It was a little over four years ago when I first started dating the man who is now my husband.  He lived in Door County and I lived in Milwaukee.  One weekend in February when I was visiting for the weekend, he and I headed to grab some lunch.  As we were driving into town, I noticed these MASSIVE blocks of ice lined along the streets through town.  I asked him about them; having only lived here for a year at the time, had NO idea.  When we arrived at the Inn at Cedar Crossing restaurant in downtown Sturgeon Bay, I asked our waitress what the ice was for.  She explained that it was all a part of “Sturgeon Bay Fire and Ice,” an annual event that takes place in Sturgeon Bay where professional and not-so-professional carvers turn these huge blocks of ice into amazing works of art.  It’s followed by a dinner/dance at Stone Harbor Resort in the evening.

By the time we were done eating, these blocks weren’t blocks anymore.  They were bears, dragons, hands, eagles and more.  The talent and time that goes into carving these things is amazing.  I was completely hooked and have since made watching the ice carvings a family tradition.  This year, I brought my son and grandmother along.  We had a wonderful time.  Fire and Ice may have passed this year, but it is never too early to book your stay for the 2013 event!  For more information, contact the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center at www.sturgeonbay.net or by phone at 1-800-301-6695.

Michelle has been encouraging me to use our new FLIP Video camera when I go out to write blog posts. However, learning how to make little machines work is not my strong suit, no matter how technologically “cool” they are.  I appreciate them, but the most obvious things about them are somehow not obvious to me. All I’ve accomplished with our TV remotes at home has been done by wondering which buttons do what. For me, contemplation is my strong suit; figuring out which buttons cause little machines to work is not, apparently.

Because I have never been a quitter and am an overall determined individual, I gave in and agreed to use the FLIP when I visited Paige Funkhouser, administrator of the Sister Bay Advancement Association. A former Californian, Paige is now a Door County local and a totally funny, interesting young woman. I wanted to take her to Sister Bay Bowl so I could blog about the establishment, but also to get the scoop on Sister Bay in early February with no snow.

I have great ideas – That’s what Dario Pegoretti told my husband, Bill, when he bought a Pegoretti bicycle a couple of years ago. I made Bill email the quirky Italian to tell him how much he enjoyed the bike. So as I rolled into Sister Bay, I turned to FM 106.9 The Lodge, waited for an appropriate song, turned it up and held the camera toward the Sister Bay signs on Highway 57; imagining creating an awesome intro for my video. As I approached the Sister Bay Advancement Information Center, I scanned the downtown area with my camera to film the people. I introduced myself to Paige and stepped into the office, shut the camera off and explained what I was up to.

We headed out to lunch. I gave Paige the camera and asked her to say a few things as we headed over to Sister Bay Bowl. When we got there, we interviewed Leif Mickelson, a Door County native, about the work he was doing on the building (new windows and siding). Once inside, we turned the camera back on and chatted with our waitress, Penny (Willems) Anschutz – whose family owns Sister Bay Bowl – about how many years she had worked there (since high school), chatted while we waited for our food (I got the special – grilled cheese with a cup of chili for $6.50; Paige got the Chicken Caesar Salad for $9.00), filmed the food being delivered as we oohed and aahed because it looked and tasted THAT good. Quality (award-winning, even) pub food at fair prices, lots of nice pine paneling, a big round bar, tables, booths and plenty of local color. I even filmed a family that had come to bowl and photographed them as they appreciated the old-style bowling alley. I felt mighty content with our efforts as I walked Paige back to work and headed south.

Imagine my surprise when I told Michelle about all I had accomplished as I sat down at the computer.  I plugged in the camera (after Michelle showed me how) and then became flushed. The only thing on the camera was the piece Paige had done on the way over to the Sister Bay Bowl. It soon became apparent that I hadn’t remembered to push the RED button. As I thought about it (and remember, this is my strong suit), I HAD pushed the button on top of the camera, but not the RED “action” button.

These videos are the first and second in the series, and I’ll continue to improve – because, well, I HAVE to, right? Until next time, Bon Appétit!

In my November post “Pottery 101,” I introduced you to Renee Schwaller, resident owner and potter at Off the Wheel Pottery in Egg Harbor.  Renee helped ease the intimidation I have for pottery.  There is no doubt that I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of Door County pottery, but I get so nervous when I’m surrounded by it in a gallery, as if it’s going to break just by having me look at it!  I’m afraid to touch it but I really, really want to!

On New Year’s Day, Phil, Hadley and I ventured out early to enjoy a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Mink River Basin in Ellison Bay and then swung by Ellison Bay Pottery after filling our bellies.  John Dietrich and Diane McNeil were so gracious and offered to open their door to us an hour earlier than they were scheduled to be open for business that day.  One thing that was made clear is that they will do this for anyone, anytime, if they are around to accommodate your request.  This is one of the things I truly love about Door County and our community of business owners – you are NOT inconveniencing them by asking if they can open outside their scheduled hours.  They want to meet you, talk with you, educate you and, hopefully, make you a loyal customer.  They “get it.”

It wasn’t long into my conversation with John about his pottery and the process of creating his art before I was openly admitting my internal conflict of appreciation and intimidation for his work.  He nearly thrust piece after piece at me, forcing me to touch it.

“How can you fully appreciate pottery if you don’t touch it?” he asked.  “The beauty of art can’t be completely enjoyed unless you use ALL your senses – including, and especially, touch.”

Of course, he was right.  As he explained a number of pottery-related terms and expressions to me, he reached for another piece of his work to fully demonstrate what he was saying.

