With all the talk of Polar Vortices and Bomb Cyclones this winter it’s hard to imagine actually going outside until April, however Door County serves up some hot activities to combat the cold! There’s something for everyone to do during the deep winter months, whether it’s staying indoors or venturing out into the snow!

For those who’d like to stay indoors or those who love to eat, there are several culinary, craft, and theatrical events happening around the County! The weekend of February 2nd- 4th features a Scrapbook Spectacular at the Landmark Resort in Sturgeon Bay, perfect for preserving those Door County memories for generations to come! February 3rd is also All Things Chocolate! at the Old Gibraltar Town Hall in Fish Creek, visit www.historicnoble.org for more information on this delicious event. Also on February 3rd, the Ridges Sanctuary is hosting the Great Waffle Breakfast at the Bailey’s Harbor Town Hall, more information can be found at www.ridgessanctuary.org. Bring home a unique and artistic bowl and a full belly while supporting local art education at Soup!, a fundraising dinner at Peninsula School of Art, Fish Creek. More information on Soup! can be found at www.peninsulaschoolofart.com.

Throughout the month of February, the Peninsula Music Festival presents February Fest, Saturdays at Shepard of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay. Ticket and performance information can be found at www.musicfestival.com. For the film lover, Door County Short Film Festival is just the ticket! Taking place February 16th -17th at the Sister Bay Village Hall, the festival feature local and regional short films. For more information, or to see if your favorite director will be attending, visit www.cometosisterbay.com! Plum Bottom Pottery and Gallery in Egg Harbor will be hosting their first Art Show of the year on February 3rd. It’s a perfect place to find your new favorite artist or coffee mug!

For those who love the cold or seemingly have anti-freeze running through their veins, there are plenty of outdoor festivals coming up in February! Kicking off the chilly season is the Ground Hog Day Parade in Ellison Bay! Hopefully the ground hog doesn’t see his shadow during the fun and silliness of the parade! That same weekend of February 2nd-4th, Fish Creek hosts it’s famous Winter Festival! Cherry Pit Spit contests, Toilet Seat Tosses, and Human Foosball are some examples of silly games played in the past, who knows what they will come up with this year! Included in the Fish Creek Winter Festival line up are the Fruit Loop Fun Run, Stumpf Fiddle Contest, and Smokin’ Hot Chili Cook-off! Heated tents and live music included. Combining winter and Door County’s love for art is the Fire & Ice Festival in Sturgeon Bay, February 17th. Watch artists turn ice and snow into expressive sculptures or forge your own metal project with master blacksmith James Viste! The day culminates in the Fire & Ice Gala at Stone Harbor Resort, featuring auction, dinner, and live music. For more information and gala tickets visit www.stergeonbay.net.

The outdoor adventurer isn’t left out, either. The Door County Pond Hockey Tournament is held February 10th on the frozen waters of Kangaroo Lake, just south of Bailey’s Harbor. Visit www.doorcountypondhockey.com to register a team or get the particulars on the event. Throughout the month of February, the Ridges Sanctuary is hosting naturalist guided hikes at Appel’s Bluff and Logan Creek. Enjoy the peaceful Door County landscape and learn about winter in Wisconsin’s most unique ecosystem! Times and directions to the hike locations can be found at www.ridgessanctuary.org.

Whether you prefer to be inside or outside, eating or exercising…winter in Door County has something for everyone!