By Kelly Prew, Tyler Morning Telegraph

Following is a reprint of an article written by Kelly Prew. She was one of a dozen travel writers visiting Door County for a Winter Press Tour. They saw plenty of snow, as their visit was during a major blizzard. And the Landmark Resort figured to be part of the solution.

What a week it has been. Where do I begin?

Vacation. For the first time in eight years, my husband and I went on an actual vacation -- bed and breakfast, outdoor activities and with a group of folks who became fast friends.

Many Texans travel south for fun in the sun, but we went north to Door County, Wis., and 4-degree weather, to include a blizzard and all the cider and hot chocolate we could drink!

Upon arrival at the Green Bay airport, weather reports began to circulate about a big storm on its way to the area. Locals were casually engaged in discussions along the way about closing shops early and getting home, but we were thinking, "Wow! Fresh snow in time for snowshoeing tomorrow."

We made it to our bed and breakfast, located in Ephraim, a small village in north Door County, known for its picturesque landscapes along the bay of Green Bay. We stayed at Eagle Harbor Inn directly across from the water.

Our suite fit the stereotypical winter retreat -- a large fireplace and oversized bed with feather comforter just perfect for relaxing with a book or snuggling with a cup of cider. And as I looked through our window, a light snow already had begun drifting into the area, offering a perfect view of winter.

Dinner was planned for 7 p.m. in Sturgeon Bay, about 30 miles south of Ephraim. Our driver picked us up and remarked that the snow was beginning to really fall in the southern part of the county. There was another couple in the minivan with us, so we all just talked and remarked about the visibility.

It wasn't long before we realized the trip to dinner wasn't going to happen as planned. Only about six miles from the inn, our driver received a phone call from another van, full of people that hit a snow bank. So we stopped and the occupants of that van piled into ours.

Now, the objective was to find a place to take shelter from the storm. The Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor, 10 miles from our inn,would be the place. We nearly made it. Another snow bank. Another stuck minivan. Kelly Prew, trapped like a sardine in a sweating tin can, began to panic. And I mean PANIC!

But realizing the situation wasn't so bad (there would be help everyone assured me), I began to calm down with a little fresh air gusting 60 mph through a small slit in a window opened graciously by our driver.
Tow trucks were not happening. Other drivers were in more dire situations. So a call to the restaurant would have to do. Could anyone help us?

And for those of you probably wondering what this has to do with a food column ...

We were rescued by the resort's chef, Fred! I feel he deserves an entire column for ushering us through the blizzard safely, all the while wearing his kitchen apron.
The fact business was nil, he volunteered to drive his giant crew cab, complete with snow plow, to rescue us. And he did so in fast fashion with a smile.

All 10 of us managed to squeeze into his truck and ride the quarter mile to the restaurant, where Chef Fred then whipped up a fine meal for each of us -- which was delicious, by the way.

The Landmark so wonderfully put the entire group up for the night on a special "bad weather" rate, and the tow trucks delivered both minivans to the resort before we woke the next morning.

And what a morning it was! There is nothing more beautiful than the landscape ofa farming community under the blanket of fresh snow. The sun was out and all was at peace.

I often think of Chef Fred and his kindness. He will forever be a part of the memory of that trip. And
whenever I encounter chefs from now on, I might just ask what extraordinary talents are under those tall, white hats they wear.