One piece he handled during his explanation of pit firing was so intriguing to me that I just had to touch it!  So, I reached for it.  I held it.  I even smelled it – which I kind of liked!  It had a deep, earthy smell to it and reminded me of the smell of a fast rain after a hot, dry stretch in the summer. I didn’t use all five senses, though – tasting it didn’t have even the slightest appeal to me!  However, I had planned to buy Phil one of John’s coffee mugs to go along with the Keurig coffeemaker my parents gave us for Christmas, so Phil has been able to taste something served in one of John’s creations!  Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but you get my point.

While John and I chatted on and on, Diane spent the entire time walking around with Phil and Hadley, pointing things out and providing great conversation.  This extra time gave Phil the opportunity to pick out a great-looking coffee mug, and Hadley took pictures of every nook and cranny of the gallery – including the resident four-legged creatures!  Diane has a number of her own pieces of art available for sale at the gallery as well.  Diane and John certainly make a great team!

My conversation with John took paths that I didn’t expect.  Pottery = science?  Really? It was eye opening to listen to him discuss different glazes and temperatures, and how they are affected by something as simple as air (or lack thereof)!  He talked about the very beginnings of pit firing, when early man dug a pit in the earth and started a fire to cook his meal.  If the pit was dug in an area with a substantial amount of clay, the day after the fire was out they realized that the clay was hard.  One thing led to another, and they started making shapes out of the clay to form dishes and utensils.  Fascinating!

There is so much more to a vase or a pitcher, or even Phil’s coffee cup, than meets the eye.  There’s a story behind each piece, and it can become a reflection of how the artist was feeling when it was being created.  Even an unexpected “glitch” in the firing process can result in a look or feel that wasn’t planned.  John taught me that to expect perfection in the end product is to expect disappointment.  The imperfections are what makes each piece unique and gives it character.  So, imperfect = beautiful!

After two separate visits to two different potters’ galleries, I am no longer intimidated by reaching out and touching a piece of art that interests me.  Please take my advice and employ all your available senses when you experience art – you will enjoy it so much more than you could have ever imagined!

I will be the first to admit I know absolutely nothing about ice fishing – the creaking of the ice when it shifts still give me the willies. My husband, on the other hand, can’t seem to get enough of it. People travel from all over the world to the Midwest just to say they have done it.  For that reason, I decided to try it again – and I’m a firm believer that I’ve got at least a couple followers who would enjoy this endeavor, too!

Let’s get something straight right from the start: Ice fishing is not like bobber fishing, when you grab a rod and some worms then find some water to cast into.  There is a whole lot of time and effort that goes into setting up, and a whole lot of comedy comes from watching someone run across the ice to catch a tip-up.  (Word to the wise – if you’re like me and have no idea how to ice fish, get a guide or someone who does – not only for sanity’s sake, but navigating on ice is risky and not for a novice to do on their own.)

Your day should go something like this: Find every warm piece of clothing you have and put it on until you look like the kid from the Christmas Story (okay, maybe not that far…); layers are going to make your day a lot more enjoyable.  Meet with your guide, who has no doubt been assembling gear since dawn, and travel to their “super secret” fishing spot.  Since this year has been unseasonably warm, you will most likely be on one of the inland lakes like we were. You will catch small pan fish like perch, or maybe the occasional northern. If you’re like me, and have no ability what-so-ever to help, this is when you sit back and watch as the experienced one in your group drills holes, scoops out slush and sets up ice fishing rods called tip-ups (when the fish bites the line, a flag pops up letting you know a fish is biting).

When everything is finally set, sit back on your bucket of minnows and wait.  At first you watch every flag intently for even the slightest movement, then after a while you start to shift your focus to the frozen lake and the other fishermen around you.  The experience is so tranquil – it has almost a rejuvenating quality to it.  It’s when the flag finally pops that the excitement begins.

You’d think we put tiny fish lunch bells on our lines because when the first flag popped, the second and third followed right behind.   I’m not sure what the spikes on your shoes are supposed to do, but running from hole to hole on the ice will never look graceful – it may be even more entertaining than pulling the fish out of the ice!

After a good chunk of the day had passed, we packed up our things and headed back to reality to find some heat.  As crazy as sitting on the ice all day sounds, it actually wasn’t that bad (and I really enjoyed it).  Ice fishing is quiet, relaxing and completely opposite of your average day at work.  You are distantly surrounded by fun-loving people who aren’t afraid to stop over to see what you’ve caught, or show off the behemoth they just pulled through the ice.  To my surprise, ice fishing isn’t just for men who would rather freeze than be at home; it’s an adventure and a getaway to be shared among friends, passed down through the generations.

Ever want to meet your favorite football player and tell him EXACTLY what you thought of their last game?  Or even to tell them how awesome you think they are?  Not very many people get that opportunity, except those lucky enough to be in Door County.  I’ve been a DIE HARD Green Bay Packers fan for as long as I can remember and, even though I’ve never been lucky enough to make it to a game, I have been able to rub elbows with some of Green Bay’s most elite Packers players.

Where do I have the opportunity to meet these insanely fabulous football players?  Jim Olson Motors in Sturgeon Bay!  Jim Olson Motors is not only one of the largest auto dealerships in Door County, but it’s one of the most active in the community.  They invite Packers players to sign autographs in exchange for donations to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Sturgeon Bay.  A great cause, not to mention a great time.

The first time I went was to meet Randall Cobb.  I will never forget the look on my son’s face when he met an NFL football player for the first time.   Playing in the NFL is a dream for my little guy, so it was an amazingly heartwarming experience.  When we made it to the front of the line, I asked Randall Cobb what advice he’d give to a little boy whose dream it is to play football for the NFL one day.  He put his arms around my son and said: “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t.  They told me that all the time, and look at me now.”  At this point, I’m ready to start sobbing.  Evian’s eyes lit up and they posed for a picture.

