October 23, 2010.

That date may or may not have much meaning to the person reading this blog. Maybe you were home reading a book or visiting a friend. Maybe it was “movie day,” or perhaps you were running a marathon. That day was different for everyone, but for me, it was one of the most important (not to mention beautiful) days of my life. On October 23, 2010, I married my best friend.

I learned very early on that planning a wedding was not, in ANY way, how glamorous the movies make it out to be. I was swimming in wedding magazines, and I swear my eyeglasses prescription changed at least four times from staring at my computer for hours on end, trying to find the perfect dress, perfect venue, perfect décor… PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT! One day, after sobbing into my pillow for the better part of the day, my then fiancé said something that changed the course of my wedding planning (not to mention, saved my sanity). He said: “Don’t you work for the Visitor Bureau? Don’t they have a Wedding Planning Guide?”

Say what?! Heck yes I do, heck yes WE do.

I immediately ran to work and picked one up (our lobby is open 24/7/365, so I didn’t have an issue grabbing one even though it was midnight). The very next day, I made an appointment at Stone Harbor Resort and Convention Center in Sturgeon Bay. I met with their event coordinator, who helped me book my event. I don’t know what it is about solidifying a location, but it seemed like from that point on, everything else fell into place.

Months later, the day was finally here. The ceremony, officiated by the Rev. Joan Shiels, was beautiful and meaningful. It was a day that I will never forget.

Sights!  Smells! Tastes! Sounds! Yes…..even touch!

Imagine a gorgeous country location just a moment’s drive off of Highway 42, south of Egg Harbor. Pulling into the driveway a magnificent, towering, gray-weathered barn appears before you, beckoning you to park and stay awhile. Have you got that picture in your head? It’s not a dream, it’s reality — and it’s here in Door County for you to enjoy.

Have you had a chance to visit Woodwalk Gallery? If you haven’t, you truly don’t know what you are missing. It is so much more than “just” a gallery! Phil, Hadley and I have had numerous chances to stop in to visit Allin and Margaret. We’ve enjoyed music, strolled around outside and made a purchase (or more) over the years.

Sure, you can view beautiful, original artwork — paintings, jewelry, pottery, and more (sight).  You can also wander through the paths outdoors and experience some unique sculptures along the way, taking in the indescribable scent of fresh air (smell).

This property is used for so much more, too — weddings are held here regularly, with amazing food and drink catered in for the newlyweds and their guests to enjoy (taste). Another popular event that takes place at Woodwalk is their concert series — I can’t tell you how much fun has happened inside the walls of the weathered barn while live music was being performed (sound)!

In fact, Labor Day weekend offers you the opportunity to see, hear and sing along with Eli Mattson, when he brings his baritone vocals and passionate piano playing to perform three separate shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You can learn more about these shows by visiting www.woodwalkgallery.com or by calling (920) 868-2912.

Now, I’m sure that you’ve been keeping track of those five senses, and you’ve noticed that I’ve only mentioned four of them so far. Beyond the tangible sense of touch (which you can experience indoors and out), it’s the feeling of having been touched by the beauty of this place that you’ll remember most.

Enjoy yourself.

Whether you’ve been married for 20 years or 20 days.  Whether you have children or not.  Every couple at some point needs to get away.

However, for some it may be difficult to go on that Caribbean vacation.  These days, more and more people are opting for the weekend trip no further then a tank of gas can get you. With this in mind,  my Husband opted for something better – to go on vacation right here in our own back yard. So we picked up a Door County Vacation planning guide, flipped the page and found Gordon Lodge in Baileys Harbor.

We decided it was high time to do something for ourselves. So, after dropping our boys off at the babysitter’s, we were off. After arriving we checked into their Beautiful Walnut Cottage. When we opened the door to this beautiful and semi-secluded cottage –  our jaws practicallyhit the floor. We were greeted by a large fireplace, flat screen T.V., newly finished kitchenette, a bedroom with a comforable plush King size bed, and the bathroom of my dreams with gorgeous oak finishes. It smelled like vacation.

