DoorCountyTravelersJournal.com

Camping in Door County - Get Back to Nature

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:34:46 PST

It's that time of year - the temperatures are getting warmer, the sun seems to shine brighter, and the last day of school is inching closer. Summer is just around the corner! And with summer, comes vacation.

Perhaps this year, a trip to Disney World is out of the question. Perhaps the idea of spending a couple hundred bucks for a night or two at a hotel is a tad too much. Perhaps you're struggling to put together a plan for your family this summer. Perhaps you want a romantic getaway with your sweetie.

Why not go camping?

Olde Stone Quarry Park A Local Treasure

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:58:11 PST

A little bit off the beaten path is one of Door County's parks called Olde Stone Quarry County Park. It's located just south of Little Harbor on Bay Shore Drive (County B) in the Town of Sevastopol. It's within ten minutes of Sturgeon Bay. This little gem underwent a major renovation back in 2005, and it became a first class boat landing with amenities that make it a great place for a variety of seasonal activities.

Ephraim - Essence of Door County

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:00:00 PST

Ephraim epitomizes the essence of Door County. Along with Fish Creek, it is at the center of tourist life. It has a certain storybook charm with the town nicely wrapped around its primary waterfront, Eagle Harbor. Its stately homes and hotels along the shoreline attest to its glorious past as a prime destination for tourists, seasonal visitors, and permanent residents of the Peninsula. Ephraim is wonderful in all four seasons and there seems to be plenty to see and do every day.

Ephraim's Anderson Dock is More Than a Marina

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:00:00 PST

Boats can tie up for the day

For those of you that are repeat visitors to Ephraim, there are certain landmarks that you would insist newcomers have to see in order to state that they had been to this town. For most, these landmarks include the Anderson complex, which is composed of four main buildings. One such building is the Anderson Barn, which contains photographs, artwork, artifacts and stories of Ephraim's history. The Barn is also home to the wheel of the ship Ebenezer, which was the only schooner that was built in Ephraim.

One other must-see part of this complex is the Anderson Dock, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Anderson Dock is a working dock, with seasonal and transient slips available for rent, and is best known for the graffiti-covered dock warehouse.

10 Places to Take the Kids in Door County

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:01:31 PST

10. State Parks

Eagle Bluff Light at Peninsula State Park

Door County boasts five state parks (as well as eighteen county parks and countless local parks) filled with hiking/biking trails, lighthouses, wildlife, and many more things for your family to explore. You can picnic, fish, golf and swim. If you prefer to vacation during our winter months, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling are also available. With vehicle admission at $5 daily for Wisconsin residents and $10 daily for non-residents, the state parks are a very affordable form of entertainment and exercise. (To make this adventure even more affordable, you can park in downtown fish creek and walk in to Peninsula State Park.) For more information: Newport (920) 854-2500; Peninsula (920) 868-3258; Potawatomi (920) 746-2890; Rock Island (920) 847-2235; Whitefish Dunes (920) 823-2400.

Cruising With Clark

Wed, 05 May 2010 18:44:57 PST

Clark cruises Door County and discovers the good life! This guy loves to zip around the Peninsula and have fun. Honk if you see him.

Door County Renaissance Fantasy Faire

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:24:35 PST

There's going to be a brand new event in Door County starting in 2010. A Renaissance Fantasy Faire will be held June 26 - 27 and July 3 - 4, 2010 at the Gerald Keuhn farm. The location is just north of Carlsville on Monument Point Road. Plans include horseback activities including jousting, customed players depicting the 16th century, and craft and vendor booths. The family-friendly festival is to be modeled after the Renaissance Faire that has been staged for many many years near the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Door County Travelers Journal to Publish Children's Writing

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:19:06 PST

Publish your adventure stories and photos here!

This publication is now accepting written pieces and photos by kids!

Children who live in or have visited Door County know what they like here. They've done it. So why not share their experiences with the world?

Award Winning Singer/Songwriter melaniejane Performs

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:09:51 PST

An award winning singer/songwriter, melaniejane continues to musically evolve. Always eclectic, a blend of original material, her "new sound" features an electric cello and backing tracks. Performing with pat mAcdonald, the multi-talented musician plays a variety of instruments ... percussion, keyboard, and accordion, as well as providing vocals.

Bluegrass with Highland Road at Door County Auditorium

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:02:03 PST

Highland Road performs bluegrass in the truest tradition of Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants who inspired the musical storytelling genre. Taking the stage in the next Door Community Auditorium Fireside Coffeehouse Concert of the winter season, Highland Road band members Andy Coulson, Tad Gilster, Rick Gordon, and Tony Gebauer will perform on Saturday, February 20 at 7 pm. Their program will include bluegrass, a bit of country, and a smattering of folk music.

The Four Freshmen Bring the Sound to the Peninsula

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:10:12 PST

One of the most influential musical sounds of the last 60 years will fill the Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek on Saturday evening, Feb. 13, when the Four Freshmen take the stage in the annual Valentine's weekend concert. Not only will the evening feature the rich blend of the group's rich harmony, but some comedy will be mixed in as comedian C. Willi Myles will open the show which begins at 8 p.m.

Vintage Nest of Door County ... A Traveling Show

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:21:24 PST

Winter in Wisconsin can be daunting, but Vintage Nest of Door County, the first "occasional sale" on the peninsula, is arriving just in time to dispel the chill in the air. Featuring a variety of vintage pieces--clothing and collectibles, garden decorations, jewelry and clothing -Vintage Nest of Door County is a fashion feast whose theme hints at spring.

Katie Dahl Stars at DCA Fireside Coffeehouse

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:22:33 PST

When Katie Dahl picked up a guitar for the first time, it was the music of Cheryl Wheeler, Pete Seeger, Dar Williams-all of her favorites-that she choose to play. Today, the accomplished singer/musician/songwriter no longer needs to perform other artists' music. She brings her music and her unique style to the Door Community Auditorium Fireside Coffeehouse on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7 pm.

