The Ephraim Inn - a Chat with the Owner

We spent the afternoon chatting with Tim, co-owner with his wife, of the fabulous Ephraim Inn, next to Wilson's Restaurant in the heart of Ephraim. The location of this B&B is ideal, across for the sparkling bay waters, where you can sail, para-sail, head our on a twin-hull catamaran and more! And Tim and Nancy are gracious hosts too!

Tim was readying the inn for the season, as we enjoyed the sunny day chatting ouside in front. The inn is wonderful, and we think you will enjoy a stay here. Check out our Ephraim Inn review! So check it out and tell Tim that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Beautiful Morning in Egg Harbor

Eating breakfast right now at The Bistro at Liberty Square: hint - they have a "fill you up" breakfast with 2 eggs, sausage or bacon, toast and all the hash browns you can eat - for $5!

We'll be in Egg Harbor and Ephraim mostly today. After breakfast, we are checking out the new Lavender Spa in Egg Harbor - look for review coming soon!
Dan/DCN
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Good Food!

At John Henry's in Egg Harbor - Chicken dumpling soup - great - turkey club mmmmmm good!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pocket Navigator(tm) in Sturgeon Bay!

Spent all day in Sturgeon Bay at lodging establishments distributing the Pocket Navigator(tm) Tried and True Dining Guide - yes it fits in your shirt pocket, or purse. Look for them - ask for them!

Heading to Egg Harbor now!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Look for the DoorCountyNavigator REVIEWED! Decals in Door County!

When you are having fun in Door County, and trying to find places to stay or dine or shop or buy real estate or whatever it is you want to do, look for our DoorCountyNavigator REVIEWED! by DoorCountyNavigator.com Window Decals.

When you see one, that means we have been there already and have reviewed the place on DoorCountyNavigator.com! Trust our reviews, because we have physically been to the places displaying the window decals - they got them from us!

They will start popping up all over the place this Spring and Summer - so look for them and if you don't see one, ask them "Where is your DoorCountyNavigator REVIEWED! decal?!"

Pocket Navigator(tm) Hits the Streets!

DoorCountyNavigator.com is giving our loyal users still another tool that will make their trips to Door County even better!

As of this week, many of our lodging partners will have available at their front desks our handy Pocket Navigator(tm)! This is a small, fold-up document that literally fits in a shirt pocket or purse, and lists some of our favorite dining spots, with their name, addres, phone number, and a brief snippet from our DoorCountyNavigator.com and DoorCountyDining.com review!

So, next time you are in Door County, be sure to pick one up at your friendly lodging establishment. Ask them for your own copy of the Pocket Navigator(tm) - Our Tried & True Guide for Dining in Door County!(tm)

Truly, you will "Be in the Know Before You Go(tm)" out on the town!

Twitter With Us!

We just began to Twitter - it's the latest rage that allows users to post updates instantly even from a mobile device! So we will Twitter and post "Tweats" when we are out and about in Door County, or when we want to post a fast update! And you can choose to follow any number of Twitterers and get instant updates!

Our "Tweats" will be posted instantly on our BLOG here, and you can also choose to "follow" our Twittering by clicking the "Follow" button on the left here under Twitter Updates or by going to and choose to Follow! That way, you will for sure "Be in the know before you go!(tm)"

Door County Interior & Designs and Home Show!

This just in!

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People get decorating ideas from Door County Interiors pros during the Showcase of Homes May 8 and 9 and 15 - 17

People can obtain ideas for creating diverse decorating styles when they tour Peninsula area homes, decorated by the staff at Door County Interiors & Design.

Designers at the Egg Harbor-based home furnishings store have decorated interiors of three homes on this year’s Showcase of Homes, set for May 8 and 9 and May 15, 16 and 17. The event is sponsored by the Door County Home Builders Association.

The homes decorated by Door County Interiors have looks ranging from arts and crafts to casual. Furniture, fabrics, rugs, window coverings, finishes and accessories help pull each style together.

In addition their visual appeal, the interiors are comfortable, according to Carol Trimberger of Door County Interiors & Design. “Comfort is not just how you feel physically on the furnishings. You also have to be comfortable in the environment and with your color and your style,” she said.

The first home decorated by Door County Interiors & Design is an Egg Harbor vacation home on Green Bay waters. It has 8,000 square feet and a soothing and sophisticated arts and crafts style. Upscale fabrics by Ralph Lauren and Kravet are featured. There are walnut floors and five fireplaces—one accented by recycled century-old tile from Italy. The kitchen has celadon green cabinets, in-cabinet glass shelving and lighting, diverse countertop surfaces and a backsplash of distinctive travertine tile.