After we unpacked we decided to take a walk.  We were told by the woman at the front desk there’s music every Sunday outside at their Onsite restaurant “Top Deck.” So that’s where we headed. And for the first time since our wedding,  we didn’t have to pack a diaper bag,  snacks or anything of the sort. We just…left. It was simply delightful.

The music was fun yet calming. We sat, talked and shared cocktails. As we were chatting, we noticed a canoe, a paddle boat and a kayak laying on the beach. As it turns out they belonged to Gordon Lodge and are free for their guests to use.  Not missing a beat, we jumped on the Paddle boat and away we went.

We spent the rest of our night sipping wine by the fire over looking North Bay, walking under the stars and resting peacefully with nothing but the sound of waves and crickets filling our room. Definitely a day to remember.

To find more information about Gordon Lodge,  visit  http://www.doorcounty.com/member.php?id=IL7969

With no real plans for date night, my husband and I decided to venture to Sister Bay, where we ended up at one of our favorite pastimes — Husby’s Food & Spirits (I say pastimes because being the parents of a three-month-old and two-year-old doesn’t exactly allow for us to get out like we used to — let’s just say we are generally in bed long before any band starts to play). It’s a great watering hole known for great company and food — they are also always on top of the local music scene.

When we walked in, there was a group in the corner having the time of their lives trying to figure out how to get their dollar tacked onto the ceiling without the use of a ladder. To get the answer from a bartender will cost you $1.25 — mostly because they will show you, but they are going to use your money, not theirs. The next question you are probably going to ask yourself is, “Why does it cost $1.25 to get $1.00 on the ceiling?” I’ll leave that one up to you to figure out. It’s a great trick the bar has been doing for years; at the end of each season, the money is pulled down and given to one of the local causes.

After being entertained by the group with the dollar, we finished up our dinner and made our way outside to Husby’s new open-air Garage Bar. It’s such a cool concept! The staff wears mechanic shirts, and your change is held down by clunky nuts and bolts. In the corner, a small stage holds the talent of many local artists. It’s free to enjoy and just steps off of the main road. The best part? It’s open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., allowing you to experience Door County’s music scene without the late nights. We had such a great time and it’s now at the top of our list for date night!

For a full list of local artists and music schedules, click here.

VIDEO: Miss Meaghan Owens performs at Husby’s Garage Bar

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there is ALWAYS something going on in Door County! The middle of February offers live music, performances at theatres and galleries every day. But WOW, summer 2012 seems to have exploded with things to do and places to go to completely immerse yourself in the arts. In some cases, you don’t even have to plan for your memorable encounter.

In just 10 days’ time, between the last week of June and the first week of July, I was wonderfully inundated with things to do, music to enjoy and laughter to behold at the expense of an outrageous “Nerd!”

So, well start with “The Nerd” — currently showing at Peninsula Players Theatre until July 22. My best friend, Karen, is my reliable date when Phil or Hadley aren’t available. We met at the Players’ beer garden for a Pimm’s and lemonade, and to sit and enjoy the sun sinking lower on the horizon over the water. Who would have known that our peaceful beginning would be shattered as we laughed our way through the performance for the next two hours?

Honestly, the hilarity of the main character, Rick (played by Sean Fortunato), had me convinced throughout the show that this must be the most fun he’s EVER had on stage. He was so annoying that I couldn’t help but give myself a headache from laughing so much!

There are still three other shows to see this year at Peninsula Players — the musical “Chicago,” Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” and “Lombardi.” I strongly encourage you to find time to visit Peninsula Players this year, and create a lasting tradition for the future.

Two days later, I was lucky enough to attend the opening concert of the 2012 season at Birch Creek Music Performance Center, located just outside of Egg Harbor. Again, I was accompanied by Karen, who had never been to Birch Creek before (I know, I gasped too — the horror of knowing someone who lives in Door County still hadn’t experienced a concert in The Barn!).

