WISCONSIN

[Scrod Prickknee]

Why? He asked for Sturgeon Bay. The places I'm thinking of are not online. On the west side of town (across the Bay, if you're coming from Fish Creek), go across the old covered bridge on Michigan Ave (not the one a few blocks away) and continue up Michigan for maybe 3-4 blocks. On your left, on a corner, is the place where I found Creme Soda and a bunch of private press LPs & cool local WI 50s/60s records. The last couple times I was there, there was very little vinyl left, and it was out in their warehouse. It may have to be dropped from the list, but it used to serve me very well. There used to be another antique shop next door with cool old record players and shit, but I think that's now a gift shop.

South of Sturgeon Bay, near Little Sturgeon out in the sticks, there are a couple shops that get odd stuff from local farmers. I've found crazy-good 45s for cheap at this place:

Ken's Granary
2931 County Road Mm
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-2173

...as well as some real oddball non-musical items. Haven't been there for a year or so, and stock changes over a lot, so who knows? They also have weird hours sometimes, so maybe call to confirm. Sturgeon Bay actually had a lot of national bands play back in the day, as well as bands further north who played to the vacationing hordes, so it wouldn't hurt to hit up all the thrift/antique spots I guess. I'd personally go driving around/hiking and get on a boat if possible, maybe hit Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant with the goats on the roof and imported Swedish waitresses, or eat the DC cherry stuffed French Toast at White Gull Inn in Fish Creek (voted best breakfast in America), you're probably not going to find bonzers on this trip.

[DaveK]

I've convinced my wife to stop off at these places on our way into Fish Creek from Chicago (we are driving from there).

I'll be staying at some fucking cottage place in town, and will likely just hang out in Fish Creek for the weekend as this is a wedding for a close homeboy who I still see regularly if not weekly. Going off and doing my own thing won't be an option. Rehearsal dinner's at the White Gull --> Bayside Tavern. Wedding's at some beach park.

I appreciate the info there Scrod.....I owe you if you ever come to NYC or go to Maine.

[Scrod Prickknee]

To get on Michigan Ave from south, take the town exit (not bypass). I think that just turns into Michigan (maybe called Green Bay Rd at that point?). The Granary is a bit out of the way, but whatever. Courtney (Tears/Bold Ones), the broad from Electric Hellfire Club and others have been bartenders at Bayside over the years, which is owned by the parents of Pat McDonald (Timbuk 3), who lives in Sturgeon Bay and has a really cool act nowadays (k. can back this one up). It can be a good place to hang.

Maine is seriously right near the top of the list of places I haven't explored but want to - I've only made it to NH/VT, which I love. Within the next couple years, for sure. If you have any more questions, check back here or message me and I'd be glad to help wherever I can.

[tina]

Hey k. weren't we in sturgeon bay when we went to that thrift store over the summer?  It wasn't amazing or anything but I did find a cool pair of pants and a sweet vintage designer purse.  And the prices were crazy cheap... Like 50 cents or a buck for most things

[k.]

That was this place:

http://feedmypeopledoorcounty.com/

They didn't have any records that I saw, but I did get a copy of Can't Stop, Won't Stop (hip-hop book I already own) for $.50.

[Scrod Prickknee]

Looks like the old roller rink. I heard "Christine Sixteen" and "Summer of 69" there more times than a centipede can count.

[bradxxx]

i lived in sturgeon bay.

green bay has rock n roll land record store, its decent but overpriced, still worth stopping if driving through the area. 

[DaveK]

I hit all of the places Scrod recommended. Unfortunately, according to "Ken" he hasn't had records in a while. Bummer.

The thrift store in Sturgeon Bay didn't have records either.

I stopped at a couple "antique malls" on my way into Fish Creek. I bought a handful of records so it was worth the prior unsuccessful stops.

Thanks for the tips Scrod.

[Scrod Prickknee]

I've been to both within the year, and Ken had a bunch of 45s (at least a few hundred) maybe last spring, and the other place (like I mentioned) was getting low maybe last winter, oh well. I don't get up there often enough anymore for a good overview I guess. Glad you got some regardless!

[DaveK]

Richard's which was down the road from Ken's had a bunch of totally fucked 45's.

Trip was worth it for the very nice OG copy of Shadows of Knight - Back Door Men and new moccasins. Setting aside the friends wedding.