Door County Living Autumn 2003 by Door County Pulse

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Editor’s note

Life In Door County

s autumn settles in and the days become a measure shorter and the temperature a few degrees cooler, a general sigh of relief can be felt throughout the county. It’s ironic that fall – October in particular – is the busiest time of year for tourism. Business owners won’t see a change of pace for another month or two, but it’s as though they have spied the light at the end of the tunnel; they know that winter’s reprieve is on its way. Well, for some…as John and Peg Lowery tell us in this issue, running their business is a year-round, full-time job. Likewise, we hear from artists and gallery owners who hunker down in winter months to create and plan for another selling season. It’s not that the pace in the “off-season” is any slower; it simply has a different beat. And the change is a welcome one. The change of season brings a new array of activities for visitors and residents alike. Take in the vibrant colors of autumn as you peruse the offerings of local farm markets or bike the county’s back roads. Light the season’s first fire in the fireplace and snuggle up with a glass of wine from one of the peninsula’s wineries. Spend a leisurely Saturday discovering quaint galleries off the beaten path or absorbing the recent works of your favorite artists. However you choose to spend these days, relish the unique offerings of the quieter season on the peninsula. Sara Massey, Associate Editor

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 5

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ON OUR COVER

fall winter 2003

Departments

Topside The Risky Careers of Christmas Schooner Captains

photo by dan eggert Sunflowers provided by Wood Orchard Market of Egg Harbor

14 18 28 38

Habitats

Preserving the Door’s Landscape

An Unlikely Wine Country

24 By Sam Perlman

Art Scene Romancing with Stone Cameos Blue Harmony Outside In Door

Door County’s Artistic Identity

Fall on a Bicycle in Door County

- Routes, Trails and Rides

42 43 44

Fairways Good Golf Gifting

The Galleries and Artists of the Peninsula By Madeline Johnson

Map Map of Door County On Your Plate Second Story Sophistication - Art

and Exotic Fare at Mr. Helsinki

Restaurant Guide A Guide to restaurants in Door

County

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Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 7

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Elegant Shore Living Near The Heart of Sister Bay

“ We’ll reshape your opinion of quality living in Door County.” Site Features: • • • • •

Access to 460 feet of Green Bay shorefront Beautiful wooded setting, plenty of green space and great landscape plan Easy walk or ride to downtown Sister Bay Each townhouse duplex will offer a distinct appearance and different ﬂoorplan designs Municipal sewer and water

Unit Features: • • • • • • •

Lovely westerly waterviews — great sunsets Three or four bedrooms plus den/ofﬁce Living and family rooms with ﬁreplaces Quality custom kitchens and elegant baths Multi-level decks and private terraces Attached two car garages Interior design services by Sister Bay Trading

Harbor Shores Realty of Door County Tel. 920/854-9595 or 888/9-SHORES • Email:danmortier@yachtharborshores.com 10980 N Bay Shore Drive/PO Box 853 Sister Bay WI 54234

On the web at www.yachtharborshores.com dclv1i3.AID

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contributors

fall/winter 2003 Publisher Brad Massey Editor David Eliot

>In 2000, after working with the Door County Planning Department for four years, Mariah Goode founded GBH Consulting, a local firm specializing in municipal planning, organizational strategic planning, and environmental policy research. She is currently also the Development Director for HELP of Door County, President of both the Door County Green Fund and Leadership Door County Boards, and a member of the Third Avenue Playhouse Board. Mariah earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Grinnell College in 1990 and a Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1995. Door County has been “home” since 1987. <Madeline Johnson, born in Stevens Point, WI and raised in Dubuque, IA, has been coming to Door County since her youth. While earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Northwestern University, Madeline began spending full summers in Door County. Since her first summer here in 1998, Madeline has become a full-time resident of Door County; she is a writer and editor for the Peninsula Pulse newspaper, as well as an active sailor and traveler.

Associate Editors Sara Massey Madeline Johnson Photography Director Dan Eggert Contributing Photographers Roger Kuhns Brad Massey Artist/Illustrator Seth Wessler Contributing Editors Vinni Hancock Chomeau Mariah Goode Jane Hillstrom Madeline Johnson Elizabeth Kuhns Roger Kuhns Megan O’Meara Sam Perlman

>Jane Hillstrom creates images for clients through her public relations firm, Hillstrom Communications in Baileys Harbor. In her spare time she writes for regional and national publications on topics ranging from cow muscle profiling to what to do in Door County in the winter. During her sleep and while driving to the airport, she writes humorous stories that she plans to have published when Dave Barry runs out of material. She is currently working on a book, a play and finding time to ride her horse. <Roger Kuhns is a writer, geologist, and singer/songwriter now living in Door County after spending a few decades rambling around the world. Roger lived in Africa for eight years, where he met his wife Elizabeth. He also manages the music performance company, and performs his original music and monologues in Wisconsin.

Door County Living magazine is published three times annually by: Door County Living, Inc., P.O. Box 606, Ephraim, WI 54211. Comments We welcome your inquiries, comments, and submissions. E-mail us at: info@dcliv.com or simply call us at 920-495-0378. Advertise For advertising rates and information, please email us at: advertising@dcliv.com

>When Vinni Chomeau is not at UWGB pursuing her Masters degree in Environmental Science, she is usually hiking, kayaking, XC-skiing, or biking in the county. As a year-round resident on the peninsula, she volunteers with the Nature Conservancy, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Crossroads at Big Creek Environmental Learning Center. <Dan Eggert, currently the photo editor of the Peninsula Pulse newspaper, has been involved in the Door Community since 1995. He is a free-lance photographer whose work has appeared in Fox Cities Magazine and Balisteri’s Gallery of Fine Art and he has worked with various music groups, including the band Little Marsh Overflow. He spends his free time outdoors hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Subscribe Door County Living is available free of charge at select locations on the Door Peninsula – a four dollar value per issue. Why not have it delivered directly to your door? To order a four issue subscription, please send $16.00 to Subscription - Door County Living, P.O. Box 606, Ephraim, WI 54211. To change your address or inquire about the status of your subscription, please contact us in writing at the address above, or by e-mail at: subscription@dcliv.com No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission by the publisher. ©2003 Door County Living, Inc. All rights reserved. Prepress services and printing by Quebecor World, St. Cloud, MN. Unsolicited materials must be accompanied with return postage. Door County Living magazine assumes no liability for damage or loss.

>Sam Perlman has lived in Door County since January of 2001. He has worked as the Program Director of the Peninsula Art School since July of 2001. He has been a columnist and contributor to the Peninsula Pulse, the Door County Advocate, the Village Voice and many other publications. In his past lives in Chicago and New York City, Sam has worked as a talent agent, a marketing executive and a dot-communist. He is a trained musicologist, with a BA in Music and Russian and Eastern European Studies from Grinnell College (IA). Elizabeth Kuhns is a GIA certified gemologist, award-winning jewelry designer, and internationally published writer who immigrated to America with her American husband Roger two years ago. They now live in Egg Harbor. Elizabeth is also an accomplished fine artist, and has exhibited and sold paintings in Door County galleries

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 9

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Topside by roger kuhns

The Risky Careers of Christmas Schooner Captains

Topside on a schooner. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society.

hen the late summer storms on Dow, Herman and August Schuenemann, John P. Clark, the Great Lakes began to stir, and William Armstrong, William H. McDonald, Hans Hansen, the gales of November rattled David Dall, Ole Olson, just to name a few, appear again and the very souls of the schooners, again as captains of ships hauling Christmas trees as their the lake captains saw their end-of-year cargoes. These men earned reputations for their transport business diminish. seamanship or sometimes lack of it; they were known for But there came a realization of their exuberance and bravery. Captain William Armstrong of a new seasonal run -- Christmas trees! Christmas trees for Ahnapee was as well known for his bar fighting as he was for those cities and communities where pine forests were too his sailing abilities. These were tough guys, as evidenced by Captain August Brann’s experience: far away to conveniently acquire a tannenbaum. In the local vernacular “Capt. Brann stood watch until his beard a December 6, 1901 Sturgeon Bay report said that from the the captains of the schooners were was frozen to his clothing and only when Advocate deck of the Nancy Dell, which lay “hustling Christmas trees.” The list is long, and many of the he was certain his schooner was anchored beached off Indiana’s Dune Park, after sailing from Baileys Harbor, voyages lucrative, for the Christmas safely did he retire from his post.” “Capt. Brann stood watch until his tree ships that sailed Lake Michigan. beard was frozen to his clothing and It was a long and harrowing era of schooners and scows; most that were involved with the tree- only when he was certain his schooner was anchored safely trade were built between 1848 and 1913, with the majority did he retire from his post.” The ships carried all kinds of cargoes from Christmas being of 1860-1870 vintages. They were launched from the shipyard cities like Cleveland and Conneaut, Detroit and trees to farm produce to timber to manufactured goods. The captains and companies would take consignments of South Haven, Manitowoc and Sheboygan. Fathers and sons and brothers, and even once a wife, Christmas trees to Chicago or Milwaukee -- to hundreds of captained the schooners and scows. Names like Arthur E. towns, sometimes even as far as St. Louis.

10 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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A captain and some of his crew in front of one of the “Christmas Schooners.” Photo courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society.

As early as 1872 the Milwaukee Sentinel noted that trees the aged La Rabida was wrecked in a late November 1906 were a “drug on the market at 25 cents.” During a two-day gale and her crew nearly died of exposure. That same period in December of 1888 seven train-car loads and one storm damaged 17 vessels and caused 43 fatalities on Lake schooner full of Christmas trees (12,000 to 15,000 total Michigan. Dow was a tough old seaman, and later reported, count) arrived at Milwaukee’s West Water Street and were “she was leaking badly” as they struck bottom 200 feet from sold before even being unloaded. So many schooners were shore at Point Patterson. The schooner was pounded to coming into Chicago and Milwaukee with Christmas trees pieces by the storm. The crew of four was literally thrown upon the beach by the waves. Dow mustered his crew to that the late arrivals found well-saturated markets. The Christmas trees were cut from the Upper Peninsula salvage thousands of Christmas trees that washed ashore. of Michigan, the Door Peninsula, and other parts of They somehow held death at bay all night while exposed to Wisconsin. Farmers, out-of-work woodsmen and hard-up the freezing wind. The crew managed to transfer the trees to sailors became seasonal lumberjacks. The trees turned into railroad cars at Naubinway in Michigan, from whence the a cash crop for the financially strapped farmers. The “down- precious cargo made it to market in time for the holidays. The Schuenemann family is perhaps the most well known lake” markets were fueled by the influx of German settlers family that participated in the and the increasing popularity of traditional tannenbaum- Some of the gales were legend, as were the Christmas tree trade. Their story is romanticized through the characters centered Christmas, said the survival and refloating of some of the ships. of “The Christmas Schooner” Milwaukee Sentinel in 1888. musical. That show has been brought The schooners were the lakegoing equivalents to the trucking lines of today. The boats to Door County through the efforts of Gloria Hanson, and averaged 125 gross tons and 95 feet, but varied considerably. under the direction of Jeanne Hopson is part of the Door The larger schooners and at least one steamer carried up to Community Auditorium performance schedule. Herman and August Schuenemann were brothers who 12,000 Christmas trees, but most carried 500 to 3,000 trees. Of the more than fifty schooners and scows that sailed with shipped Christmas trees for many years. August, the older cargoes of Christmas trees into the early 1900s, 26 were brother, was lost when his schooner S. Thal carrying wrecked or lost on Lake Michigan. The average life span of Christmas trees to Chicago in 1898 fell prey to a November gale. As with his brother, Herman’s life at sea was risky and a schooner on the lake was about 35 years. Some of the gales were legend, as were the survival and would ultimately catch up with him. Herman chartered and refloating of some of the ships. The gale of November 1881 owned many schooners, each succumbing to the whims of beached the schooner-scow Lady Ellen, Captain McDonald’s Lake Michigan. The M. Capron was wrecked off Baileys ship. Then there is the fate of the Sheboygan-built schooner Harbor in 1875, and the Mystic ran aground on Pilot Island La Rabida. Captained by Arthur E. Dow of Manitowoc, off the tip of Door County, and in 1883 was struck by a Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 11

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ERCHED ON A BEAUTIFUL PENINSULA,

C R O W ʼ S N E S T E S TAT E S

L O O K S O V E R S E R E N E WAT E R S A N D W O O D S .