“The home doesn’t give you the feeling of size. There is the warmth of colors, and your eye is constantly taking in all the beauty,” said Ron Trimberger of Door County Interiors & Design.

A second showcase house also is used as a getaway home. With 1,500 square feet, the Fish Creek home in Park Place Villas has an interior that intimately interprets arts and crafts style. “Arts and crafts style is coming back, because it is so easy on the eyes. The lines are easy to work with—graceful and detailed, but not overly detailed. And the colors are not garish. It is a beautiful palette,” Carol Trimberger said.

The rugs and upholstery show shades of brown, red, gold, sage and black. Two throw rugs, actually in the same pattern, define seating and dining areas in the villa’s open living room. The dining table, made with pounded copper and glass top, has an airy feeling.

And while touring the third home, people will garner ideas for creating a casual and comfortable look, suitable for retirees and others. The 1,500 Baileys Harbor square foot showcase home has a living area outfitted with a brown leather sofa and ottoman and upholstered recliner. Tables and wood stools nestled behind the sofa provide additional seating for guests and save space.

“This home is designed for casual family living, and if you have a lot of guests you can move the stools out for seating in any place,” Carol Trimberger said. More information about Door County Interiors & Design is available online at doorcountyinteriors.com or by stopping by the showroom, 7266 Hwy. 42, two miles south of Egg Harbor.

Country Walk Shops in Sister Bay Adds 4 Shops

We just received this announcement from the Country Walk Shops in Sister Bay.

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PRESS RELEASE

COUNTRY WALK SHOPS ANNOUNCES 4 NEW MERCHANTS

April 23, 2009

For the upcoming 2009 season, we are proud to announce the addition of 4 new merchants to THE COUNTRY WALK SHOPS in Sister Bay.

Whether you enjoy food, fragrances or hobbies, Country Walk has something fresh and interesting to offer our patrons. Three new retailers will open their doors in our attractive Garden Level, and one will welcome visitors on our Upper Level across from Piggly Wiggly. The new merchants joining us this year include:

Affordable Satellite TV, Internet & Security provides local service and support for the residents and businesses of Door County.

Cheesecake, Etc. - Indulge yourself with cheesecakes and other delectables made from scratch with all natural ingredients.

Chou Chou is a fragrance blending bar and boutique, bringing this unique retail concept to Door County residents and visitors.

Harbor Tea and Spice Company - Relocating from Egg Harbor. Enjoy a freshly brewed hot or iced tea while you shop over 200 varieties of fine teas, herbs, spices and extracts.

“We are excited about the momentum that’s building here at Country Walk Shops,” said Kathy Toerpe of Door County Scrapbooking, a member of the Country Walk Board of Directors. “In the past five years, eight merchants have opened new locations here, bringing a great level of energy and innovation.”

Doug Schwartz, co-owner with his wife and daughter of The Cook Book and Board President, agreed. “Since we moved here from our previous location three years ago, we have seen our business grow. Even in a difficult economy, people want to be active doing the things they enjoy, whether it’s cooking, reading books, or quilting.”

The new retailers are looking forward to success in their new ventures. “We are excited to join the growing Country Walk Shops in the Sister Bay community,” said Scott & Belkis Dell, owners of Cheescake, Etc. “In our efforts to open a new business, all have been very welcoming. As we look to establish another successful business, we anticipate becoming more involved in helping increase the attractiveness of Door County as a vacation destination.” The Dells join more than 25 other businesses in Country Walk, some of whom have operated continuously here for more than 2 decades.

Country Walk Shops is home to over 30 businesses, including food and dining; fashion, beauty and hair care; hobbies and specialty gifts; and professional services. Strategically located next to Piggly Wiggly at the intersection of Highways 42 and 57 in Sister Bay, Country Walk boasts ample parking and an attractive garden setting, within walking distance of Pamida and downtown Sister Bay.

For further information, contact Doug Schwartz at (920 854-9210

Lavender Spa - Egg Harbor to Open

Get ready! We just received word that Lucia Day Spa will be closed, and in its place will be the Lavender Spa - Egg Harbor! The owners also own the Settlement Courtyard Inn & Lavender Spa, a great lodging place/spa in Fish Creek, in which is housed their Lavender Spa for guests.

Now, open the the public, the Lavender Spa - Egg Harbor is waiting for you! Scheduled to open April 25th!

It will offer Massage Therapy~Organics~Body Care. Each massage will be designed specifically for you as you map out your needs and problem areas with your massage therapist. Hot stone massage, infrared massage bed therapy, facials, aroma therapy - all you can wish for - and with an experienced staff. Tell them we sent you!

