Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away!

Still aboard the Stiletto catamaran out on the Green Bay waters! Gorgeous! We've been sailing for an hour and a half and are heading back to shore - to South Shore Pier in Ephraim!!
Fun, fun, fun. Captain Ken did a great job!
Dan and DCN crew
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Storm Passes Thru

Big rain storm just passed through - was raining and lightening like in a movie . . . then a patch of blue opened in the west, rolled in and the rain stopped!

It was quite a downpour, but now, all's quiet on the western front!

Here's the picture as it started to clear - glad I had a camera with me!

"Egg Harbor Look-Around" (tm) Video Released!

Take an Egg Harbor Look-Around(tm)right now on our site! We just released a brand new video which captures the essence of Egg Harbor and gives you a great look at a lot of what the town has to offer!

In less than 5 minutes, you can tour the town and enjoy the scenery and offerings that make Egg Harbor a great destination. You'll find it linked now from our Homepage, but you will also find it on the Sights & Sounds page under New Releases, and in its permanent home under Tours.

So take a look and let us know what you think . . . if you like it, we may do more! Leave your COMMENTS below.

John Henry's

Well, we strolled into John Henry's - a new bar/restaurant in Egg Harbor and saw some folks we know. This is in the building that was Bub's Pub a year or two ago.

John Henry is a great guy, who loves what he does, has a ton of stories to tell, and is fun to talk with. We had a couple of drinks, talked a lot, and sampled some of his food: spice-rubbed ribs, creamy cukes, and more. Awesome food. The couple next to me had been in Door County for 10 days, and dined here 5 of those nights - and the guy had the ribs 4 times!

Yeah - they were that good.

Look for John Henry's on the south end of the downtown area of Egg Harbor - a coral color building (looks like it belongs in Key West), with outdoor seating too.

Stop in, and tell John Henry that we sent you- you might find him dashing around the bar with a baseball cap on.

Looks like a great place - we'll be back (well, actually, we already were)!

Relaxing on the Peninsula

We were walking through the beautiful garden areas at The Coachlite Inn in Sister Bay, when we came across this colorful chaise lounge. Someone was taking a break, but the open book and glasses sitting on the chaise lounge just was a perfect scene!

Someone was enjoying a relaxing time here on the Peninsula! You can too!

Sand Castles

We're at Ephraim Beach, enjoying a beautiful evening and great sand castles. Awesome! We're also interviewing people on the beach for a future segment of our Real People. So look out for it, coming soon to a computer near you!


Dan/DCN
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fish Boil

Just left a wonderful Fish Boil dinner at Pelletier's in Fish Creek - delicious: fish, red potatoes, boiling onions and cherry pie for dessert! And what a show to watch the famous "boil over" out back.

Tell Regan and Matt we sent you!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Shooting Video in Egg Harbor

Just finished shooting footage at Harbor View Park in Egg Harbor for our next Real People!

Heading for Fish Creek to shoot more!
Dan/DCN Video Crew
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2 New Summer Videos Released!

More Summer Fun and Summer Sundown are now both available for viewing on our website, DoorCountyNavigator.com!

More Summer Fun continues our trek on the peninsula seeking out summer things, from concerts in the park to para-sailing!


Summer Sundown captures an evening at Egg Harbor dock, and the gorgeous sunset we captured there!

Enjoy and let us know what you think about them - leave a Comment below!

Wilkins & Olander To Host "she beads" Trunk Show & Demo!

Wilkins and Olander, a great woman's clothing and accessory shop in both Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek informed us that on August 9th, 2008, from 12PM (Noon) until 4PM, they will host a Trunk Show and Bead Making Demonstration for "she beads," one of the hottest lines around.

Sandy Rueve, the founder of "she beads," will make a special appearance! There will also be some purchasing incentives as well. So check it out - great shop, great people, and very special show!

HINT: Read our Review of Wilkins and Olander for a valuable discount certificate that you can use ONLINE, in the store, or even on the phone - ONLY through DoorCountyNavigator.com! Then visit their website!

