UP NORTH

After 10+ years of living in Wisconsin I have learned no summer is complete without a trip "up north." Depending on family traditions this can mean a number of different places, for us it's Door County. A surprising amount of my friends here in Milwaukee have what they refer to as "the family cottage." Usually they are split like a time share with extended relatives. Since growing up in Seattle not nearly as many of our friends had family spots like this. I'm going to guess it's partially linked to the affordability of regional real estate since I don't hang out with super rich people here as opposed to my really poor Seattle friends- that's supposed to be funny. Also on the west coast we would of called them cabins, not cottages. I've been repeatedly corrected. 

Aaron's family's cottage was built over twenty years ago by his grandfather and dad. Aside from the addition of indoor pluming (the outhouse is still out back) I've been told not much has changed. This cozy 1970's dream is nestled between Sister Bay and Ellison Bay a quick and scenic 3 hour drive from home. 




Screen door patch sewn by Aaron over 15 years ago

We had the best swim with not a soul around in Lake Michigan after a quick bike ride to Porcupine Bay. 


You can't spend the night in Door County without going to the Skyway Drive-In. Other spots on my "don't miss list" includes picking up smoked fish at Charlie's Smokehouse. Drinks at the Bayside Tavern. Fancy dinner #1 at the Whistling Swan & fancy dinner #2 at the newly opened Wickman House (our friends from NY run this beautiful place + they serve until 12pm!). Good coffee can be found at Leroy's in Ephraim conveniently located in the same nook as Czarnuska Soup Bar (where the rhythm chicken is the proprietor).

Summer I welcome you.