B U T M O R E I M P R E S S I V E I S H O W I T S TA N D S O U T F R O M T H E C R O W D .

C R O W ' S N E S T E S TAT E S

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private gated community within the heart of Northern Door County, Crow's Nest Estates rests quietly on 14 acres of beautiful woods and bluff with unparalleled views of Green Bay waters. A magical place like no other where heavily wooded sites are host to breathtaking residences.

O N LY 2 2 R E S I D E N C E S W I L L B E AVA I L A B L E

The finest development in Door County is designed by nationally renowned designer David Haase & Associates and includes walking trails along the beach, s w i m p i e r, f l a g s t o n e w a t e r f r o n t entertainment terrace, and of course, breathtaking sunsets! A neighborhood that affords you the ultimate position in life – home ownership on the last large waterfront parcel in Sister Bay.

C R O W ' S N E S T E S TAT E S

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Jay Blossom Vice President

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topside

Chicago Historical Society.

steamer in a dense fog. Herman acquired the family’s largest vessel, the schooner Mary L. Collins after she was wrecked and salvaged in 1893 on South Manitou. The Collins had already run aground ten years earlier at Sister Bay, so she had a history of bad luck. In 1899 Herman sailed her from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula loaded with 12,000 Christmas trees that he had purchased from the Chippewas. But in the fall of 1900 the ill-fated ship was wrecked at Little Harbor, just south of Manistique. Herman Schuenemann was known in Chicago as “Captain Santa” because he’d sell Christmas trees right off the schooner’s deck at the Clark Street Bridge for less than fifty cents each. Herman wanted to promote the traditional German Christmas values, and was said to give trees to those who could not afford them. He once told a Chicago paper he shipped the trees every year “because of the joy I find in the eyes of the children that come aboard my ship to find the perfect tree for Christmas.” On his final and fateful voyage on November 23, 1912 he sailed the 44-year old three-masted Rouse Simmons out of Manistique. The captain was in his third year of leasing the vessel from M.J. Bonner of St. James, Michigan. The captain knew that one of the biggest problems with winter runs was ice build-up on the deck and riggings of the schooners. On that late November day forty-foot waves pitched up at the tired and water logged 123-foot long schooner, and ice built up on the deck, riggings and cargo of Christmas trees. All 17 hands were lost when “the storm chased them down.” By all accounts the Rouse Simmons was a tired old ship. The Chicago Daily News ran a December 5, 1912 article about Captain Nelson’s daughter, who said her father appraised the vessel as “unseaworthy.” “My father didn’t want to take this cruise,” said Mrs. Verner in the article. “Capt. Schuenemann came to father,” she said, “and begged him to take charge of the boat. We -- my husband and myself -- had begged him to give up the lakes and he had consented. Then, to please Schuenemann, he said he would take one more cruise. Before he left he shook his head regarding the Rouse Simmons. He said that it needed a general overhauling and had asked that it be done. However, he said it was not done and things were left as they were.” Sailor Hogan Hoganson left the Rouse Simmons because he said, “It was the rats that gave me my first ‘hunch’ that trouble was ahead for the Rouse Simmons -- the rats always desert a sinking ship.” Another crewmember, Steve Nelson, complained to the newspaper about the overloaded, poorly maintained schooner. He said, “Then I quit. Captain Schuenemann, the owner of the cargo, told me I would get no money unless I stuck for the cruise, but I had some money and so I took a train for Chicago. Here I am -- and the others?” So it seems Herman Schuenemann’s big heart, his entrepreneurial drive to deliver more trees, or his poor judgment brought on the end of him and his crew. For decades following the wreck Christmas trees would wash up on the shores of Two Rivers. Then in 1971 the ship was located off the coast of Two Rivers, sitting upright on the bottom of the lake with Christmas trees still roped to the deck. Herman Schuenemann’s wife, Barbara, continued the tradition and sold trees from the deck of the Oneida and Fearless schooners over the next 21 years. The tradition was recently rekindled in 1999 when historical enthusiasts enlisted the Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw to bring trees from Cheboygan, Michigan to Chicago. As tradition would have it, some are even sold from the deck of the ship. The life of the Christmas tree captains and their schooners was wild because of the November gales and risky because of the competition. It was rarely romantic, but always hard work. So, during this holiday season, toast these sailors of days gone by as you decorate your Christmas tree.

OPEN YEARROUND! Fish Creek Sister Bay Egg Harbor www.ondeckclothing.com (920) 868-9091

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 13

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habitats by mariah goode

Preserving the Door’s Landscape s Door County residents and visitors, we are drawn to the area’s natural beauty. Fortunately, we have many public and private organizations, not to mention individual landowners, working to ensure that Door County’s beauty and environmental diversity are preserved for future generations. To date, Door County contains more than 38,500 individual tax parcels, over 22,000 of which have “improvements.” Less than 17% of the county’s total land area of 312,015 acres is considered permanently protected. Permanently protected areas include federal, state, county, and municipal parks; natural areas and wildlife refuges; non-governmental preserves; school-owned lands; and privately owned lands bound by conservation easements. As an individual property owner, you can employ a wide variety of land protection measures in addition to conservation easements, none of which require public access to your property. Many Door County property owners have added restrictions on the deeds to their property that limit future development. (Note that if you do not designate a specific group or agency to permanently enforce the deed restriction, your wishes may later be ignored.) There are managed forest programs in which you may enroll, as well as programs available to help you (re)establish wildlife habitats, wetlands, ponds, and other natural areas. Agricultural landowners also have the option of entering into a temporary farmland preservation agreement with the state. The primary public organizations that own and continue to acquire land in Door County for preservation purposes include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the University of Wisconsin, various federal agencies, our local municipalities, and the county itself. Many of these public agencies have programs that might be helpful to you in your efforts to protect and enhance natural features of your property. The main private, nonprofit organizations involved in land protection efforts within Door County are The Ridges Sanctuary, The Nature Conservancy, the Door County Land Trust, and the Door County Green Fund.

Conservation easements are contracts property owners volunteer to enter into with private land trusts or public agencies that limit, or in some cases prohibit, the future development of designated properties. With the establishment of a conservation easement, the property owner sells or makes a tax-deductible donation of the development rights for the property to the land trust but retains ownership of the property. The owner is not prohibited from selling the property or leaving it to heirs, but future owners must also abide by the terms of the conservation easement. The designated land trust is permanently responsible for monitoring and enforcing the easement, through legal action if necessary. A conservation easement never requires public access be granted to the property.

14 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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The Ridges Sanctuary

he Ridges Sanctuary, located in Baileys Harbor, was founded in 1937 after local and seasonal residents learned of the County of Door’s plans to develop the 40acre parcel containing the 1869 Range Lights with roads and a campground/trailer park. A group of ten men and women formed The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc., began leasing the parcel from the county, and slowly began acquiring adjacent lands for protection as well. Thanks in part to their efforts, Baileys Harbor today contains both the highest density and the highest number of rare species of any municipality in the state. Probably the most recognized name today among the original founders of The Ridges Sanctuary is Emma Toft, who, in addition to remaining active with The Ridges for nearly 50 years, also helped permanently protect hundreds of additional acres in Baileys Harbor. Local legend has it that the feisty Toft threw herself down in front of the county’s bulldozers as they were coming to clear portions of The Ridges for roads and campsites. In fact, the county did begin clearing land in 1936, but it was two other Baileys Harbor residents and founding members of The Ridges, Olivia Traven and Anna McArdle, that stopped the process. As you would expect, the real method used to halt the bulldozer-like machine – visits and phone calls to attorneys and local park system staff – is less entertaining than the legend. Now more than 1,200 acres, The Ridges Sanctuary has over 3,000 members. It became a State Natural Area in 1967 and is also a National Natural Landmark. Federally endangered and threatened plant species find refuge in this boreal forest, as well as the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly. Portions of The Ridges Sanctuary are open to the public for hiking; maps are available at the Nature Center on the property.

The Nature Conservancy

he Nature Conservancy, a private nonprofit land trust, was first established in the U.S. in 1951 with the mission of protecting habitats for rare species and rare natural communities. The Conservancy is now one of the largest

nonprofit conservation organizations in the world, with project areas in over 25 countries. Mike Grimm, Conservation Ecologist with the local Conservancy chapter, notes, “The Nature Conservancy has been working in Door County since 1962, when the organization was asked to help The Ridges in a particular land acquisition effort. Since that date, the Conservancy has protected over 5,000 acres in Door County, 3,000 of which we still own.” (The remaining 2,000 are managed by other conservation organizations and public agencies.) With its six project areas, The Nature Conservancy is the largest private landowner in Door County. Many of the Conservancy’s properties are open to the public for hiking and deer hunting, and snowmobile clubs are allowed to continue using lands purchased by the Conservancy that contain existing statesponsored club trails. In addition to acquiring land for conservation purposes, the Conservancy also develops educational programs for and conservation easements with individual landowners to help them protect the environmentally significant aspects of their property. The Nature Conservancy has over 21,000 members in Wisconsin.

The Door County Land Trust

xecutive Director Dan Burke states that “the Door County Land Trust was established in 1986 with the mission of protecting, preserving and maintaining lands that contribute significantly to the scenic beauty and ecological integrity of Door County.” To fulfill this mission, the Land Trust enters into conservation easement agreements with property

The Door County Land Trust owns, manages, or protects more than 2,300 acres in Door County. Shown here is one of these areas.

photo by dan eggert

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 15

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habitats owners and also purchases properties outright. Burke notes that maps are available that depict the locations of the properties the Land Trust owns and manages that are open to various types of public recreation, such as hiking, canoeing, and hunting. The Land Trust has over 1,400 members and owns and manages 900 acres in Door County. The Trust also holds conservation easements with about 40 property owners in the county, meaning that the trust is responsible for managing the permanent protection of an additional 1,400 acres in the county. Like The Nature Conservancy, the Door County Land Trust is involved in a wide variety of educational efforts in the county, in addition to its direct land protection efforts.