Orchard Country Winery Celebrates 4th Annual Cherry Fest

4th Annual Cherry Fest is happening this weekend at Orchard Country! See their Press Release below!
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It will be all things cherry when Orchard Country Winery & Market honors the ruby red fruit with its own special day Saturday, July 19th. The 4th Annual Summer Harvest Cherry Fest will begin at.10 a.m. and continue throughout the day with activities for the entire family.
“The Fest is all about giving back,” said Carrie Viste, co-manager. “This year we experienced a shortage, but there are plenty of cherries to go around. And what better way to celebrate summer than with a festival featuring food, fun, and entertainment.”
One of the county’s original “farms,” Orchard Country is an old world blending of wine tasting room and country market surrounded by one hundred acres of trees orchard and vineyard. Under the direction of Viste and her sister Erin Lautenbach, and their father Bob Lautenbach, Orchard Country is recognized for its award-winning fruit wines, refreshing ciders, and diverse selection of Door County products.
The Cherry Festival’s activities will begin with free guided tours conducted every hour and wine tastings throughout the day. This spring a unique new wine--a semi-dry cherry Riesling—was introduced. Door County Lighthouse arrives in a blue lighthouse-shaped bottle whose label features a Kathy Glasnap painting of the Rock Island’s Pottawatomie Lighthouse. A limited number of the collectible bottles are available.
Family-themed activities will include clown face painting and animal balloon art, fun inflatables, and a visit with the alpacas. The Door County Trolley will offer tours from 10 – 3 pm and horse-drawn wagon rides will be available from 11 – 3 pm.
A festival is never complete without food, and Orchard Country’s menu of the day will definitely fill the bill. A traditional pig roast, as well as cherry brats and hamburgers will be available from Door County Custom Meats. Fresh baked treats will also be on the menu. Lakefront Brewery will provide tastings, including Cherry Lager brewed with Lautenbach Orchard’s fruit.
Demonstrating the versatility of cherries, Orchard Country’s personal cherry ambassador Debbie Dewitt will conduct food demos from 11 – 4 pm. Cherry pie eating contests will be held at 11 am and 1 pm; the ever-popular cherry pit spitting competition will commence at 1:30 pm. “For the children we have a special mini pail so they can share in the cherry picking experience,” added Viste.
A special afternoon treat will be live music performed by Green Tea. The four-member group is high-energy Irish with a strong infusion of Celtic. Their distinctive sound—a blend of the traditional and the new sound—Green Tea fuses pop, folk, African, rock, jazz, and, of course, Celtic.
“We hope the entire family comes out to join us in the fun,” Viste encouraged. “There will definitely be plenty to do. But the highlight will be cherries! There will plenty to go around the day of the event,” she added.
Orchard Country Winery & Market, located at 9197 Highway 42 just south of Fish Creek, is open year round. For additional information contact Orchard Country at 920.868.3479 or visit the website www.orchardcountry.com.

From the Horses to the Sky! Para-Sailing in Ephraim

Well, we finally had the opportunity to give para-sailing a shot! So this evening around 5 PM, we headed out on a boat from South Shore Pier dock in Ephraim, aboard Wisconsin Water Wings's craft, with a crew of 2 and 6 passengers who were going to brave a 175 foot high para-sailing adventure. Some of the passengers and soon-to-be para-sailers were Lucia and her sister Grace from Iowa, and Dan and Steve from Illinois.

First time for our DCN crew and wow - what an experience! It was awesome to see Ephraim, the islands, shoreline and all from 175 feet in the air! Highly recommended - it was really easy to do, the crew was terrific, and you land right back on the boat - really - you don't get wet.

Unlike anything I have ever experienced before, this is a ride of a lifetime. Do it! And tell Captain Doug and Liz that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Horses, Horses

We just completed an hour ride at Kurtz Corral in Sturgeon Bay - beautiful, sunny 70 degrees - perfect for a morning ride! Hawk and Sierra were great horses!

If you go, tell Jim and the gang that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you! Have fun!
Dan/DCN
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

New Bathrooms in Fish Creek!

Wandering around the shops and restaurants in Fish Creek? Ever need a bathroom? Well, you might know about the bathrooms in Founder's Square (there are some on the wall of the main building facing north), BUT . . . a new public bathroom facility was just built right behind The Noble House on the NE corner of Hwy 42 and Spruce. So, now you know the secret!

Dan/DCN

Argh, Matey! Mini-Golfing at Pirate's Cove!

Well, we had a fun time mini-golfing at Pirate's Cove in Sister Bay! Despite our group getting 5 hole-in-ones (!), we did not win a free game! The secret hole-in-one hole is announced when you complete your game and we missed getting a hole-in-one on 18! Argh! Fun course - great at night, and fully themed with pirate lore and history at each hole. Read our Review!

Have fun, "Fire at Will!"

Dan and the DCN Crew

Egg Harbor FUN Park - At the Arcade!

Earlier this evening, we tried our luck at the Egg Harbor Fun Park arcade - a great room behind the ice cream shop and little restaurant - perfect after mini-golfing there. You can play the arcade machines with tokens after you convert your cash, and then win "tickets" that you can turn in for prizes later.

Fun for all ages - Egg Harbor Fun Park is a nice little stop for families, couples, groups. They even do private parties on-site for kids.

