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Let’s face it, winter can be long, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I dream a lot about sunshine, warm breezes, and being back out on the water enjoying summer in Sturgeon Bay. However, I’m also realistic and know that, well, I live in Wisconsin, so that means a little more winter for us than for some. Ready for a road trip?

Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice event on Saturday, February 15 is exactly what you need to get you out of those winter blahs and embracing what may seem like the 345th day of winter. So pack your bag or just grab your coffee for a day trip, and get your “Door County fix” at Fire & Ice. Piqued your interest? Check out all that’s happening this weekend!ce-fest

Explore Like a Local

What is there to do in the Winter?

We hear this question ALL the time. Winter is the longest season in Sturgeon Bay ranging from November into April (let’s be honest, sometimes it’s May). Residents and locals get creative during the roughly six-month-long winter and do just about everything that you can experience in the warmer months!

One of our favorite winter activities is hiking in Sturgeon Bay’s parks and nature preserves. There’s nothing better than a peaceful morning hike after a snowstorm. Our very own Carly recently took to the trails to capture the feeling for you.

Back to the Basics

As we’re in the middle of these winter months and you’re just looking for a little something that takes you back to a simpler time, try out the “Secret Sturgeon Bay Sloppy Joe” recipe, and let us know what you think.

2020 brings so many changes to the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center, now Destination Sturgeon Bay. One of them being a new look to our annual Activity Guide!

Check out some of the features we've worked hard to implement; making it even easier for you to plan your trip to Sturgeon Bay.

Meet Simon!

With the advent of a new decade, we’re excited to introduce you to our new name and our new brand, “Destination Sturgeon Bay.”  

Read on for more info on the rebrand and some other exciting things coming to Sturgeon Bay in 2020!

Baked French Onion Soup

It's perfect soup weather, and we have a great recipe for you to try. This version of baked French onion soup was a winner in Door County Coffee's 2014 Recipe Contest. Try it yourself and see if it's a winner with your family. 

Looking for somewhere to take the kids but worried about how to keep everyone busy? Check out our list of family friendly activities and create an itinerary for your best trip ever!

There will be smiles for days and memories made to last a lifetime. They''re only young once and time goes quickly, so get out and take advantage of the experiences Sturgeon Bay, Door County has to offer.

Explore Like a Local

Behind the scenes at Fire & Ice

Ever wonder what it takes to host the Fire and Ice Festival in downtown Sturgeon Bay? Well…the 20-hour day started at 5:22 am, so we hope you like mornings!

Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Marketing and Events Director Carly walks you through the day from early morning interviews, to the ice carvings and finally ends the day in slippers at the gala. Watch for an announcement about 2021 toward the end.

Comfort Food at it''s best

Winter is winding down, but the snow and cold are still a part of daily life in Sturgeon Bay. Sitting down with a plate of this delicious chicken pot pie will help keep you comfy and cozy until spring. We even have a few shortcuts to help the busy cook!

We’re not going to lie. Everything about this has been hard for everyone.

So take a breath and a moment to think about how much we have, and focus on the memories that take us back to happier, carefree times.

We’re looking forward to the time when we can welcome everyone back and share in your memory making—it’s what we do best!

Until then, we’re launching #SturgeonBayLove. Go to our Facebook page and on the post that’s pinned to the top, you can post a picture of Sturgeon Bay that you love. It can be scenic, something featuring family, something showcasing your favorite place—it really doesn’t matter. Just any photo that includes Sturgeon Bay and that makes you happy. And don’t forget the hashtag #SturgeonBayLove in your post! It’s like a virtual hug from you to us. We need that!

Then, every Friday until we’re back to business, we’ll pick one random picture that will win a $25 gift certificate to spend now at one of our business’ online stores or later when you come back to visit.

At the end of the promotion, we’ll take all of your pictures and put them into a video to show just how much #SturgeonBayLove is out there.

So, show us your ❤️ and we’ll show you ours.

To sum it all up...

1. Post your favorite Sturgeon Bay photo on our Facebook Page.
2. Use the hashtag #SturgeonBayLove when you post.
3. Give yourself a hug from us and know that we can’t wait to see you in person soon!
4. Keep your fingers crossed that you’re one of our lucky weekly $25 gift certificate winners!

Quarantine Kitchen with Carly

Door County Cherry Morning Rolls

With the Safer at Home Order here in Wisconsin, we thought it would be a good time to try something new! Our very own Carly is taking to the kitchen and showing us how to make Door County Cherry Morning Rolls.