The Door County Green Fund

photo by dan eggert

odeled after the successful Nantucket Green Fund, the Door County Green Fund was established in 1998 to help permanently protect a wide variety of open space areas in the county. Founding board member and local business owner Vicki Wilson explains, “The Door County Green Fund specifically encourages membership contributions from the local business community, because there is an inherent connection between protection of our local environment and protection of the local economy.” The Green Fund annually awards grants to private, nonprofit organizations and municipalities involved in a variety of land protection efforts; the fund itself does not own land nor the development rights to any land. Since the Green Fund’s inception in 1998, member contributions have assisted in the acquisition of green space by the Village of Ephraim, Crossroads at Big Creek, The Door County Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the City of Sturgeon Bay.

A glimpse of the Mink River Estuary, one of Door County’s protected wildlife areas.

Private Nonprofit Organizations The Ridges Sanctuary: P.O. Box 152, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202. (920) 839-2802. Director/Naturalist: Paul Regnier. The Nature Conservancy: 311 Pennsylvania Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235. (920) 743-8695. Conservation Ecologist: Mike Grimm. The Door County Land Trust: P.O. Box 345, Ephraim, WI, 54211. Sturgeon Bay office: (920) 746-1359. Baileys Harbor office: (920) 839-9990. Executive Director: Dan Burke. The Door County Green Fund: P.O. Box 622, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235. (920) 495-6639. Board President: Mariah Goode. County, State, and Federal Agencies Door County Planning Department: (920) 746-2323. Wide variety of maps available, including currently protected lands in the county, and contact names and numbers for local neighborhood groups involved in land protection efforts. WI Department of Natural Resources Foresters: (920) 746-2880. Information on forest planting programs and general forestry information.

WI Department of Natural Resources Landowner Contact Specialist with the Endangered Resources Program: (608) 267-9789. Assists landowners in protecting endangered species residing on their lands. WI Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist for Door County: (920) 755-4983. U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service: (920) 388-2792. Information on programs available to farmers as well as financial assistance programs for other landowners wishing to establish wildlife habitats. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: (920) 866-3650. Information regarding a variety of wildlife/habitat restoration programs. Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department: (920) 746-2214. Staff work with landowners on agricultural practices, erosion and storm water runoff control, and can provide information on low-cost tree and plant shipments available each spring. Door County University of Wisconsin-Extension: (920) 746-2260. Information regarding agricultural programs available to landowners in the county and on Wisconsin nurseries that stock native plants.

16 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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ART SCENE by elizabeth kuhns

Romancing with Stone When an artist starts a jewelry business during an However, as a one-man shop, he had to continue producing economic slump with the gold price at a daunting $800 while attending school. This meant setting up a workbench per ounce, is this inexperienced naiveté or people who are each night on the picnic table at the campground where he, serious about their art? Jeri and Jeff Taylor, owners of the his wife, and daughter Jorna were staying. Weekends were jewelry and fine art gallery J. Jeffrey Taylor, in downtown spent at art fairs selling this jewelry to pay for classes and Fish Creek, fall into the latter category. Jeff is dedicated the campsite. Slowly the hard work began to pay off and they were able to his art and Jeri is serious about their business, which to finally open the doors of their own store in Oconomowoc, explains why their gallery has become so successful. Wisconsin. Jeff was busy “Those were scary days,” enough for two people with Jeri remembers. “We took out a small loan intended for Door County is one of those special vacation resorts jewelry repairs and an everincreasing number of special something else but changed where visitors come and fall in love not only with the commissions. The busiest our minds and decided to put time invariably became the money into a diamond beauty of the scenery, but also with their partners. the two weeks leading up setting and general jewelry to Christmas, when thirty repair business instead. To get percent of a store’s business the business off the ground, we traveled to art fairs to sell Jeff’s creations. We probably comes through the door. “That first year,” recalls Jeri, “we were three days before did between thirty to forty fairs each year.” To increase his skill, Jeffrey attended the Stewarts Christmas and Jeff still had fifty commissions to finish. International School for Jewelers in Florida. While there, As he would finish a piece, I would rush it over to the he became a certified diamonds and colored stones grader customer’s house to deliver it. Then it was back to the shop, through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). wait for the next piece and do it again. This carried on until 18 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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the last one was finally delivered at 11:30 p.m. on Christmas figured it out. Then, one day, with about Eve. We were exhausted.” $30 in my pocket, I went over to Burnie’s The business became successful in just a few years, Rock Shop in Madison. In those days $30 expanding from one location to four, one of which was in went a long way, so I spent the entire day Fish Creek, Door County. Jeff remained in Oconomowoc in his store combing through tray after tray most of the time creating jewelry, while Jeri traveled of gemstones. That was when I became addicted to between the stores managing their business. In December fine gemstones and have since become the consummate of 1996, they decided enough was enough and put all their collector.” energy into just one store. Fish Creek, Door County won And so Jeff Taylor’s fate as a fine jeweler was sealed. As hands down. an artist he enjoys success in marrying the texture, shape “There is such a different attitude up here,” Jeff said. and color of gemstones with complimenting designs in “After all, one million tourists per year can’t be wrong. precious metals. Designs are inspired by what he sees while Even though business here gardening, cycling or scuba has been like a runaway train diving, or they just “happen.” It was love at first sight and we have been He has studied with Masters it has very few of the aspects of a retail store in a city. I accept together and worked together for over 29 years. of the trade such as Jeff Wise, only about thirty commissions Scott Pillkington and Steve a year now and instead work on Kretchmer, yet he is modest my own designs, usually about ten at a time. I start a design regarding his accomplishments. The most important and inevitably halfway through, it inspires something else, aspect of his trade is the art of creating and this is what which I will have to start as well. It may sound strange, but he appreciates and loves about gemstones and precious I work better under pressure. Each metals. piece brings on something new and But a successful artist is nothing spawns many other creations.” without a successful business For Jeff, art was not always about partner. Jeff has found that making beautiful jewelry. He began compliment to his his artistic career as a bass player and talents in his wife, vocalist in a rock and roll band. In Jeri. A woman fact, they were the first alternative of meticulous rock band to record in Motown, detail, Jeri where sharing studio space with runs the gallery the likes of Diana Ross and Stevie with a keen sense Wonder was not unusual. After of style and sharp that came a degree in painting and business intuition. They work sculpture from the Art Institute well together, but admit that in Chicago, followed by a bit of with age and maturity this, too, traveling around the better part of the has become easier. Jeri does the United States. Looking for a place to majority of the buying for the call home, Jeff returned to Wisconsin gallery and is specific about the and moved into a farmhouse on the means to display these creations. outskirts of Oconomowoc. Shortly She is also very conscious of their thereafter Jeri arrived with an eclectic business’s image, which is evident collection of farm animals and their in the high quality two and threejourney began. dimensional artwork on display, “She was impressed that I could even spilling out into the gardens milk the goats,” Jeff reminisced J. Jeffrey Taylor is located at 4175 Main Street, that surround the gallery. Yet, the downtown Fish Creek. (920) 868-3033. about those days. gallery would not exist without its Jeri smiled, “It was love at first customers and the Taylor’s go all sight and we have been together and worked together for out to invest in this important factor, making new friends over 29 years now.” along the way. However, money was tight. His attempt to sell his “We want to brighten up people’s lives,” stated Jeri, “so personal collection of Native American jewelry in order to we began introducing more exclusive pieces into our store raise money to cover the rent inadvertently turned out to be with the hope it would make them feel good the first step on the road to creating jewelry for Jeff. to have a special one-of-a-kind work of art “People would bring in their pieces for repair,” he and their response has been wonderful. We remembers, “and even though I did not know how to fix do our best to introduce new and unique some of their stuff, they were convinced otherwise. I bought things each year.” a set of used jewelry tools from a family friend and just Door County is one of those special Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 19

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ART SCENE

Jeri Taylor assists a customer.

vacation resorts where visitors come and fall in love not only with the beauty of the scenery, but also with their partners. Surrounded by the romance of the peninsula, they want to return to their homes with something distinctive to stretch these moments. This is just the connection the Taylors have established with their customers and it is not uncommon for them to join in special events, such as engagements or anniversaries, by means of flowers or champagne. It is this personal attention to detail that has brought many people back to the gallery year after year. “It is part of our culture up here,” explains Jeff. “Visitors like to have unique things that remind them of Door County. Usually when they are here, they are on vacation and have a happy and positive attitude. But vacationing here is entirely different to working here. This is not a lifestyle for everyone. We rarely see our friends during the summer as everyone is too focused on having a successful season. It is busy like Christmas, only this is Christmas all summer long. It takes a certain type of personality to connect with Door County and it is the acceptance and camaraderie that brings us all together.” There are days Jeri feels overwhelmed with the demands of running a successful resort gallery, but admits that this lifestyle has had a profound effect on her. “It is beautiful,” she said. “You work intensely for six months out of the year and spend the winter months regenerating and visiting friends so you can do it all over

again. It is a good balance. It has worked for us.” “I truly feel that for those of us who are wholly committed to our art, that it is not a competition. It is a commitment to give back beauty to a special place that is unique and inspiring and we are privileged to call it our home,” adds Jeff. “The journey continues to evolve.”.

Jeffrey Taylor at work creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

20 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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The Ear Pin and other wonderful earrings

Thru October OPEN DAILY 10-5 (closed Wednesdays) November thru May OPEN Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 am -5pm Catalogs and Brochures Available Phone and Email orders welcome

Free Shipping

Main Street (Highway 42) Fish Creek (Located behind Tannenbaum) 920-868-3090 • toll free: 1-877-868-3090 • email: justplainfancy@dcwis.com

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Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 21

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Inspired by the Wonders of Nature to Fit Your Lifestyle. It’s only a short drive from Door County to our newly remodeled Design Center in Green Bay, where you can view an impressive array of rustic furniture and accessories. Whether you’re looking for something as distinctive as a hand-crafted dining table, or a one-of-a-kind accessory to complement your decor, your search will be rewarded with a visit to Wisconsin Log Homes! We have an interior designer on staff, should you desire professional assistance. Stop by our showroom soon, because some of these pieces are so intriguing, you’ve got to see them to believe them! We’re just 49 miles south of Sturgeon Bay (see map at right).

On Plateau R

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“Crooked Creek”

Put this Beautiful log home on your Door County lot this season! Call and enquire about our new

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DAN EGGERT

From Door County, take Hwy. 57 south - merge onto I-43 north. Take Hwy. 41/141 south, exit Velp Ave., go right (west) 2 1/2 miles to WLH Design Center (corner of Velp and Pamperin Rd.).