If you’ve never been to Birch Creek before, it’s a very unique place — offering advanced learning opportunities for (mostly) high school-aged music students who want to improve their skills and possibly make a career out of performing. During the winter months, applications are submitted by students hoping for a spot in one of the four separate two-week camps. Birch Creek has a full campus, where students and faculty all live on-site, dining in a shared hall, learning, rehearsing and finally performing multiple times for appreciative ticket-holders. The students comes from 15-20 different states (depending on the year) to learn from faculty members who have resumes that are impressive, to say the least.

The first session of each season is dedicated to symphonic music, where strings and brass work together to create amazing sounds. Close your eyes and you could be anywhere, listening to professionals perform — instead, you are inside a magnificent, 100-year-old barn filled with performing teenagers and their teachers.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and are trying to find a date when we can attend a concert during the percussion session, which runs July 12 through July 21. Two separate two-week jazz sessions begin July 25 and run through August 18, when the season comes to an end (with the exception of some special events that they hold throughout the year). Be sure to plan a visit Birch Creek, where you can enjoy an evening of music that you won’t soon forget!

Before I knew it, the 4th of July arrived, along with my sister, Michelle, and her two youngest kids, Collin and Mikayla — both teenagers. I’m never quite sure what to do with “big-city” kids when they hang out in the country with me, but I can say that those two loved every minute of their visit and announced that they would move to Door County in a heartbeat! They couldn’t believe all of the things that they had available to do, and so much more that there wasn’t time for.

We headed into Baileys Harbor for their 4th of July celebration, which included plenty of live music. After a quick stop for a beverage and a bite to eat from one of the food stands, we carried our goodies to a picnic table set up on the town hall lawn and were immediately swept away by the amazing voice of Eli Mattson. Eli is a local Door County “boy” who made it big as the second-place winner of NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent” in 2008. Hadley, Phil and I have been big fans of his for years, and it was great introducing his talent to the rest of my family members. The weather was perfect, Eli’s voice and keyboard skills were top-notch and the audience enjoyed every minute of his performance. Eli does a great job of introducing his songs by telling a story, which makes you feel like you’re one of the family — sitting in his living room, sharing secrets. After he finished performing for the day, he took as much time as was needed to talk to every fan who wanted to meet him and have a picture taken with him, or to autograph CDs. Hadley, Collin and Mikayla all posed for photos with Eli — what a memory!

Audiences don’t just have one “look” — there are young children dancing and whirling, middle-aged groups of friends singing along, and the more mature audience members sitting hand-in-hand and smiling at the beauty of the moment. My sister decided that she wanted to experience this again during her three-day visit, so we made plans to attend Live Music on the Lawn in Baileys Harbor again on Friday evening.

There are six different communities that offer free outdoor concerts during the summer: Ephraim, Fish Creek, Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor. Details on dates and times for each event can be found here.

On Friday, July 6, we were treated to some incredible blues, courtesy of the Baileys Harbor Community Association and the group Mighty Mouth, led by nationally-acclaimed Baileys Harbor resident and blues man, Pete Thelen. We brought our camp chairs along (blankets spread out were popular, too) and grabbed a drink from the Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub, conveniently located across the street. People sang and danced, and it was much too soon when the final song was being played. It was another wonderful memory — this one for just my sister and myself.

Speaking of making memories, I just have to share with you this very special video from American Folklore Theatre, with a little description to tease your first:

American Folklore Theatre has been performing original musical comedies under the stars at Peninsula State Park in Door County for more than 20 years. Their unique brand of family-friendly theatre allows them to create lifelong fans who return year after year. On July 6, 2012, one lifelong fan could think of no better place to propose to his girlfriend than at the very place that holds some of his happiest childhood memories.

The performance that night was “Belgians in Heaven” — a fan favorite. Two characters from the show, Roger and Henry, were in on the surprise and helped things along.

Watch the video here.

That’s one great thing about our arts scene — whenever possible, our performers and artists will help you to create the memory that you want to have of your time in Door County.

What would you like YOUR Door County memory to be?

As much as my family and I like to do things together, I have always found it important to make one-on-one time with one another. Whether it’s going out for a walk or to a park, it’s always nice to have a singular conversation and give each other our undivided attention. With my oldest son’s busy schedule of baseball, basketball and summer camp, I felt a day with just the two of us was long overdue.

