DoorCountyNavigator.com In The Air!

This morning DoorCoutyNavigator.com was among two guests on Wisconsin Public Radio - talking about wines in Wisconsin, and in Door County!

It was fun - the show started at 6AM - wow!

Ellison Bay Sunset

We are in the woods at Ellison Bluff County Park shooting a glorious sunset over the water - simply beautiful and so Door County!

Dan and Gus, the DCN crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Gills Rock

In Gills Rock shooting video and saying hi to Mary at Shoreline Restaurant - great place - see our video on DoorCountyNavigator.com!

Back to the video . . .
Dan and Crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sister Bay for Ice Cream

In Sister Bay at the Door County Ice Cream Factory and Sandwich Shop for a little respite: a double dip Door County Cherry in a waffle cone and a strawberry sorbet.
Great - Todd and company make their own ice cream - great stuff!

Dan and crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Wineries!

Stopped in a couple of our favorite Door County wineries this morning - Door Peninsula Winery in Carlsville and right now we are at Orchard Country Winery and Market in Fish Creek.
Great stuff!

DoorCountyNavigator.com will be on a radio show Friday morning talking about DC wineries - what fun!

Dan + DCN crew

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

At John Henry's

In Egg Harbor - ballgame on
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Dinner Time!

We are sitting at a table in the fireplace room/main dining room at the English Inn in Fish Creek waiting for a nice grilled salmon dinner and a Door County whitefish dinner.

Can't wait - great place - dine here next time and tell them we sent you!

Dan and Gus the DCN video team
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sunset in Ephraim

We just shot more video in Ephraim - magnificent light as the sun sinks. Look for this video in an upcoming Tranquil Moments Again
Dan/Gus
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Break time at C&C

Finished our Fish Creek shoot - break time at the C & C Supper Club in Fish Creek. Stop in for a drink and say Hi to Mike behind the bar, or dine (great food) and say to Chris - she's great!
Dan/Gus, relaxing
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Video-ing in Fish Creek Again

What a beautiful day in Fish Creek for a video shoot! We are in downtown Fish Creek so if you see us say hello!
Dan and Gus - the DCN guys
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

PENINSULA PLAYERS SEEKS TO CLOSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - YOU CAN HELP!

If you have ever been to the Peninsula Players Theater on the lake in Fish Creek, then you know what a spectacular facility and experience this is. The new thearer building is aawesome, and they are trying to close out their capital campaign. See below, and contribute, as we do, if you see fit! Thanks!

__________

Contacts: Brian Kelsey – Managing Director
Alan Kopischke – Development Director
920.868.3287


PENINSULA PLAYERS SEEKS TO CLOSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

September 18, 2008 - Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Three years after announcing the capital campaign to restore and preserve a Door County tradition, Peninsula Players Theatre, America’s Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theatre, appeals to the community to help close the campaign that enabled the theatre to construct a state-of-the-art stage house, audience pavilion, scene shop and concession stand.

“For 73 years Peninsula Players has been distinctive among summer theaters in the United States for the quality and diversity of its productions and its beautiful setting along the shores of Green Bay,” said Brian Kelsey, managing director. “Three years ago, the Players and many of its supporters invested in the future by funding the building of a beautiful and ecologically responsible new theater. In a day and age where summer theaters of this caliber have dwindled in numbers, the Players is one of few whose operating expenses are exclusively covered through ticket sales. To ensure that this tradition of financial stability continues, we ask the public to help us close our capital campaign.”

The goal of Curtain Call is to raise $1.5 million and bring the curtain down on the theater’s capital campaign. “Raising the final $1.5 million will allow us to focus on the future and enable the organization to continue the growth of community outreach and educational programming,” said Board President, Ted Laitner. “As we approach our 75th anniversary, we ask you, our community, to continue to support the oldest arts organization in Door County by making a contribution, no matter how large or small, to this initiative. This commitment will help secure the future of the Players and usher in great theatrical performances for the next 75 years.”