This is a perfect brunch item, and you might even decide to whip them up for Easter this year. Can''t get the Door County cherry jam or frozen cherries? No worries, just grab what you can from your local grocery store. Next time you come up to Door County, be sure to stock up so you have the real thing next time.

Need your DC fix?

Check out our Explore like a Local videos

We appreciate our visitors so much, and we can''t wait for the time when you can safely be back here with us in Door County.

In the meantime, take a look at our Explore Like a Local videos. Maybe there''s something new you''d like to check out on your next visit. We''ll see you soon!

Enter to Win $250 in Door County Gift Certificates!

Hello from Door County! As we continue to prepare for visitors, we’re collecting feedback on a few travel-related questions.

 Our short survey will take about 5 minutes to complete, and at the end, you can enter for a chance to win $250 in Door County gift certificates to use during your next visit.

We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back to Door County soon!

— Destination Door County

VISIT and BE MINDFUL of our COVID GUIDELINES

Sturgeon Bay’s Night Market!

We’ve had so much success with the Under the Stars Night Market that we’ve decided to extend into September and October. Come join us September 12, 19, 26 and October 3, 10, 17.

Please note that parking and vehicular traffic will be restricted on 3rd Avenue every Saturday from 4pm – 10pm.

Masks are REQUIRED within the Night Market boundaries. If you don’t have a mask, we will have some available for you. We ask that you sanitize often at the stations provided around the Night Market and that you do not bring in any reusable bags.

IF YOU FEEL SICK OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO A PERSON WHO HAS TESTED POSITIVE TO COVID-19 PLEASE STAY HOME

Explore Like a Local

Looking for the perfect social distancing activity? We’ve got you covered with the the Sturgeon Bay Scavenger Hunt.

Together with your friends and family, you can explore historic Sturgeon Bay and challenge each other to see who can finish the fastest with the most points with fun and unique challenges.

The Sturgeon Bay Scavenger Hunt is an entertaining, interactive activity for all ages and takes roughly 90 minutes to complete.

To purchase tickets, log onto SturgeonBay.net/scavengerhunt  or download the Let’s Roam app.

Did Someone Say S’mores?

If the past few months have taught us anything, it’s that simple pleasures really are some of the best. Now, that doesn’t mean that it’s just the “same old, same old” thing when it comes to one of our favorite outdoor traditions—s’mores!

Don''t Miss Wednesday Night Live Music
Harmony by the Bay: Virtual Summer Concert Series

PortSide Builders Design Centers… Simplifying The Home Selection Process

When building a new home, there are many decisions that need to be made and we at PortSide know that while this is an exciting time, for some it can also be a little stressful.

Our 3,500 square foot Design Centers allow our customers to see hundreds of products, in fully assembled display settings. And with the expertise of our Home Selection Designer, our customers navigate this selection process with ease and confidence. 

VISIT and BE MINDFUL of our COVID GUIDELINES

Safe, Relaxing Escape to
Sturgeon Bay, Door County

A stay at Bay Shore Inn comes with much more than just a great room to stay in during your visit to Sturgeon Bay. The once-historic inn has several cozy areas to sit both inside and outside with views of the beautiful grounds and the bay.

If you’re looking to have some adventures, take one of Bay Shore’s complimentary bikes, kayaks or paddleboards for a spin. Their private sand beach is the perfect spot to build a sandcastle or take a dip in – and don’t forget about the outdoor and indoor pools.

Don''t Miss Wednesday Night Live Music
Harmony by the Bay: Virtual Summer Concert Series

VISIT and BE MINDFUL of our COVID GUIDELINES

Thankful for the food before us, the friends beside us, and the love between us.

It’s November! The month dedicated to reflecting on all that you’re thankful for this past year. Although 2020 has been quite the trip, there are still so many happy memories to reflect on and be grateful for

Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay
for the Holidays

Remember seeing the old movies where people crammed onto downtown streets before Christmas ready to do their holiday shopping? Or the scenes of kids ''oohing'' and ''aahing'' looking at the fabulous window displays?

We think that everyone is looking for some of those moments, especially this year. So with that, Sturgeon Bay proudly brings to you, “Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay” for the holidays.

Cranberry-Oatmeal Crunchies

While we are HUGE pie fans for Thanksgiving, there is nothing wrong with an additional dessert option, particularly when it’s this cookie.

Dried cranberries add a tartness to the sweet crunch of this oatmeal and brown sugar cookie -- and crunch they do! Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator or freezer so that moisture stays away. (Truth be told — We keep them in an airtight container in the garage as it’s cool out there. That way, they’re incredibly handy to grab on your way to the car, too!)

