Wow! August did not bring our groove back. What a roller coaster of highs and lows and everything in between. We were offered jobs, then had them passed over us. We had losses and gains, illnesses and an overwhelming amount of things to do. We had great times with friends and we had hard times. Now let’s see what September brings. I know one thing for sure. We are looking forward to a 5 year wedding anniversary in October. We are having trouble deciding on Bemidji, MN or Door County, WI. What do you recommend? Any tips for places to do, things to do, dishes to eat?
I’m really interested in genuine opinions so I am going to make this a giveaway post. Let me know where we should go and why and I will pick one winner for Dr. Scholl’s Heated Massage Chair. The deadline will be September 30.
A weekend in Independence, complete with a babysitter for Link so you can enjoy a lovely dinner out, in Indee, or Cedar Falls -at one of your faves and breakfast in bed from us. I’ll provide you with a menu of my specialties. 😉 Of course, we need to know when before we can commit, cuz it’s a busy couple months ahead. Don’t want to promise something I won’t be home to deliver.
I wouldn’t have a recommendation on either place you posted as I haven’t been there but Door County is close to the upper peninsula of Michigan which is exquisitely beautiful in October! We had our honeymoon roadtrip through the UP and then to Lutson MN, which was also spectacular. We’re celebrating our anniversary on Oct 3 biking a circle around WI and MI through the UP and I can’t wait!
and if you are in door county late september/early october, there is a possibility we could meet up as we are both passing through.
Door County, WI is absolutely beautiful! It’s relaxing and has the draw of being a little town. Not only does it have great little local shops, the last time I was there I got to taste some local wines. I have friends that own a chalet up there and they go up every chance they can get!
I have family all over Minnesota, but none of them live in/near Bemidji, so I’m at a loss there. All I can tell you is Minnesota is a wonderful place to visit. The places outside the Twin Cities are usually very small and serene. However, my vote is for Door County. I absolutely LOVE it there!
have no experience but would say go google local bed and breakfasts- Have a great time whatever you choose and be happy
I couldn’t really pick a destination for you to celebrate your wedding anniversary, but I think that any place would be great as long as you have a wonderful time together. That’s what matters after all.:-)
Cedar Falls sounds nice .
One thing I do know and that is Door county is fabulous 4 seasons of the year. I highly recommend Door County Wisconsin to anyone seeking a wonderful vacation trip.
GO WHERE YOU WHEN TO DO AND DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO….YOU MAY NOT GET A SECOND CHANCE TO DO THIS
Traveling is the way we live.
I would love the massage chair
Anywhere close by to ease the stress and plan to make it the most relaxing vacation ever.
Never been to Bemidji, MN or Door County, WI. You could try South Padre Island TX. Still beautifully warm in September and October for a beach vacay.
hello,
door county!! here is the slice of door county that i know intimately:
drive through door county, at the tip of the door county peninsula, take the car ferry across to Washington Island. stay at a rental or hotel…if you can get a cottage rental try for one looking at lake MI. on one side of the island is a sand beach; on the other is a stone beach–not little pebbles but gray, smooth, variously shaped stones. there is a lookout tower you can walk up and see most of the island and out to lake Michigan; if you brave the tower at night you have a most amazing view of the stars. There is a perfect place to watch the sunset–secluded it is not because people gather when the clouds are scarce—but beautiful it Is! By the sunset outlook is a lake called “little lake”…it is really very little; you walk onto a little boardwalk/dock to see the lake and minutiae nature. Somewhere in the middle of the island is a Scandinavian church, Stavekirk. You can take a day and hike rock island–the little island above Washington Island. The Viking Hall on Rock Island shows work created with such care and craft it blows my mind. (Viking Hall was, if I remember correctly, built to house books…just as important to the Icelandic community as, well, survival). Maybe if you check this out read up on Nordic Myths–This is something I still want to do–and each of the chairs in Viking Hall represents a different myth. At night, back on Washington Island, if you return to the stone beach (any beach or road or clearing or the lookout tower really but schoolhouse beach is my very favorite) you may see the Aurora Borealis which is moving and crazy colorful in October. There may be an evening concert at the Red Barn and you would be lucky to catch one in such an intimate and comfortable setting. I am incredibly in love with Washington Island and full disclosure I spent much time during my “growing up” summers there –visiting a friend from Toledo who’s family is originally from the island. But if you choose to go I am positive you would enjoy!