The next time we went was for Jermichael Finley.  The line was practically out the door and it was FREEZING.  Jim Olson and his staff found a way to get everyone in line inside and out of the cold (great team!) and yet again, a great experience.

More recently we met John Kuhn.  All I have to say is, he was HUGE!  I would NOT want to get hit by him during a game.  OUCH!

Whether you are in the county for a new/used car, car repair or hoping to get your Packers jersey signed, head over to Jim Olson Motors in Sturgeon Bay.  Although Packers player visits aren’t typical, make sure to check their website for great deals on new and used vehicles.  They will also post when the next Packer will be in town.

www.jimolsonmotors.com

There are very few places I feel comfortable eating by myself, but the Steel Bridge Café is definitely one of them.  Maybe it’s their sassy waitress, Patty, or the warmth of owner Mary Wauters and co-owner Bill Lemke – or maybe it’s just the atmosphere of an old-fashioned café that does that – but this is a place I feel at home.

The café is clean and comfortable, and the service is excellent – if not kind of sassy, but that’s just Patty.  The view is of the Steel Bridge and the bay of Sturgeon Bay beyond.  Today I ordered the Turkey Reuben – It comes with a choice of fries (I made mine the sweet potato fries), plus a pickle wedge and a side of 1000 Island dressing.  I had my eye on the apple crisp on the “Specials” board, because I know Mary makes that from scratch.  It turns out my eyes are bigger than my belly, so I end up having to take a pass.  The sandwich is served on dark rye with sliced turkey, sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese, and the sweet potato fries are slender wisps of sweet and salty.  I order a hot cup of Victor Allen coffee – and it IS hot (Patty brings me my own thermos) – and I am all set.  I chat with Patty and Mary as they work, and get a few things done myself.

My meal cost a little over $10 and I was able to box up a few fries and bites of sandwich for my dog Tino.

The Steel Bridge Café specializes in high quality comfort food.  Basically a breakfast/lunch venue, the Steel Bridge does offer dinner (they have a great fish fry) on Friday and Saturday nights.  Bill Lemke comes to the county from Green Bay’s Bill’s Pancake House, and he tells me that’s also where a lot of his clientele comes from.  I think that says a lot about him and the food he serves.  They are open year-round, so look here when you’re in the mood for breakfast or a comfortable, casual fare.

Steel Bridge Café

Across from the Maritime Museum and the historic Steel Bridge

Sturgeon Bay

It’s a little hard to believe that holidays are done and it’s time to start the New Year. A part of me feels like I’m still trying to catch up on last year’s resolutions while making the new ones.  Frankly, the whole thing is a bit stressful, and that is why I give my husband kudos for my Christmas present this year.

In the past we have always bought something we needed or that we could both use.  One year we got furniture and another I got a brand new stainless grill. This might not be thrilling to most women, but I can’t count how many times I haven’t had to cook dinner because “I just can’t seem to grill things right” (wink-wink).   This year we vowed to get each other something that only that person could enjoy all to themselves – no sharing.

With working full-time, going to school, being the mother of a two-year-old, a baby on the way and (hopefully) being a loving wife, I don’t put a lot of priority on spoiling myself.  That being said, the spa certificate my husband got me for Christmas was just the mini-vacation I needed.

From the minute I drove into the parking lot of Saguaro’s Day Spa I could feel the weight of life falling off my shoulders.  (So much so, that I think I might have to pull in their driveway at the end of a rough day just to enter the stress-free bubble they seem to have surrounding them.)  I’ve never worked in a spa, but I can imagine you would never have someone come in that wasn’t happy to be there.  The staff was welcoming and, with a simple hello, seemed to say, “I completely understand and we’ll take care of it.” The southwestern décor made me feel like I was on vacation in sunny Arizona, and the smell of lavender reassured me that I would walk out a revitalized woman.

I’m not sure where the 90 minutes went but when I left, I felt like I could take on the world again.  The menu said, “Relieves tension while uplifting the spirit,” and that’s exactly what it did.   I’ll have to keep thanking my husband for the amazing gift so he remembers to do it again!

There really is nothing better than being home for the holidays – and millions of people consider Door County “home”, even though our population is no more than 30,000.  Let’s be honest – home truly is where the heart is.  I’ll never forget those early years of driving between college in Chicago and home in Fish Creek.  Sunday night would arrive and as the car was heading south on the highway, I cried.  Sure, at that time I was “living” in Chicago while I was in school, but “home” was in Door County, because that’s where my heart was.  And my heart always led me back.

When the Christmas & New Year’s holidays roll around every year, the county has that magical feel about it… Long-time visitors return to enjoy a traditional American Christmas: where people from near and far gather to sing carols and light the community Christmas tree in towns all over Door County.  The early setting sun allows us to view light displays at businesses and private residences on main highways and country roads.

On this Wednesday between Christmas and New Year’s, I’m downright giddy with anticipation about driving to the Old Gibraltar Town Hall, a quaint wooden structure on the waterfront in Fish Creek.  This building was the site of old-fashioned Christmas celebrations that marked the beginning of my life in Northern Door County.  Today, I’m going to do my best to extend the warm feelings that the winter holidays bring, by attending American Folklore Theatre’s “Home for the Holidays”.

Now, just to make something perfectly clear – I am so excited about going to see a show that showcases three of my favorite entertainers, which is set in one of my most nostalgic buildings in Door County, that I literally woke up several times during the night thinking about it.  This, truly is my “Christmas Day”.  One of the things about being an adult with a young(ish) child is that December 25 loses its magic.  The focus is on the kids, so much so that, between all the shopping and wrapping and cooking and planning, there is simply no time to build up the anticipation of the wonders of Christmas Day.  So this year, my Christmas Day is December 28.

