Sunday, May 31, 2009

Cornerstone Suites Special Offer for DoorCountyNavigator.com Users!


The awesome Cornerstone Suites (we will have a video soon)is offering our DoorCountyNavigator.com users a special offer - good all of June!

Here it is!

For the Cornerstone Suites, choose from any of the four distinctive suites, The Cornerstone, The Garden, The Sweet Clover, The Mettie Rose - Take 25% off the regular rate for the entire month of June! Additional discounts available for reservations made for 3 or more days! Call toll free 1-888-495-3005 for reservations and more information, and please and tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you and you want the discount!

Follow DoorCountyNavigator.com on Twitter!


If you are familiar with Twitter, you know that it is the latest rage in getting information that you are interested in delivered right to your phone or computer! So DoorCountyNavigator.com has joined up and we are now Twittering! You can receive very short updates on what we are finding, what we are doing and interesting tidbits by choosing to follow us!

Follow DoorCountyInfo at http://twitter.com/DoorCountyInfo and you will be all set! When you sign up, you can choose to have the info delivered to your portable device (like a phone) by selecting Device Updates and selecting the radio button ON. Or, you can log in Twitter whenever you want (from your Internet capable phone or computer) and receive the updates that way.

It's fun, and easy, and you get info instantly! Try it! Follow us at http://twitter.com/DoorCountyInfo - give it a try!

Charlie's Place - A Cottage in Egg Harbor



We just discovered Charlie's Place, a cozy cottage in Egg Harbor, that is available for rental. Please check it out right now at their webpage! We think it looks great, and we will be doing a review of Charlie's Place soon - so keep an eye out for it.

We will continue to scour the county for interesting and fun places to bring to your attention. Charlie's Place is one of the latest finds!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

DCA Opens 2009 Summer/Fall Season With Award-Winning Musician and Vocalist Carrie Rodriguez


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

DCA Opens 2009 Summer/Fall Season
With Award-Winning Musician and Vocalist Carrie Rodriguez



Shimmering with subtlety, Carrie Rodriguez is an explosive musician, songwriter, and vocalist who defies categorization. Fiddle in hand, the Texas-native’s folksy twang delivers on every song, hitting just the right notes. Performing in concert at the Door Community Auditorium on Friday, June 12 at 8 pm, Carrie Rodriguez will treat the audience to a performance that sparkles with intellect and emotion.
Carrie Rodriguez’s musical journey began in Austin, where as a little girl she began violin lessons rather than submit to mandatory naps. “I remember walking down the hallway and hearing these violins scratching out ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.’ I was immediately drawn to that and came home and told my mom I wanted to take violin lessons,” she said.
The lessons “took” and Rodriguez continued her musical training at Oberlin College’s Conservatory of Music. Inspired by family friend Lyle Lovett’s fiddle player Andrea Zonn, Rodriguez recalled, “I wanted to do what she was doing.” Transferring to Boston’s Berklee College of Music, she found the resources to transform the violin into a fiddle.
The change in musical environment not only influenced Rodriguez’s fiddle playing, but also served as the perfect setting for collaborative duets, including a significant turn with singer/songwriter Chip Taylor. Their professional relationship led to Rodriguez’s debut album “Seven Angels on a Bicycle” which earned high marks from The Associated Press with raves for her as a “singular talent.”
Three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams, who sang backup on the album’s recording “Mask of Moses,” praised Rodriguez’s performance to the New York Times. “She’s got something unique in her voice that’s very subtle and a little smoky and sweet. I detect a certain wisdom in her, and yet a sense of wonder, as well.”
Today, the Brooklyn-based Rodriguez is busy touring following the release of her album “She Ain’t Me” which climbed to #2 at Americana Radio. She was honored by The Roots Music Association with a 2008 “Songwriter of the Year” award in the folk category. Rodriguez is featured on the new Tish Hinojosa album “Uncommonly Diverse,” and her song “Rag Doll” was featured on an episode of CBS television show Ghost Whisperer.
Although Rodriguez resists labels—there have been comparisons with Sarah McLaughlin or Nora Jones—what is universally true of her music is its depth and power. “On her latest CD, ‘She Ain’t Me,’ Carrie Rodriguez crates lush dramatic sound-scapes full of cosmic rhythms, ethereal melodies, and plenty of twang both in her voice and in the banjos and riffles, to keep the music grounded. I’m reminded of some of Roseanne Cash’s work, of Emmy Lou Harris’ work, but what stands out in Carrie Rodriguez’s music is a feminine, sexy voice that commands attention.” TapRootRadio.com.
Tickets for Carrie Rodriguez are $26/$22 and $18, 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.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

4th Of July Parade Video Released!