June/July 2003 Door County Living 31

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an unlikely w by Sam Perlman

The tasting room at Simon Creek.

hat is it about the imaginary line that circles the globe half way between the equator and the North Pole? All the way around the northern hemisphere, the line that demarcates the 45th parallel holds the viticulture secret to the growing, harvesting and crushing of grapes to make wine. From the Bordeaux fields of France to the Willamette Valley of Oregon, the middle of the top half of the globe seems to be where the grapes grow best and the wine prospers. For those of you who did not know, Door County also lies right in the path of the 45th parallel, halfway up the globe. And for a peninsula only eleven miles wide, the county has enough wineries to claim its place on the all-important wine circle. Why make a trip to California when you can tour the wineries of Door County and spend a relaxing afternoon tasting the fruits of the wine makerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s labors? Founded in 1974, Door Peninsula Winery in Carlsville is the oldest of the three major wine producers in the northern part of Door County. The winery is located at the intersection of highways 42 and I, in the former Carlsville schoolhouse. The one-room school was built in 1868 and served the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational needs until 1963. In 1974, the schoolhouse was renovated and the Door Peninsula Winery was born. Additional remodeling was completed in 1996, which doubled the size of the tasting room and created additional space for a gift shop as well. From Apple to Zinfandel, there is a great deal to chose from at Door Peninsula Winery; they feature more than 30 natural fruit and grape varietal wines. The local cherries, raspberries, apples and other fruits Door County is known for create their award-winning fruit wines. The winery consumes

The vineyards of Simon Creek are pictured below. The vineyard opened its doors to the public this past June.

24 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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ly wine country nine million pounds of cherries annually, along with 4.5 million pounds of apples, to produce over 70,000 gallons of wine each year. The fruit wines produced by Door Peninsula Winery are very well regarded. In 2002 alone, the winery received awards in six competitions, including three awards for their Strawberry Zinfandel from the Riverside International, Amenti Del Vino and San Francisco Wine Competitions. The folks in Carlsville are very serious about winemaking, but aren’t afraid to let their humorous side show. They wink at traditional wine styles with their Cranbernet and Chardapple flavors, and they produce special spiced holiday wines for Halloween and Christmas. When you stop by the Carlsville schoolhouse for a taste, make sure you take the guided tour and meet Charlie Cherrywood, the animatronic host of the audio-visual portion of the journey. In addition to their famous fruit wines, Door Peninsula Winery is moving into the world of the traditional grape varietals as well. They are already producing Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and other grape types, including a

Why make a trip to California when you can tour the wineries of Door County and spend a relaxing afternoon tasting the fruits of the wine maker’s labors? reserve Port. They currently have 3000 vines planted on seven acres, with plans for an additional five acres in the near future. As those vines mature in the next four to five years, look for interesting new wines from the folks in Carlsville. Stone’s Throw Winery is the premier producer of fine wines in Door County. Available at most fine dining restaurants in the area, as well as in retail stores and their own tasting room, Stone’s Throw has been producing Door County wines from grapes grown here and in California since 1998. The winery is located at the exact center of Door County at the intersection of county highways A and E. Winemaker Russell Turco and his partner Karen Duffy currently have almost thirty wines available in the tasting room. From their popular Field Blend table wines to Reserve Chardonnays and intense Cabernet Sauvignons, Stone’s Throw has a wine for any palate. Visitors can receive an

education on wine making and enjoying from Turco as he proudly pours his wares for guests. “Every wine that I produce, I enjoy drinking,” he says. Turco, a retired Chicago businessman, continues: “It is our belief that with great grapes, small tank fermentation, judicious use of oak barrels, attention to detail and minimal handling, fine wine makes itself!” Although Stone’s Throw maintains a small vineyard at their winery, the majority of their grapes are currently grown in California. The winery owns or controls 70 acres of vineyards in the major wine producing areas of Napa, Sonoma and Santa Clara Valleys. Each harvest, the grapes are picked in California and driven cross-country in refrigerated trucks. They arrive in Door County about 35 hours after they’ve been picked. Within hours of their arrival at Stone’s Throw, the juice from those California grapes is already fermenting and on its way to becoming Door County wine. The winery and grounds, created out of an historic 80 year-old barn and farm, features picnic tables and a bocce ball court, for those who want to pass their time slowly. Turco likes to start a full tasting of Stone’s Throw wines with a sampling of his Vintage California sparkling wine. He’ll then happily pour a taste of light and refreshing Riesling, their biggest seller. However, it is their Pinot Noir and Zinfandel wines that have brought the most recognition to Stone’s Throw. There are two Pinot Noirs and five Zinfandels currently available for tasting. Stone’s Throw “Library Wines,” older Stone’s Throw’s Big Mouth Red. vintages now available only in limited supplies, include Pinot Noir and Zinfandels from 1996, just beginning to reach their full potential. The newest winery in the county opened for business on June 26, 2003. Simon Creek Winery, about three miles west of Jacksonport, is a brand new, state of the art wine producing facility. The 11,000 square foot winery has the capacity to produce over 15,000 cases of wines each

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 25

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wine country

photo by dan eggert

Simon Creek, pictured above, offers a place to enjoy a glass of wine beside the fireplace. The 11,000 square foot winery has the capacity to produce over 15,000 cases of wine each year.

year, instantly making it one of the largest wineries in Simon Creek is initially offering eight wines to the Wisconsin. public: three reds, three whites, and two specialty wines. Simon Creek, with its wine colored metal roof, is They include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Ruby Cabernet, situated next to a 125-year old barn on a knoll overlooking Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Port (Jackson Port – clever, huh?), Golden Muscat, and Simon Creek and Pond. Cherry wines. The Ruby Wine tasting is offered in As the days grow shorter in the fall and summer Cabernet is also known as a beautiful room with high vaulted ceilings, with large houseguests and visitors have evacuated your extra Untouchable Red. The story windows behind the bar goes that back in the days of bedroom, an autumn weekend afternoon is the Prohibition, a Door County giving visitors a view into the tourist from Chicago made wine storage and production perfect time to visit the wineries of Door County. area. Guests are able to relax an offer to farmer Simon to sell the family farm. The on the large wooden deck overlooking the vineyards or on overstuffed couches in pushy Chicagoan, with a prominent “scar” on his “face” front of a roaring fireplace while enjoying a glass of wine, and the first name of Al, was unsuccessful in his attempt. accompanied by cheese and sausage purchased at the small The Simon farm remained untouched. farm market within the winery. Simon Creek currently has 30 acres planted with new

Stone’s Throw Winery’s tasting room has much to offer. Almost thirty wines are available, from the popular Field Blend table wines to 26 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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photo by dan eggert

Stone’s Throw Winery features a bocci ball playing field behind the tasting room (photo left). Door Peninsula Winery’s tasting room is pictured above.

vines, making their vineyards the largest in Wisconsin and amongst the largest in the entire Midwest. Simon Creek is growing twenty varieties of vinifera and hybrid grapes. At maturity, in three to four years, they expect the vines will produce 200 to 250 tons of grapes -enough to make 50,000 gallons of wine. As their vineyards mature, they plan to add an additional 15 varieties to their bill of fare. Simon Creek founder Tim Lawrie is a retired Army officer and energy development executive. Sharp-eyed visitors might recognize Tim from his role as a military consultant for NBC and MSNBC, appearing on numerous network and local news shows. Winemaker Tom Payette was selected as “Winemaker of the Year” in 1999 by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine. “With our work in grape production, we hope to create

a new agricultural industry in Door County,” said Simon Creek General Manager Lance Nelson. With a growing number of wineries in the county, each planting acre upon acre of vines, it seems as though grape growing might someday challenge cherries as the county’s premium produce. If only we could do something about those pesky long winter months. As the days grow shorter in the fall and summer houseguests and visitors have evacuated your extra bedroom, an autumn weekend afternoon is the perfect time to visit the wineries of Door County. Learn all about the production of wine from the makers themselves. Watch automated machines from Italy that can fill, cork, label and cap a bottle of wine every two seconds. Finally, taste the many different wines that are produced in Door County. Savor the wide variety of flavors available. Take a deep breath, a big sip, and relax.

photo by dan eggert

Reserve Chardonnays and intense Cabernet Sauvignons. Stone’s Throw has a wine for any palate. Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 27

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cameos by megan oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;meara

Blue Harmony

aving a successful business, retail or otherwise, is never an overnight process. In order to succeed, you have to be patient, determined, hardworking, in the right place at the right time, and, if you are lucky, you have a strong partner with whom you can share the whole process. Peg and John Lowry, of the Blue Dolphin House, have these qualities in abundance.

28 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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hey have been part of the Door County When they are not working, Peg and John retail scene for over 36 years now. In try to enjoy some of the same things that addition to the Blue Dolphin House, they lure tourists here. On their days off, they also own the BDH Studio and Gardens, take their motorboat on short excursions up which are popular extensions of the to Washington Island and other destinations main store. Their loyal customer base has close to home. Sometimes they just unwind followed their transformation from the early on their deck and look out over the bay. days, when the store was located at the south Peg explains, “It has taken a long time, but end of Ephraim, into one I’m finally starting to of the biggest shopping take some moments for destinations in Door myself.” This includes County. “We are always some recent time spent at changing. Our customers the Peninsula Art School expect it,” explains Peg. where Peg took courses John adds, “It has to be in silver and oil painting. about keeping it fresh. In Perhaps they do not have order to thrive in a retail business, you have the same amount of free time they had as to be constantly on the lookout for new younger visitors to the area (John started things that your customers will want.” coming here when he was six and Peg Their vision for the store has gained visited during high school); however, they national attention. Nominated as one of the prefer living and working in such a beautiful Top 100 Retailers of American Craft every location. year since 1997, this year the Blue Dolphin One of the myths about Door County is House finally earned that distinction. They that business owners have to work very long are the only hours during the store or gallery “We are always changing. Our customers expect season, but that in the state of have the it.” explains Peg. John adds, “It has to be about they Wisconsin to whole winter to be listed in the keeping it fresh. In order to thrive in a retail do nothing but top 100. More business, you have to be constantly on the lookout relax. Peg and than 26,000 John claim that craft artists for new things that your customers will want.” this is not the throughout case for them. the U.S. and Canada were polled for the They use the winter to gear up for the next list of stores to be compiled. The criteria season. Attending five tradeshows a year listed by the organization included “treating and handling 24 consignment artists and artists with courtesy and respect, paying on over 200 vendors takes a lot of planning time, promoting and marketing American and coordination. In 32 years of marriage, crafts, contributing time they have honed their and energy to the craft teamwork skills. When community, as well as asked if working together mentoring emerging and living together ever artists.” Between 650 and got to be too much, John 800 galleries, retail stores, jokes, “No, as long as Peg and museum shops are does what she is told.” After nominated every year. a wry, yet patient, smile, Being selected is a reflection Peg adds, “During the first of all the long hours Peg and John put into couple of years, it took us awhile to figure making the store what it is. They were out the division of labor. Now John and I also named one of Wisconsin Trails’ Top have our roles. He handles the behind the Specialty Stores in Wisconsin. Peg and scenes bookwork and maintenance and John were thrilled to be recognized for their I handle the store.” It does seem to be a accomplishments. Peg comments, “Running very agreeable arrangement. Standing in the a store is very involved. For us, each new garden gazebo between the stores with the season feels as though we are starting over.” wind blowing through the chimes, it appears It is this spirit of reinvention that keeps the as though they have created a perfect setting store exciting for them as well as for the in which to spend all their working hours people who visit. together.