This will be exciting. You should plan to take advantage of this facility on your next trip to Door County. Set aside an hour for yourself and get a massage or facial or more. I have now made getting massage therapy part of every vacation I take. It should be part of every vacation you take too! Both men and women should take advantage of this wonderful place.

You deserve it! So visit the Lavender Spa - Egg Harbor and tell Marise and the staff that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Fish Creek Look-Around Video Released!

Just moments ago, we released our second town look-around! Fish Creek Look-Around gives you many glimpses of Fish Creek and a good feel for the town!

Take a look and enjoy our Fish Creek Look-Around! You will find it linked to from our Homepage (on the left) AND in our Sights & Sounds section under Tours. You will also find our Egg Harbor Look-Around there too.

Let us know what you think!

Door Community Auditorium Announces 2009 Schedule

We just received the 2009 line-up for the Door Community Auditorium and it looks good! See their press release below and enjoy!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press contact:
Patricia Podgers
(920) 868.2728
patricia@dcauditorium.org

The Door Community Auditorium Announces
2009 Summer/Fall Schedule


The Door Community Auditorium is pleased and excited to present its 19th 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.”
Auditorium Society members and donors may begin purchasing tickets on Monday, April 27 at 10 am; the general public can purchase tickets beginning Monday, May 11 at 10 am. Brochures are available by request and a complete schedule of performances is available on the Door Community Auditorium website www.dcauditorium.org.
June
Friday, June 12, 8 pm Carrie Rodriguez
Saturday, June 20, 8 pm Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra
Saturday, June 27, 7:30 pm Lorie Line

July
Saturday, July 11, 8 pm Pure Prairie League
Saturday, July 18, 8 pm Carrie Newcomer
Friday, July 24, 8 pm United States Coast Guard Band
Friday, July 31, 7 pm African Children’s Choir

August
Sunday, August 23, 8 pm Bobby Vee and the Vees
Friday, August 28, 8 pm Suzanne Vega

September
Saturday, September 5, 8 pm Paula Poundstone
Saturday, September 19, 8 pm A Celebration of Community presents: “The Art of Music” with Corky Siegel, Dorothy Scott, and Sons of The Never Wrong

October
Friday, October 2, 8 pm Nanci Griffith
Saturday, October 10, 8 pm Big Top Chautauqua
Saturday, October 17, 8 pm Kurt Neumann and Sammy Llanas of the BoDeans


For additional information contact the Door Community Auditorium box office by phone (920.868.2728) or email boxoffice@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.

Inn the Pines B&B is Out!

One of our favorite B&Bs, Inn the Pines, is no longer taking reservations. Bev and Bud who have owned the inn for 13 years, have decided to "retire" and the Inn is currently for sale.

This was a lovely inn, with great folks who ran it. We will miss it, and their guests are already missing it and begging for them to return!

We wish all the best to Bev and Bud - they deserve it. In the meantime, Inn the Pines is out of biz.

Diggers Now Wild Tomato

Diggers in Fish Creek changed ownership a year or so ago, and this year, the name has been changed to Wild Tomato! So look for that - on the north end of Fish Creek!~

Wine and Chocolate Weekends!

This just in! How delightful is this little sweet nugget of info?! The Door Peninsula Winery does it up sweet!

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WINE & CHOCOLATE WEEKENDS
We Know Our Sweet Stuff

Door Peninsula Winery in Carlsville is well-known for their sweet and semi-sweet fruit and premium grape wines. This May, Door Peninsula Winery is putting a new twist on their sweet knowledge and featuring chocolate nibbles with their wine. The tasting showcases wines specifically chosen by the wine maker to highlight both the locally produced wines and unique Wisconsin made chocolates. It's a wine and chocolate event to write home about!

The wine and chocolate tastings will be a sit-down, guided tasting lead by professional winery staff. Be prepared to learn more than you ever wanted about chocolate tasting and how chocolate pairs with all wine.

Enjoy eleven tastes of chocolates with eight Door Peninsula wines that highlight truffles, bars and shaped chocolates with a spectrum of sweet and dry, white and red wines. YUMMY! Make your reservation online or call 800-551-5049. Only $18 per person or $15 for wine club members. Groups of 10 or more are welcomed to arrange a custom tasting and time.

Tastings are quaint, social and semi-casual with limited seating. Reservations preferred. These events will fill up fast!


