Mark Summerfield, Author at Glidden Lodge Beach Resort

Blog Archives

Door County Cherry Blossoms, Spring Season in Wisconsin

Posted on by

Door County, Wisconsin is a famous for a few things, one of which is cherries. The unique climate of Door County, WI lends itself to a perfect cherry growing climate. Although there are a variety of cherries grown in Door County, they are best known for tart cherry varieties like Montmorency cherries. Cherry blossoms bloom during the spring and are usually at their peak in mid May. Each year the exact timing can vary depending on how harsh the winter was and how we enter the spring season. Typically, cherry blossoms are in bloom between May 10 and May 25 and weather permitting, last approximately one to two weeks. The…

Winter in Door County – Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Festival in February

Posted on by

Every year Door County’s Sturgeon Bay embraces the winter season with the fire and ice festival which takes place in mid-February. It brings together artistry, the downtown area, and the heart of winter. IN 2026 the festival takes place Friday February 13 to Saturday February 14. The Fire & Ice Festival is the perfect winter tradition that transforms a brisk February weekend into a magical experience of glowing lights, ice sculptures, community events, and evening festivities. From family-friendly activities to elegant nights out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Door County Luminary Lit Hike The festival begins on Friday, February 13, with a luminary-lit hike at Crossroads at Big Creek…

Christkindlmarkt Christmas Festival in Door County, WI

Posted on by

There is no doubt the height of the tourist season in Door County, Wisconsin is summer. It’s definitely a great time to visit, but Door County isn’t just a great place for a summer getaway. Each season has something to offer visitors and for many people smaller crowds is a bonus especially if you’ve found the crowds of holiday festivities in larger cities overwhelming. The holiday season around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve sees many repeat visitors. Whether spending the holiday in Door County or taking a getaway vacation and enjoying the local holiday festivities you can’t go wrong. The European style Christmas Market called Christkindlmarkt is one of…

Sailing Through Time: Tall Ships in Door County, Wisconsin

Posted on by

Tall Ships Twilight Sail in Sturgeon Bay's Door County, Wisconsin Maritime History

Door County is a peninsula that is tucked against the rugged bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment along the shores of Lake Michigan and the bay of Green Bay. You might know it as a tourist destination, but it also has a long and storied maritime history. One of the most iconic symbols of that history is the tall ship – the majestic, towering vessels that once ruled the Great Lakes. Door County, a Tall Ship Gateway In 1851 the County of Door was established by the local population whose trades predominately included fishing the local waters and harvesting timber. The peninsula’s strategic location also made it an essential stop for…

Door County Sunrise on Lake Michigan in Sturgeon, Wisconsin

Posted on by

Sunrise on Lake Michigan Private Beach at Best Door County Hotel with Waterfront Views

A beautiful sunrise never gets old. There are so many variables that make each sunrise unique and Door County sunrises over Lake Michigan can be breathtaking. If you’re wondering where to watch a sunrise in Door County, the Lake Michigan shoreline is the place to be. Since Door County is a peninsula, it’s surrounded by shoreline with a variety of landscapes from beachy to rocky to bluffs to sand dunes, and more. The east side of Door County sits on the shores of the massive Lake Michigan which is one of the five Great Lakes and the only one fully located in the United States. It’s over 22,000 square miles…

The Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis in Door County, Wisconsin

Posted on by

Aurora Borealis and Northern Lights in Door County, Wisconsin

For many the northern lights are a sought after sight to behold and the effect on the night skies can be both magical and colorful. Door County might not be as famous as other Aurora Borealis tourist destinations but when the conditions are right the majesty of the northern lights appears. This year photographers around Wisconsin have gotten some beautiful shots of the northern lights and the scientists predict there will be more frequent light shows to come in the Wisconsin area in the upcoming years. Glidden Lodge Beach Resort is situated in Door County which can be a great location to view the northern lights from when they make…