I recently attended the Midwest Travel Network’s Writers Workshop in Sheboygan. The conference was designed to improve our writing skills, and it did just that. I also learned about Sheboygan and gained ten pounds in a few short days. Sheboygan, Wisconsin, doesn’t just have good food; it is a food destination.
Blue Harbor Resort
Our accommodation was at the Blue Harbor Resort. My room overlooked Lake Michigan and the outdoor fire pit. As we checked in, we were awed by the three-story lobby. Here is a quick room tour.
Harry’s Prohibition Bistro
While the real purpose of our time there was to participate in the Writers Workshop, the fun began with an early evening stroll to Harry’s Prohibition Bistro. The Italian eatery’s dark interior was straight from the history books—lots of red and dark wood paneling and a large bar. It was a busy Tuesday night at the close of the season. The servers wore red hats and hurried about getting our drink orders-Old Fashions and Gin Fizz’s—classic prohibition-era cocktails. Then the appetizers arrived, then the entrees were ordered. The table was soon decorated with antipasti, focaccia, Bolognese, gnocchi, and wood-fired pizza. We left with boxes of leftovers.
Back at Blue Harbor, we headed to the fire pit for s’mores—of course, we needed dessert! It was a beautiful night, as we enjoyed the sound of the waves from nearby Lake Michigan.
Food and the Beach
An early morning ride through town took us to Field to Fork for breakfast, one of my favorite meals. Field did not disappoint. This is a classic morning hangout for locals. Everything is fresh and from local purveyors. The service was quick, and the food was gobbled up, from a simple biscuit sandwich to French toast. This is the place in downtown Sheboygan for breakfast, anytime.
The group walked around the corner to Stefano’s Slo Food Market, which opened in 2015. The market sells locally sourced products, from carrots to cheese and dry-aged meats. You can fill a basket here quickly!
As we headed toward the beach, yes, a beach on Lake Michigan, I learned that Sheboygan is the “Malibu of the Midwest.” In the winter, they hold surfing competitions there. I guess a dry suit is warmer than I thought. Freshwater surfing in the winter that’s something I’d like to see.
Axes and Cocktails?
Our class was spent at the Visit Sheboygan Visitors Center until early afternoon. Axe throwing and cocktail making at Longhouse Axe Bar? I thought it was a bit of a scary thought, but thankfully, after the waivers were signed, we all emerged unharmed. I had never thrown an axe at a target, and it’s more complex than you think. It’s all in the wrist.
With our cocktails finished and axes reshelved, we headed to Above and Beyond, the Children’s Museum. “There be Whales there,” I called out upon seeing the mural at the rear of the building. We looked for actual sea life at the Sanderling Nature Center on the beach of Lake Michigan. We learned about the species of birds and fish that call the Lake and area home. The sand on the beach was fine and cool on a windy day, but that didn’t deter our hardy bunch from dipping their toes in the water.
The Black Pig
In a flash, it was dinner time. We arrived at the Black Pig on a quiet Wednesday evening. They had a private room for us because they knew how chatty writers can be. The service and food were first-class. There was little chatter after the plates arrived. It was simply a fantastic meal. Put this place on your list!
Brats, Bathrooms, and Halloween
Another early start and breakfast at Blue Harbor had us back for learning at Visit Sheboygan. For our lunch break, we walked to Sly’s Midtown Salooon. Yes, three o’s. Sheboygan is the ‘bratwurst capital of the world,’ and Sly’s is one of the best. He’s quite a character, too. After a tasty brat, we walked to the Victorian Chocolate Shoppe a few blocks away. It is a sweet place, filled with chocolate of all descriptions.
Once we were rounded up, we headed to the John Michael Kohler Art Center. When they tell you, ‘You must see the bathrooms,’ okay, I’ll bite. Remember, ‘you must see the bathrooms’ here whether or not you need to use them. They are simply the most diverse and unusually decorated you will come across. Beware: When you flush, you might need to read.
Our late afternoon trek had us driving by the Acuity Flagpole at Acuity Insurance, 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. Just around the corner, we found Bookworm Gardens, which hosted Howls and Hounds. Children’s literature inspires the garden. That evening, we saw all kinds of costumed fur babies roaming the pathways.
Soon, it was time for dinner, so we ventured off the main street to Bo Mallies. Tapas were on the menu- any combination you could imagine. Being severed by the owner meant we got the best advice on what to order. We sampled most of the menu with our group, but the Kalbi Meatballs were the best for me! Then they brought dessert, Guinness Chocolate cake, and strawberry shortcake. Oh, My Lord! Melt in your mouth chocolate cake and the most delicious cream ever on a shortcake.
Could it get any better? YES!
Northern Lights
We returned to Blue Harbor. We had heard that the northern lights might be visible over the lake. Some of us ventured out to the windy beach. It was dark, and there was lots of light from the resort, but there it was! The Aurora Borealis over Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. I never had thought I would have a chance to see this phenomenon other than in Alaska or Iceland. But there it was. We were ecstatic!
What a way to end our final evening. I was told an intense solar storm had produced such an eruption throughout much of the US that week.
Friday was again an early start for our final class, and breakfast was catered for us as we finished at Visit Sheboygan. We listened to and learned from our instructor, Theresa Goodrich. Now, we have many ideas and projects to act on in the future. We also came away with a few extra pounds and memories of scratching the surface of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Sheboygan
I sincerely thank the staff at Visit Sheboygan for hosting the class and giving us just a taste of the Malibu of the Midwest. When does that winter surfing start?
I’m hungry now! Sounds like a great place to visit. Thanks for comprehensive and very fun review.