A Good Time to Make a Deal

 By Donna Marie Pocus

Special to DoorCountyNavigator.com

It's all online, so go surf for yourself. Door County resorts and inns are offering packages and discounts on winter and early spring stays. 

The idea, innkeepers say, is to encourage guests to enjoy the Peninsula at a time when the crowds are less and so are the prices.

Even though the weather is, of course, much colder than it is during a stay in mid-July, there is still beauty to behold here and now. Packages are already put together by creative innkeepers. They make it convenient for you to discover what's open this time of year and get discounts at places beyond the hotels, too.

"I think up here many of us have been offering packages for quite a while. And guests use them," says Heather Hull, innkeeper at the Reynolds House Bed and Breakfast in Sturgeon Bay.

One of the most popular packages at Reynolds House is "Isn't it Romantic?" It includes the following with a two-night stay: dinner for two at the Inn at Cedar Crossing Restaurant ($50 gift certificate), sleigh ride by Mayberry's Carriages and a bottle of wine from Simon Creek Winery.  

"I always run a romantic package. People come up here for a romantic weekend for two, for birthdays, for honeymoons or anniversaries.  This package makes it easy for them," Hull says.

Meanwhile, the Eagle Harbor Inn, Ephraim, has a "Winter Magic" package running through May 14.  People stay in "suite luxury" and enjoy sparking cider and truffles on arrival. Also included is a breakfast basket, Swedish massage and more. Price is $398 (plus tax with prices higher on festival or holiday weekends).

In Fish Creek, the AppleCreek Resort invites people to "come for relaxation and rejuvenation while enjoying Door County's beautiful winter wonderland." Starting Feb 17 and through March, the price for a two-night suite (with whirlpool and fireplace) package ranges from $189 to $249.  A motel style room two-night package goes from $119 to $169. And you get a bunch of discounts to get you out of the suite or room and into town. For example, get 10% off at the English Inn Restaurant and O'Meara's Irish Shop, a $5 gift certificate for use at Curt's Oilerie or enjoy 15% off at Lagnippe Wine Gallery.

Perhaps also making it easy for you to getaway now to Door County is the Country House Resort's "Getaway" package running through May 7.  When people stay for three nights at this Sister Bay resort, they receive a dinner for two (value of $50) at the White Gull Inn or Mission Grille.

And Scandinavian Lodge, also in Sister Bay, is promoting a Spring Special good during the months of March and April. 

 

 

Go to www.DoorCountyNavigator.com to check details and and click through to these inns to check availability of these packages as well as offers by many other resorts and inns.

Find Out What's Cooking at Cornucopia

Special to DoorCountyNavigator.com

Foodies and non-foodies relish Cornucopia, a Sturgeon Bay store, which is all about the kitchen.

In fact, new owners Kim Herlache and Carrie Hauser loved the store so much that they bought it in 2009.  Cornucopia, located at 714 Jefferson St., carries cookware, bakeware, entertaining accessories and more.

"For the most part, everything we carry is practical. You can take it home and use it. They are not nick-nacks, but what we have is fun at the same time," says Hauser.

Some of the brands found here include Le Creuset enameled cast iron and stoneware cooking and baking pieces, All-Clad pots and pans, Henckels knives and Mariposa  accessories.

Cornucopia is housed in a converted vintage farmhouse. Products are grouped in different areas. For example, coffee and tea pots and cups are in one spot. Bakeware consumes most of the large room in the back. 

"You have to wind through the different rooms and search," Herlache explains.  "You can't see it all when you walk in the door, and people do like to work their way through."

Coming soon to Cornucopia are custom-made tablecloths.  "We think they are beautiful and one-of-a-kind," Herlache says.

A Special Place:

 
What's it about:  Blue Horse Bistro & Espresso is open daily year-round. You can sit inside and eat or drink (there are two levels), or take an order with you. In summer, you may get lucky and get a table outdoors. This place is in the heart of Fish Creek's shopping area.  Breakfast, with hot stuff like creative egg sandwiches, is available 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The sandwiches are prepared on their Italian Panini grill and available all day. Or you can choose something lighter: a house salad, soup perhaps, or one of the tempting items (hot or iced) on the extensive coffee bar menu.
 
Why it's special: A warm greeting is certainly nice these days, isn't it? And that's what you get what you walk in here.  No rush to decide; they hand you a paper menu, and you can peruse that instead of stretching your neck to see what's on the chalkboard.  The chicken noodle soup is served hot, but not too hot. They bring it to your table, carefully balancing it even if you choose to sit upstairs. The big blue bowl was a nice touch, and mine sat on a square plate painted with a mermaid.  The chai (black tea, spices and honey steamed with milk) was excellent. 
 
Check out the view of Green Bay waters-pretty even when frozen-as you dine at your window table. The interior is highlighted by a wood ceiling, beams and flooring. The furniture is fun-some metal chairs (you're not staying too long, are you?) and a mosaic table.   
 
Quick facts:  Blue Horse Bistro, 4158 Main St., Fish Creek, 920-868-1471.