Keeping Up With Kathryn

In early January, Jack & I took a weekend trip to Door County, WI. If you haven’t been, not to be dramatic but, you haven’t lived. Door County was a place we would often escape to as a family throughout my childhood. I have vivid memories of swimming in the pool with my siblings & cousins at Newport Resort in Egg Harbor, jumping off the infamous pier in Sister Bay, camping at Peninsula State Park, and eating a plethora of Malibu Moo’s Hawaiian shaved ice (formerly located in Fish Creek).

Out of all of the memories I have ever had, none of them ever consisted of snow…until now. We quite literally began our journey facing a snow storm head on, leaving earlier than originally planned due to being blessed with a snow day. Blizzard Bennett lived up to his name as our treacherous drive took about two times longer than normal. Once off of the main highway, we continued on country roads with good sized snow drifts. As the sun came to set, our drive was finally coming to an end.

For our winter weekend away, we stayed at the cutest little cabin just outside of Fish Creek, The Glass House on Birch Bluff. It was perfect and due to the snow, we spent a good amount of time there. The first night,it ended up snowing well over a foot and we had to wait for the roads and driveway to be plowed before we could go anywhere the next day. Even with all the snow, it was nice to be tucked away with our own privacy while also being so close to Fish Creek. This little winter abode was eclectic, colorful, and cozy. We spent our time listening to records, playing video games, whipping up banana pancakes, and indulging in some much needed quality time. I would recommend this spot to any couple or small family. Hats off to our hosts, Kate & Jarrett.

Once the roads were cleared, we headed straight for one of my favorite places in Door County, Hands On Art Studio. Jack and I love creating, and we especially love painting pottery. Hands On offered the perfect space to escape the cold and tap into our creativity. We even tried a few local beverages as we waited for paint to dry. The staff was spectacular, as usual – helpful, kind, & genuine. A great place to go whether sun or snow and forever will be a cherished place of mine.

The next morning, we went to Blue Bear in Ellison Bay for breakfast and WOW. Blue Bear instantly became one of my new favorite places to eat in Door County…and that’s saying a lot. Jack is vegan and I am vegetarian, therefore finding places to eat that offered a few different options for us both AND was open during the off season was not super easy. We started with a latte flight and it was divine. With delicious house-made syrups, Jack literally said they were the best lattes he has ever had. The service at Blue Bear was amazing, food was incredible, and I would absolutely recommend grabbing a bite if you are in town!

On our way back to the cabin we stopped an Rusty Dusty Vintage & Records and Jack found a record he’s had his eye out for. Score!

On Sunday, the Packers were playing against the Cowboys. We went to One Barrel Brewing Company in Egg Harbor to watch the game. To our surprise they also served pizza with dairy-free cheese AND vegan sausage, so we had to order one (especially after a few drinks) and it was worth every penny. The night ended with a huge Packer win and we purchased a One Barrel Brewing plush penguin on our way out the door – in true Jack & Kathryn fashion! Go Pack Go!

The next morning, we packed everything back up into my small sedan and hit the road. Being very accustomed to the snow packed roads and with less flurries in the way, our drive home was much more relaxing. We stopped for coffee in downtown Sturgeon Bay at Pinky Promise Coffee and made it home rather quickly compared to the journey there.

We will forever remember this cozy vacation that was a sanctuary of warmth and relaxation with a sprinkle of the unexpected. May these new memories keep us snug and content until the next winter wonderland adventure (hopefully one with less blizzards).