We had fun in the arcade and have a whole bunch of tickets we can turn in now for a super prize. Ahh - more summer fun!

Dan and the DCN Crew

Windy, Wavy Day!

Wow - we are down by Sunset Park in Fish Creek. It's a windy day and the whitecaps are about 3 feet, crashing the shore. Brisk, cool and fun!

Going to head to the White Gull Inn for breakfast :)
Dan and DCN crew
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Alpine Dinner

Smoked Pork Chops, sauerkraut and German potatoes - nice dinner at the Hof at Alpine Resort, as the sun sets out the window in Egg Harbor. Still sitting at the table!
Dan/DCN
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Eating Fudge at Gomy's Goodies

After the fest, we headed to Egg Harbor to sample some new fudge flavors at Gomy's. Fantastic! Ask Mike for his latest creation, Malted Milk Fudge - delicious!

Lots of new home-made fudge, everyday! Tell Mike and Sharon we sent you over! read our review for more info ont his great little shop!
Dan/DCN
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Jefferson Street Festival

We spent a couple of hours in Sturgeon Bay at the Jefferson Street Festival, listening to music, shopping, eating. Fun - put Sturgeon Bay in your travel plans! Got some mice pictures and a little video too! And the street work is done on Third Avenue!
Dan/DCN
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Jorn's Pure Maple Syrup

Wow - we just left Jorn's Sugar Bush in Egg Harbor and sampled some of their best maple syrup - right out of the trees surrounding the cabin shop off the beaten path. Donna, one of the owners, said her husband has been making maple syrup for 70 years!

It is awesome - try it - a true Door County find. It's the best we have ever had. . .tell Donna we sent you! What a fun day!
Dan
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Johnson' Park Fun!

Had a great time mini-golfing and Go-Karting at Johnson' Park in Sister Bay. We always enjoy a round of mini-golf there, amidst the trees, waterfalls and beautiful landscaping.

And Go-Karting - well, that's fun anytime, and this is the only place to do it up here.

P.S. Read our review and print out a coupon to save some $$!
Tell them we sent you over - great family-run business.
Dan
You can even watch a video of Johnson's! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pastry Time at La Patisserie

Well, first time here, and enjoying it. They have sandwiches, but most of all it's a pastry shop - wood floors, tables, books and great pastries! Just had a Blanc and Noir - rich white and dark chocolate, and a nice cup of coffee!
Dinner will have to wait. . .

Time to head out. If you try this place, tell Joni we sent ya!
Dan
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

At the Concert In the Park

The concert in the park concluded a bit ago - nice nite for a concert in Harbor View Park here in Egg Harbor.

Lots of people, sitting on lawn chairs, benchs, the grass were enjoying an evening with music! In the esumemrs, Thursdays in Egg Harbor there is music int he air! Check our Calendar of Events for more happenings!

Breakfast at The Bistro

Just finished a nice breakfast at The Bistro at Liberty Square, in Egg Harbor!

Strolling around The Shops at Liberty Square right now - all connected. Beautiful shops, lots of unique finds! Beautiful sunny day!
Dan

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Dessert Time! At Mailbu Moo's in Fish Creek

Well, after a great dinner at Trio, we headed north out of Egg Harbor, to Malibu Moo's Frozen Griddle in Fish Creek. You can read our review of the Moo on DoorCountyNavigator.com.

You'll find this frozen slab custard shop, decked out in island motif, back behind Bayside Tavern, right near the water. Head in, see Sherrie or one of her staff, and enjoy a frozen delight! They will whip up all kinds of stuff on the frozen marble for you. My favorite? It's not on the menu, but ask 'em for a Haliakala Crater. Fantastic!

We just spent some time talking with Sherrie (try out some Spanish on her!) - and just left. Fun and good!

Time to rest!

Eating at Trio!

Sitting at the table now eating a calamari appetizer, here at Trio Restaurant in Egg Harbor - excellent!

Ordered Beef Basquaise for dinner -beef and ham stew braised in paprika sauce w/roasted sweet peppers; served w/garlic mashed potatoes. Looking forward to it.

Trio is consistently good! Tina, our wait-person, is awesome.
Say Hi to Jerry when you come in, and tell him we sent you!

Dan + 2 (party of three!)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

2 New Videos Released Today on DoorCountyNavigator.com!

We just released a couple of new videos today: Surfin' Seagull - a fun, little one-minute video; and Tranquil Moments - a video collection of peaceful scenes in Door County.

Come come on over to our Sights & Sounds page, and look for them under New Releases! And let us know what you think below, by clicking Comments!