Fast-forward now to Thursday, December 29… I wrote the beginning of this blog prior to going to the show, so now I’ll share with you what I love about the arts in Door County.

It all begins when you pull into Fish Creek and see dozens of shoppers strolling along the sidewalks of Main Street.  Cars parked everywhere – it could have been June, except that everyone was bundled up with their winter hats, coats and gloves.  Seeing all these people smiling and enjoying a relaxing, peaceful day in our beautiful county will bring a smile to your face.

Almost immediately after parking, I started spotting some familiar faces – the amazing Amy Ensign, who I first met when she was the stage manager for a show I performed in at Third Avenue Playhouse – Amy is an accomplished actor and I’m honored to call her a friend.  She introduced me to Jeff Herbst, another incredible Door County talent who is memorable as he is an actor and director (“Bone Dance”, anyone?), and now I’ve actually shaken his hand (I’ll never wash it again! Tee hee).  Another friend and Door County talent, Jacinda Duffin (co-writer of “Loose Lips Sink Ships”), was also in attendance.  It was a veritable “who’s who” of local celebrity sightings!

There’s no doubt that my experience has the added benefits of seeing some familiar faces, but the truth is that at a show that was nearly sold out – there were less than half a dozen empty seats – there were many, many people who were not familiar to me.  Within the first 10 minutes of the show, the strangers who were seated near me became friends – at least for the duration of the show as we sang songs side-by-side along with the musicians on stage, and shared laughs at some of the performer’s antics.  You may enter this building as a newcomer, but you will leave as a member of the extended Door County family.

AFT’s “Home for the Holidays” features three well-known, professional performers: Katie Dahl, Karen Mal & James Valcq.  If you have attended AFT or Door Shakespeare shows in the past, it is very likely that you have seen them already.  They aren’t just Door County talents, though – their accomplishments have taken them to locations in and out of the United States.  The truly interesting thing about this trio is that, despite the hundreds of times they have been on stage in the county, this show is the first time that they have performed together.  As Katie puts it, they are “together again – for the first time!”

Oh, what a wonderful show!  They were funny and sweet, silly and nostalgic.  Their songs ranged from traditional Christmas carols to international favorites – at least 4 different languages were represented.  They shared personal stories of their own family’s Christmastime traditions and memories of holidays gone by.  There were some original songs (I loved “Woody’s Place” by Karen Mal) and one of my all-time favorites “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”  Katie even shared a taste of AFT’s newest original show for 2012 by singing a song from “Victory Farm.”  They sing a cappella for a while, then showcased their incredible talents on a variety of instruments, including the mandolin, guitar and – believe it or not – the accordion!  For several songs, they encouraged all of us to join them in singing some holiday favorites.

When it was over, the standing ovation completely captured what I was thinking: “Thank you, Katie, Karen, James and everyone at AFT… for staying Home for the Holidays.”  I encourage everyone to take time to see this show if you’re able.  It’s a short run, with shows on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening, plus a Saturday matinee.  When 2011 ends, so ends this rare opportunity to create your own “Christmas Day”.  Please call (920) 854-6117 or visit www.FolkloreTheatre.com for details on extending that feeling of Christmas.

(Oh, by the way… Here’s my little “insider tip” for you: Stick around after the performance and introduce yourself to them!  They didn’t know me at all, but they were incredibly gracious by taking a little time to chat with me – and posed for photos, too.  You’ll be glad you took the time to do it – the autographs on your program will be a memory to take home with you!  “Insider tip” #2 – There are yummy treats and CDs available for purchase, too!)

Door County has had some usually mild temperatures lately, which has been putting a damper on our snowmobile plans thus far.  Usually this time of year, we would have been up and down the Ahnapee Trail (our favorite trail to snowmobile) at least three times.  As I was griping to myself about how there is no snow on the ground, Evian (my son) suggested that we take a walk on the Ahnapee trail instead.  “Walk?? Why not.”

The Ahnapee Trail stretches between Sturgeon Bay, Algoma and Casco along a 29-mile former railroad grade.  The trail itself is pretty level and is great for biking, snowmobiling and even horseback riding.  But that particular day, we were walking.  We parked at the parking lot on Neenah Street in Sturgeon Bay about a mile right off of Hwy 42/57.

I must say, zipping through the Ahnapee Trail on a snowmobile is fun, but walking through the picturesque paths was extremely peaceful.  I was glad Evian suggested it. Even more, what I thought would be a normal walk turned into a “Kodak moment” between my boys.  Between their incredible bond and a Door County backdrop, I’ve truly grown to understand our motto:

“Your story, our setting… Like nowhere Else.”

I could not have said it better myself.

For more information on the Ahnapee Trail, contact the Door County Parks Department at 920-746-9959.

So I have a confession to make.  Seriously.  I used to be afraid to go to the Greystone Castle in Sturgeon Bay.  Finally my neighbors Mike & Linda talked me into going with them one night when my husband Bill wasn’t around and that was the beginning of a love affair.  I remember ordering a prime rib sandwich that was as big as my head and onion rings that were huge, crisp and delicious.  After that initial flirtation, I got brave enough to stop in and try to sell them a membership to the Door County Visitor Bureau.  Owner Greg Ebel wasn’t available for a couple of weeks (It was almost February and I think he was off somewhere fishing for Sturgeon). When I did catch him in, he didn’t even let me finish my pitch. “How much?” He asked as he reached for his checkbook.   Then I met his wife Sue and she sealed the deal, she made me laugh and they were both entered into my “Good People” book forever.