Upcoming Activities

VISIT and BE MINDFUL of our COVID GUIDELINES

Taking school on the road!

With school looking all kinds of ways this fall—in person, hybrid, only virtual—there are opportunities that parents might not have had before, including mid-week road trips. Everyone is “getting creative” with our new normal, so take advantage and hit the road when lodging is more affordable.

And even if your kids have long "left the nest," it’s great to be a life-long learner and find out more about the area that you’re visiting.

So…ready to take this classroom on the road? Click here for a few suggestions to cover all of the required subjects!

Explore Like a Local

Early Fall is one of our favorite times to explore Sturgeon Bay. The crowds and traffic have diminished, but the weather is still warm and enjoyable! We took an opportunity this week to explore some landmarks in our very own hometown – something that we don’t do often enough.

Pig+ on a Bun

Fall brings kids back to school (whatever that may look like this year), nights get shorter, and time just seems to run out regardless of what we’re doing! So if you’re trying to stay on top of things and meal prep a bit, this “Pig +” recipe from our friends at the historic Hitching Post Bar & Grill, might just be what you’re looking for. 

Cherries Jubilee - Learn How to Bid Here!
Celebrating 20 Years of Sturgeon Bay Street Art

VISIT and BE MINDFUL of our COVID GUIDELINES

FISHING THE FALL AND WINTER IN STURGEON BAY

As the fall season hits the waters around Sturgeon Bay, many anglers will be chasing the season looking for some of the best fishing of the year.  Walleyes, Smallmouth, Northern Pike, Perch, and even Musky are sensing the shorter days, cooler water, and start to feed up for the winter months. For many it can mean trophy time. 

Whether it’s Whitefish, Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch, or Trout, the guides of fishsturgeonbay.com are extremely knowledgeable of where to fish, what lures and baits are best, and where it is safe to travel on these frozen bays.

Activities

VISIT and BE MINDFUL of our COVID GUIDELINES

Sonny''s is the place to be!

At Sonny’s Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria, we’ve got it all. From live music every weekend, a courtesy shuttle taking customers anywhere within city limits, outdoor seating for 150 people, the endless options on the menu, our new Bridge Up Brewing Tap Room, and a location overlooking the water in the center of Sturgeon Bay, Sonny’s is easily THE place to be.

Whether you prefer inside dining, outdoor patio dining overlooking the bridge, or dining marina side, you simply can’t beat the view.

Don''t Miss Wednesday Night Live Music
Harmony by the Bay: Virtual Summer Concert Series

#SturgeonBayLove

Thank you! We’re feeling all of the love from all across the country with the pictures that you’ve posted onto our Facebook page! Congratulations to our Week 1 winner, Jennifer Moeller (her picture is above).

We’ll continue to pick a winner every Friday for a $25 Sturgeon Bay gift certificate up until the time that we get to see everyone in person once again. So keep posting your pictures with the #SturgeonBayLove hashtag and at the end, we’ll put together a video of all of your smiling faces and the beautiful Sturgeon Bay places that you’ve shared.

Until then, know that we miss you all and appreciate what everyone is doing to support our local businesses. They need us more than ever! Here’s how you can help right now:

• Buy a gift certificate now to give as a gift or to use yourself later.
• Make an on-line purchase at one (or many!) of your favorite stores. If stores don’t have an online presence, check out their Facebook pages as many are posting what’s available and then give them a call. They’d LOVE to hear from you!
• Leave a Facebook or Google review showering our businesses with some much needed love. It''s free to do and makes a HUGE difference for our businesses when people start planning again.
• If you’re here, order take-out or delivery from one of our dining & food members. They’re coming up with so many creative ways to try to stay afloat AND are doing remarkable things to support our community needs as well!

Stay healthy. Stay happy. And when you come back, Stay Sturgeon Bay!

Quarantine Kitchen with Carly

Lemon Garlic Pasta with
Grilled Chicken & Asparagus

We’re cooking up a seasonal pasta dish the entire family will enjoy. Come along in our Quarantine Kitchen with Carly to watch her dish up a yummy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Grilled Chicken & Asparagus!

Some fun little extras

Missing Door County? Here are some things to help you (and the kids or grandkids) pass the time until we can see you again.

1. Check out our itineraries and dream about your next visit
2. Work on a Sturgeon Bay crossword puzzle

3. Print a few Door County Coastal Byways coloring pages

4. View our Explore like a Local videos and add to your bucket list

VISIT and BE MINDFUL of our COVID GUIDELINES

Sturgeon Bay’s First Night Market!