Overnight, we just released our 4th of July Parade video! Some fun shots of the parade that goes through Baileys Harbor then Egg Harbor, and some fun music too! Take a quick look, and get the flavor of a real Door County parade in two minutes!

See it on our Homepage, under New Videos, or go to our Sights & Sounds section and find it under New Releases, and Seasonal! Have fun! And let us know what you think! Leave a Comment below!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Fish Creek and the Town of Gibraltar Honors Peninsula State Park’s Centennial throughout Heritage Days 2009!


We just received this press release on Heritage Days 2009 celebrations!
_______________


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Wayne Kudick: info@gibraltar150.org, 920.868.2262
Doug Blahnik: dcblahnik@itol.com, 920.868.3616

Fish Creek and the Town of Gibraltar Honors Peninsula State Park’s
Centennial throughout Heritage Days 2009


In honor of Peninsula State Park’s Centennial, the Gibraltar Historical Association is dedicating Heritage Days 2009 to Door County’s emerald treasure. Since its’ establishment 100 years ago, Peninsula State Park has earned a reputation for its’ boundless recreational opportunities and incredible natural beauty. And positioned in close to proximity to Fish Creek, the two have maintained a relationship that reflects a remarkable past.

In 1858, the Township of Gibraltar--consisting of the villages of Fish Creek, Juddville and Maple Grove--was established. Farmers, lumbermen, and fishermen settled their families on the surrounding fields, scrapping out homesteads bordered with the rocks they cleared.

Some of the early pioneers settled on acreage that would be designated as park property. Homesteaders, they had expected to live on their land for generations to come. Although official records vary, approximately 70 parcels of land owned by 40 families were transferred, sold or were otherwise acquired by the state for the new park.
As the community grew, so too did the business community. Fish Creek’s Main Street boasted three general stores, a school, library, and post office. A greenhouse and nursery, a tavern, grocery store, gift shop, and gas station were all located on land that would years later be designated state park property.

“The history of Peninsula State Park and the Fish Creek village is so closely connected; the two literally grew up together and have been intertwined in so many unique ways. It is important that we celebrate our unified history as a community,” said Eunice Rutherford, Gibraltar Historical Association board president.

“This collaborative celebration is an effort to preserve and promote our shared heritage and legacy, both the park and the village. And we hope this first Heritage Days celebration continues each year, and that more and more people will become involved.”
Continuing the celebration of community begun with the Town of Gibraltar’s Sesquicentennial last year, Heritage Days 2009 will host activities for the entire family beginning Friday, June 5 and concluding Sunday, June 15. From a sunset serenade to candle-light tours of Fish Creek’s historical village, stories of ghosts and tales of tragedy-at-sea, Heritage Days 2009 will be a charming walk through history.
“There will be ongoing activities scattered throughout the village,” emphasized Rutherford, “and everything will be free with the exception of the Hootenanny Concert on June 13th which will require a $10 ticket.” The concert will feature the 5 Milers who will perform a concert of folk music appropriate for the entire family.

“The seeds of our future were planted by our forefathers and mothers; their names are still recalled with affection…Alexander Noble, Asa Thorp, Increase Claflin,” recalled Rutherford. “Heritage Days 2009 remembers these early pioneers in with fun, family-friendly celebration that will echo with our history and past, while looking forward to the future.”

For additional information and a complete list of events visit www.Gibralatar150.org, www.FishCreek150.org, or www.historicnoblehouse.org. Information on all of the events will be available at locations throughout Fish Creek. The Hootenanny Benefit Concert will begin at 7 pm on Saturday, May 13th in the Old Town Hall. Concert tickets are available for purchase at the Fish Creek Information Center, the Noble House, or by calling 920.868.3373.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Santa Fe Shop & Gallery in Fish Creek - Sale and New Lines of Purses!



