Door County Travelers Journal

Ephraim's Anderson Dock is More Than a Marina

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 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.

New Club Website

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:25:46 PST

Our new club website has been launched!

Skyway Drive In - Outdoor Movies and Much More!

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:35:20 PST

Always a double feature

For those of us old enough to remember drive in movie theatres, we’re also old enough to remember when they began to disappear. Having grown up near Chicago, a double screen drive in theatre was one of our favorite family destinations. Sadly, the majority of the drive in theatres that once existed no longer do. In Wisconsin, the number of drive ins has dropped from sixty-five to just ten. One such gem is the Skyway Drive In located between Fish Creek and Ephraim.

Founded by Orville and Elton Voeks, the Skyway was their second theatre business, having founded the Lake Cinema in Baileys Harbor. Unfortunately, after just over fifty years of business, Lake Cinema, one of the last Quonset Hut-style theatres left in the country, was sold in 2000 and torn down in 2001 after changing hands for sixth time.

Luckily for us, who have fond memories of drive in theatres or have yet to experience one, the Skyway did not meet the same fate. Built as a single screen theatre, the Skyway Drive In began operation on July 26, 1950, and has been operational continually ever since, making it the second longest running drive in theatre in Wisconsin.

Orchard Country Winery - A Lautenbach Tradition

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:37:49 PST

"Wine is sunlight held together by water." ~ Galileo

In 1976, the world of wine was turned upside down when California beat France in a blind taste test. It began with a dream, turned into perfection of process, a few other events that turned nicely into a "based on a true story" movie, and resulted in a chardonnay that rocked the foundation of wine culture. "You mark my words," Alan Rickman (as sommelier Steven Spurrier) states, "we’ll be drinking wines from South American, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, India, China ... this is not the end ... this is just the beginning."

Peninsula Players: Another Opening, Another Show!

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:57:14 PST

New theater built in 2006

As Cole Porter once sang , “Another opening, another show.” When it comes to Peninsula Players, Theatre in a Garden, it is more like three days. Three days to tear down one show, and put up another. A simple task? Far from it.

One of the greatest things about Peninsula Players is the family feel you can’t help but notice upon stepping onto the grounds – from the interns to the crew to the recurring actors – Peninsula Players is a place of family. Everyone pitches in – to pull out carpet staples from the floor, to tag costumes for the next show, gathering props and hanging lights. It takes everyone to make this miraculous change in just seventy-two hours. And when the new show starts, it is hard to believe another stage, another cast, another show existed in this very space.

But that is just part of the magic that is Peninsula Players.

Peninsula VW Club's "Rally 'Round the Lights" Kicks off Summer Events

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:00:00 PST

Did you know that there's a new club for VW enthusiasts in Door and Kewaunee counties and beyond? There is. Spawned by the loneliness Doris often feels for other VWs and by the zeal of her owners, the Peninsula VW Club started its engines in 2009!

Saturday, June 13 ...
The club's first event of the summer season is called "Rally 'Round the Lights" and is held in conjunction with the Annual Door County Lighthouse Walk. VWs of all vintages and types and VW enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to join the fun. The majesty of Door County's historic lights will be graced by an elegant entourage of one of the world's most loved automobiles. New or vintage, VWs rule!

Upcoming Articles

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:00:00 PST

Egg Harbor
Pumpkin Patch Festival 2008
... Were you there?
If so, you might see yourself in these photos.

Sister Bay Fall Festival
... Coming soon

Cana Island Lighthouse Graces Door County Shoreline

Sat, 06 Jun 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.

10 Places to Take the Kids in Door County

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:01:31 PST

10. State Parks

Eagle Bluff Light at Peninsula State Park

Wildlife in 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.

Feed the Fish - A Movie Filmed in Door County

Sat, 02 May 2009 06:21:04 PST

Ross Partridge and Kathryn Aselton dry off and warm up after a tumble in the snow with the help of the Feed the Fish crew

Door County has always been known for its beautiful scenery and cute shops, delicious cherries and tasty wine, its many lighthouses and bicycle trails. Now, though, Door County will be known for something else as well – films.

If you’ve been in Door County in the last month or so, you may have seen men and women walking around, bundled up in snow pants, thick jackets with hand warmers stuffed into their pockets, carrying cameras, lighting equipment and gaffers tape. But did you know they are shooting the feature film Feed the Fish? Written and directed by Michael Matzdorff, Feed the Fish is a romantic comedy that takes place in Door County, and will feature several well-known Door County locations such as The Viking Grill in Ellison Bay and the Skyway Drive-In between Fish Creek and Ephraim on State Highway 42.

Camping in Door County - Get Back to Nature

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 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?

Door County Community Auditorium 2009 Season

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:57:16 PST

The Door Community Auditorium is pleased and excited to present its 19^th season’s summer/fall schedule. “Each year we strive to enrich and entertain through a wide variety of performance opportunities, and this year is no exception,” said Patti Podgers, DCA public relations manager. “Our program director Pete Evans has done a fabulous job of selecting performances for every musical taste and every age."

