Bits & Bites: Island Orchard Opens for Winter

Just as many businesses are calling it a season, Island Orchard Cider announced it is opening Fridays and Saturdays through March from noon – 4 pm.

“We hope by being open during the quiet season we can cater more to locals and the ever-growing number of visitors coming to Door County during all seasons,” said owner Yannique Purman.

The cider house in Ellison Bay opened 11 years ago. The menu will include glasses of chilled hard cider and warm spiced cider, a specialty recipe developed by the head cider maker featuring cloves and cardamom available only during the fall and winter. Sales of Island Orchard Ciders and Pomme Vinegar bottles are also available.

All Things Chocolate Canceled

Fish Creek Winterfest won’t include one of its sweetest events this year: The All Things Chocolate event scheduled for Feb. 5 at the old town hall has been canceled. The event usually attracts hundreds of people to the small town hall to buy homemade chocolate treats – with proceeds benefiting the Gibraltar Historical Association – but the health department has suggested that organizations not host large indoor events due to the surge in the county’s COVID-19 cases. 

Wickman House Calls It a Season

The Wickman House in Ellison Bay has closed for the season after a series of COVID-19 cases and exposures among the staff has forced the restaurant to close several times during the past month. The restaurant usually stays open through Valentine’s Day, but a Jan. 13 announcement said it would remain closed for the final few weeks of the season. Wickman House will reopen in April for its 11th season. 

MacReady’s to Reopen Jan. 22

The ovens will be back on at MacReady’s Artisan Bread Company on Saturday, Jan. 22. The Egg Harbor bakery at 7836 Hwy 42 had been closed temporarily, but it’s now taking weekend orders in advance. More information is available at macreadys.com. 

Hot Lunch at Fish Creek Market

The Fish Creek Market, 4164 Main St., has introduced handmade, hot lunch specials. The $12 comfort-food meals are available daily from 11 am until they sell out. Introductory features included hearty beef stew, lemony chicken, and smothered mushroom pork chops. Find daily features at facebook.com/FishCreekMarket.