Here and there

I really admire how hard Door County shop owners work at creating such unique and pleasant retail environments. The backdrops are almost as intriguing as the merchandise. And there are so many examples of artists who have worked hard to restore old buildings, too. And they all know just how to put it all together to make you want to shop there for like hours!
City Farmer comes quickly to mind. The old 1886 dairy barn that houses City Farmer at 10432 Hwy. 42 Ephraim was nearly empty at the end of last year; I was there shopping the sale (everything remaining after a certain date was marked down 50 percent).
When I went back in May to see what was new, the store was absolutely transformed. It’s filled again and looks stunning—furnishings, pottery, linens and more. I especially enjoyed the new garden room (formerly holding books) and bought a cement sculpture for the garden as well as a skin care product made in Italy for me. The outdoor courtyard garden is filled with new pieces as well.
Artists have carved out gallery and studio space from buildings in dire condition. Sandra and Wence Martinez, fiber artists, have turned an old garage into a fantastic studio and gallery for Wence’s one-of-a-kind tapestries and Sandra’s art—scarves, handbags, paintings and more. And it's easy to find; the house on the property is bright green—5877 Hwy. 57, Jacksonport.
Another place to put on your list is Woodwalk Gallery. Painter Margaret Lockwood and her husband Allin Walker have created an outstanding gallery in a vintage barn in Egg Harbor, 6746 Cty Rd. G. You’ll really enjoy this space, which presents Margaret’s paintings as well as art by 30 regional artists in a variety of price points. Until next time, see you here and there on the Door Peninsula, Donna Marie Pocius, freelance writer