6 New Videos Released Today!

Four New Resort Videos and Two New Restaurant Videos have been released today and posted on DoorCountyNavigator.com!

So go to our Sights & Sounds page, under New Releases, and see:

o The Shoreline Restaurant in Gills Rock!
o Fred & Fuzzy's Waterfront Bar & Grill in Sister Bay
o Little Sister Resort in Sister Bay (Fred & Fuzzy's is theirs too!)
o Harbor View Resort in Ephraim
o Ephraim Shores Motel & Restaurant in Ephraim, AND
o Harbor Guest House in Fish Creek

These are all great places, that have also been reviewed on our site.

Let us know which is your favorite new video, right here on our BLOG by clicking the Comments button below!

Ed Fenendael, Local Artist, Exhibits In Monet's French Village!

Congratulations to Ed! This is just spectacular - we have appreciated Ed's art for a long time - and now he is exhibiting in France! See Press Release below!
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Door County Watercolorist Ed Fenendael’s Florals Bloom in Monet’s French Village


Ed Fenendael grew up surrounded by art and music. Nurtured by his creative mother, the artist as a young boy recalls memories of “a freshly sharpened pencil or the scent of a new box of crayons.” Today, the circle has been completed and Fenendael, who resides in the Township of Egg Harbor, is an acclaimed watercolorist whose works are exhibited throughout the United States.
And the icing on the proverbial cake is representation in Giverny, France, the site of renowned artist Claude Monet’s home and gardens. The setting could not be more appropriate for an artist whose watercolor paintings are alive with spontaneity.
“To exhibit in France—and most especially in Monet’s village--is a dream come true,” said Fenendael. “I never thought this would actually happen. I couldn’t be more pleased. More than 5,000 visitors tour the gardens daily, and now they will have an opportunity to view my work. It’s a gift.”
Growing up on a farm in Pound, Wisconsin Fenendael had no idea his art would eventually take him across the ocean. As a boy traveling across the bay was the extent of his wanderings. “As a young woman my mother worked in Green Bay as a governess and the family visited Ephraim. Years later we returned to Door County as a family to pick cherries. I’ve loved it here ever since,” explained Fenendael.
The Wisconsin native ventured south to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University where he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. But as Fenendael embarked on a dental practice, the emerging artist pursued his love of painting, studying art at every opportunity.
A move to Kansas City, Missouri, however, proved the turning point in his professional life and Fenendael’s career path curved to the arts. A dentist for 30 years, he continued his study of art at the Kansas City Art Institute. His work drew rave reviews and turned the heads of his instructors.
“I was asked to teach at the Westport School of Art, and eventually facilitated workshops in Florida. The workshops were so successful I thought ‘if I can do them here why not hold workshops in Europe.’ And I did. We are all creative; some more than others. Teaching is very rewarding for both the teacher and student," Fenendael said. Adding, “My daughters and grandchildren enjoy making art, as well.”
A member of the Peninsula Art School faculty, the artist returns to the peninsula each summer to teach painting. A permanent relocation to Door County in 2001 brought Fenendael full circle. “I love it here. There is so much inspiration,” he emphasized. “This was meant to be.”
Fenendael currently conducts a yearly international workshop as well as workshops in Florida, California, Kansas City, and Door County. He also teaches classes at Morning Mist Studio at Windmill Farm, the bed and breakfast he co-owns with Frank Villigan. The recipient of a multitude of awards, Fenendael was named a Top-100 Artist in 1998. He is a member of the Door County Art League and the Kansas Watercolor Society, and a founding member of the Missouri Watercolor Society.
“A guest once said of my work ‘it has the stillness of Edward Hopper.” That couldn’t have made me happier. What that woman recognized in my work is “true.” It is what I identify with in Monet. The Impressionists found beauty in the simple, rural, pastoral scenes that surrounded them. I am moved by those subjects, as well,” Fenendael smiled.
Ed Fenendael’s watercolors are on exhibit in Atelier Galerie Letoliacha, Giverny, France, through October 31st. His work is also exhibited at the Watergate Gallery in Washington, DC. The artist’s gallery, Morning Mist Studio, is located at Windmill Farm, 3829 Fairview Road, Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin and is open to the public Friday through Sunday, May 15 – October 15. For information about all workshops and classes, contact Ed Fenendael at 920.868.9282 or visit www.watercolorexcitement.com.

July Giveaway is Rolling!

The July 2 Night Giveaway has begun, and the June Winner will be notified later tonight! Look for the post on our site sometime soon!

In the meantime, come to DoorCountyNavigator.com and enter the Giveaway for 2 Nights at the Wagon Trail Resort up in Rowleys Bay!

So, what are you waiting for! Come on and win!