Adventure, Indoors and Out, In 'The Door'

Door County, Wisconsin supplies lots of outdoor winter fun but for visitors who prefer more laid-back and non-freezing-your toes-off activities, the Door has you covered.  You can always enjoy the pretty glacial scenery from an indoor view. There are scads of options but my favorites are a traditional fish boil, winery-tastings and art gallery classes.

The Traditional Fish Boil

It is an absolute requirement to partake in a traditional fish boil when you visit Door County. This century-old practice is a much a part of the culture as the beautiful landscape.  The oldest and best place to experience an authentic Door County fish boil is at the White Gull Inn,  This historic inn has been charming guests since 1896 and has helped establish the fish boil tradition with Door County visitors. Guests flock to the Inn's dining room, where tables and buffet style stations are arranged. All of the action, however, forms outside around the Master Boiler.  The Master Boiler is an expert at fish boiling.

When I visited, it was Master Boiler Tom, sporting a Santa-like beard and belly, who was cooking the fresh whitefish over an open fire. The custom dates back to the Peninsula's Scandinavian settlers who cooked big quantities of fish cut up in chunks, in boiling water with red potatoes over open fires.

Tom manned the big cauldron of fish, tossing kerosene onto the fire when the fish oil rose to the top. The kerosene creates great streaks of leaping flames, which is entertaining and great for fast cooking.

He also tossed in a pound of salt for every two gallons of water to make the fish float to the surface.  When Tom pronounced the fish ready, we all crowded back into the dining room.

Boiled fish may sound bland, but when served with melted butter, lemon, red potatoes and coleslaw, it's the tastiest Door County dish. It actually requires skill to separate the succulent whitefish from the bones so I love that the servers will come around and de-bone your fish for you. The meal is topped off with Door County cherry pie, if you have room and if you can still move from the table.

Wisconsin Wine Sipping

Wisconsin may be noted for cheese production, but Door County also hosts several orchards and wineries. You could spend an entire day touring and tasting wineries, although being tipsy in the snow is not recommended, so you need to pace yourself.

Start out at Orchard Country Winery & Market, which features a tempting array of  specialty foods as well as wine. My favorites are cherry amaretto jam and dark chocolate covered cherries. Sidle up to the tasting bar and you can sample six complimentary wines. The winery offers a dazzling array of grape and fruit-based wines like Honey Apple Crisp and Swedish Ligonberry  so expect to leave with a bottle or two.

Next, head to Door Peninsula Winery, which also operates a distillery. They supply tours on the hour, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., all year round. With over 45 different wines, it's easy to get carried away with the tasting but restrain yourself for the distillery, which offers vodka, brandy, gin and even cherry moonshine (100 proof). Harbor Ridge Winery completes the wine trail with wines as well as a cheese and soap shop. Harbor Ridge displays a knack for catchy and hilarious wine names like Call Me A Cab Cabernet and Knockin' Heads Red.

Cold-Weather Creativity

Check out the do-it-yourself art options at Hands On Art Studio for a day of creative fun. The studio provides a wide selection of art making including a metal studio buffet, glass fusing, mosaic making, wheel throwing and painting and glazing. I spent hours perfecting a clay bowl that I painted and decorated with mosaics. It was a fun change to be able to use my hands without the benefit of mittens and hand warmers in Door County.