That particular week was the Door County Fair — and with my son’s love for carnival rides and my love of carnival food, off we went…

When we arrived, we were greeted by a couple of friendly faces who gave us our wristbands and, before you know it, we were parked and Evian was on his first ride. A Door County Fair tradition for us is to start on the giant slide (mostly because it’s the first thing you see when you walk in). It was great to see him having such a good time!

Over the next six hours we ate, laughed, went on bumper cars, watched stock car races, looked at farm animals, danced in the music tent, won three bears and a goldfish (that he gave away to a little girl who didn’t win) — and topped it off with fireworks at the end of the night.

After a very exhausting day, we drove home and Evian said: “Can we go just me and you next year, Mom? This was the best day ever!” I just smiled and said, “Of course!”

This year’s fair will take place August 1-5 at the John Miles Park Fairgrounds. Admission is $10 before 5:00 p.m. and $12 after 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with admittance, rides and the grandstand all included. Wednesday and Sunday will have special pricing of just $10 from open to close. For more information, click here.

My Bill and I love coffee.  We love it deep and rich, dark and fresh.  When we went out for a drive a few months ago, we decided to pull through the drive-up window at Door County Coffee & Tea Co. in Carlsville to share a large mocha.  Bill had his doubts; He said Door County Coffee & Tea Co. was too pretty to serve “a real cup.“  After we’d each had a sip, he had to admit it was as good a mocha as he’d EVER had.  I love when Bill has to eat his words!

Have you ever been to Carlsville?  Door County Coffee & Tea Co. is located north of Sturgeon Bay in the Carlsville Marketplace on Highway 42.  Carlsville is a small village named after three gentlemen, all named – you guessed it – KARL, who lived nearby. When they named it “Carlsville,” the spelling was apparently changed (and that’s the absolute TRUTH!).

The Carlsville Marketplace is comprised of two neat, white frame buildings and a barn-red frame building located across from what was the site of the 106-year-old historic landmark, The Carlsville Roadhouse, which burned down last year.  When I visited Door County Coffee & Tea Co. this week, the rebuilding of the Roadhouse looked as if it was going tremendously well, and I could already taste their awesome BBQ ribs (maybe we will be able to by late spring?).  The other two Marketplace businesses are Pet Expressions (pet toys and accessories for the pampered pet) right next to the Café and Candleworks of Door County (featuring high quality, handcrafted, premium scented candles – the only candles actually made in Door County) in the red frame building.  Other Carlsville businesses include the Door Peninsula Winery and Door County Distillery (Door County’s original and largest winery and only distillery), Bistro 42 (one block away and open year-round, serving lunch and dinner with an Italian emphasis) and Schopf’s Hilltop Dairy (located on Hwy I between the roadhouse and the winery – you’ll know when you’ve arrived once you see “Cookie,” the giant cow). Schopf’s is a great place to stop for world-class ice cream, fabulous fudge and fun activities for kids.

Visiting Door County Coffee & Tea is always amazing.  The fragrance of flavored coffees and the fresh bakery wafts through the air, along with the aroma of the fresh soups and entrees being served.  There is a display showcasing fresh baked goods; freshly roasted coffee is for sale (sometimes you can smell the beans roasting as you pass through Carlsville) as well as decorative items for the home.  The hostess and wait staff are always helpful, efficient and upbeat – this is a restaurant that is open for business year-round.  Word has it Door County Coffee & Tea is almost ready to launch their new experience-driven website that will feature online coffee sales, so be sure to check it out come the end of March 2012.

The first time I stopped for lunch (it’s an incredibly convenient place if you’re heading up north), I ordered their homemade chicken salad – it’s a favorite.  Made with all white meat and special herbs, it’s served with lettuce on croissant with a fresh fruit garnish and choice of marinated vegetables or cherry nut mix for $7.50.  The second time I dined there this month was because, just as I was driving by, I thought about having a bowl of homemade soup. My car steered itself into the parking lot so I could enjoy a bowl of Door County Coffee & Tea’s chili with fresh bread and butter.  The chili is slightly sweet and has a nice, warm kick.  Offered for $5.50/bowl, it is made with ground chuck and herbs and spices; the perfect thing for a pick-me-up on a gray winter day. Besides, I had a cup of their coffee with it, which ALWAYS makes me smile!