The Santa Fe Shop & Gallery in the heart of Fish Creek (on Main Street across from On Deck, Bayside Tavern etc.) just notified us today that:

1) They are closing out all their area rugs, so they are all 50% off. Sizes range from 4' by 6.' Rugs to Runner size Rugs to 2' by 4' Mats in a variety of styles and colors. We were in the shop alst week and some of these are stunningly beautiful! A real buy!

2. Santa Fe Shop & Gallery has just brought in two new lines of purses:
Hobo International collection from Annapolis, Maryland: wonderfully functional handbags and wallets crafted in natural leather. AND

Breezy Mountain Leather Handbags by Valerie Ann Szarek of Colorado. Using only animals taken for food, this trade is the ultimate recycling. She uses natural stones, silver and beads to enhance the beauty of each piece.

Check out this fabulous shop and gallery - there are a ton of beautiful items in the shop! Read our Review! Then visit their website and please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com let you in on this secret!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hands-On Art Studio Gets Mention in USA Today!


Our very own Hands-On Art Studio in Fish Creek, got a great mention in the May 8 2009 edition of USA Today, in the Travel section! In an article entitled, "10 great places for memories with Mom," 10 travel areas are mentioned, including Door County. In the paragraph about Door County, Marybeth Bond (author of 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways, shares her insights with USA Today's Kathy Baruffi.

And after they discuss how great Door County is, they mention Hands-On Art Studio as a great creative place where the family can have fun, in a variety of media, like glass, metal, wood and more.

Way to go Cy and the crew at Hands-On Art Studio! One of our favorite places to go in Door County! Read our Review, visit their site, and tell them you're there to have fun, and that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Save $$$ At Wilkins & Olander! Valuable Coupon!



Wilkins & Olander, one of the great woman's clothing and accessory shops in Door County, has a special Discount Coupon available ONLY for DoorCountyNavigator.com users!

And you can use the coupon on the PHONE, or in the STORE or even through their ONLINE store! How good is that?! You'll find Wilkins & Olander on historic Third Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, and near Founder's Square in Fish Creek. Click the coupon and print it out!

Make sure you tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you, to get the discount!

Monday, May 18, 2009

The Orchid B&B Review Just Published!


DoorCountyNavigator.com jsut reviewed a new B&B in Sturgeon Bay this past week: The Orchid B&B. We like what we saw, so read all about it on our website: just click Read the Review!

And please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Lavender Spa~Egg Harbor Review Released!


Wow - we think you will love to discover this new spa in Egg Harbor. Housed in what used to be Lucia Day Spa, Lavender Spa~Egg Harbor is just awesome. Marise Redmond, who also owns the Settlement Courtyard Inn & Lavender Spa in Fish Creek, has done an outstanding job in creating an atmosphere of calm and tranquility.

From colors to personal treatments, you will feel rejuvenated at the Lavender Spa~Egg Harbor.

Check it out! Read our Review then go book an appointment for a therapeutic massage, factial, infra-red sauna treatment and more. And, oh, please tell them that DoorCountyNavigator.com sent you!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Exclusive Discount for Navigator Users at the Wonderful Black Walnut Guest House B&B!


Special June 2009 Discounts Only for DoorCountyNavigator.com Users!

Black Walnut Guest House B&B in Sturgeon Bay is offering a special June pre-summer discount only to DoorCountyNavigator.com users!

For the month of June 2009, from Monday thru Thursday, you can stay at the inn for $119 a night,versus the normal published rate of $130 - $145 a night!

Weekends Too!
And you can stay on the weekends for 15% off too, based on a stay of two nights or more! Regular rates are $145 and $160 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Your DoorCountyNavigator.com rates are $123.25 and $136 a night!

Taxes, room taxes etc. also apply.

To receive the discount, when you call the Black Walnut Guest House, you MUST say that "I want the DoorCountyNavigator.com discount!"

We love this inn, and the people who run it. We know you will love it too. With confidence, we highly recommend it! Read our review, then give Geri or Mike a call at 877-255-9568, or 920-743-8892. And remember, you must say: "I want the DoorCountyNavigator.com discount!"

Call now before the rooms are all gone for June!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Busy Busy Day - Lots of Places Visited, including Hands-On Art Studio!


