Everyone who travels to Door County, Wisconsin should enjoy the unique experience of a fish boil. This dramatic method of preparation delights visitors. The surprise when they hear the “whumph” of the fireball can be seen in the wide eyes and open mouths of onlookers.

The fish boil tradition began as an inexpensive way to feed large numbers of lumberjacks. A large kettle of salted water is heated over an open fire. Potatoes and onions are added to the pot. After they are cooked, fresh whitefish steaks are added on top of the vegetables. Then, when the pot comes back to a boil, kerosene is thrown on the flames, causing the “boilover” which causes the fish oils on top of the water to roll off the surface, leaving a complete fish and vegetable dinner to serve a crowd.

There are many places to experience a Fish Boil in Door County. Most of them will even take the bones out of the fish for you. Fish Boils usually take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check out The White Gull Inn, The Square Rigger Galley,  or The Viking Grill.  Washington Island even holds a special fly-in fish boil where small craft fly in from all over to attend the spectacle. Even if you don’t enjoy fish, you will enjoy the fish boil experience.

http://www.explorewisconsin.com/PelletiersRestaurantFishBoil/fb-boilover.jpg

http://whitegullinn.com/fishboil.html

http://www.thevikinggrill.com/

http://www.squareriggerlodge.com/index.php?type=fishboils

When I told people I would be visiting Door County, Wisconsin, nearly everyone who had ever been to Door County said that I should go to Wilson’s in Ephraim for ice cream. Wilson’s is an old-fashioned soda fountain shop where they also brew their own ice cream. They have been a landmark in Door County since Oscar and Mattie Wilson opened the shop in 1906. It doesn’t need to be Sunday to go for a Sundae Drive in Door County. You can dine in on a burger or enjoy a cone while sitting on the porch gazing at the water.

http://www.wilsonsicecream.com/main.htm

http://www.doorcounty.com/