Saturday we rose early and had breakfast at a sunny cafe near the harbor. My husband ordered French toast while I enjoyed a farmer's omelet. The harbor was a busy place, filled with sailboats and fishing vessels, and we watched them as we ate. Soon, we would board a ferry for Door County.Door County, some of you may know, is considered the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." I didn't give it that name, nor would I. Door County is just Door County: A rocky, woody peninsula where the air smells like woodsmoke all year long. There are resorts and motels and miniature golf courses along with charming shops, antiques and plenty of art studios. And there are lovely restaurants.
We usually drive there and stay at a resort perched on a cliff. We sample wine, enjoy long leisurely meals and soak in the whirlpool. I shop for folk art and contemporary art jewelry and my husband indulges me (my kind of getaway).
But today we were car-less, and had to make our way around Sturgeon Bay on foot. This is a small city of shipyards and art museums, of Queen Anne homes on tree-lined streets and posh resorts and old brick buildings from two centuries ago.
We enjoyed ourselves, of course, eating chicken sandwiches with lime and cilantro and buying fudge for my husband. My own big discovery was green tea ice cream, which is incredibly refreshing but apparently not very popular here.
"People are afraid to try it," the nice young man behind the counter told me.
Even better than the food was the ferry ride. In the morning, it was cool and we stayed inside, but on the return trip in the late afternoon, we found seats on the stern deck and relished the breeze and sunshine. We passed the green Door County headlands and the limestone clifts and lighthouses and island and dozens of other craft.
It was nearly 7 p.m. when we returned home, but we had ribs, fresh corn and a simple cucumber salad along with a modest wine that tasted of orchard fruits.
I just wanted to share this day with you. It was near-perfect.
5 comments:
Lorrie and I absolutley love Door County, for all the things you've described. It sounds like you had a very nice time. Where does the ferry run? I think that would be a cool thing to try.
Days like this don't happen very often. How lucky you are, and how lovely that you shared it with us.
Dear Mimi,
To those of us who know you "up close & personal" since we were precocious little girls. (Okay you were sweet and I was precocious!) This is a national holiday YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Today at lunch (yes I had lunch with the favorite & famous Mimi) I mentioned how fond we bloggers are of her. She in usual humble pose protested. I say we all share here what we like about Mimi best! What a great gift on your birthday. I just happen to know that you received an afformation board a.k.a French Memo Board for your B-Day and you can tack the comments there!
I know for me that this blog takes me to another place even though I live just down the street from many of your descriptions. You have a gift. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND
The Milkmaid
I just learned from "anonymous's" comment that today is your birthday. Happy Birthday, Mimi!
It was suggested that we comment on what it is that we like best about you. Well, I can say that your posts are like reading letters from a friend. I love the way you make even strangers feel welcome to your French Kitchen. I believe that I wrote you an email early on and told you that I felt like I met a new best friend. I still feel that way, every time I read one of your posts. Thanks for opening your "kitchen" to the rest of us, and inviting us in.
Paul the ferry runs daily, leaving Sturgeon Bay at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The trip across the bay takes two hours. But there are also excursion cruises in Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay at midday.
Yes, Lydia, it was perfect day. I love day trips!\
Milkmaid, that was a great lunch we had! Thanks for sharing my birthday with me.
Toni, that is really kind of you. I am lucky to have such good friends.
But my head is probably big enough. So reading my blog is all anyone needs to do.
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