We started off with breakfast at The White Gull Inn, in Fish Creek, then visited with many places throughout the county. With stops at By The Bay Motel, Homestead Suites, Hilltop Inn, Parkwood Lodge, Main Street Motel (watch video!), On Deck, Santa Fe Shop, Gibraltar Grill, Nor Door Sport & Cyclery, Juniper Inn, Thorp House Inn, and HideSide Corner Store all in Fish Creek too. We like to continue to visit these places to get updates, get a fresh perspective, and speak with the owners.

We headed north to Ephraim, stopping at Bay Breeze Resort and Harbor View Resort. On the way back south, we visited with Hands-On Art Studio (see picture) and visited with Cy, the owner. He is doing so many cool things in the shop, and YOU TOO can create your own art here, in the painting studio, or glass studio or even the metal studio. This place is so popular with people of all ages - from kids to older folks - because it is fun and geared toward any artistic level. We love it and highly recommend that you make Hands-On Art Studio part of your next Door County vacation.

We had a late lunch at the new Wild Tomato in Fish Creek, and then headed south again.

We had great visits with all these folks, and that's good for us keeping up with what they are doing, and the quality of their places. More later - dinner calls in a little while!
Dan/DCN Crew

Cool Day In Door County


It's a cool morning in Door County, as we head out towards Fish Creek, for a quick breakfast at the White Gull Inn (awesome!). Then we'll be heading north again to Ephraim and Sister Bay.

More later.....

Double Delites In Egg Harbor Keeps Getting Better!


We stopped in this afternoon to see Julie, at Double Delites in Egg Harbor. We chatted a bit, and then gave her a supply of Pocket Navigators(tm). She told us that there are some new additions to Double Delites!

So, this year you will find all the homemade gelato and gourment popcorn, but also you will see that Double Delites has added Italian sodas (strawberry, kiwi, mohito and raspberry. And that's not all!

Gelato Sundaes make the scene with Ghiradelli toppings of chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate.

And. . . hint hint - new flavors of popcorn are in the works.

Beautuful Day - and another Busy One On the Peninsula!


We were very busy today from Egg Harbor, where we were doing a video, to Fish Creek - where were were shooting another video. Long day, but a fun one with lots done. Made it to Baileys Harbor as well.

While in Egg Harbor, we stopped for a quick gelato at Double Delites - yum! We spoke with Julie, one of the owners, and told us that they added some new things! See our next BLOG post.

Have fun! See you around the county - tomorrow, we will be in Egg Harbor, Fish Creek and points north.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Busy Day On the Peninsula!


We've been at it since early this morning - distributing additional Pocket Navigators(tm) to lodging and retail establishment. Look for them - ask for them! Your Pocket Navigator(tm) has a list of dining establishments and fun food places that we have personally reviewed and ones we like. You will like them too! Keep a copy in your pocket or purse as you drive the peninsula, and always be ready for great food and fun snacks!

We've been from Sturgeon Bay to Sister Bay today, with stops in Sturgeon Bay at the Inn at Cedar Crossing, Black Walnut Guest House B&B.

Then we headed to down County I to Dairy View Country Store, and then to Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery, and spoke with Lance, one of the owners (we love their Viognier wine) - beautiful, tranquil setting. Simon Creek also has a shop on 3rd Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay.


Heading north, we stopped at The Feathered Star B&B in south Egg Harbor. A unique B&B that allows pets. Sandy, the owner was telling us how her guests love that they can bring their pets! We continued north to Cornerstone Suites, where we were shooting some outdoor video footage.

Then we stopped at The Shallows, also in Egg Harbor, on the shore off Hwy G. Bob, the owner, was getting things all prepped for the season, and the place was looking good. We love this place - unique waterfront setting, great sunsets, great people. Watch the video!

Further north, we stopped at Cedar Court Inn, and did some outdoor video scenes, then headed to Sister Bay to see Sail Door County,as Captain Peder Nelson prepares his sail boat for summer tours, then to Birchwood Lodge and Scandinavian Lodge, Country House Resort and Pheasant Park.

Then back south to Ephraim, where we stopped and had another great chat with Tim at The Ephraim Inn. Great B&B, with a wonderful view of the bay, great setting, right next to Wilson's Ice Cream.

We are still in Fish Creek at the C & C Supper Club, BLOGGING for a table in the Windjammer Lounge after 4 soft shell tacos (hey, it's Taco Monday here!).

Will head to Egg Harbor soon.

