danielle Steel Gucci and Pucci books. They're about everyday middle class people who the readers can relate to and they're not trashy. She quit writing several years ago. My favorites are "Bittersweet" and "Forgiving". The latter is a historical novel set in old Deadwood SD during the gold rush. I don't think she wrote a bad book. I enjoyed all of them and highly recommend them to anyone who like romance novels.

I use to be an avid reader of LaVyrle Spencer's books. Always something I could relate to being Mid-west born and bred.

[chalet05]

I used to read Spencer, but I'll have to read Bittersweet, whether I've read it or not.

The fish boil was very good, but I won't be disappointed if I never do it again. It is a novel way to have it prepared, but all the whitefish dishes I have had were good.

I haven't opened my bottle of cherry wine yet.

[Redetotry]

Sounds like a good place to visit. Cherry wine sounds good wish I had some right now.

[Travelinana]

I had mentioned Door County to BJ when it was 100+ for so long hoping we might meet and drive up together. I have been there twice both times in August. It is one of my favorite places. The wildflowers were everywhere, no AC needed at all. The first time my husband and I delivered a sailboat.
I wanted to strike out the middle of July but about this time I became sick with a stomach infection which knocked me out of commission for about 2 weeks then my battery died to my spinal stimulator. I'm recharged again and I will go to the Smokies in October then on to SC to visit my brother. He is alone and not too well, so I hope to get him to consider coming back to the place of his roots where I still live. I just received a letter that I'm on jury duty November and December. This is the best time as I really didn't plan anything during this time.
Now getting anxious for the GTG at Lake Chicot. Rudy has a new harness which will work as a seat restraint too. I am putting it on and off him and walking him with it on trying to get him use to it. He isn't usually cooperative but I have found just slip his muzzle on him and he becomes totally compliant...isn't that strange? He walks right into the muzzle like he enjoys it. I'm not caught up on all the latest posts but I do keep those of you who are sick or have sick loved ones in my thoughts and prayers. I did catch Soos post where she thought the baby might be coming...will be checking on that. Liz is keeping some great pics coming our way, always a treat.

[cpatinjones]

You have been seeing some great country!

[bikerchic777]

I almost took a workamping job this spring in Door County. I have been struggling through a Danielle Steele book. I used to love them, but must be tired of them. I will try to remember Spencer. I'm a corn fed girl

[snowball]

I will have to check into her books as well...
Have heard of fish boils....doesn't the fish pick up the smell of the kerosene? that would be
a concern.
sheila

[Liz]

Sounds like a nice tour. I've enjoyed all the barn murals I've been seeing too. The food also sounded yummy. I'll be watching for the photos.

[chalet05]

doesn't the fish pick up the smell of the kerosene? that would be
a concern

No kerosene smell - I don't think they used much and the 'whoosh' took care of it quickly