In 2005 Players audiences first saw the new concession stand, built as an example of the architectural style upon which the new theatre would be based. The new scene shop quickly followed, which thrilled the Players, who for the first time in 70 years could build scenery indoors in case of inclement weather. At the close of the 2005 season, the old theater was demolished and construction began, continuing through the winter so that in June 2006 the Players could open the season in their new home.

“The construction of these new structures has not only improved our patron’s experience but also enhanced our artistic flexibility and the overall quality of our shows,” stated Artistic Director Greg Vinkler. “While the old stage magic of theater often effectively hides what goes on behind the scenes, it became impossible for us to ignore the fact that the old stage house was the original one built more than 70 years ago. Time has revolutionized the industry and we were unable to keep up with these advances. The new facilities now allow us to produce more challenging productions and provide audiences with a similar, yet more comfortable and rewarding experience.”

The Players’ new stage house incorporates a flexible proscenium, orchestra pit, costume storage and a 55-foot high flytower which enables the Players to enhance artistic productions with such capabilities as “flying in” scenery and backdrops. For audience comfort new padded seats and in-floor radiant heat were added as was an assisted listening device system. For ease of accessibility for patrons with wheelchairs, a private restroom for their use is in the pavilion. A green roof overhead was installed to ease the run-off of rain, dampen its sound echoing on the roof and serve as a natural insulation in both summer and autumn. The new pavilion, which used Wisconsin contractors and suppliers, was selected as one of 12 finalists in an international Solid Steel Design competition for its unique design and construction.

“Whether you have already supported the Peninsula Players capital campaign or are new to this initiative, we welcome you to take your bow before we bring the down the curtain,” said Alan Kopischke, development director. “Once the theater was completed, many original donors were so delighted by the results of the project that they stood back up and donated to the campaign a second time. Additionally, every member of our board has made a new contribution this year and we look forward to many of you following their lead and helping secure the Players future.”

To make a contribution to Curtain Call or to receive more information about the Peninsula Players Theatre, please contact Alan at (920) 868-3287 or via email at alan@peninsulaplayers.com.

Since 1935, when the Peninsula Players’ founders first staged a production of “Hay Fever” behind the former Bonnie Brook Cottage/Motel in Fish Creek, the theater has been committed to developing the arts and artists in Door County. Over the years, Peninsula Players has mounted more than 500 productions at the Theatre in a Garden, have trained hundreds of young theater professionals and has attracted over a million patrons. Peninsula Players’ open-air, garden-like setting is located three miles from Fish Creek and one-half mile west of State 42.

Orchard Country Winery & Market Celebrates 4th Annual Fall Harvest & Wine Fest!

Don't miss the Fall Fest at Orchard Country! Coming soon! See Press Release below!
___________