Your DoorCountyNavigator.com - bringing you more!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Friday, May 8, 2009

Orchard Country Winery & Market Releases 2nd Edition Collectible Lighthouse Bottle



We just received this press release from one of our favorite wineries, Orchard Country. For those interested in collecting the bottles of lighthouse wines, this is for you! See below!
______________


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Carrie Viste, co-general manager: info@orchardcountry.com
920.868.3479

Orchard Country Winery & Market Celebrates Peninsula State Park’s Centennial: Release of 2nd Edition Collectible Lighthouse Bottle

In celebration of Peninsula State Park’s 100th birthday, Orchard Country Winery & Market uncorks the second in a series of limited edition lighthouse wine during an open house on Saturday, May 16th. The unique blend of Riesling grapes and Door County Montmorency cherries arrives once again in a blue lighthouse-shaped bottle whose label this time around features a Jack Anderson painting of the Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. The Open House is scheduled for 10 am – 5 pm.
“We picked this date because it is a great time to visit the peninsula and partake in the splendor of the blossoming orchards and wildflowers,” said Carrie Viste, co-manager of Orchard Country. “Also, everyone loves a lighthouse and Door County has more lighthouses than any other county in the United States. The unveiling of this blend and this unique bottle honors both the 2009 centennial of the park and one of the county’s most cherished traditions-lighthouses.”
The selection of an Anderson painting to grace Orchard Country’s second collectible lighthouse wine label was an appropriate choice. A full-time Door County resident since 1986, the watercolorist is inspired by the county’s natural beauty; his paintings reflect his passion for peninsula.
One of a series of four lighthouses Anderson painted in 2007, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is particularly special to the artist. “There is a certain nostalgia about the Peninsula State Park lighthouse, a unique history based on its location,” said Anderson. “I am honored to have my painting selected for the label, how nice.”
Open House visitors are invited to “Meet the Artist” from 10 am – noon when Anderson will sign his artwork featured on the newly released bottles. Keepsake labels will also be available for purchase from the 1st Door County Lighthouse wine of the series.
One of the county’s original “farms,” Orchard Country is an old world blending of winery, tasting room, and country market surrounded by acres of fruit laden trees and vines. Along with father Bob Lautenbach, Viste and her sister Erin Lautenbach own and operate the fourth-generation farm orchard that is consistently recognized for its award-winning fruit wines, refreshing ciders, and wide selection of home-made Door County products.
Over the past 50 years, quality fruit products have become the hallmark of Orchard Country. Complimentary product tastings will be offered to visitors during the open house along with free guided tours of the winery and grounds at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Orchard Country’s line of Sartori Cheeses will be featured from 11 am – 3 pm and visitors can enter the drawing for a lighthouse gift package valued at over $100. Including a bottle of Door County Lighthouse wine from the 1st and 2nd series, along with Door County Trolley Lighthouse Tour tickets, the raffle drawing will take place over Lighthouse Walk Weekend- Saturday, June 13th at 3PM.
“We are so pleased to feature a local artist and Jack Anderson was a great choice for our 2nd of the series. It is a wonderful showcase for his 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.”
Jack Anderson’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.

Fred & Fuzzy's Waterfront Bar & Grill Set to Open!


Fred & Fuzzy's Waterfront Bar & Grill opens for the season on May 20th! We can't wait - one of our favorite spots for good food and drink, right on the water! We took this glorious sunset shot at Fred & Fuzzy's in June - what a place!

Check it out - Read our Review.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Gibraltar Grill Opens May 22nd!


Gibraltar Grill in Fish Creek is set to open for the season, May 22nd, according to Tom Young, the owner. It will be open weekends only until June 19th, then everyday through Labor Day.

Great food (try the Maryland Crab Cakes - ooo yeah), beeer, wine and more. Fun place!

And, Gibraltar has a great outdoor bar, with entertainment in the evenings. Check the 2009 schedule of live music at Gibraltar Grill: Music Schedule!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

May 2 Night Stay is Rolling!


We just began our May 2 Night Stay Giveaway, so be sure to stop by now and enter! Enter often - every day to increase your chances of winning.

This month, Little Sister Resort is the sponsor, and you may find yourself staying in Sister Bay, right near the bay, if you win. This sunset shot was taken near Fred & Fuzzy's Waterfront Bar & Grill (part of the Little Sister Resort) - nice sunset huh?!

So come on by right now and enter!! Don't waste time - do it now!