There's something that happens in Door County in mid-June that's hard to put into words. The wildflowers are in full bloom along the roadsides. Visitors are wandering around every village. Employees at Wilson’s are dishing out scoops non-stop. It's the peninsula at its most alive, and it only lasts a few weeks. I personally love being here this time of year. I love the people, I love the energy, I love the activity. There’s so much to do, but at the same time, if you don’t want to do anything, that’s alright too. Whatever you do, don't miss it. So if you've been thinking about getting up here, stop thinking and start planning.

From time to time I want to let you know why Door County means so much to me, my wife, and our kids. I am not sure I will get to it every week, but I want you to know me like we are sitting on the back deck overlooking the bay with a Spotted Cow in hand.

My wife and I started dating in the summer of 1995. We did not immediately hit it off, but when we did, it was real. Within a couple of weeks we decided to take our first trip together. I did not know too many places to take a new girlfriend, but I knew a little about Door County. My parents had visited a few times, and all I could picture was my dad's old Door County '83 tee shirt.

So when I said "let's get out of town for the weekend," Door County was the obvious choice.

The weekend was perfect and basically kicked off our life together. What I remember most is when she looked at me and said, "Brian, you take me to the neatest places." That became our mantra for the decades that followed. Whenever we would visit somewhere fun, unique, or special, she would say it again. You always take me to the neatest places.

And that is how the love affair with Door County began.

I have many more stories, some better and some worse. Stick around each week and you will get them all.

Thanks for reading.

If you're heading up this summer and haven't nailed down where to stay, this is the guide you need. For many places, it’s too late. But if you’re thinking about visiting, don’t wait. Book today.

I broke down the best lodging options town by town, from waterfront resorts to cozy cottages to places that book up months in advance.

Whether you're a first-timer or you've been coming for years, there's something in here worth knowing.

Read the complete Door County lodging guide here.

If you only do one fish boil this trip, do it at Pelletier's in Fish Creek. It's been a Door County institution since 1958 and they do it right. Whitefish, potatoes, and onions cooked over an open fire, finished with the dramatic "boilover" that sends flames shooting into the air. The whole thing is as much theater as it is dinner, and the cherry pie at the end is not optional.

The Door County Fish Boil is a must, and Pelletier’s does it better than anyone.

Get details and reservations at doorcountyfishboil.com.

The 61st Fyr Bal Festival lands in Ephraim on Saturday, June 20. A full day of music, dancing, artisan vendors, and Scandinavian heritage along the Eagle Harbor waterfront, capped off with a bonfire and fireworks when the sun goes down. If you've never been, this is the one to put on your list.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor kicks off its 51st season on Thursday, June 18 with Good Vibrations: Percussion Plays The 1960s -- a night of percussion, steel pan, and world music inside the historic Dutton Concert Barn. Pre-concert music starts at 6:30 PM, showtime at 7:00 PM.

Northern Sky Theater opens its outdoor season at the Peninsula State Park amphitheater in mid-June, performing under the pines and stars through late August. This year's lineup includes a world premiere and returning favorites -- buy your tickets in advance because popular weekends sell out fast.

If you are hosting an event, I would love to add it to the list. My goal is to grow this event aggregator each week. Please reach out for consideration.

The good stuff books up fast up here. If there's a dinner reservation you've been meaning to make or a weekend you keep almost planning, do it today. Future you will be grateful.

I’ll drop into your inbox every Tuesday. Make sure to let me know what you think.

Brian.

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