Sure would help an old broad with a bad back
I have heard Door County has some beautiful lighthouses.
door county is beautiful. lovely in the fall.
Door County would be a fun place
You should go to Biloxi and enjoy the gulf
Door County Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful destinations ever! There is lots going on there in October, too – all sorts of Fall themed tours and stuff. Maybe you would enjoy the Ghost Tours and the Historic Walking Tours. The Segway Tours are lots of fun, too. And, Door County is well known for its seafood, especially the seafood boils. If you don’t like seafood, Door County serves an incredible steak at nearly all the restaurants.
Skip them both and come to Pittsburgh, PA. Lots to see and do here.
I am not familiar with either one of these place. Our favorite place to go is Kissimmee, FL. There’s just so much to do and eat there! 🙂
i’ve never been to either but Door County seems like it has more to offer. What do you want to do? Shopping? Nice dinners?
Bemidji, MN
I looked at their Visitors page and if you love dogs you can go to the United Kennel Dog Show in mid October. Of course you can see Babe the Blue Ox and Paul Bunion. Smell the cool crisp clean air!!
I have not been to either, so i cant recommend one over the other. But Door County has historic trolleys. That may be fun. I guess it depends on which activities you and yours like to do. Anyways, have a great trip!
Hershey park in PA sounds great!
Cedar Falls are awesome and beautiful, you will be able to take some beautiful pictures, enjoy your trip
I would say Door County rather than the place you mentioned in Minnesota but only because I have never heard of it. Door County would provide more to do, I think.
Is it possible to do both? Spend 2 nights on one place and 2 in the other? If I had to choose I would Door County because my friend went there and loved it.
I haven’t been to either, but I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time wherever you choose! Enjoy your 5th anniversary – and best wishes on many more!
Hi, I don’t know either place very well. But want to wish you a happy anniversary!
i can’t give any ideas but between the two, I’d say Bemidji, MN. It just sounds exotice and vacation worthy
Wisc. would be great with the fall colors, but just getting away will make the anniv celebration perfect.
dessiemae10(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d vote for Bemidji, MN because the name is so cool, and I love the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox – that would SO set the stage for a FUN vacation!
Door County! Washington Island is a lot of fun!
I’ve heard great things about Door County.
I’ve never been to either place, but I always think of Bemidji, MN, as COLD (even in October). I’d choose Door County, WI.
Door County!!! Definitely!!! Lighthouses!
I have not been to either of those places. But Door County, WI, the name sounds interesting. I would love to go and see if the countryside and People that live there are interesting. Door County sounds like a portal for all kinds of people.
If I went to wisconsin I’d probably expect to eat a lot of cheese. I don’t know about either of those states. Why not just drop by a Steelers game in Pittsburgh, much more fun!
I can’t make a recommendation as I have not been to either place, but I do find the name Door Country and the descriptions of it very intriguing. I would choose that location for you.
I’ve never been to either place, but I vote for Bemidji, MN because my brother went there on a fishing trip and loved it.
Happy Anniversary!
door county wisconsin ty.
I would choose Door County because it is very charming. Be sure to ask the locals what shops and restaurants you should check out. They always know the best hidden spots.
I wish I could help you decide but I’ve never been to either place. However, there is something to enjoy no matter where you go. Hope the rest of your year goes smoothly. And enjoy your anniversary trip no matter where you go.
Bemidji, MN just because of its interesting name, which may portend an interesting vacation. I hurt, does this qualify me for need/hope of a little relaxation?
Door County is great in fall! There are plenty of boutique-y shops and spa services to check out if you are not blessed with good weather.