So then I had to talk my Bill into going there.

The issue is that the Greystone IS a big, grey stone castle (duh) and it looks kind of scary.  I overcame the initial appearance part by stepping inside gingerly.  It’s okay when you walk into the bar because it’s a lot like any old-time Wisconsin tavern.  There are lighted beer signs, a big semi-circular bar and lots of fish mounts on the wall.  The scariest part is what comes next.  When you enter the dining room through the bar (if you are a pansy like I am), take my advice and keep your eyes straight ahead and don’t look side to side.  Go directly to your booth.  The tavern dining room is nice and clean and the table tops are marble, so THAT’S not scary.  It’s just that after you are seated and you look around (and you’ll have to do it) what you see is a taxidermist’s dream.  Stuffed black bears (plural; whole & from the chest up), wild boars, huge male and female elk, deer mounts, a jack rabbit, squirrels, sturgeons, trout, and much,  much more.  I know there’s more, but I can’t tell you what, because I try not to look.

Apparently Greg and his sons are responsible for every mount at the Greystone.  Of course different people react differently to the animals.  Bill and I were in the next booth from a family of four where there were two children under age six and we overheard part of their discussion.  The little girl apparently thought she saw the animals moving and the Dad said “Yup.  They’re probably wiggling their butts on the other side of the wall.”  (So there you have it)  Whenever we go now (about 2 – 3 times a month) I put myself in a state of Zen, so the animals and I remain on good terms.

Bill doesn’t find it necessary to achieve this Zen state, but last week when we were there we had to switch booths because the hair on the top of his head kept brushing the beard of a huge male elk above his head in the booth next to the big screen T.V.

There is a reason we go to the Greystone two or more times a month, though, and that reason is the food.

My current favorite is Greystone’s seafood combination plate for $10.00.  The seafood combination plate comes with deep fried shrimp, scallops AND lobster PLUS coleslaw (and it’s delicious slaw), rye bread and choice of potato.  My most recent potato favorite is “pepper fries” which are French fries cooked crisp with lots of black pepper.  My last potato favorite was a baked sweet potato.  Every time we have eaten at the Greystone the food has been better than the last; served simply, but with huge flavor, and always hot out of the fryer, even when the place is packed.  The Greystone Castle is the big, grey castle on Maple & Madison, right over the Oregon Street Bridge and adjacent to the Door County Maritime Museum.  The Greystone Castle, North Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay 920-743- 9923 (and they do carry-outs!).

I may be a transplant local but every year I make sure to play tourist and check out the annual Holiday of Homes Tour.  The tour highlights a handful of exquisite Northern-Door properties that scream “‘tis the season!”  I’m not sure if it’s the presentation that gets me or all the great surprises each home has to offer.

There was one house in particular that I may have had problems leaving, and that was the McCarthy home.  Kathy McCarthy featured some of her homemade chocolates.  For those of you that might not know Kathy, she is the chocolatier at Savory Spoon in Ellison Bay and take my word for it…the chocolates are to die for!

The other homes were just as spectacular and some featured local artists; one home even had a bonfire to warm up next to.  Also included in the tour was St. Paul’s Church in Fish Creek where The Bake Shoppe was open to the public so everyone could stock up on some tasty treats.

The tour took place Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving and was a good start to the holiday season.  All of the proceeds went to the Northern Door Children’s Center.

Pottery.  What do you think of when you hear that word?  Pottery.  There are so many different visions that “pottery” can invoke.  Big and small, multi-purpose or just pretty, colorful or natural.

Remember my last blog entitled “Accessible Art” when I felt like I was stepping outside my comfort zone?  I promised myself (and I may have promised you) that I would do it more often.  Well, this article has its moments of being familiar, yet a little bit on the side of the unknown.

I have always had a love affair with antique Red Wing crocks.  Large and small, with and without handles.  I have a fairly decent collection of them scattered around – some serving as plant containers, some decorating a table top, and some sitting in the garage waiting to have some purpose in my life.  The fact that I love these creations helps me feel more comfortable exploring the wonderful world of pottery in Door County.

In my first year of college I took a ceramics course and learned the basics of throwing a pot on the wheel and forming an object that I would later put in a kiln with other students’ various objects (some a little more lop-sided than mine and most that were so much better than I could ever have hoped!).  It was an interesting class, and the most important thing that it taught me was that I am more of an appreciator of art than a creator of it.

That was many years ago, and in the 20+ years that I have made Door County my home, I have also come to learn that we have some incredibly talented potters whose work should be appreciated.  Each gallery has its own specialty and each artist has their own style.  In my one-semester college class, I learned that I shouldn’t be a potter, but for those who clearly have a talent, and a love for pottery, their style is developed over time.

And so I visited Off the Wheel Pottery, just outside of Egg Harbor, and spent some time chatting with Renee Schwaller, the resident potter.  It was a sunny afternoon, mid-week in early October so she only had a few other customers exploring her buildings.  There’s a large barn and 2 smaller outbuildings that she makes good use of, displaying her work and the work of a couple of other local artists, and the setting has a quaint, comfortable country feel to it.

Renee has developed a style called “sgraffito”.  It’s actually more of a technique, where she scratches her designs on the unfired piece.  Most of her designs feature objects found in nature: trees, birds, flowers, dragonflies, etc.  Many of her colors are soft and soothing.  Renee was patient while answering all of my questions – I was truly a novice and she assured me that she answers basic questions like mine all the time.  She enjoys helping people learn about her craft!  I learned that she uses an electric kiln (gas is the other option) and when she is doing a bisque firing and a glaze firing, she fires each piece 2 times.

