A lakeside tradition and the end of a season on the road
Every stretch of a long journey eventually reaches a closing chapter. For this part of my 50 at 60 adventure, that moment arrived in the lakeside towns of Wisconsin’s Door County.
After several days wandering through the peninsula, exploring quiet harbors and scenic roads, it was time to wrap up this leg of the trip. But before heading home, there was one more uniquely Wisconsin experience waiting.
A Door County Tradition
One of the traditions Door County is known for is something called a fish boil. At first glance it seems simple enough… a large pot of water, fresh whitefish from nearby waters, potatoes, and onions all cooking together outdoors over an open flame. But the process has a bit of theater to it.
As the water begins to boil and the fish oils rise to the surface, the cook tosses kerosene onto the fire, creating a dramatic burst of flames that forces the pot to boil over. The oils spill away, leaving the fish perfectly cooked. It is part cooking method… part spectacle… and part long-standing regional tradition.
Standing there watching the flames shoot up and the pot boil over, it was easy to see why this experience has become a favorite evening ritual for visitors to Door County.
Reflections Along the Water
After the fish boil and the last evening in Door County, I spent some time walking along the shoreline. The water was calm. The light was soft. Boats rocked gently in the harbor. It felt like the perfect setting to pause and reflect on the journey so far.
Travel like this has a rhythm to it. New towns, new roads, new stories unfolding every few days. But every once in a while you reach a moment where the road slows down and you take stock of everything you have experienced.
This part of the Midwest journey had been filled with quiet discoveries… scenic drives… and places that reminded me how much character small American towns can have.
A Thought Inspired by Anthony Bourdain
While traveling through these lakeside communities, I found myself thinking about something I had seen years earlier on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. In one episode, Bourdain visited the coastal region of Brittany, France, a place where seafood traditions and seaside villages define the culture.
Standing along the water in Wisconsin, watching the fishing boats and enjoying the fish boil tradition, I couldn’t help noticing the similarity in spirit. Different continents. Different cultures. But the same idea.
Communities shaped by the water… and by the traditions that grow around it.
Wrapping Up This Chapter
As I prepared to head back toward Chicago and eventually home, it felt like a natural closing point for this season of the journey. The Midwest had offered its own unique character… wide landscapes, historic towns, national parks, and quiet lakefront communities.
It had also given me plenty to think about as this larger 50 at 60 adventure continued.
Traveling through the country like this has a way of reminding you how diverse and interesting these regions can be… especially when you slow down and explore them one town at a time.
Watch the Episode
This story comes from Episode 40 of my 50 at 60 journey, the final episode of this Midwest leg of the trip.
In the video you’ll see a traditional Door County fish boil, reflections from the lakeside towns of Wisconsin, and a look back at the experiences that made this stretch of the journey memorable.
You can watch the full episode below.