Reservation date and times:
First Weekend
May 1st at 1:00 and 3:00
May 2nd at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00
May 3rd at 11:00 and 1:00

Second Weekend
May 15th at 1:00 and 3:00
May 16th at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00
May 17th at 11:00 and 1:00

Hello DCN BLOGGers! We just got word from one of our favorite dining establishments in Baileys Harbor about an Easter Buffet! If you are in town, be sure to head to the Harbor Fish Market & Grille! See their announcement below! And tell them we sent you!! _______

Spectacular Easter Buffet!
Enjoy all the traditional favorites including Cider Glazed Pit Ham. Slow Roasted USDA Prime Rib, Oven Roasted Leg of Lamb, Baked Salmon with Cucumber Dill Sauce, Assorted Salads, Whipped Potatoes, Potatoes Au Gratin, Rice Pilaf, Fresh Vegetables and our Exceptionally Decadent Dessert Selection -- $18.95 per person, $8.95 for children under age 11.

Be certain to call 920-839-9999 early to make your reservation! We are serving from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

We hope to see you soon! Remember that we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week all year long! Don't forget to stop in for our terrific Lobster Boil on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evenings!

With warm wishes,

Carl & Karen Berndt and Kara Walker (Executive Chef/Manager) & Staff!
Harbor Fish Market & Grille - Baileys Harbor

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email: karen@harborfishmarket-grille.com
voice: 920-839-9999
web: http://www.harborfishmarket-grille.com

Lodgings at Pioneer Lane Adds A Room

This beautiful, charming little inn, in the heart of Ephraim yet tucked away, has added another room to their offerings, namely Bill's Room! They say it is furnished in "Papa Hemmingway" mode, and it can be made to conenct with Helen's Suite for a two bedroom suite!

We hear that Alicia and Hugh are adding a couple of more rooms this year. We'll let you know! This place is first-class all the way, and you will love it! Take a look at our review on our site of the Lodgings at Pioneer Lane.

Tell them we sent you and that you read about them on our DoorCountyNavigator.com BLOG!

DoorCountyNavigator.com's On A Mission!

At DoorCountyNavigator.com, we are trying to provide information to our website visitors that is useful, pertinent, and most importantly usable so that your trip to Door County is enhanced and more enjoyable.

We work very hard to provide you with accurate data, and 1000s of our users have found that our in-person, exclusive and professional reviews provide just the kind of independent information they need.

REVIEWS
So when you are perusing our site, invest some time reading our reviews to gain our first-hand knowledge of a lodging establishment, a restaurant, activity, real estate agency or shop. We've been there so you can find the best, and find exactly what you are looking for. In fact, we are beginning to add Audio Review Summaries so that you can listen to the reviews during your busy day. In fact, you can download the Audio Review Summaries in MP3 format - to your iPod(tm), or other portable MP3 player. We will be adding more Audio Review Summaries in the near future too!

VIDEOS
We continue to add video tours as part of our mission of providing you with the best information you can possible have for Door County Wisconsin! We have over 75 video tours on the site right now - tours of historic places like Cana Island Lighthouse or Cave Point, coastal tours, sunsets, lodging tours, restaurant tours, shop tours and more. Now you can see Door County right from the comfort of your home, and learn more and more that can make your next trip even better.

Many of our website visitors tell us that our reviews have been so accurate and helpful that they simply will not go anywhere we don't review! We have led them to great places, and we'll help lead you to some great places too. This Spring and Summer, we are instituting a sticker system for businesses in Door County. If we have reviewed them, we are going to provide them with a window/door sticker that reads: "DoorCountyNavigator.com REVIEWED!" So look for the sticker and stop in and tell them we sent you!

This BLOG and our Navigator News(tm) newsletter are more ways that we can communicate some useful information to you, and exchange ideas and get your feedback and "conversations" going too. Haven't signed up for our Navigator News(tm) yet? Do so now! Follow this link and "join our mailing list."

We are never satisfied with what we have already accomplished. We continue to look for more - the next wave, new ways to deliver this information to you so that you can have more fun in Door County. We welcome suggestions, always. You can comment here, or send an email directly to Dan@DoorCountyNavigator.com

Thanks for your continued support, and your continued interest in our website. Our sister sites, DoorCountyDining.com and Door-County-Camping.com are there as cross-reference for you too!

Let us know what you think - we are here for you!

April Giveaway Begins! Enter Now! Inn at Little Sister Hill Awaits You!

The April 2-Night Giveaway has begun! Stop on by the website now and enter! The Inn at Little Sister Hill awaits you!

We have reviewed this in, in-person of course, and we like it. Enter everyday to increase your chances of winning. So come on over right now! Head to the Treasure Map and enter now!

The March winner will be posted soon too!