Favorite Activities: Peg - Home Decor John - Boating

Pets:

Siamese Cats Samantha & Alexander Two Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Wallie & Winnie

Favorite Summer Spot: Our Deck

Frequently Found at: Peg - Work John - Work

Favorite Time of Day: Peg - Not Morning John - Morning

Favorite Art Medium: Peg - Silver John - Watercolors

What Brought you to Door County: Peg - John John - Vacations as a child with parents

Website address:

www.bluedolphinhouse.com

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 29

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door county’s artistic ide the galleries and artists of the peninsula by Madeline Johnson

rive down any highway, street, or back road on the peninsula and you’re likely to notice an uncontested truth about Door County: galleries are everywhere. A quick phonebook count brings up 107 all together, though that number is probably low. Each day, it seems, a new gallery opens its doors, an existing one introduces a second location, or an unknown, wellkept secret makes its way to the forefront of coffee shop chatter. Figuring out why there are so many galleries isn’t much of a reach. By virtue of its own natural beauty, Door County is an obvious draw for the painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, wood-workers, blacksmiths, glass blowers, and weavers who come here to set up shop. Most don’t need to look further than the backyard for an inspiring subject, and few can find a more resplendent environment in which to show their wares. The large number of galleries here is also due to the fact that long ago Door County put its name on the map as an arts destination. The effect, of course, is that people come here to buy art, making According to Tom Lyons of the Door a gallery owner’s County Chamber of Commerce, “In profession more viable than ever. 2000, the non-profit performing arts Art attracts buyers, community alone brought in 7.5 million buyers attract more dollars. There’s no doubt that the arts as artists, artists attract a whole are important to Door County.” other artists, and the circle continues. Galleries, in short, are to Door County what jazz is to New Orleans and what skiing is to Aspen – so much so that the word “art”

is the only serious rival to “cherry” when it comes to selecting a catch-all synonym for the area’s identity. So what are these art galleries like? Their sizes and types present an impressive range. A few of them take after their urban cousins in the art world; they are structures with expansive glass windows, large contemporary sculptures, and the kind of wood or tile flooring that makes your shoes click loudly when you pass through. Most are warmer places, perhaps a renovated log cabin or home, where a gallery owner has assembled an art collection around some particular theme or medium. And then there are those places off the beaten path where a weathered sign reading “Studio – Open” on the side of a barn or shed indicates that an artist is inside working, but you’re welcome to have a look. While describing all of the county’s galleries would require a long (albeit interesting) encyclopedic volume, the following gives a taste of a few of them and, more importantly, why galleries are at the top of the list of reasons people are so drawn to Door County.

Fine Line Designs Gallery

ine Line Designs Gallery, located between Ephraim and Sister Bay, is what owner David Hatch describes as a place to find “higher-end, original artwork.” Walking into the comfortable, two-story gallery you’re pulled into a tasteful mixture of colorful paintings, hand crafted wood pieces, sculpture, and glass of exceptional caliber. The gallery currently represents about 65 artists and hosts about 8 special exhibits each year. Like many of the more established galleries in the area, the place comes with a story. Originally, the

Fine Line Designs Gallery features some of the many talented artists of the county. The gallery is located at 10376 Highway 42, north of Ephraim. (920) 854-4343. 30 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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tic identity Margaret Lockwood, pictured above, is the proprietor and resident artist of Woodwalk Gallery in Juddville.

property was home to David’s parents who operated a chicken farm. In his youth, David developed an interest in wood and later spent time working in various cabinet shops, tinkering with boat building, and doing a small amount of free-lance work. In 1981, David opened the first gallery on the site and found success producing “steamer chairs” which, he admits, “had very little to do with art – it was a means to an end.” That end, of course, was developing the space as a first-rate gallery. In the early ‘90s, David and wife Connie reopened the gallery under its current name and in 1998 underwent a “major expansion” to give the building a new look and to make room for new artists’ work. When asked how artists are selected to show work in the gallery, David responds, “The first question for us is ‘do we like the work and the way it was done?’ – which is not to mean that everything we bring into the gallery we’d put in our home. It means that we respect it as quality art that fits with our gallery. There’s no science to selecting art to represent – it’s more instinctual.” David also explains that exclusivity is an important One of Edgewood Orchard aspect of the gallery – meaning Galleries’ courtyard sculptures. that artists who show work with Fine Line Designs don’t show their work elsewhere in the county. “It’s important,” says David, “because it eliminates

overlap from one gallery to the next and keeps the artist’s work from being diluted.” In regard to the county’s reputation as a destination for the arts, David agrees whole-heartedly: “80% of the people, I would imagine, come here to enjoy some form of the arts.” He also adds, “When we do go out, it’s always somehow related to the arts and we’re likely to run into that nucleus, our peers.” David continues to work with wood in the studio just behind the gallery, building elaborate furniture with inlaid pieces that can be seen throughout the exhibit space. In recent years, he has begun to do larger-scale work with home construction and interior modeling.

Edgewood Orchard Galleries

pending an afternoon with Anne Haberland and Nell Emerson, the mother-daughter, second and third generation duo that owns and runs Edgewood Orchard Galleries south of Fish Creek, is a delightful experience. The gallery, comprised of an old barn, a couple of adobe handbuilt buildings (built by Anne’s husband Minnow), and a “packing shed,” feels and looks like a hacienda, complete with a stone patio; ivy; tall, stately trees; and delicate stained glass in many of the windows. Currently, Edgewood Orchard Galleries represents over 100 artists in a variety of media – from paintings, to jewelry, to glass and clay. This place, too, has a story. Anne’s mother Irene opened Edgewood in 1969 in the barn that still houses the majority of the artwork on display. That summer Anne came to help and never left. Anne smiles and laughs as she explains, “We didn’t break even for 8 years.” “We were lucky, though,” she adds. “We just rolled off a log and started. We made our mistakes quietly, but it was exciting and fun.”

photo by dan eggert

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photo by dan eggert

The Jack Anderson Gallery’s walls display the work of 13 artists. The Gallery is located at 876 Bayshore Drive in downtown Sister Bay. (920)854-5161.

When asked how the artists in their gallery are chosen, Anne and Nell’s comments echo those of David Hatch, though the process is a bit more involved. Anne says, “We just use our eyes. I was lucky to have a mom that taught me to use instincts. You don’t need a Ph.D. to know what moves you. I’ve tried to pass that on to Nell.” Every winter, Anne, Nell, and their staff review slides from hundreds of artists. “First, we make cuts according to quality and need,” says Nell. “Then we have a slide show with the top 30, and eventually select 3 to 5 new artists.” Anne also comments, “We only want to represent as many people as we can represent well. It’s a several-month process to find a few people, but we feel it’s exceedingly important to do that.” Such attention to the artwork is obvious with even a quick glance around the gallery. Every corner, wall area, and side room throughout the gallery – not to mention Anne’s home down the path from the main gallery -- holds a perfect balance of elements. Although neither Anne nor Nell are artists in the sense that they use canvas or hold paintbrushes, both consider the gallery itself to be a form of art. “The gallery is a living organ that needs to breathe and change and grow,” says Anne. “Being creative and developing genuine friendships with people is more important than business or money – after 34 years, a bottom line wouldn’t keep your interest.”

Jack Anderson Gallery

ack Anderson Gallery’s beginnings trace back to 1957, when Jack Anderson first came to Door County as a visitor and discovered an affinity for the area. While in service in Japan, a friend purchased land in Gills Rock in his name -- sight unseen – for $900. Then, in the 1970s, Jack began displaying his paintings nearby in what was then a fishing shack and is now the Shoreline Restaurant. By 1976, Jack and his wife Sue had purchased the property next

to the gallery’s current location on Highway 42 in Sister Bay and were well on their way to becoming one of Door County’s most well known galleries. “We’ve always carried traditional art,” says Sue, “and we’re comfortable with that because it complements Jack’s art.” Inside the gallery, most of the paintings are watercolors, but some oil paintings and pottery can be found as well. About 90% of the artwork is original but, adds Sue, “no reproductions are carried unless the artist is here with original work.” Currently, Jack Anderson Gallery represents 13 artists, many of whom have shown work at the gallery for more than 25 years. In speaking about the community of galleries on the peninsula, Sue comments, “It’s not possible for there to be too many galleries in Door County; the more diversity the better. The more good art galleries we have, the more good art patrons we draw.” Sue estimates that somewhere between 15 and 20 thousand people come through the gallery each year. Sue handles the day-to-day workings of the gallery by interacting with customers and coordinating the staff and shipping. She also volunteers a great deal of time to the arts community by developing arts maps and databases. Jack, meanwhile, still produces about 75 – 100 paintings each year and makes the artistic decisions in the gallery, including viewing artists’ work and finding those that fit with the gallery’s niche. In running a gallery for so long, Jack and Sue seem to have found a wonderful balance of their talents.

Woodwalk Gallery

oodwalk Gallery, opened in 1994, is located in an historic schoolhouse in Juddville. Outside the gallery, wildflowers invite you with a soft, pastoral charm, while inside beautiful windows along the south side of

photo by dan eggert

The Edgewood Orchard Galleries have been a part of the Door County art scene since 1969. The gallery is owned and run by motherdaughter team Anne Haberland and Nell Emerson. 32 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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photo by dan eggert

Woodwalk Gallery in Juddville occupies an old one-room schoolhouse. The gallery is located at 8496 Highway 42. (920) 868-2268.

the building allow sunlight to fill the high-ceilinged, oneroom gallery. Owner Margaret Lockwood, an artist who creates on site inside the gallery, describes her own work as “Atmospheric -- not totally abstract, though my pieces can be. My paintings are responses to where I live; I paint my

D O O R

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memories, what I soak up.” Alongside her own paintings in the gallery are the works of roughly 25 artists, most of whom are from the region and two of whom are from St. Louis (Margaret’s home town). Finding other artists, says Margaret, “is a two-way

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34 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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Door County Nature Works

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MARTINEZ STUDIO

original art tapestry, photography, scarves, vessels by Wence and Sandra Martinez

5877 HWY. 57 Jacksonport • 823-2154 Daily 10-5 2 miles south of Jacksonport

J E W E L R Y • F I N E

A R T S

Discover the Unique in Fish Creek

Contemporary Multi-media fine arts gallery

4175 Main Street • Fish Creek, WI • 920-868-3033 OPEN DAILY May thru October Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday November thru April Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 35

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street; sometimes artists come here and sometimes I find them. I represent them mainly if they touch something in me, if they have a vision that comes through, if they have the same struggles as myself.” With a smile, Margaret adds, “I never got in the trap of representing people who sell, but rather people I believe in, and I remember that when I paint. I hope to keep that attitude of purity. Who knows? Maybe it’s a harder sell, but I’m doing ok.” Margaret also notices an evolution in Door County’s art scene over the 10 years she’s been here, namely that there’s a wider range of things to be found. “There’s really something for all tastes. Now that artists have chosen to live here and form this community, we don’t have to be in a city anymore. In years past, you had to fold up and travel.” Margaret’s response to the idea that Door County is an arts destination is that art is just one of many layers – the water, theaters, golf, and the people together make it a place visitors seek. But, she says, “ I hope that Door County continues to be a place where you can find working artists, laborers of love.” Woodwalk is open seasonally, although Margaret can be found painting at the gallery-turned-studio most days in the winter, as well.

lthough there are many reasons why Door County draws visitors, galleries are without a doubt a large part of what keeps them returning year after year. As Tom Lyons of the Door County Chamber of Commerce notes, “The arts are a huge part of what attracts people to Door County, right behind the natural beauty -- but they go hand in hand; together they make it a special place.” For more information, see one of the many gallery guides available throughout the county or contact the Chamber of Commerce at (920) 743.4456.