Beginning July 11 and running every Saturday until the end of August, the Under the Stars Night Market allows businesses along 3rd Avenue to utilize the closed streets and sidewalks as an extension of their businesses. We’ll also have a few local produce vendors and Sturgeon Bay businesses join in on the fun.

Special bonus! Sturgeon Bay Passport holders will get Double Sticker Saturday with participating merchants.

Shop & Win in Sturgeon Bay

Shop Local for An Opportunity to Win $100

Pick up a passport at the Destination Sturgeon Bay Welcome Center. Visit any of the businesses listed below and present your passport at time of checkout. Each purchase made fills one Simon stamp. After 10 purchases have been made and you fill your passport, return it to the Welcome Center for your chance to win a $100 Sturgeon Bay gift certificate! Winners will be selected every month until December 2020.

Be sure to make use of Double Sticker Saturdays at our new Under the Stars Night Market!

Door County Cherry Muffins

Sturgeon Bay''s charming White Lace Inn shared their recipe for Door County Cherry Muffins. Perfected over the decades, White Lace Inn''s muffins are a delight for their guests and now available to you.

Don''t Miss Wednesday Night Live Music
Harmony by the Bay: Virtual Summer Concert Series

We’ve Missed You!

I don’t think it’s an understatement when we say that the past several months were something that we never anticipated. Not once would we ever have thought that we’d have to encourage people not to come to Sturgeon Bay, Door County. But now that we are all figuring out what our “new normal” will be for a while, we’re ready to welcome everyone back—safely.

We''re beyond excited to be featured on Discover Wisconsin! Our episode will air on June 6, 2020 and January 31, 2021. Be sure to mark your calendar so you don''t miss it.

Quarantine Kitchen with Carly

Bon Appetit''s Best Strawberry Shortcake

Summer and strawberry season is almost here! This month we made Bon Appetit’s Best Strawberry Shortcake. This classic summer recipe is easy to make and can be made ahead for your weekend picnics. Click the link below to watch our Marketing & Events Director, Carly, whip up this summer special!

#SturgeonBayLove

At the beginning of April we launched #SturgeonBayLove. Visitors, locals, and everyone in between shared their favorite Sturgeon Bay photo memories with us. 

We’ve gathered all of the photos to put into a series of videos we’ll release throughout the summer. Check out the first one!

VISIT AND BE MINDFUL OF OUR COVID GUIDELINES

Cherries Jubilee Line The Streets

We’re so excited to announce our 2020 Street Art Project, Cherries Jubilee 🍒 We’re celebrating 20 years of public art in Sturgeon Bay in the best way possible – with cherries! This unique collaboration of art and community has been created to beautify the streets of Sturgeon Bay until September. Artists from across the Midwest have been dreaming of Cherries Jubilee since January and cannot wait to show off their hard work.

All 25 cherries will be auctioned off and you can bid on your favorite throughout the summer using the link below. You’ll get notifications if someone outbids you, and you can even watch the live auction on September 19 from the Handbid app.

Pick up a Cherries Jubilee Walking Map at the Destination Sturgeon Bay Welcome Center or download one electronically here. You can explore Downtown Sturgeon Bay and the Cherries with the family or on your morning walk.

For more information on the Cherries Jubilee Street Art Project, Celebrating 20 Years of Public Art in Sturgeon Bay, call 920.743.6246 or email carly@sturgeonbay.net

Be Part of Our Newest Waterfront Park Project

Sturgeon Bay is thrilled to announce the “Graham Park Project”, a private endeavor to enhance the green space located at the foot of the Oregon Street Bridge on Sturgeon Bay’s East Waterfront.

Located just below 1st Avenue at Oregon Street and adjacent to the Oregon Street Bridge, Graham Park is a jewel in the Sturgeon Bay community and part of the former Peterson Builders (PBI) Shipyards. 

Door County''s Best Rhubarb Torte

It’s rhubarb season and this may just be one of the easiest recipes to make to impress your friends and family. Literally 6 ingredients, but oh so yummy!

Serve it warm out of the oven with your favorite frozen custard or ice cream. 

Sturgeon Bay Featured on Discover Wisconsin

We''re beyond excited to be featured on Discover Wisconsin! Our episode aired on June 6, 2020 and will again on January 31, 2021. If you''d like to catch up on what''s new and what''s classic in Sturgeon Bay, here''s how to watch our feature now.