My time spent with Renee was too short and I would like to understand her process better, so I’ll head back to Off the Wheel again soon.  I hope to see you there!

Just as no 2 painters are alike, neither is the work of 2 potters the same.  Not necessarily at the opposite spectrum of Renee’s art, but certainly different, is the work of John Dietrich at Ellison Bay Pottery.  Next month, I would like to dedicate my blog to the work of John (and Diane McNeil).

Until then, have a Happy Thanksgiving!  Be sure to include some time to talk with a local potter during your next visit to Door County.

Every once in a blue moon my husband and I like to take a day off of work, when the kids are at school and daycare, to spend some quality time with one another.  I’d like to call it, a break from the insanity, and it’s simply wonderful.  That day started out like any other day.   We got dressed and went out to breakfast.  We aren’t the type of people to sit home and waste the day, and living in Door County, why would we want to?  We drove through town when suddenly we spotted a group of people on Segways. As it turned out, Segway the Door Tours was doing an “Everything Sturgeon Bay” Tour.  I asked the Gentleman when their next tour would be and before you know it, there we were, Helmets on and going through our training.  There’s usually always a training session on how to appropriately use your Segway. We were each given an opportunity to get on/off the Segway, and a quick loop around the room.  Luis (of course) was a pro. I, on the other hand weebled and wobbled (but I didn’t fall down) Believe it or not, it’s not as hard as it may seem.  “It’s no different than standing” as our instructor kept trying to instill in us.  Within 10 minutes we were on our Segways lined up on Historic Downtown Sturgeon Bay’s 3^rd Ave, and away we were.   Our first stop was underneath the Oregon Street Bridge where we were given a brief history lesson on that and the Historic Michigan Ave Steel Bridge.  We then traveled on through the beautiful Gardens of the White Lace Inn B&B.  After more stops through town we were back at our home base. The experience lasted about 45 minutes but the memories we made that day will last much longer.

With Segway the Door Tours you can choose your adventure, From Shipwrecks to nature in Sturgeon Bay, amazing views of Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, the Lighthouse Tours of Baileys Harbor, the High Bluffs and Picturesque Roads of Ellison Bluff County Park in Ellison Bay, or a half day scenic tour of Washington island.    You can even bring the fun to you with private parties.

For more information, rates and reservations, contact Segway the Door Tours at 1-920-376-0256 or email segway@doorcounty.com You can also visit their website at www.segwaythedoor.com.  The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and you are guaranteed to have a GREAT time!!

I’d been waiting and waiting for it to open.  It’s next to what used to be “The Ladder House”, in the building that was “The Third Avenue Café”.  Over the course of the summer the whole interior has been re-done, a new name and a new awning has gone up and the food and ambiance is just this side of spectacular … To all those who have been waiting with bated breath … buon appetito!

Who are they?  T.J. Samonds is the Chef.  T.J. was born and raised here (Sturgeon Bay) then left to get his education and work ina professional high quality kitchen (Hyatt) and see the world (Italy).   He’s home now and he and Illinois businessman,  John Martin Brasch Jr., who owns a home in Sturgeon Bay, joined forces to decide on the type of atmosphere and fare a new restaurant in town should have, and they decided on Italian-American and called it “John Martin’s” in honor of John’s father.

Inside the new décor is simple, warm and inviting.  A red brick wall with the name and slogan “John Martin’s – Where Customers become Friends” is the focal point, and the colors are warm red and dandelion, with heavy chairs and dark flecked table tops.  The restaurant has a beer and wine license and an expansive bar with a couple of flat screen TV’s.   You are welcome to order and eat from the menu at the bar or in the main dining room.

I sampled TJ’s Rack of Lamb (served with chef’s selection of vegetables, super thin cut sweet potato fries set on top and a serving of apple mint jam and his Panko and Thyme encrusted Whitefish (with red potatoes, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, arugula, lemon aioli and basil oil) a couple of weeks ago during a photo shoot and was very impressed.  TJ has a heavy emphasis both on from-scratch cooking and fresh quality ingredients which results in interesting, fresh flavors.  He also is strong on balance, which you can best appreciate if you try his chili.  TJ has a way with balancing sweet and spicy, and he has created a flavor both complex and hearty, with enough of a kick to make it well worth ordering.

When we first decided to eat out on MY watch (it was a Tuesday and this means if I am not cooking, I am paying) I had suggested we grab a burger.  Bill agreed and suggested we go to John Martin’s.  I was thinking John Martin’s lunch menu was also available at night* and I looked forward to a burger or a BBQ chicken sandwich.  As we looked at the menu, it became clear that John Martin’s has separate lunch and dinner menus.  I looked at Bill.  He was grinning.  I think he thought he’d pulled one over on me. (*TJ has since told me he will accommodate requests for lunch menu items at night as long as he is not too busy)

So when Bill ordered the Pork Tenderloin (over red potatoes with Brussels sprouts and bacon and sage finished with apple maple glaze) for $16.95, I was a little miffed.  I ordered the Rigatoni Marinara (Rigatoni tossed in Marinara and Arugula topped with Goat Cheese and your choice of Jumbo Grilled Shrimp or Chicken Breast) priced at $9.95.

Imagine my glee when our plates were presented (pasta selections are priced from $8.95 to $11.95) and Bill’s mouth fell open.   My pasta dish looked and tasted fabulous.  There were no fewer than three nice sized shrimp on my plate and the goat cheese (which I like, not love, and only when it is fresh) tasted wonderful.  I knew Bill would love the pork tenderloin (and he did) because it an artful dish and is skillfully prepared.  What tickled me the most, though, is that my $9.95 pasta made him have second thoughts about HIS choice and it was prepared with skill, fresh ingredients AND was below my price point.  Take THAT Bill!