Glass sculpture stands on display at Edgewood Orchard Galleries. The gallery is located at 4140 Peninsula Players Road. (920) 868-3579. 36 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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“Eagle Bluﬀ Light”

“Cana Island Light”

“Pottawatomie Light”

JACK ANDERSON “The Lighthouse Collection”

Limited edition reproductions of his watercolors of Door County lighthouses Highway 42 • South of Downtown Sister Bay • (920) 854-5161

Harbor Guest House & Alibi Dock Fish Creek’s Luxurious Waterfront Retreat & Marina

Create an intimate dining experience in your fully appointed kitchen or unwind in your spacious living room with a crackling fire in the fieldstone fireplace. Create your own distinctive Door County memories. The Harbor Guest House is open all year. Transient marina slips available. Quiet Season & Package Rates Available

Harbor Guest House Alibi Dock

Enjoy the warmth and charm of an antique-filled Tudor guest house.

Visit our virtual suite www.harborguesthouse.com

P.O. Box 564 , Fish Creek, WI 54212 Phone: 920-868-2284 • Fax: 920-868-1535

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Whole & Fractional Ownership * Rentals Available 8984 Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI 920-868-9950 www.little-sweden.com This advertising material is being used for the purpose of promoting the sale of real property or interest in real property.

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 37

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outside in door by vinni Hancock chomeau

Fall on a Bicycle in Door County Routes, Trails, and Rides

Fall in Door County can be characterized by sunny days, cool evenings, bountiful apple orchards, fun festivals, incredible leaf colors and a general feeling of relaxation in the air. The best way to experience this change of season is on a bicycle. Whether you are an avid bike rider, a weekend warrior, or you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been on your bike since grade school, Door County has a bike route you will love. The fall in Door County is by far the best way to either get in those last miles before winter or to rekindle that sense of freedom and adventure you had on your bicycle as a child. There are miles of bike routes that can be selected by mood or desired distance. For the leisurely riders who hope to take in some wildlife viewing, contemplate mystical geologic structures, or enjoy some family time, one of the best routes is Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park. It is the most popular trail in the county -- and probably the state, since Peninsula State Park is the most visited park in Wisconsin. For a slightly more challenging ride stick to the back roads of Peninsula State Park, especially Skyline Road to Sven Bluff. Newport State Park also offers about 12 miles of similar trails that includes stretches of beautiful sand beaches. Riders looking for good workout routes with excellent hill climbs and descents should head for the back roads of the county. The Chamber of Commerce offers a Back Road Bicycle Route map that illustrates the 38 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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best roads traversing Door County towns and villages. One of the best longer distance routes follows Highway Q from Ephraim to Baileys Harbor. This 10.6-mile highway is part of the Wisconsin Rustic Road System. It travels through boreal forests and extensive wetlands dotted with Whether you are an avid bike rider, a weekend Tamarack trees. warrior, or you haven’t been on your bike since grade The Tamarack is a coniferous school, Door County has a bike route you will love. tree that turns a beautiful golden color in autumn before the needles fall. This route is not a loop, so plan on a pick up or a longer ride by returning on Highway Q. Mountain bikers are sure to find some challenging miles on Peninsula State Park Mountain Bike Trails. In the spring of 2003 the park created another 4 miles of single track that adds up to a total of about 18 miles meandering through root and rock riddled forests, rolling meadows, and rock escarpments. A permit is required to ride on these trails. The permit can be purchased in the park office for $3/daily or $10/year. Riders who are interested in the arts can make a day out of traveling to various art galleries by bike. Door County has over one hundred galleries and many of them are located on beautiful back roads. Gallery maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce or at any town or village information center. Compare the gallery map with the Back Road Bicycle Route map and plan your day. Those who are interested in the trail-less-traveled should visit the Ahnapee State Trail. This trail, part of the Wisconsin Rails to Trails program, is an 8-foot wide and 18.4-mile long former railroad trail. The unpaved trail stretches from Algoma to just south of Sturgeon Bay, following the Ahnapee River for several miles. This is an excellent distance route for hybrid or mountain bikes. Contact the Door County Parks Department for maps and information at (920)743-3636. For bikers who prefers an adventurous destination, Washington Island is the place. This is by far the best bike ride if you have all day and you want to experience a lot of different activities along the way. The island has some excellent attractions that are fairly spread out, including an ostrich farm, an art and nature center, a farm museum, beautiful pebble and sand dune beaches, a forest tower vista, a A bicyclist enjoys Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park. (Above) maritime museum, and a Bitters Pub, to mention a few. The minimum biking distance to most of these attractions Cyclists come up the hill and out of Murphy Park in Egg Harbor is from 2 to 5 miles from the ferry dock. It is about a 12- during the Door County Century Ride on September 7th, 2003. The ride is held annually. (Opposite) mile peddle around the island, mostly on County W. A publication titled, “A Cyclist’s Guide to Washington Island” (Jackson Harbor Press), gives the most thorough descriptions of routes and attractions. It is available at most Door County bookstores. Door County is also an excellent area for organized rides. Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 39

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outside in door

List of Bike Rentals and Retail Bayshore Outdoor Store 655 S Bay Shore Rd, Sister Bay 920-854-7598 Boat House Maple St., Fish Creek 920-868-3745 DC Bikes 20 N 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay 920743-4434 DC Bikes Campstore Potawatomi State Park 3750 Park Dr, Sturgeon Bay 920-746-8663 Edge of Park, Inc. Bike & Moped Rental P.O. Box 188, Fish Creek At the Park Entrance Road 920-8683344 Island Clipper Bike Rentals 12731 Hwy 42, Gills Rock 920-8542972 Nicolet Beach Rentals Peninsula State Park 920-854-9220

Photo by Dan Eggert

Nor-Door Sports & Cyclery 4007 Hwy 42, Fish Creek 920-8682275

Ride and Registration Information

Door County Century Riders turn a corner on White Cliff Road below Egg Harbor.

Ride for Nature The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc. P.O. Box 152, Baileys Harbor WI 54202-0152 Office: 920-839-2802 FAX: 920-839-2234 Nature Store: 920-839-1101 ridges@itol.com Door County Century Ride 16801 Old T Lane, Mountain, WI 54149 www.doorcountycentury.tripod.com

The Ride for Nature, for example, takes place in June. Proceeds from the ride go to the Ridges Sanctuary, which protects over 1,200 acres along the eastern edge of the peninsula. This year 360 riders helped sustain the Ridges’ vision --“to preserve and protect ecologically significant natural areas, and to provide environmental education and research opportunities” -- by participating in the 25, 50, or 100 km rides. Cyclists also enjoy the Door County Century Ride, the largest and most popular ride in Wisconsin. It

takes place the first weekend in September and about 2,000 riders participate each year by completing the 30, 64, 75, or 100-mile routes. This social, noncompetitive ride includes an entire weekend of scheduled events. Both of these rides traverse beautiful landscape and offer the opportunity to meet bike riders from across the country. Regardless of your biking level, these Door County routes promise spectacular scenery that you’ll want to share with others.

40 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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Fairways

Good Golf Gifting T

“JJ” Johnson, Restauranteur and Golfer Extraordinaire: “More time to golf and less work! Longer spring and fall seasons.”

Ted Laitner, Realtor and Avid Golfer: “Enough golf lessons for a new golf swing,” and “a membership to Augusta National Golf Course.”

Tim Bauman, Golf Professional at Horseshoe Bay Golf Club provided an array of hot new products for next season: • Cobra is introducing a new line of woods for men in November • Callaway is coming out with a new driver – the ERC Fusion – to compliment the Big Bertha II. The ERC Fusion has been in prototype testing this season and will be available for next season. • Ping will be introducing a new set of irons to compliment the existing I3 iron: the G2 and G2HL for higher handicap golfers and, for the first time, they have created a blade iron – the S59 – for lower handicap golfers. • Titleist Pro V1 balls continue to be one of the hottest sellers • Pinnacle will be introducing a new ball this year • Fairway & Greene offers an excellent line of men’s and ladies’ attire – the golf shirts are Tim’s favorite.•

he holiday season is approaching and for many golf enthusiasts, there is no better gift than one that will make for an enjoyable 2004 season. There’s never a shortage of gift ideas for golfers, but the real question is what will put a smile on the face of that special someone on your list. We decided to ask Door County golfers and professionals what they are putting on their wish lists this year. Here’s what we discovered:

Jason Daubner, Golf Professional at Maxwelton Braes: for the golf industry in Door County, “Growth of the game including junior and senior golfers – to get more people interested in and excited about the game of golf.” Carrie Baldwin, Wedding Planner and Golf Enthusiast: “Three days of golfing and lessons with Jason Daubner because he is so patient and I’m not!” and “a new Titleist putter.”

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Toll Free: 866-854-4994 • 733 S Bay Shore Drive (Hwy 42), Sister Bay • www.profrealtydc.com 42 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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map

Door County

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 43

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on your plate by jane hillstrom

