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

The Santa Catalina Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort in Tucson, Arizona. With 45 holes of championship golf on three courses, 31 lighted tennis courts, five exceptional restaurants, a water park, and the Elements Spa, finding a reason to leave is challenging. However, nearby destinations include the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Old Tucson Studios, Kartchner Caverns, and the Pima Air & Space Museum. Did I mention the saguaros? Not one, but two Saguaro National Parks showcase the incredible long-armed cactus associated with the Southwest. Go – stay – and enjoy the beauty of the desert.

http://www.hiltonelconquistador.com/

http://www.sabinocanyon.com/

http://www.oldtucson.com/

http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/kartchner.html

http://www.pimaair.org/

I love a good piece of pie. Peach, blueberry, apple, ginger pear… I love them all. Sitting back with a good piece of pie and a cup of coffee is a treat to be savored. A great place to take part in this tasty tradition is at Mission Pie in the Mission District of San Francisco. Staying true to the San Francisco Food culture, the delights found at Mission Pie are all part of a grass roots collaborative effort between local farmers, educational programs, and community. The ingredients grow at the non-profit Pie Ranch, one hour south of San Francisco. The ranch is farmed by urban teenagers inspired to learn about the relationshsip between the land and developing healthy local food systems. They plant wheat for pie crusts, harvest berries, raise chickens for eggs, and raise bees for honey. The ranch inspired the Pie Shop, which opened in January, 2007. Their success was so great that they expanded in the summer of 2008. When you are in San Francisco, Mission Pie is worth the detour for a piece (or two) of pie made from local, fresh ingredients. Mission Pie is located at 2901 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Go ahead…go eat your pie!

http://missionpie.com/

http://www.pieranch.org/

At FireSky Resort and Spa in Scottsdale they love pets so much that they actually have one on staff. Bosco, a black cocker spaniel, is Director of Pet Services. When I first arrived I noticed a bowl of dog biscuits on the check-in counter. A bowl of water on the floor was tucked into the corner. The staff at this very trendy luxury hotel strives to provide a strong sense of home, from comfortable gathering areas throughout the resort to encouraging guests to bring their pets. Pets are not only welcome, they are celebrated. Bosco attends company meetings and events around the property. Kids love him and grownups usually give him a pat when he walks by. Bosco even has his own brew, called Bowser Beer, a non-alcoholic, no hops, low-calorie beverage made with malt and beef broth. Humans don’t like it much, but dogs love it. Pet owners are expected to be responsible for their pets, and there are one or two places at the resort where pets can not roam. Pets are not allowed to be disruptive to other guests, and all rooms are steam-cleaned after a pet stay. But overall, the pets can feel just as at home as the owners. Those traveling with pets can check in to patio accomodations and be presented with a leash, a doggie bed, and a chew toy. In addition, pet owners can choose a DVD movie to watch with their pet, including Lady and the Tramp, Babe, and Dr. Doolittle. If guests arrive without a pet, the staff at FireSky will make certain they feel included by providing them with a pet goldfish in their room.

http://www.fireskyresort.com/