Door County Getaway:

Southern Door County and Belgian-American heritage are celebrated in Brussels.  Here are some attractions and points of interest in Brussels as well as in Algoma.

What's to do?  Brussels is renowned for being one of the largest Belgian-American settlements in the U.S.   You can experience the area's heritage by viewing unique architecture and taking part in festivals such as the kermis.   

A kermis is a traditional Belgian harvest festival. It typically includes church services, music, dancing, games and ethnic foods including Belgian pies, trippe and chicken booyah.  Earlier this year, Brussels hosted a kermis on Sept. 26 to celebrate the Namur Belgian Heritage Foundation's acquisition of St. Mary of the Snows Church.  Plans include transforming the church building to the Wisconsin Belgian Heritage Center that will celebrate the history of the Belgian Americans who settled in the area in the 1850s.

You can see the church (repair and renovation work may be taking place) on the curve of Hwy. DK in Namur. Other architectural highlights to observe during a drive through Brussels include 1880s red brick houses, which are distinguished by modest size and gable-end, bull's-eye windows. Some have detached summer kitchens with bake ovens in the rear.  The Belgians, many of whom are devout Catholics, also have erected in the area numerous roadside votive chapels, similar to those in their homeland, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Brussels is also home to the Ahnapee Ranch, 990 Shoemaker Rd.  This business offers private riding adventures, lessons, and has an indoor-outdoor arena as well as facilities for boarding horses.

What to buy:  Door County Sister Sweets, 1399 Cty. Rd. DK, Brussels, makes a wide variety of old-fashioned candy and treats including chocolate.  From Brussels, you can also head into Kewaunee County and visit some outstanding art galleries including the Flying Pig Gallery & Greenspace, N6975 Hwy. 42, Algoma. Here, arts lovers, caf� loungers and gardeners browse contemporary folk art, outsider-styled work and pieces made from recycled and repurposed materials.  The earth-powered green building is a work of art to itself. Also, the Eclipse Gallery, 507 4^th St. Hwy. 42, Algoma, shows contemporary art and handmade design from local, national and international artists. Other shops in Algoma include Tina Marie Boutique, the Ivy Cottage, Good Tidings Nautical Gifts & D�cor and Clay on Steele.

Where to eat:  The Cattail Caf�, 1100 Cty. Rd. DK, Brussels, is a local favorite and often the site for events, as well.  The Flying Pig has a wonderful coffee bar inside the architecturally intriguing building. Consistent with the eco-conscious business, even the coffee cups are compostable. Check out nearby places to eat at www.doorcountynavigator.com

Historical highlights:  Brussels was created on Nov. 12, 1858.  The largest Belgian-American settlement in the U.S. is located in portions of Brown, Kewaunee and Door Counties. Walloons settled the region in the 1850s and their descendents still constitute a high proportion of the population, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Many of the original wooden structures of the Belgian Americans were destroyed in a firestorm that swept southern Door County in October 1871, but a few of the stone houses, made of local dolomite survived. More common are the red brick houses (mentioned earlier).

Where to stay:  The Quiet Woods South Camping Resort is an area favorite. Check out many nearby hotels, B&Bs and resorts at  www.doorcountynavigator.com

Music For A Holiday Mood

By Donna Marie Pocius

Special to DoorCountyNavigator.com

The seventh annual Renaissance Christmas concerts, sponsored by Midsummer's Music will take place throughout Door County Dec. 11 to 13.

The concerts will feature the Chicago Early Music Consort performing music by many of England's greatest composers:  Christopher Tye, Thomas Tallis, Thomas Morley and Thomas Weelkes. The Consort will also play several instrumental works by Anthony Holborne.

"Our program this year consists of vocal and instrumental music from the English Renaissance. This is a period from the reign of Henry VII through the reign of Charles I," said Gary Berkenstock, the Consort's artistic director.

The Chicago Early Music Consort includes Stephanie Sheffield, Gary Berkenstock, Joel Spears and Phillip Serna.  Performances will begin on Friday, Dec. 10, at Bjorklunden, Baileys Harbor, with a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, silent auction and catered dinner by Alexander's. Cost is $60 per person and advance reservations are required.

The other two concert events feature goodwill offerings and take place 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Shepherd of the Bay in Ellison Bay; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Birch Creek Music Performance Center, Egg Harbor.  A $10 goodwill offering is suggested.  For more information, or to make reservations, visit midsummerSmusic.com or call 920-854-7088. 

Information about the Chicago Early Music Consort is available online at ChicagoEarlyMusicConsort.org .