Second Story Sophistication Art and Exotic Fare at Mr. Helsinki

Above Fish Creek’s maddening crowd you’ll find Mr. Beef, a choice center-cut sirloin wok-seared with Chinese Helsinki -- a restaurant where sophistication climbs up to black beans, spring onions, sweet peppers, and bok choy. the second story in hot shoes and hip clothes for eclectic Jeri Taylor of J. Jeffrey Taylor - Jewelry Fine Arts in Fish fare, original artwork, fine wine and sassy conversation. Creek thinks it’s a nice alternative to a full sit down dinner. Door County tangos with Chicago at the restaurant that “The food is great. It’s a little lighter fare. All the customers has become the place to be seen on the peninsula. we’ve sent there have been pleased and excited to have a Owners Mark Martin and Steve Kettells, both with strong place like this in Fish Creek.” backgrounds in the restaurant business, set out to not create Mr. Helsinki exudes hip energy and exotic food. The a traditional Door County eatery. Instead, they conceived wine, chosen to complement the Latin and Asian influence an environment with tactile edges reaching out with food, in the food, enhances both. Diners experience the sensuality wine and original art creating a feeling of surprise and of excellent food paired with great wine. With more than wonderment of what’s next. 25 wines by the glass from vineyards around the world, they Most residents that move to the county because of the can recommend a wine to complement every menu item water and shoreline still enjoy a trip to the city. Mr. Helsinki from the Crab Rangoon to the Bananas Foster. gets them there Martin and Kettells have made a serious commitment to without the five- their customers through their wine list. The restaurant has hour drive. Egg opened the eyes of wine drinkers, who at one time had a Harbor resident choice of, literally, ‘red’ or ‘white’ in Door County. Offering Tom Brown says wines from Australia, Italy, Chili, France, New Zealand, he moved here Germany and California, the list challenges customers to be because of the a little adventurous. beauty. “But now “I try to buy wine from people that will teach me that I live here, something and expose me to something new because that’s spending a few what I try to do with my customers. I like to take customers days in Chicago that enjoy wine on a tasting journey,” says Kettells. is like getting a “I ask them ‘are you looking for a red or white, dry or blood transfusion. sweet?’ It gets them thinking about what they like. I like The juices are to steer them away from oak and butter and go to citrus, repaired. So many people come up here to get away from something with more bite, more dryness, and more tannins. the city but if you live here, it feels good to go somewhere, I enjoy customers who are not afraid to taste a wine that I like Mr. Helsinki, where it feels like describe as ‘gamey,’ ‘grassy,’ or you’ve left Door County.” ‘barnyard.’” Mr. Helsinki’s menu offers a The beers also travel from Mr. Helsinki’s menu offers a multi-cultural multi-cultural dining experience of exotic lands. The international dining experience of exotic tastes. exotic tastes. Spices are blended, beers consist of big bottles toasted and ground on site. Diners with sophisticated labels often can observe Chef Martin prepare shared between two people. Coconut Shrimp and Scallops across the bar. Appetizers, Chimay Ale from Belgium brewed by Trappist monks joins such as Swiss Gruyere & Gewürztraminer Fondue and beers from Japan, Czechoslovakia, India, Thailand and Indonesian Beef Satè begin the experience. The nightly Germany. dinner crepe features include entrées like Smoked Salmon Only the original art hanging on the 16-foot walls Pad Thai with wok-seared fresh vegetables, fresh basil, travels a short distance. The art, mostly from local artists, cilantro, spring onions, and locally smoked salmon in a changes monthly with receptions to meet the artists quickly spicy red chili and peanut sauce. Or Szechwan Chili Peanut becoming the social event of the month. 44 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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“I like the wine and I like the art. It’s one of the few places up here that makes me feel like I’m in a really urban environment,” says Sally Everhardus, director of the Peninsula Art School. Customers, like Tricia Cramer, owner of Premier Properties of Door County, mention the ambience. “It’s fun, friendly and upscale. They have a nice bistro menu and fine wines and beautiful art on the walls.” From the stand-up bars to the original art, it’s a different kind of gathering experience. Kettells and Martin hired local artists to add to their vision. Sandra Martinez, owner of Martinez Studio, designed the ceramic plates and the bright naugahyde screen woven into the stairway. “As an artist, it was fun to do a project that needed a solution. Steve and Mark needed something to divide the dining area from the entrance that was easy to maintain, plus fit the décor. The screen I created absorbs sound and is easy to clean. Early or late, it’s a date. Mr. Helsinki is the It’s fun to work with a client to solve a problem in an artistic way.” only place open with creative energy when Craftsman Ryan Urquhart, Fine Line Designs Gallery, designed and the curtain closes. It’s the place still open built the wine bar and rack. The after the actors take their bows, after the owners wanted something rich and musicians put down their bows . . . gave Ryan the freedom to create it. His solution was a walnut laminate wrap-around bar. The bar is book matched walnut veneer with graphite epoxy. Lindens, Ellison Bay, supplies Asian screens and cabinets that serve as room dividers and add to the motif -- especially the 1920s Turkish shoeshine stand. Described as not your typical “smoky, over-saturated-with-music kind of environment,” the business partners have succeeded in creating a gathering place. The majority of the space is not ‘sit down’ yet the energetic crew pulls off serious food in a casual/urban environment. “On a busy night we’re just amazed at how many nooks and crannies there are that people create to eat and drink. It’s a total communal atmosphere,” says Kettells. “I like to go there to see my friends,” says Tom Brown. “It’s a place where I know I’m going to see a lot of friends that I know without making a lot of advance plans.” “The atmosphere is really different from any other place,” says Alicia Kersebet, owner of Ecology Sports. “Their menu is fun and different. They have a really good wine list, but it’s not a bar atmosphere. We’ve gone in there when they have live music, which makes it even better. You can get something quick and easy or sit down for a longer meal.” “The food is so eclectic,” says Sandra Martinez. “I always find something interesting -- whether it’s a snack or a full meal. Mark prepares interesting tastes we don’t have in the county. I can get something with a Thai sauce, Chipolte or Asian flavor. Also, I love it because it’s smoke free. You can go in with children -- with anybody.” Arvid Munson, Ephraim, complimented the wine and food. “They’ve put together a nice selection of wines, both red and white. Mark’s food is really good. It’s very reasonably priced and flavorful. Both my wife and I have enjoyed eating there. He does a really nice presentation with the crepes -- both in the sauces and with the meat or fish he puts inside of them.” Early or late, it’s a date. Mr. Helsinki is the only place open with creative energy when the curtain closes. It’s the place still open after the actors take their bows, after the musicians put down their bows, and after most Door County waiters count their tip money. Performers, who are just beginning their evening, frequent the place. During the summer, at 10:00 pm, the energy climbs another level as theatergoers savor a light

Who is Mr. Helsinki? The restaurant’s name “Mr. Helsinki” is definitely unique. Owners Mark and Steve are continually asked, “Who is Mr. Helsinki?” So, we asked a few people that know him well. Mr. Helsinki is a well-dressed, slightly effeminate man with very long fingers who massages your neck when you sit down to have your first glass of wine. And then he goes away. – Lucy There’s a picture of a grizzly bearded guy hanging on the wall at the Bayside. That’s him. – Tom Brown Mr. Helsinki is a figment of everyone’s imagination. He’s a wonderful art lover and probably the man that is eluding me as my date for Saturday night. – Sally Everhardus He must be the man with the money because no one ever sees him. – Tricia Cramer A well dressed European that has very good taste in wine and cheese. And I know my Europeans. – Alicia Kersebet He is the head of a large Russian employment agency that is responsible for bringing all the Russians to work in Door County and we can thank him for that. – Amy Musikantow

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 45

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on your plate

Original art hangs on 16-foot walls. The art, mostly from local artists, changes monthly. The month of September featured the artwork of local artist David Nielsen. His work is pictured above at the top of the staircase in Mr. Helsinki.

late-night dinner or a glass of wine. “We are frequently at the Door Community Auditorium on Saturday nights,” says Amy Musikantow. “Performances usually end at 10:00 pm and Mr. Helsinki is our preferred destination after the theater for wine and dinner. The ambience is warm and cozy. It reminds us of a big city wine bar.” Kettells and Martin also own Drink Coffee on the corner of Hwy 42 and 57. “There are similarities between the two businesses we own,” says Kettells. “One is a hole in the wall that used to be a garage, the other is a former coffee shop located on the second floor. We are challenged in both locations. There’s something intriguing about turning difficult locations into destinations.” The innovators have used it to their advantage. “We’ve had to tinker with both places to make them work. They could have been problematic but instead we said, ‘What do we do with limited square footage and seating?’ Do we dream about building our own larger space? Sure. But maybe it wouldn’t be as interesting. We’ve been lucky that our customers have responded well to inhabiting them on a regular basis.”

Kettells says they’ve also made a real concerted effort to find good employees that could and would wear different hats and be versatile. “You can’t do this easily day after day. We’re up early and up late. We have found good people to help us.” “I have a firm belief that the 20-25 year old generation wants to be kept busy. They want to know the parameters of what is expected. We tell them and let them do it. We ask their opinions on set up, the menu, the décor. Then, they take the place seriously -- they have a sense of ownership. They respect the job.” If you still aren’t convinced to try Mr. Helsinki, get out your city shoes and head for the stairs. It’s worth the climb. Mr. Helsinki is open daily in the summer. Fall hours are 11: 30 am - 10:00 pm, Tuesday - Sunday through October and long weekends in November and December. Located above the Fish Creek Market on Hwy 42, in downtown Fish Creek at (920) 868-9898. Drink Coffee is open year round at 7:00 am. For more information regarding menus, art shows and special events, check out www.helsinkidrink.com.

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Restaurant

guide

Sturgeon Bay

Birmingham’s 4709 N Bay Shore Dr, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-5215 $$ FB kids lunch dinner winter

Bluefront Café 306 S. 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-9218 $ beer/wine outdoor kids breakfast lunch winter Cherry Hills Lodge & Golf Course 5905 Dunn Rd, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-4222 www.golfdoorcounty.com $$$ FB outdoor kids breakfast lunch dinner reserve winter Creative Souls Café 721 Jefferson St, Sturgeon Bay (920) 746-9935 $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch dinner winter Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant 4670 Glidden Dr, Sturgeon Bay (920) 746-9460 $$$ FB outdoor kids dinner reserve winter First Avenue Pier Restaurant & Pub 107 N 1st St, Sturgeon Bay (920) 746-0700 www.stoneharbor-resort.com $$$$ FB outdoor kids breakfast lunch dinner reserve winter The Inn At Cedar Crossing 336 Louisiana St, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-4200 www.innatcedarcrossing.com $$$ FB breakfast lunch dinner reserve winter Kick Coffee 148 N. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay (920)746-1122 $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch winter Leathem Smith Lodge 1640 Memorial Dr, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-5555 www.leathemsmithlodge.com $$$ FB dinner reserve winter

Mandarin Garden 512 S. Lansing Ave, Sturgeon Bay (920) 746-9122 $$ beer/wine lunch dinner winter Mill Supper Club 4128 Hwy 42/57 N, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-5044 $$ FB dinner reserve winter

Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order by town. Information is subject to change. Contact individual restaurants for hours of operation. Inclusion in this directory should not be considered an unqualified endorsement by Door County Living. Restaurants are encouraged to e-mail us with up-todate information at: dining@dcliv.com. $$ beer/wine dinner reserve winter Door County Ice Cream Factory 7792 Hwy 42 in Egg Harbor (920) 868-1311 $ NA lunch dinner Grant’s Olde Stage Station 7778 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor (920) 868-3247

Pudgy Seagull Restaurant 113 N 3rd Ave. Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-5000 $ NA kids breakfast lunch dinner winter

Hof Restaurant at the Alpine Resort 7715 Alpine Rd, Egg Harbor (920) 868-3000 www.alpineresort.com $$$ FB kids breakfast dinner reserve

Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar 136 N 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay (920) 746-1100 $$$$ beer/wine outdoor dinner reserve winter

Landmark Resort Restaurant 7643 Hillside Rd, Egg Harbor (920) 868-3205 www.thelandmarkresort.com $$$ FB outdoor kids dinner reserve winter

Scaturo’s Café 19 Green Bay Rd, Sturgeon Bay (920) 746-8727 $ beer/wine outdoor kids breakfast lunch dinner reserve winter Schartner’s on the Shore 4680 Bay Shore Dr, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-2421 $$ FB kids dinner reserve winter Sunset Bar & Grill 3810 Rileys Point Rd, Sturgeon Bay (920) 824-5130 $ FB outdoor kids dinner winter Thanks a Latte Café 229 Louisiana St, Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-0035 $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch winter

Egg Harbor Casey’s Inn 7855 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor (920) 868-3038 $$$ FB breakfast lunch dinner reserve winter Demarinis Two 7821 County G, Egg Harbor (920) 868-2299