Sorry, I’m unfamilar with both-but I did google them and they both seem like nice places. Some other suggestions, of places that I have actually been too1.Sagatuck, MI -a B& B there is wonderful and relaxing, but a LITTLE PRICEY. How about Boston or Cape Cod? Both beautiful this time of year
I think you should really investigate Door County further and consider it for your trip. You will enjoy the scenery and find many fun and relaxing things to do there. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful trip!
First of all, congrats from my entire family on your 5th anniversary. Although I have never been to either WI or MN, how could you go wrong with either destination? I have done a search, and if you guys are into festivals, they are having several October 9 & 10 Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor, October 9 & 10— 37th Annual Townline Art Fair in Ephraim, and October 15 -17- Sister Bay Fall Festival, which consist of a Parade on Saturday, juried art & crafts, food booths, children’s activities, live entertainment, fall classic run, teen dance, ping pong ball drop on Sunday and more!
This sounds like alot of fun to me, and I know my husband and I would love to just be able to get away for a couple of days and spend some much needed together. I hope this information helps out, and I pray that you both a a safe trip to and from which ever vacation place you decide to take. Congrats again on the 5 yrs together and may God Bless You with many many more.
Tchoplin2009@gmail.com
Find a nice cabin to rent. The trees should be gorgeous in October.
Happy early Anniversary !
Our five year anniversary is also in October on the 22nd.
I have never been to either state but highly recommend our state of NC to visit.
October is a truly gorgeous time here. And a lot of people visit to ride along the parkway and view tha leaves.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Broken Bow for the great fall scenery, to learn about Native American history and to enjoy the outdoor activites.
Never been to either place so I’m not that much help. But maybe you could locate a nice bed and breakfast or a little cabin near a stream. As long as you have fun and enjoy each other it shouldn’t matter. Goog luck wherever you go.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
I am so surprised to see that Bemidji is one of your choices. I am from Bemidji, and have lived here most of my life. The leaves are turning right now! I would recommend staying at the Hampton Inn which overlooks lake Bemidji and is one of our nicest hotels in town, and from there you are close to our downtown and the famous Paul Bunyan and Babe statues. I wish you a happy anniversary and I hope you enjoy your vacation wherever you decide to go!
shawn113(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would say if you can do Wisconsin there should be some fabulous Oktoberfest events happening all month long- it’s been quite a while since we attended one but they are an awful lot of fun. 🙂
Enjoy, wherever you end up.
Never been to either town in particular but I have spent time camping in minnesota near the canadian border…it was beautiful. So that’s what I have to offer!
I think you should go to Hiddenite, NC and go gemstone mining. Not only is it GORGEOUS there, but it’s only $15 to go gemstone mining and when I went I left with about a thousand dollars worth of rough valuable gemstones. The people there will even cut your stones for you! There are plenty of places to eat there, but I prefer the fast food restaurant Bojangles. I don’t live anywhere near one now, and I miss it so much. Thanks for the contest! codisweepstakes2 (@) gmail(dot)com
If you’re considering Door County on the 9th and 10th, they will be having a Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor at that time.
I lived in MN for over 20 years and the North Shore Drive up into Canada from Duluth is so beautiful, in the fall, it brings you closer to the man upstairs and of course all the little shops and smoked fish houses are unique. All I can say is, my memories of that time are some of the best of my life.
I’ve had friends rave abour Door County. I would rent a nice cabin near some good hiking places. Happy anniversary!
I say go to Bemidji, MN just for the fact of the name sounds very intriquing and Im not familiar with either place.
i would pick door county ,wi.mom is going there in a week and says it a great place to visit with lots to do.
I am not familar with either of these places but I would recommend picking a place that is out of the fast lane so to speak – get back to nature.
Id say go for Minnesota, it’s probably gorgeous there this time of the year! 🙂
I have never been to either place but I sure do envy you having to make this decision! We haven’t had a vacation in so, so long. The Wisconsin trip would probably be my pick. I can just visualize a cabin by the water….a porch with rocking chairs….the leaves turning all their beautiful colors…and cool breezes calling for a sweatshirt and a fire. I can dream can’t I? Thanks for the giveaway, and Happy Anniversary!!
I would pick Minnesota simply because I was born there but have no memory of being there (we left before I was a year old) and have never been there since.