Orchard Country Winery & Market Celebrates 4th Annual Fall Harvest & Wine Fest


The leaves are turning to shades of red and gold…the air is crisp and hints of fall. As the frost settles on the pumpkin Orchard Country Winery & Market prepares a celebration of the season with a festival of fall delights. On Saturday, September 27 the 4th Annual Fall Harvest & Wine Fest hosted by the Lautenbach family will feature fun activities for the entire family. Beginning at 10 am, a variety of activities will entertain visitors young and not so young.
The Lautenbach’s fourth-generation farm orchard has planned a host of activities that promise to delight visitors of every age. Painting cherub faces or bowling with round plump pumpkins, the children’s activities will be fun-filled. Clowns creating balloon art and painted faces, fun inflatables, horse-drawn wagon rides…the activities will tickle every fall fancy.
Surrounded by acres of ripening apples, guests are invited to pick the ever-popular Gala or traditional Macintosh or come inside for the ever popular Honey Crisp. With the approach of the holidays, remember that someone special with a gift from the Orchard Country’s extensive selection of jams and jellies, a basket of apples or a cookbook. Visit one of the outdoor craft booths and choose from a variety of unique handcrafted gift and food items.
An array of meaty treats will be prepared by Door County Custom Meats. Taste test their pig roast or bite into a steamy cherry or apple brat; gooey caramel apples, and sticky cotton candy will satisfy every sweet tooth. Fresh fall bakery items—apple pies, donuts, turnovers, and apple strudel—are waiting to make the trip home.
Special guests Dick Skare, Democratic candidate for the Wisconsin Assembly and his wife Carol will serve as celebrity judges of the apple pie recipe contest at 1 pm. The owners of The Cookery Restaurant in Fish Creek, the couple are experienced chefs and taste testers. Jack Moneypenny, Door County Visitor Bureau executive director, will also lend his expertise as a pie connoisseur to the contest. Visitors are invited to bite into apple and pumpkin pies during eating contests at 11 am and 2 pm.
In the past 23 years, award-winning fruit wines have become the hallmark of Orchard Country; the winery currently produces 34 blends. Complimentary wine tastings of favorite blends such as Honey Crisp apple and Autumn Harvest will be accompanied by offerings of Lakefront Brewery’s popular pumpkin and cherry beers. And of course no party is complete without music. Beginning at 10 am a DJ will set feet tapping followed by bluegrass favorites from “Bent Grass” performing from 1 – 6 pm. The Door County Trolley will offer tours throughout the festival. Or hop aboard a horse-drawn wagon for a ride through the orchards; it’s all in a day’s work.
Orchard Country is open daily from 9 – 5:30 pm. Guests are invited to enjoy the outdoor patio as well as walk the grounds. Free guided winery tours on the 27th will begin at 10 am and continue until 5 pm. Orchard Country Winery & Market, located at 9197 Highway 42 just south of Fish Creek, is open year round. Visit the website www.orchardcountry.com for additional information.

Lorrie Morgan Coming to Door Community Auditorium!

Press Release just received - Lorrie Morgan Comes to Door Community Auditorium. See below.
_________________

The Door Community Auditorium
Presents
Lorrie Morgan in Concert

Lorrie Morgan literally grew up in music. The daughter of Grand Ole Opry star George Morgan, she made her musical debut at age 13 and has continued to earn top honors for her authenticity as a country artist ever since. The Door Community Auditorium welcomes Lorrie Morgan to its stage for a concert on Friday, October 3rd at 8 pm. Performing some of her all-time hits including “Something in Red,” “Dear Me,” and “Out of Your Shoes,” Morgan shares her life story through her music.
Watching her father perform, Morgan showed little interest in pursing a singing career in country music. It wasn’t until her father persuaded her to take the stage that the teenager found her life’s calling. The response to her debut performance of Marie Osmond’s “Paper Roses,” however, changed the course of her life. “I knew what I would be doing the rest of my life,” Morgan recalled. The teenager toured with her father until his death in 1975. Following his passing she carried on the family’s musical legacy touring with his band before going solo a few short years later.
In the early years of her career Morgan performed as the opening act for George Jones, and regularly performed with the Grand Ole Opry. Charting her first single in 1979, the country artist was granted membership into the Opry, the most coveted establishment in music, five years later.
Morgan’s career took wing with her 1989 release “Dear Me,” which became a Top-10 hit. Singles “Five Minutes” and “What Part of No” were followed by In the course of the next ten years Morgan released three #1 singles: “Five Minutes,” “What Part of No,” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” Her platinum debut album “Leave the Light On” (1989) was followed by “Something in Red” (1991) and “Watch Me” (1992), both of which also earned platinum status.
The Country Music Association (CMA) has nominated Morgan for numerous awards including Female Vocalist of the Year, the Horizon Award, Top Vocalist of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year. Her recording “’Til a Tear Becomes a Rose” was nominated for Single of the Year in 1991. Morgan was awarded Vocal Event of the Year honors in 1990, and “Common Thread” was named 1994 Album of the Year.
Additional awards include the Country Music Television (CMT) 1992 Female Vocalist of the Year; TNN/Music City New Awards 1991 and 1997 Vocal Collaboration of the Year; and 1994, 1996 – 98 Female Artist of the Year.
Morgan has continued to demonstrate versatility in her career choices. She has appeared on major television programs and made her acting debut in the television movie “Proudheart” for which she received a Cable Ace Award nomination.
“Show Me How,” Morgan’s 12th album released in 2004, is a collection of 11 songs that examine life from the perspective of “lessons learned and wisdom earned. I wanted it to be parallel to my life,” Morgan said of the album. “I didn’t want to record anything that I couldn’t relate to, that I haven’t lived or haven’t experienced and everything we found, I think, was very mature sounding, livable, very seasoned songs.”
Tickets for Lorrie Morgan are $50/$45, and $37, and are available at the Door Community Auditorium box office, by phone (920.868.2728), or via the www.dcauditorium.org. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 – 3 pm; weekend show days, 11 – 3 pm; and one hour prior to a performance. The Door Community Auditorium is located in Fish Creek, just north of the town center on Highway 42.