John Martin’s is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (year around) and their slogan “Where customers become friends” is fast becoming a wholehearted theme of the restaurant.   Stop and see them soon!

Everyone’s heard of all the great food products that are made in Door County like the wine, preserves, coffee and candy, but we often forget that there are also some great non perishable things too.  Whenever friends and family visit they always take time to shop, mostly because they want to take a piece of Door County home with them.   This got me thinking that instead of buying all my holiday gifts online, last minute, why not go out and see what I can find around town.

From this point forward my family and friends are banned from reading the rest of this blog until after the holidays. Sorry – spoiler alert!

The first place I found was Fish Creek Moccasin Works just down the road from my house.  My mom is notorious for having cold feet, and wears out those big fuzzy slippers in a matter of months, so having some custom made moccasins, that actually last, is the perfect gift.  They also repair golf bags and create hats, slings and boots from hunting excursions so if I can’t find something for my husband or my dad I’ll definitely be back.

Next stop was more fun than anything because it always brings back so many great memories.  Candleworks of Door County is one of those places you can spend hours walking down the rows of candles, smelling each one to try and find the perfect scent, only to find that in the end that you grabbed one of each anyway.   Let me explain…I had to have the Sugar Cookie and Banana Nut Bread because it reminded me of my mom, the Door County Cherry because it’s my favorite, the Lilac because no matter where I lived growing up we always had lilac trees, the Northwoods because it reminds me of some of my favorite times camping, the….well you get the point.  It’s a simple gift but when you give a candle that reminds you of camping to my sister, she will tell remember when stories all night long and it makes the holidays together that much more special.

The next ten stops were at various galleries where I found personalized gift ware, photography, paintings and sculptures by local artists.  I knocked of at least 5 people from my list and didn’t break the bank doing it.  There are so many great galleries around town it was hard not to redecorate my house in the process.

Final stop every year is any place I can get a “Nobody loves me more than me” gift.  It may sound selfish but everyone is entitled to at least one gift a year to reward them of all the stresses and successes they’ve gotten through.  That and you’ll never be disappointed because it’s “exactly what you wanted!”  This year it’s a piece of handmade jewelry from one of the most eclectic shops in the County.  When you walk in Samara’s you feel like you’re walking into a gallery versus a jewelry store because every piece is so unique.   This year I set my eyes on a custom made stone necklace, or maybe the earrings….

One “might” wonder what there is to do and see in Door County after the colors of fall have diminished and the weather has cooled. One “might” be very surprised. Although a few things do close for the winter months, some of my favorite times in the county are in the fall and winter months.

I have seen some spectacular views on the water and around the bluffs of Door County during inclement weather. The strong gales on the water and the waves crashing into the bluffs are very picturesque with forever changing views. Sitting on the rocks under a large cedar tree listening to the waves crash is most definitely very serene and relaxing.

“CheeseCake, Etc.”

When a new restaurant or shop has a really, really good product, sometimes it surprises me how long it takes to get the word out. The reason for this Blog is to tell you about CheeseCake, Etc. in Sister Bay so you can be sure not to miss it yet this season.

CheeseCake, Etc. is going into its second year and is located in the garden level of the Country Walk Shops in Sister Bay. (To get there: drive behind the Piggly Wiggly, in front of Paper Work Plus /Innovative Printing) down to the lower level, park and walk past Village Clothier & Consignment Shop; you’ll see some outdoor seating and then look for CheeseCake, Etc.)

Inside CheeseCake, Etc. you see brightly colored walls, plenty of seating, a display case with some of the most mouthwatering selection of cheesecakes EVER, (offered as a whole cake, by the slice, mini and a tiny two- mouthful sized servings), a table with loaves of freshly baked bread, an ice cream case with over 24 varieties of Chocolate Shoppe ice cream (The Madison-based quality ice cream brand with the funky cow) and a Steep & Brew coffee bar behind the customer service area. Most days you’ll also see either Henry Cifre or Janae Dell behind the cash register ready to take your order. On weekends and in the summer, you might see Belkis or Scott Dell, or bread baker Manuel Cifre. Henry and Manuel bake the bread. Belkis is the cheesecake “master”, and she is the one with the creativity and skill to create these fabulously fresh, sweet and tantalizing taste sensations. Born in the Dominican Republic, baking has been in her family for over three generations. Everything is made from “secret family recipes” and everything she touches in the shop is made with the skill and caring of an artist.

Henry and Janae are the “next generation” and you will find their cheerful outlook on life and their genuine love of people truly refreshing. Belkis, if you meet her, will undoubtedly strike you as humble and angelic, and Scott Bell, the father, is high energy and obviously loves what he does.

Henry told me his Mom (Belkis) always stocks their original cheese cake with sour cream topping, a New York cheesecake, and a chocolate cheesecake, made with chocolate cookie crust. This time the chocolate cheese cake was TRIPLE chocolate (Yum!) and a Baileys Irish Crème cheesecake and a chocolate chip cheesecake were the “special” cheese cakes. Henry was quick to point out that all of the cakes his Mom makes are prepared with the highest quality ingredients and EVERYTHING she does she does by hand, including the graham cracker and chocolate cookie crusts. When I asked him to tell me more about the sour cream topping on the “original”, he told me with a serious expression that it was “sour cream” and then he grinned and said “I can’t tell you. “That’s a family secret” and that was all I could get out of him. Eating a bite of their original cheese cake was pure heaven. Smooth, sweet (but not too), rich and … FRESH.

