As Canadians, we think we know every permutation of “cottage country”. But have you heard of the “Cape Cod of the Midwest”. In this episode, we take you there. Spoiler alert — there will be deep-fried cheese curds. 

Look at a map of Wisconsin, U.S., and you'll see the peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan on the eastern side of the state, kind of like a thumb — that’s Door County. The Door County Peninsula, with Green Bay on the western flank, has long been kind of a midwest cottage country, actually for more than a century. And not surprisingly this region’s history all connects to water, from boat-building to bayside family-run lodges, restaurants and boutique business of every kind. There are quaint white clapboard towns along 300 miles of shoreline, something from another era, all with ocean-like views (though yes, it is Lake Michigan). And the rocky alkaline soils of the Niagara Escarpment that define the geography of Door County also create perfect conditions for growing cherry trees, apple trees, and a multitude of other agricultural delights. Fun fact: Door County has the largest number of historic lighthouses of any county in America — who would think Wisconsin could boast that? Today we explore it all with award-winning NPR podcaster and radio personality Tom Wilmer. Listen in...