Troy and I have been going to Door County every winter for 5 years now. If you know anything about Door County, you know it can be a kitschy-touristy locale in the summer. But in the winter … it’s dead. It’s perfect. Nothing but a snowy landscape, a lodge with a fireplace, a couple restaurants with open doors, and maybe a good open coffeehouse too. This year we went with some of our friends (it was so good to finally see them again!) — and although the weekend was different than usual, it was still full of the good things I love about vacation.
To me, the perfect vacation includes walking (lots and lots of walking) all day outdoors, eating at local restaurants, not being on a schedule, and stopping to read a few times at cute coffeehouses or next to a huge body of water (like a lake or an ocean :)). Mix in a little bit of good shopping — and nothing is better to me! My most favorite vacations have been to San Francisco, the Southwest (AZ and NM), and to several Latin American countries. Places where the walking is great, the local food is greater, and the scenery is to die for.
I hate being on a schedule or following any sort of itinerary on vacation. This is why I dislike tours of any sort or planned group trips put on by an agency or even National Geographic, haha. I simply want to immerse while on vacation … immerse in the local culture, cuisine and scene. My friend, Natalie, is the greatest person to visit (in NYC) because she loves doing all the same things as me — walking around, eating, reading, drinking coffee — and there is absolutely no pressure to “do things” or to be somewhere at a certain time. We just hang out, walk, eat, and live. It’s awesome.
The highlight of our Door County weekend this year was definitely going out to eat and skiing (the winter substitute for walking, haha). Our fave restaurant there is JJs La Puerta — a Mexican and all-sorts-of-other-kinds-of-food place with a great atmosphere. Their margaritas are super good too :)
Here are a just a few pics from our weekend away:
I so wish I was there with you. You sure are a cute looking cross country skiier! :) LOVE these photos!!! :)
That’s some courage skiing avec child. I’ve often wondered whether I’d risk that one! I hope you are feeling better.
I wish I wasn’t such a scheduler, I envy that about you. Glad you had a good time! Those food shots are making me super hungry!
I spent about an hour last night going through your archives & it’s amazing to see how far you’ve come in such a short period of time. I could literally see when the change happened from month to month – so inspiring! Your work is really great and I look forward to seeing how your photography & your business continue to grow.
we just might be soul sisters. i LOVE walking everywhere too. which is why Chris and I moved to the area of the city where everyone walks. i walk everywhere. i love it. come visit and we’ll walk, talk, snap, read, and eat together. xo
Aw, I can’t wait for your next visit! You are the best guest I ever have! This looks like a perfect weekend trip.
xoxo