Nothing has ever called for a #ThrowbackThursday post as much as this.
For the past three years (and every year of Jimmy’s life), Jimmy and I travel from Jacksonville, Florida to Door County, Wisconsin for a peaceful 10-day vacation with his family. We either fly into Chicago on a Friday night and stay with one of Jimmy’s friends in the city, or fly in super early Saturday morning, where his parents and sister pick us up from the airport. We all five pile in the car and hit the road for a fun-filled day of driving, eating and stopping at necessary places along the way. When we finally arrive in Door County (which should be a 4.5-hour trip but takes us at least six), our phones don’t work, there are no chain restaurants to be found, and there is no sleeping past 7 a.m. for the next week …. and it’s absolutely glorious.
Unfortunately, this year Jimmy and I decided to forgo the trip so we could save money and vacation days for our wedding and honeymoon, but the decision wasn’t an easy one … because these are the things were had to give up (here come a bunch of pictures).
Filling up on a good road trip Chicago dog.
Stopping at the important places like Mars Cheese Castle …
…where we load up on string cheese, blueberry cheese, beer, cheese curds, and a gazillion other cheeses.
Some other stops might include the PBR Brewery in Milwaukee for some brews, Bearcat’s Fish House in Algoma for smoked fish, Bobby Nelson’s Cheese Shop in Kenosha for some sausages, and Connie’s Diner (previously Phil Rohrer’s) in Two Rivers for the best burger ever.
Shopping at adorable shops and markets like these:
Drinking Brandy Old Fashioneds …
… delicious local beers …
… and the best Bloody Mary’s ever.
Waking up early for Eggs Benedict at The Viking …
…famous Stuffed Cherry French Toast at White Gull Inn …
… or Swedish pancakes, meatballs and awesome bacon at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant …
… where goats hang out on the roof.
Eating fresh lake Perch almost every night for dinner (usually at Greenwood Supper Club)…
… except when we go to the Fish Boil at the White Gull Inn.
Somewhere throughout the day we manage to squeeze in chilli (with noodles in it!) at Bayside Tavern …
… and fried cheese curds.
Reading and relaxing on the balcony with a postcard view …
…and watching the most breathtaking sunsets over Green Bay (no two ever look the same).
Walking to Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor for a good old-fashioned chocolate malt.
Eating (and drinking) cherry-everything …
… picking our own cherries …
… and seeing who can spit the pits off the balcony the furthest (it’s never me).
Spending some quality time having drinks, snacks and playing bags at AC Tap.
Enjoying yoga by the beach with J’s sis.
Visiting the distilleries and wineries.
Paddle-boating on the Bay.
Seeing a cute play at the Folklore Theatre in the woods.
Enjoying the beautiful scenery.
And goofing off.
But the best part of all is getting to spend some quality time with J’s incredible family, and making plans for the next year.
You can see how it’s so hard for us to not be there right now, can’t you?
His family has been updating us with texts and pictures all week, but it’s still not the same. I’ve also been trying to recreate some of our favorite Door County meals and treats, but again, still not quite the same. The only good thing is that next year there will be TWO Mr. and Mrs. Vinicky’s there (his parents and us)!! Plus, I think my waistline appreciates us taking the year off.
So, until next year, Door County! Stay beautiful, and don’t run out of pickled mushrooms (or my Heath Rum).
::XoXo::
B.
