August is vacation month for our family. For years, we’ve taken an annual road trip to Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.
My latest book, To Sense a Passion came to be because of all the summers we spent at the Rushes on Kangaroo Lake.
In the book, there are mentions of places up and down the Door County Peninsula. Some of them I’ve experienced, and others are an amalgamation within my imagination. However, Baileys Harbor and all the towns of Door County are full of cool spots to visit during any time of the year. Here are some suggestions I’ve garnered from my many visits to this magical part of Wisconsin, sometimes referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest.
Places in To Sense a Passion and how they were imagined within the fictional world of Lucy Maxwell and Gus Reid…
Cana Island Light House
When you visit Cana Island Light House be prepared to climb the 97 steps of the tower’s spiral staircase to reach the gallery deck. You won’t be sorry. The deck delivers a sweeping panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the Door County peninsula. These steps are a big part of Gus Reid and give him faith in second chances.
The Harbor Fish Market & Grille
This delicious restaurant in Baileys Harbor is named the Harbor B&B in To Sense a Passion. The vibe from the real and classic bar is transferred onto the page and made a great setting for Lucy and Gus’s romantic adventure.
Nelson’s Hardware
In the DIY spirit, Lucy Maxwell spends time shopping at her business neighbor’s hardware store, Stan’s Hardware. This hardware store, like the real-life Nelson’s Hardware, has everything you need to make whatever your imagination wants to create. Nelson’s is now in Fish Creek and its original location in Baileys Harbor has been turned into a public park.
Coyote Road House
This restaurant is located on the north end of Kangaroo Lake. Within the pages of Passion, it is the host of the town’s annual winter festival. Lucy mixes up hot cocoa with a touch of lavender for the festival goers to stay warm. If you’re not reading, and visiting Baileys Harbor, stop check out the Coyote Road House for a delicious Bloody Mary or go fishing off the causeway that splits Kangaroo Lake.
Earl’s Sister Bay Bowl and Supper Club
In the book, The Beacon is inspired by Earl’s Sister Bay Bowl and Supper Club. Owned by Lucy’s friend, Kat Orlov, it’s a prohibition era bowling alley and restaurant where Chef Kat serves up onion soup, beef stew, chilis, and the classic Wisconsin cocktail – brandy old fashioned.
Washington Island and Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
It’s all about the lavender for aromatherapist Lucy Maxwell. Her livelihood relies on her lavender scented essential oils, and she needs the best lavender to produce them. Lucy’s nose for scents leads her through the story in To Sense a Passion.
Cave Point
Cave Point is known for its wave-worn Dolomite/limestone ledges, underwater caves and stirring view of Lake Michigan. The scenery makes it a perfect spot for romance and weddings. Diving off the cliffs is a summer time ritual for water lovers and that includes Lucy’s newest friend, Maddie Logerquist. She’ll be diving into her own romance with Rob in book three of the Brit Brothers series, The Siebken Affair.
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– Audrey