In addition to incredible cheesecake, CheeseCake, Etc. also makes incredible bread. The varieties offered are spicy cheese bread, raisin challah (braided Jewish egg bread), regular challah and honey wheat. Last week I bought a loaf of the spicy cheese bread (which comes as a round bread) and between Bill and I, it was gone in two days. Made from a family recipe (are you surprised?) this bread is made with fresh red peppers, parsley and chives and stuffed with provolone and Monterey jack cheeses. The result is a moist, flavorful bread with a nice “kick” that would be wonderful with a variety of soups had we not eaten it so quickly. Margaret and Jerry Needelman (Margaret co-owns Hudson Road Trading Company, a shop specializing in artisan jewelry of local, national and international artists located at 10647 N. Bay Shore Drive, downtown Sister Bay) stopped at CheeseCake, Etc. during my visit with Henry. They told me they consider the challah to be “dessert bread” and that the loaf only lasts a couple of days at their house. That’s what I’ll be trying next time …

Other wonderful things Cheesecake, etc. offers are Steep & Brew coffee made fresh every cup, freshly made sandwiches, .99 waffles, and every day in season (and on weekends in the off-season), a variety of soups (made by Belkis) like chicken noodle, matzo ball, tomato & red pepper and vegetable, each and every one made by hand from … are you ready? … Secret family recipes!

Cheesecake, etc. is in the lower level at the Country Walk Mall (the mall anchored by Piggly Wiggly & Top Shelf Gourmet Shop) right before you reach downtown Sister Bay. CheeseCake Etc. can and will bake cheese cakes to order, so think about them next time you have a special occasion and they just obtained their beer & wine license, so now you can enjoy wine with your cheese (cake), or a beer with Packer Football on Sundays on their big screen TV. They’ll be staying open year around (Winter weekends) & they offer free wi-fi, so stop soon and be sure to tell them Martha sent you.

Growing up in a big city and seeing nothing but perhaps a squirrel or chipmunk every now and then, I always looked forward to going to the petting zoo and visiting the animals.  My mother would buy me a bag of animal feed and I would walk up to the fence and feed the goats (my favorite part).  It was such a treat.  They were so absolutely adorable and all I wanted to do was squeeze and cuddle them (of course, I couldn’t from behind the fence).   Having such fond memories as a child, I leaped at the opportunity to share that experience with my two boys.

It was a warm and sunny Tuesday afternoon.  I just happened to have the day off and my oldest (The “I’m always bored” one) asked what we were going to do.  I had heard of THE FARM from a friend of mine who had recently taken her two young children.  I decided that it would be a great way to spend some time.  Boy, if I thought feeding goats through a fence at the City Zoo was fun, this was Mardi Gras.  As we walked in, we were greeted by a member of the staff who gave us a map to the property.  After paying our admission, we were given tickets (for a small fee) to redeem for feed and bottles.   As we walked through the back door we were greeted by a almost dozen baby goats, just itching to play (and eat).  I was amazed at how” hands on” it was.  We had the opportunity to feed and pet goats, sheep, kittens, rabbits and many other large and small animals.

It was wonderful to watch my boys interact with their favorite animals.  It warmed my heart to see how loving and gentle they were.    It was a great way to spend an afternoon and I will definitely go back for years to come.   THE FARM is located 4 miles North of Sturgeon Bay, WI and is open Memorial Day-Mid October.  Admission is $8.00 for Adults 13 and Older, $4.00 for Children ages 4-12 and Free for Children under 3.

When I’m out of town and tell people I’m from Door County I frequently get the same comment,  “Oh, I love Door County but everything is sooo expensive”. My response back is generally always the same when  I tell them they just need to know where to go.  I live here year round and I’m not on a millionaires salary so knowing the good stops is a need to know.   Just to prove my point, that you can still be a tourist and stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality, I’ve listed just a few of my favorite stops.

Breakfast:

• The Bistro inside Liberty Square has a “Fill-Me-Up” breakfast from 8-11am for $4.99 that includes all you can eat hash browns.  (Pretty sure even McDonalds doesn’t have anything of that quantity that cheap and definitely not as good)

Brunch

• Hands down brunch has to be Alexander’s in Fish Creek.  On Sundays they put on a spread like no other with cook to serve omelets, gourmet salads, tons of fruit with specialty breakfast and lunch dishes.  They even include mimosa’s and the whole shebang is right around $15 a person.  The last time I checked my coffee and breakfast sandwich from Starbucks cost more than that.

Lunch

• Now the Harbor Fish Market is one of my all time favorite stops for every meal but when I can’t afford the luxury dinner and bottle of wine I can still stop in for a beer and a burger at the bar with the same quality food and service.  They offer a gourmet burger with lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted Kaiser roll with fries for right around $5.00.  Enough said.

Dinner

• The Nautical Inn in Sturgeon Bay has an all-you-can eat pasta buffet featuring two types of soup, garlic bread, salad bar, and a variety of pasta sauces and topping choices for $8.25 for dinner or $6.95 for lunch.
• Kitty O’Reillys has great drink specials at happy hour and a fish fry on Fridays for $9.99.

Groceries

• You can’t beat the prices at the farmers markets and it’s all grown local and fresh.  During the summer and fall there is just about one every day of the week.
• Scaturo’s two for one bread specials on Wednesdays

Attractions & Tours

• Free concerts in the park throughout the county
• Free wine tasting at Door Peninsula Winery, Harbor Ridge, Simon Creek and Lautenbach’s
• Geo-Caching
• 5 State Parks- Passes start at $3 for the day and include access to beaches, boating, diving, fishing, hiking and biking trails.
• Take a scenic ferry ride across Death’s Door to Washington Island for $12.
• Schopf’s Dairy – Free ice cream tasting