Orchard Country Winery & Market Limited Edition Door County Lighthouse Wine Receives Bronze and Most Unique Title Awards

We recently received this press release regarding Orchard Country Winery & Market, and a unique wine they are producing! Also, check out the Orchard Country's Fall Fest, September 27th. See below!

_______

Orchard Country Winery & Market Limited Edition Door County Lighthouse Wine Receives Bronze and Most Unique Title Awards

The Mid-American Wine Competition honors the finest wines from 14 Midwestern states including Kentucky and Tennessee. During the July competition, more that 640 wines were evaluated by 14 judges whose expertise embraces all aspects of wine production and consumption. During the three-day event Orchard Country Winery & Market received two awards: a bronze medal for its special limited edition Door County Lighthouse wine released this May; and a medal for its artwork kin Most Unique Wine Label category.
The award-winning limited edition Door County Lighthouse wine is a special blend of Riesling grapes and local Montmorency cherries. The wine arrives in a blue lighthouse-shaped bottle whose label features a Kathy Glasnap painting of the Pottawatomie Lighthouse located on Rock Island.
“We were thrilled to be honored for this wine,” said Carrie Viste, co-manager of Orchard Country. “This is a very special limited wine and we are pleased that it has been recognized for its qualities. And it has been well received by the public; we have only 20 cases remaining.”
One of the county’s original “farms,” Orchard Country is an old world blending of vineyard, wine tasting room, and country market surrounded by one hundred acres of trees laden trees. Under the direction of her father Bob Lautenbach, Viste and her sister Erin Lautenbach manage the fourth-generation farm. Country Orchard is consistently recognized for its award-winning fruit wines, refreshing ciders, and wide selection of home-made Door County products.
In the past 23 years, award-winning fruit wines have become the hallmark of Orchard Country. The winery currently produces 33 blends. The Door County Lighthouse Wine is the first in a collector series that will be introduced each spring. Information on submitting original artwork for the label series will be available this fall.
“We are so pleased to feature a local artist and Kathy Glasnap was the perfect choice. It is a wonderful showcase for her love of lighthouses,” said Viste. “I hope our guests will enjoy the new blend and the lighthouse-shaped keepsake bottle. It is about taking home a bit of Door County.”
Kathy Glasnap’s original artwork and prints are available for purchase at Cottage Row Framing & Gallery located in the historic barn behind the Orchard Country Winery & Market. Orchard Country is open daily from 9 – 5 pm. Orchard Country Winery & Market, located at 9197 Highway 42 just south of Fish Creek, is open year round. Visit the website www.orchardcountry.com for additional information.

Breakfast time!

Just sat down at the White Gull Inn for breakfast- ahh one of our favorite places!
Dan and the DCN Crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Video work done. Dinner time

At Coyote Roadhouse in Baileys Harbor - bbq burger time!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

At John Henry's

Talking to John Henry (owner) and others and shooting some pool!