Never heard of Bemidji before and a couple of friends have been to Door County and said the hiking is great!
Lyndsey.Rullman(at)hotmail(dot)com
In Door County,WI the peak fall colors are in 2 weeks. Sounds like a great time to visit.
I live in MN, but don’t believe I have ever been to Bemidji or Door County. My mom, however, visited Door County and LOVED it. Her favorite thing there was that she went parasailing and had a blast. She did it at 60 years of age too!
I get the feeling that there’s a reason for selecting each location and if it’s that close of a call I would suggest Door County, WI merely because it appears to be much less of a drive… and who wants to spend any more of their vacation than they have to couped up in a vehicle?! 🙂
Bemidji is beautiful…whatever you do, seek out some time at the lake, seeking out fall colors, etc., it is breath-taking down there.
I can’t say that either sound so good.
never been to either unfortunately. I have a friend who lives in WI and she LOVES it there.Nothing but good things have been said about WI, so I guess that is my vote?
I havn’t been to either state. I actually never travel at all so really don’t have any tips.
chevybelair1@Juno.com
I would go for Door County. Especially with the weather cooling down it would be nice to spend it outdoors camping.
You should go to Hawaii because it is beautiful, relaxing, and serene.
Wilmington, North Carolina has mild Autumns and winters. Now that hurricane season is on the wane, it could be a great travel destination for all of you. Most jobs are in the restaurants, trucking, and medical fields. There are a variety of other employment opportunities as well.
Thank you. Take care.
Door County in October = Wonderful!!!
Happy Anniversary too! My 12th is coming up this month as well. October is a great anniversary month!
Bemidji, MN because there is nothing like seeing the leaves with all their colors and around all the lakes! That sounds just beautiful to me. I have never been but if they offer boating what a wonderful romantic time! Of course there is the Blue Ridge Parkway here in NC too! I think everyone from NC are proud of our state!
Anywhere in Wisconsin is amazing to visit this time of the year with the colors changing!
sure could use this as we drive to fl.in nov. and back in may and it is always terrible on my hips
I suggest that you try the wonderful state of North Carolina for your trip. In Oct. we have the most beautiful fall colors. People comes from many other states just to look at them. But if you must choose from the two choices you gave, I say Door County, WI. It looks to be on a lake and the fall folliage will probably be great.
I would say Gatlinburg TN! They have really nice cabins, and lots of fun things to do!
I have heard great things about Door County, WI. As I on the east coast, and have used all my vacation days to travel south to visit my family, I’m afraid I have no personal knowledge of either of those places. But I am sure that whichever you decide on, just getting away from home and its responsibitilities, you will have a great time!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Come to Maryland for blue crabs!
I haven’t been to the place in MN but I have been to Door Country WI and loved it. We went in the summer, but it should be GORGEOUS in the fall. It’s a beautifully wooded area with a little downtown full of shops and restaurants. While there we also did an outdoor play…can’t remember the name of the park where they have them….but it’s readily findable as they have them all the time. I highly recommend that as my family really enjoyed it!! Where ever you go, happy anniversary and have a great time!
Happy Anniversary!
I haven’t been to Minnesota or Wisconsin. I can tell you that
Oregon is very beautiful.
Cool, our 5th is at the end of October as well. Together for 10.
Never been to either place, but I like the sound of Door County. What better invitation to a new opportunity could you ask for? You could probably find a tasty poutine there too.
I would find a romantic bed and breakfast way out somewhere were the only thing to do is spend time together.
Am not familiar with that neck of the woods, so all I can suggest is to find a nice family camping ground and have a s’mores for me.
If you go to Bemidji, MN, I am not familiar. I have been to eden praire and it is a nice place. Besides Mall of America is very close!
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
I’d go to Door County.. I wasn’t too crazy about Bemidji. Two Harbors, MN is beautiful though. If you ever go there check out the Split Rock Lighthouse and The Black Woods Bar & Grill for good food.
Sorry, I am ignorant about those places. I would look to see if one of those have an observatory to enjoy the nightsky while you are there and that would be my choice! 🙂