“It’s a great line-up, everything from comedy to country, stirring marches and the joy of children’s singing; everyone is going to enjoy our shows this season. It’s going to be a powerful season of entertainment.”

A Visual Tour of Peninsula Arts & Humanities Alliance

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:59:41 PST

In 1937, a small group of summer residents envisioned a year round Door County arts community that would blossom in an environment of beauty. The fledging group of the gradually evolved into the Peninsula Arts Association (PAA), which in turn parented three successful organizations: Peninsula Music Festival, the Peninsula Art School, and the Francis Hardy Gallery.

As the children left the nest, PAA recognized the need for a means of communication among the “family members.” And so the Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance (PAHA) was established.

Door County Renaissance Fantasy Faire

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 11:24:35 PST

There's going to be a brand new event in Door County starting in 2009. A Renaissance Fantasy Faire will be held from Sept 26 - 27, and Oct 3 - 4, 2009 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.

Eli Mattson in Concert

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:23:24 PST

Eli Mattson, Door County’s own piano man, is appearing in concert at the Door Community Auditorium on Saturday, May 2 at 8 pm! The runner-up of the third America’s Got Talent competition, singer/songwriter/pianist Eli Mattson has captured the hearts of fans with his unique vocal and performance style. Drawing inspiration from Elton John, Billy Joel, and Bruce Hornsby, Eli is Door County’s very own. Passionate and dynamic, Eli embraces every song with emotion, his hands playing the piano keys with a confidence that belies his youth.

Welcome to the Kidz Section!

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:09:47 PST

Tyger sets up for a great digital photo shot!

This is the kids' section of the website. We'll keep adding Door County topics of interest to kids. The Kids Edition of the Door County Travelers Journal is edited by an elementary school teacher and is kid safe.

If you have a story about Door County to contribute, please let us know. We'll probably publish it!

Lily Larsen is Door County Idol

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:57:12 PST

With a resounding thunder of applause, six high school students stepped onto the Door Community Auditorium stage before a sold-out house February 7th to compete in the 5th Door County Idol competition. Singing from the heart, the contestants performed songs from Broadway musicals, pop tunes, ballads, and original compositions.

Representing Gibraltar, Southern Door, and Sturgeon Bay High Schools, Ben Kerwin, Lily Larsen, Monica Lenius, Kirsten Logerquist, Liz Neuman, and Wesley Schwartz received rave reviews from judges Hervy Hodges, Jeanne Kuhns, and Larry Thoreson. Following the final ballot count, the winner was…senior Lily Larsen.

February is Cherry Month

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:10:21 PST

February is National Cherry Month and although summer is fresh cherry season, canned cherries, frozen cherries and cherry juice, preserved at the peak of goodness, are all available year-round for use in favorite cold weather recipes. Tart cherries, such as the Montmorency found in orchards across Door County, can be used in a variety of mouth-watering recipes right now during the deep freeze of winter.

Dried cherries, a relatively new cherry product, are tasty as a snack, wonderful in salads, and increasingly popular in recipes for everything from appetizers to entrees and desserts. Dried cherries, cherry juice, cherry jam, cherry jelly, and a variety of fresh and frozen cherry pies, cakes and pastries can be found at the market any time of year.

Ephraim - Essence of Door County

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:43:42 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.

Sister Bay - A Proud Heritage

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:10:51 PST

Old Anderson House Museum

Sister Bay's first settlers were Scandinavians who immigrated to the area in 1757. It became an incorporated village in April of 1912. The village was named after the Sister Islands which lie at the entrance to the harbor.

Ironically, 1912 was a tragic year for the little village. There was a drought which caused crop failures and a hail storm in which fowl from the Koessl farm totally disappeared.

Doris Gets the Bug to Visit Pumpkin Patch

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:00:00 PST

Yes, Doris got the bug to get up to Pumpkin Patch and see what's what at this major Door County festival. In fact, she found herself decorated with all kinds of nasty pumpkin bugs on the first day of Egg Harbor's Annual Pumpkin Patch Festival. She spent the two-day extravaganza at the Dovetail Gallery on the north end of the village.

Kids Love Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 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?

Doris' Photo Galleries

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:22:34 PST

As I travel around soaking up the essence of Door County, my photographers and writers will always be along. I'll keep them extra busy documenting what I find. And I plan to find a lot to share with you, dear reader.

My first gallery consists of some personal portraits of my fine-looking self when I was still in sunny California, living near Anaheim. They were taken shortly after I had my whole body worked on ... wow did that set me back a bit ... and I didn't get any bailout or stimulus package from Washington!

Late August Morning at Emma's

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 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--

Doris Takes First in Class at Bayland Classic Car Show

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:02:31 PST

Doris got herself all gussied up and traveled over to the annual Bayland Classic Car Show at Jim Olson Motors in Sturgeon Bay. Over fifty vehicles of all kinds and vintages entered the competition. There was everything from cars of the early part of the century to modern-day modified cars, trucks, and motorcycles. It was a very hot day but Doris sat in the sun like a princess and charmed her admirers.