Tent Back for Fish Creek Winter Festival

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:42:14 PST

"GIBBY" the Whitefish Rescues Winter Festival Tent in
Shallows of Horseshoe Island.

THE TENT IS BACK FOR 2010!

Fish Creek's 23rd annual Winter Festival brings the tent back for 2010.

The weekend of fun activities, February 5th, 6th and 7th, will be held in a large, outdoor, heated tent in Clark Park on the shores of the Fish Creek harbor.

Kites over the Bay add Festive Flair to Fish Creek Winter Games

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:03:44 PST

Kites over the Bay is an annual event that takes place during the Fish Creek Winter Festival. You can't miss the colorful splash in the sky right off the beach along the waterfront of this charming village

For the 6th year in a row, internationally and nationally renowned kite fliers, makers and designers will fill the skies over Fish Creek with kites of all shapes and sizes for Kites Over the Bay.

Jacksonport Polar Bear Club Holds Annual Meeting

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:14:46 PST

A fast-growing annual "festival" of Door County happened again on January 1. That's right, it was the ever-popular Polar "Swim", the annual meeting of the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club. In fact, it's the only meeting this illustrious group ever conducts.

Fish Creek Winter Festival

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:22 PST

23nd ANNUAL FISH CREEK WINTER FESTIVAL
(FORMERLY FISH CREEK WINTER GAMES)
2/5 - 2/7/10
Throughout the Village, Fish Creek
This is a major Door County festival.

Celebrating winter's wonderland, Fish Creek will host a weekend of fun and frivolity February 5 - 7, 2010. Winter Fest activities throughout the village will feature something to delight every age.

Lynn Gudmundsen Opens Door Community Auditorium

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:02:04 PST

Being a classically trained violinist has provided Lynn Gudmundsen the wherewithal to expand her repertoire to perform "a bit of everything." The well known Door County entertainer gets that opportunity Saturday, Jan. 16 in the opening of the annual Door Community Auditorium Fireside Coffeehouse concerts.

Breakfast With Santa at Landmark Resort a Highlight of Egg Harbor's Holly Days

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:00:00 PST

Children and their families descend upon the Landmark Resort every year on the day after Thanksgiving to spend some time with Santa Claus and to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet along with this famous guy. The event is a tradition that highlights Egg Harbor's Holly Days, which includes a tree lighting in Harbor View Park late Friday afternoon. Holly Days festivities continue in downtown Egg Harbor on Saturday with horse-drawn wagon rides and visiting time with Santa at the Main Street Shops, among other activities for kids and families.

Kids Love Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 PST

Egg Harbor's Annual Pumpkin Patch Festival is one of the best events in Door County for kids. It's held the first weekend of each October in downtown Egg Harbor. Going strong now for about two decades, Pumpkin Patch seems to have become synonymous with colorful fall fun on the Peninsula. People come from all over the Midwest and beyond, year after year, to soak in the feeling this busy event imbues. They eat, play, relax, and depart with cheer. Children are major participants in this festival.

Kids truly love Pumpkin Patch Festival, plain and simple. Why?

Village of History: Baileys Harbor

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:13:20 PST

Baileys Harbor is a village of buildings on the National Register of Historical Places.

In 1848, Captain Justice Bailey piloted his ship into what is now Baileys Harbor to avoid a storm. Captain Bailey worked for Alanson Sweet, who owned a fleet of ships which transported lumber and stone to Detroit. Captain Bailey took samples of pine, maple, beech, and Door County stone back to his employer, who saw possibilities for those products.

People Wave on Washington Island

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:32:38 PST

Washington Island is a special place. But many Door County visitors miss it completely, perhaps due to time limitations or simply since it is off the beaten path. It is a bit of a hike to get all the way to the northern end of the Peninsula. Then, unless you have your own nautical transportation, you'll take either the car ferry or the passenger ferry across to the island from Gills Rock or Northport.

So why is this small, rural place so special? You'll find out if you visit. Maybe it's the quietness and slower pace. Maybe it's the people. Maybe it's a lot of factors that make the island unique.

Late August Morning at Emma's

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:56:46 PST

Hands clasped, softly
we walk the bed of cedar,
a new wind out of the north,
stop to watch a diving loon,
admire rocks at land's edge
awash in teal and cobalt blues,
snakes--two of them--faded brown,
an Indian paintbrush
swaying in orange. Now
overhead the whisper of wings--

Gills Rock - Door County's Jumping-off Place

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:45:20 PST

Be sure to visit the docks at Gills Rock!

At the very northern end of the Door Peninsula lies Gills Rock, which some have dubbed the jumping-off place because it is surrounded by water on three sides and kind of looks like the end of the world. Actually, this little hamlet was originally named Hedgehog Harbor, and the harbor still bears that name. The postmaster general of the United States wrote the local postmaster, Gottlieb Voight, that Hedgehog Harbor wouldn't fit on a stamp and asked him to rename the village.

Cana Island Lighthouse Graces Door County Shoreline

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:49:25 PST

Cana Island from the air. Photo courtesy Dick Felzer

Most people aren’t aware, but Cana Island was not home to the first lighthouse in Baileys Harbor. The first lighthouse, located on a different island off Baileys Harbor, was built of native stone from Alison Sweet’s quarry, the man who proposed and was awarded the contract by the Federal Government. By 1866, fourteen years after it was built, the condition of the lighthouse had declined quite a bit. Though the project of fixing up the lighthouse was awarded $15,000, it was decided that it would be better to build a new lighthouse located on Cana Island. The first lighthouse shone until December 1, 1869.