Door County, Wisconsin

[Denise Mattia]

Door County, WI, a vacation hot-spot for mid-westerners and Europeans alike, is known for its wonderful sweet and tart cherries, which are made into wonderful preserves and sweet wines. Grape growers produce lovely dry whites and reds in addition to the sweet wines. Local cuisine is lighter than I expected (the fish boil is a not-to-be-missed tradition) and the desserts are heavenly.  There's lots to see, including an exemplary Maritime Museum, "haunted" houses and lighthouses.   Towns have sidewalks! Drivers actually stop for pedestrians crossing a street! No stop lights necessary here.  I stayed at a lovely B&B called Garden Gate, where the breakfasts were divine!

The cherry pie is a must!

I found a variety of wines at Stoney Creek general store.

Danny Stapleton poured me a taste of a fabulous Cabernet.  He'll let it sit for a little while longer before bottling and naming it.  Wish I could have brought some home with me!

A fish boil -- just potatoes and fish -- is a special treat in this area.  I thought the fish would be tough, but it was tender and juicy.

Audrey Grace, born August 14th 2003 has a vineyard named after her.

A Victorian B & B -- Garden Gate.  Breakfasts here were delicious. Robin always has a snack waiting for her guests.  Everyone left Door County sated.