Laurie’s Country Calf-A 614 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor (920) 743-5502 $ NA kids breakfast lunch dinner reserve winter O’Leary’s 7740 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor (920) 868-9797 $ FB outdoor kids lunch dinner reserve winter The Orchards at Egg Harbor 8125 Elm Rd, Egg Harbor (920) 868-2483 www.orchardsateggharbor. com $ beer/wine breakfast lunch Carlsville Roadhouse 5790 Hwy 42, Carlsville (920) 743-4966 $ FB lunch dinner winter Shipwrecked Brew Pub & Inn 7791 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor (920) 868-2767 www.shipwreckedmicrobre w.com $$$ FB outdoor kids lunch dinner Trio Restaurant Hwy 42 & County E, Egg Harbor (920) 868-2090 $$$ beer/wine dinner

The Village Café 7918 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor (920) 868-3342 $ beer/wine outdoor kids breakfast lunch winter

El Bajio Restaurant 8085 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-1192 $$ beer/wine outdoor breakfast lunch dinner

Jacksonport

Gordon Lodge Restaurant & Bar 1420 Pine Dr, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-2331 www.gordonlodge.com $$$$ FB kids breakfast dinner reserve

Door Off Broadway Dinner Theatre 5890 Hwy 57, south of Jacksonport (920) 823-2899 $$$$ FB dinner reserve Mike’s Port Pub & Grill 6269 Hwy 57, Jacksonport (920) 823-2081 $ FB kids dinner winter Mr. G’s Supper Club 5890 Hwy 57, south of Jacksonport (920) 823-2112 $$ FB kids dinner winter Square Rigger Galley 6332 Hwy 57, Jacksonport (920) 823-2404 $ FB breakfast lunch Sweet Lou’s 6301 Hwy 57, Jacksonport (920) 823-2182 $$$ FB dinner winter

Baileys Harbor The Blue Ox 8051 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-2771 $ FB lunch dinner winter The Common House Restaurant 8041 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-2708 $$$ FB kids dinner reserve Coyote Roadhouse 3026 County E, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-9192 $$ FB outdoor kids lunch dinner winter Espresso Lane 8078 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-2647 $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch winter Florian II Supper Club 8048 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-2361 $$ FB kids breakfast dinner

48 Door County Living Fall/Winter 2003

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Harbor Fish Market & Grille 8080 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-9999 w w w. h a r b o r f i s h m a r k e t grille.com $$$$ FB lunch dinner reserve winter Highland Club at Maxwelton Braes 7670 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-2321 www.maxwelton-braes.com $$$ FB lunch dinner reserve winter Pen Pub County Hwys A & E (920) 839-2141 $ FB outdoor lunch dinner winter P C Junction 7898 County A, Peninsula Center (920) 839-2048 $ kids lunch dinner winter Weisgerber’s Cornerstone Pub & Restaurant 8123 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-9001 $$ FB kids lunch dinner winter Yum Yum Tree 8054 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor (920) 839-2993 $ NA lunch dinner

Fish Creek Bayside Tavern Main Street, Fish Creek (920) 868-3441 $ FB lunch dinner winter Blue Horse Bistro & Espresso 4140 Bluff St., Fish Creek (920)868-1471 $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch

Restaurant Guide Key: $ = $5-10* $$ = $10-15* $$$ = $15-20* $$$$ = $20+* FB = full bar beer/wine = Beer & Wine only C & C Supper Club 4170 Main St, Fish Creek (920) 868-3412 $$$ FB kids dinner reserve winter

NA = No Alcohol outdoor = Outdoor Seating available kids = Kid’s Menu available breakfast = Offering Breakfast lunch = Offering Lunch dinner = Offering Dinner

reserve = Reservations Accepted winter = Open during winter (hours may vary) *price range based on average dinner entrée (if available)

Wilson’s Restaurant $$$$ beer/wine dinner reserve 9990 Water St, Ephraim winter (920) 854-2041 $ NA outdoor kids lunch dinner JJ’s La Puerta Restaurant 10961 Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay Calamity Sam’s Submarina (920) 854-4513 4159 Bluff Ln, Fish Creek Bayside Alley Shops, $ FB outdoor kids lunch dinner Al Johnson’s (920) 868-2045 Fish Creek winter Swedish Restaurant $ beer/wine kids breakfast (920) 868-1491 702 N. Bay Shore Dr, lunch dinner winter $ NA outdoor lunch dinner Mission Grille Sister Bay Intersection of Hwy 42 & 57, (920) 854-2626 The Cookery, Inc Summertime Restaurant Sister Bay $$ beer/wine kids breakfast 4135 S. Main Street, 1 N Spruce St, Fish Creek (920) 854-9070 lunch dinner winter Fish Creek (920) 868-3738 www.missiongrille.com (920) 868-3634 http://www.thesummertime.com Alexander’s $$$$ FB outdoor kids lunch www.cookeryfishcreek.com $$$ beer/wine kids breakfast dinner reserve winter 11000 Hwy 42, Sister Bay $ beer/wine kids breakfast lunch dinner reserve (920) 854-7972 lunch dinner winter Northern Grill & Pizza $$$ FB outdoor kids dinner Villaggio’s 321 Country Walk Dr, reserve winter Digger’s Grill & Pizza 4240 Juddville Rd, Juddville Sister Bay 4023 Hwy 42, Fish Creek (920) 868-4646 (920) 854-9590 Beanie’s Mexican (920) 868-3095 $$ beer/wine outdoor kids $$ beer/wine kids lunch dinner American Restaurant $ NA outdoor kids lunch dinner dinner reserve winter 534 N. Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay English Inn White Gull Inn Patio Motel & Restaurant (920) 854-6875 3713 Hwy 42, Fish Creek 4225 Main St, Fish Creek $ beer/wine outdoor kids lunch 200 Orchard Dr, Sister Bay (920) 868-3076 (920) 868-3517 (920) 854-1978 dinner winter $$$$ FB kids dinner reserve www.whitegullinn.com $ NA outdoor lunch dinner winter $$$$ beer/wine kids breakfast D’Amico’s lunch dinner reserve winter Sister Bay Bowl 517 N. Bay Shore Dr, Greenwood Supper Club 504 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay Intersection of County A Sister Bay (920) 854-6610 & County F, Fish Creek $ beer/wine outdoor kids lunch (920) 854-2841 (920) 839-2451 $$$ FB kids dinner winter Good Eggs dinner winter $$$ FB kids dinner winter South Ephraim Sister Bay Café (920)854-6621 Door County Julie’s Park Café & Motel 611 N Bay Shore Dr, $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch Ice Cream Factory 4020 Hwy 42, Fish Creek Sister Bay 11051 Hwy 42 in Sister Bay (920) 868-2999 (920) 854-2429 Leroy’s Waterstreet Coffee (920) 854-9693 http://www.juliesmotel.com www.solbjorg.com 9922 Hwy 42, Ephraim $ outdoor kids lunch dinner $$ beer/wine outdoor kids $$ beer/wine outdoor kids (920)854-4044 winter breakfast lunch dinner reserve $ NA outdoor breakfast winter breakfast lunch dinner winter Drink Coffee Mr. Helsinki Zoey’s Old Post Office Restaurant 415 N. Bay Shore Dr, 4164 Hwy 42, Fish Creek 531 N. Bayshore Dr., 10040 Water Street, Ephraim Sister Bay (920) 868-9898 Sister Bay (920) 854-2734 (920) 854-1155 $$$ beer/wine lunch dinner (920) 854-4514 www.edge-waterresort.com $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch winter $$ beer/wine outdoor kids $ NA breakfast reserve winter lunch dinner reserve Parkway Supper Club Second Story Restaurant Fred & Fuzzy’s 3667 Hwy 42, Fish Creek 10018 Hwy 42, Ephraim Waterfront Bar & Grill (920) 868-9566 (920) 854-2371 360 Little Sister Rd, $$$ FB outdoor kids dinner Mink River Basin www.ephraimshores.com Sister Bay winter 12010 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay $$ NA kids breakfast (920) 854-6699 (920) 854-2250 lunch dinner reserve www.LittleSisterResort.com Pelletier’s Restaurant $ FB outdoor kids lunch dinner $$ FB kids lunch dinner Founder’s Square, Fish Creek Sonny’s Pizzeria reserve winter (920) 868-3313 9922 Hwy 42, Ephraim Husby’s Food & Spirits $$ beer/wine outdoor kids T. Ashwells (920)854-2700 400 Maple Dr, Sister Bay breakfast lunch dinner reserve $ NA outdoor lunch dinner 11976 Mink River Rd, (920) 854-2624 reserve $ FB outdoor kids lunch dinner Ellison Bay Portofino (920) 854-4306 winter 3931 Hwy 42, Fish Creek $$$$ FB outdoor kids dinner Summer Kitchen (920) 868-2255 reserve winter 10425 Water St, Ephraim The Inn At Kristofer’s $$$ FB kids dinner reserve (920) 854-2131 734 Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay winter The Viking Grill $$ NA outdoor kids breakfast (920) 854-9419 12029 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay lunch dinner www.innatkristofers.com Stillwaters by the Bay 4149 Main St, Fish Creek (920) 868-9962 $ NA outdoor kids lunch dinner reserve

Sister Bay

Ephraim

Ellison Bay

(920) 854-2998 www.door-county-fish-boil.com $ FB kids breakfast lunch dinner winter Rowleys Bay Restaurant 1041 Hwy ZZ, Rowleys Bay (920) 854-2385 www.wagontrail.com $$ FB kids breakfast lunch dinner reserve

Gills Rock/ Northport GT Coffee 12625 Highway 42 (920) 854-9907 www.GalleryTen.com $ NA outdoor breakfast lunch winter Northport Pier Restaurant 215 Hwy 42, Northport Dock (920) 854-4146 www.wisferry.com Shoreline Restaurant 12747 Hwy 42, Gills Rock (920) 854-2606 www.theshorelineresort.com $$$ beer/wine kids lunch dinner

Washington Island Cellar Restaurant Main Road, Washington Island (920) 847-2655 $$ FB outdoor kids lunch dinner reserve winter Deer Run Golf Course and Resort Main & Michigan Rds, Washington Island (920) 847-2017 Moonpennies Café & Something N2W Green Bay Rd, Washington Island (920) 847-3503 Nelsen’s Hall Bitters Pub W19N1205 Main Road, Washington Island (920) 847-2496 $ FB outdoor lunch dinner winter

Fall/Winter 2003 Door County Living 49

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Vacations End �� Traditions Begin ��

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Properties of Door County, LLC represents the Peninsula’s finest residential real estate. Years of fulfilling dreams for our clients have earned our group of Realtors® an impeccable reputation in Door County.

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Jay Blossom Vice President

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If you are considering buying or selling real estate in Door County and you want the very best professionalism and results, discover the kind of service that’s with you every step of the way.

1009 S. Bay Shore Drive, P.O. Box 17 Sister Bay, WI 54234 jdb@propertydoor.com (920) 854-6444 or 866-898-6444

9/30/03, 11:54 PM