Dan the the DCN Crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

At Casey's

We're eating dinner right now at Caseys in Egg Harbor: BBQ wings with signature sauce, BBQ brisket, pulled-pork skins, all awesome.
Off to John Henry's next.
Dan and DCN Crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

At the Bayside!

Almost 7PM - Taking a break at the Bayside Tavern - the crew is drinking a drink we invented: a Floating Island beer - it's Island Wheat beer with a floater of Guinness. Great! Stop in and join us!

Dan and the DCN crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Shooting Video in Fish Creek!

We are wrapping up a full day in Fish Creek for an upcoming video - more to shoot tomorrow - say HI if you see us!
Dan and DCN Crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Lunch in Fish Creek

We're doing more video shoots in Ephraim and Fish Creek, so we're stopping for lunch at the Blue Horse Bistro and Espresso. If you see us, stop and say "hi."

Dan and the DCN video crew
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Autumn is Here! It's Fall, For You! Videos and More!

Fall is one of the most gorgeous times to be in Door County - so plan your Fall trip right now! In Door County, there is a Fall, For You - just waiting!

We just released all of our Fall information!

- Fall Article on the Homepage (and continuing)
- 26 Things to Do This Fall in Door County
- Autumn Awe video (you will like it!)
- Autumn Again video (you can't get enough of Fall in Door County)!

Get to all this information right from our Homepage! And the Autumn Awe and Autumn Again videos are ALSO posted our our Sights & Sounds page under Seasonal (and now also under New Releases). Under Seasonal, you will also find a third Fall video, A Door County Fall.

So get ready for some great Fall Festivals in Door County, and for some great Fall fun!

Leave a Comment below and let us know what you think of the Fall material and the brand new videos!

September Navigator News(tm) Newsletter Almost Ready!

Have you subscribed yet to our information emails, which includes our monthly Navigator News(tm) newsletter?

Well join the thousands who are already members - it's FREE! You will receive an email monthly announcing the new Giveaways, and often there is a "secret word" in the email that will get you extra entries in the Giveaway! Also, your monthly issue of our Navigator News(tm) newsletter, which contains several timely articles, a monthly piece called A Special Place, and photos of Door County as well - delivered right to your email box!

Our next Navigator News(tm) will go out around September 15th - so if you have not yet subscribed, you can do it right now our our site, right on our Giveaways and Newsletter page!

Join us!

New Review - Parkwood Lodge!

In Fish Creek, Parkwood Lodge, formerly Beowulf Lodge, is undergoing lots of improvements with the new owners. So we just re-reviewed Parkwood Lodge and posted the review on our sight in the New Reviews section.

So take a look - and please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

September Giveaway is Running! Westwood Shores!

Our September Giveaway is up and running! You could win a fabulous stay for 2 nights at the beautiful Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort in Sturgeon Bay! Right on the water, this resort is first-class!

So come to DoorCountyNavigator.com right now and enter - AND you can enter everyday!

If you are subscribers to our our email and to our newsletter, Navigator News(tm), you would have found some secret words in the email that just went out announcing the September Giveaway! They can earn you 10 free, extra entries! You can always Subscribe Now for future issues of Navigator News(tm) and our emails!

Fall Stuff Coming This Week!

Hope you are all enjoying Labor Day! We're busy at work on the site, and later this week we will be posting all of our Fall materials on the Homepage, including two new Fall videos!

So look for it later in the week, and let us know what you think. And keep having fun in Door County :)

New "Real People" Video Released Today!

We just released Real People in Egg Harbor 2 today! The new video continues our series of our interviews with real people on the streets of Door County. Learn about what real people like to do, where they like to stay, and where they dine through this series of videos! there are 5 complete Real People(tm)videos on the site now!

So look for Real People in Egg Harbor 2 right on our Homepage under New Videos, just above Summer Sundown. It is also on our Sights & Sounds page under Real People!