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Wisconsin: Door County, U-Pick Cherries - Summer Family Vacation Fun Now!door County Wisconsin U-Pick Cherries Known for cool breezes, un crowded beaches, safe harbors, arts, and inspiring theater, the peninsula supports countless farmers markets and oodles of  Montmorency cherry orchards. 

Each summer Door County comes alive with activities ideal for families. From the gateway metropolis of Sturgeon Bay to the camping spots on Washington Island the laid back pace is definitely family friendly. It is known for its natural beauty, artistic offerings and outdoor recreation opportunities and scrumptious, tart Montmorency cherries. 

While I had the good fortune to pick cherries with my dad and mom more than once, I have never been able to schedule the same experience with my kids. We have always been too early or too late. Not really a big deal because all summer long stores sell cherry concoctions – just without the fun of harvest season included.  If your schedule permits take action now because cherry picking in Door County is worth the effort.  

Here’s the scoop. Spring rains and low winds have created good conditions for a good crop in 2011, and U-Pick operations are now open and should remain open through the middle part of August.

Cherries, cherries everywhere.
For visitors, Door County is a veritable “cherry bomb” – with dishes and activities throughout the region focusing on the county’s main crop (Door County is expected to produce about 8.5 million pounds of cherries this year).  Even if you do not intend to pick your own the fresh markets everywhere will have baskets filled and ready to go. You will also find pre canned pie filling – all you need is the crust.Door County Wisconsin Summer Cherry Picking Time

Cherry themed best breakfast. Start the day with Door County’s Cherry Stuffed French Toast at the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek. The fresh egg bread layered with Wisconsin cream cheese and Door County tart cherries, topped with genuine maple syrup was named “America’s Best Breakfast” by Good Morning America (www.whitegullinn.com).
 
Visit an orchard. Visit more than a dozen orchards and farmers markets around the county where visitors can pick fresh cherries off the trees or fill a shopping basket with dried cherries, jams, jellies, pies and turnovers.  Visitors can go to www.doorcounty.com for market locations, store information and a special orchards map.
 
Sip wine. Follow Door County’s wine trail and sip swirl and sniff your way up the coast to enjoy local cherry wines – responsibly, of course. Visit www.doorcountywinetrail.com to download a map, get tour times and find out where to taste. If beer is more your style, don’t miss the Door County Cherry Wheat beer at Shipwrecked Brew Pub in Egg Harbor (www.shipwreckedmicrobrew.com).
 
See “Bing! The Cherry Musical.” The American Folklore Theatre’s newest summer show is fun for the entire family. “Bing!” celebrates Door County’s summer season as it follows a family’s experience in their cherry orchard. Bonus points: Make sure to arrive early and participate in the cherry pit spit contest, hosted by Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market. (For more information on the show, visit www.folkloretheatre.com).
 
Plan to eat more tart cherries. A growing body of science reveals tart cherries have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. Emerging evidence seems to indicate that cherry consumption may ease the pain of arthritis and gout, as well as reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Bonus points: Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.Egg Harbor Door County WI Fishing
 
Location on the planet. Sitting just 40 miles northeast of Green Bay, the 70-mile long peninsula of Door County is situated perfectly between the waters of Green Bay (to the west) and Lake Michigan (to the east) giving visitors a variety of experiences on two distinctive coasts and charming towns in between. Door County features 300 miles of shoreline, 34 islands, 11 lighthouses, five state parks, and 19 county parks.

Make it happen. Door County Visitor Bureau, call (920) 743-4456 or go to www.doorcounty.com  and for more about delicious cherries checkout the Wisconsin Red Cherry Growers Association at  www.wisconsincherries.org

Details for Planning a Door County Family Getaway

Because cherry picking will not take all day, I cannot resist mentioning a few of my favorite Door County spots and activities.

Hands On Art Studio. This place offers great workshops for kids of all ages – 6 to 96. 3655 Peninsula Players Road Fish Creek WI 54212. (920)868-9311, toll-free 1-888-868-9311 or www.handsonartstudio.com

Villaggios Restaurant. Forget your diet and save room for dessert.  4240 Juddvile Road Fish Creek, WI 54212. (920) 868-04646 or www.villagios-doorcounty.com

Hyline Orchard. This is our family’s favorite stop to stock up on jars of scrumptious pie filling for the holidays. N8240 Hwy.42 Fish Creek, WI 54212. Toll-free 1-888-433-2087 or www.hylineorchardfammarket.com

Door County Shakespeare. Staged at Björklunden Lodge during the summer months, this veteran company offers audiences delightful and entertaining interpretations of classic theatre under the stars. Go for the wine in the garden before the show and meet the cast. Door County Shakespeare Baileys Harbor, WI 54202-0351. (920) 839-1500 or www.doorshakespeare.com

Penninsula Players Theatre. The complex is inspiring so arrive early to enjoy the view before the performance. Luckily their season runs until October of each year.   W 4351 Peninsula Players Road, Fish Creek WI 54212. (920) 868-3287 or www.PeninsulaPlayers.com


Content and cherry images provided by Door County CVB. Comments and fishing image by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor FTF. Copyright 2011.

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