Whether you’re stopping for coffee, dessert, breakfast or lunch, you simply can’t go wrong with Door County Coffee & Tea Co. Located at 5773 Highway 42 in Carlsville (technically Sturgeon Bay), they’re open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The drive-through coffee window is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Give them a call at 920-743-8850 or 800-856-6613.

One of the most common questions we get here in Door County is “what do you do in the winter?” Not too many years ago, we did have a period of “shut down” in the winter when we caught up with friends and neighbors after working non-stop from May to October.  While we are still able to play catch up, it often takes place at a wide variety of events held nearly every day and/or night of the week. Because Door County has been enjoying a fast-growing arts community in recent years, there is no shortage of satisfying your creative cravings.

I couldn`t think of any better way to illustrate that fact than to tell you what I am missing this week while I am out of the county visiting my parents.  Phil, Hadley and I left Door County on Friday, February 17 in the middle of a snowstorm.  Let`s face it – no matter how much you love where you live, you still need a vacation every so often.  Taking a vacation away from Door County in the summer makes no sense; this is where millions of people flock to every year!  We know that we have a special place here, and leaving it for any reason makes very little sense sometimes.

However, my parents have retired to Florida. If that’s where we must go, that’s where we shall go.  The biggest problem, though, is that we are missing a lot of great arts events at home in beautiful Door County.  Starting with Friday night – when we left home, all that white stuff was falling from the sky, which made our departure even more difficult.  Fortunately, we were able to enjoy a performance by the Four Freshmen while we were in Punta Gorda, so I got my “fix” while we were away.

If we had stayed home, we would have had to choose between Isadoora’s production of “Striking 12” at Birch Creek Performance Center in Egg Harbor, “Arsenic and Old Lace” at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center on Washington Island, “The Music of Jane Austen” at February Fest in Ephraim, Brian Pertl playing didgeridoo during a coffeehouse concert at Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek, Open Mic Night at Mojo Rosa’s in Egg Harbor and live music at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay.  Did anything on that list catch your attention?  I think I would have HAD to go to the DC Auditorium, mainly because I have no idea what didgeridoo is (I’ll have to Google that…).  Did I mention that these were the choices available on only one of the days that we were gone?  This was a list of things to do on Friday alone!

Saturday, I most likely would have wandered the streets of Sturgeon Bay to watch amateur and professional ice carvers create amazing artwork from blocks of ice.  This happens during the annual Fire & Ice festival, where shoppers and others have the opportunity to view sculptures in the making.  There were still plenty of other things to choose from, including salsa dance lessons at Cheese Cake, Etc. in Sister Bay (who says you can’t become part of the process of creating art?  Why let the artists have all the fun?), an art exhibit at the Fairfield Building in Sturgeon Bay as part of Fire & Ice, Family Art Day at Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek (again… creating your own art!), plus karaoke at Carrington Pub at the Landmark Resort AND Shower-oke at the Peninsula Pub between Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor.  (What is “Shower-oke,” you ask?  You have to see it to believe it!  Every Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.)

I think I’ve made my point by mentioning just two of the seven nights we were gone!  There was still plenty to choose from Sunday through Thursday, including performances at Third Avenue Playhouse, Open Mic at Waterfront Mary’s, a Great Books Discussion at the Sturgeon Bay Library and a presentation at Crossroads at Big Creek about bringing color into your garden (beauty inside and out in our humble abode).  A lot of these events and arts opportunities were free – Free is always good!

Nothing to do in the winter?  Come to Door County – we’ve got more than enough to satisfy your arts and entertainment cravings.  In fact, it is often my complaint that we have TOO MUCH to choose from!  When will they be able to clone human beings so that I can do everything that I want?

I hope to see you sometime soon, enjoying the arts scene in Door County!

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.