By Robin Mosley × Vaughn Lowery
In Door County, Wisconsin you can expect a luxurious stay where you’ll get the best of both worlds — nature and an artisanal experience featuring exceptional food and beverage options, as well as artistic features. Door County has always been a welcoming place to visitors since the beginning of its inception.
Historically, it’s been home to Native American tribes such as the Potawatomi, the Winnebago, the Ojibwe, the Sauk, the Menominee and the Ottawa. European settlers also were a part of the Door County community. But the peninsula has always had residents with many dating back 12,000 years ago. This is to say, Door County, Wisconsin is welcoming to people from all walks of life.
Book a stay at Glidden Lodge Beach Resort in Sturgeon Bay. The property has everything you need to enjoy your stay as a family, a group of friends and as a solo traveler. Their one, two- and three-bedroom units all offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and beachfront access. Other properties in Door County include bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, cottages and houses, hotels, log cabins, resorts and wheelchair accessible lodging to fit your needs.
Your stay can begin at Sturgeon Bay, where you can visit an array of museums, nature sites and rustic food businesses such as Sturgeon Ship Bay canal, Potawatomi State Park and the preserves.
If you are looking to shop and dine, then Door County’s historic shopping districts have an array of dining and beverage options. One such place is Renard’s Cheese, a family owned, and operated business ran by third generation cheesemakers. You can then follow that up with a stop at Door County Candy, which will satisfy your sweet tooth with handcrafted chocolates and treats.
After if you’re interested in the art scene, then check out the Margaret Lockwood Gallery, featuring Lockwood’s award-winning abstract paintings, which highlights the beauty and landscapes of Door County; or go see incredible art from over 198 artists spanning drawing, printmaking, and photography mediums at Miller Art Museum. After enjoying a fully packed day, you can finish your day off with dinner at Crate Restaurant with some of the best food — a mix of fresh seafood, steaks and high-quality sushi.
Sister Bay is known for Seaquist Orchards where the cherries are tart, and apples are crisp. With over 1,000 acres of cherries and 30 acres of apples and acres of apricots and pears, you’ll be around nothing but beautiful nature and artisan treats. To keep the orchard experience going, have brunch at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, where the goats grazing on grass the roof in the summer will fit the bill.
The Norwegian and Moravian roots of Ephraim are part of its modern life. At the Ephraim Historical Foundation, you can learn about the Moravian religious community, founded by the Reverend Andreas Iverson as well as see some of its historic sites such as The Moravian Church, the Pioneer Schoolhouse and the Anderson Store. The Hardy Gallery is located on Ephraim’s historic Anderson Dock and features local and regional artists. The Blue Dolphin House and BDH Studio contains a gallery located in an 1860s renovated farmhouse surrounded by pine trees and a beautiful garden.
Ellison Bay has an artsy vibe. The Clearing Folk School founded by architect Jens Jensen is a 128-acre school surrounded by forests and meadows which overlook the Green Bay shoreline. All year round, the school provides classes and workshops following folk traditions of fine crafts and natural sciences. From painting, writing, quilting, birding, wood carving, rustic furniture making and more, you will have an incredible time. Before your departure, you should stop by Rob Williams Studio to witness unconventional landscape paintings.
If you’re looking for old Swedish traditions, you should stroll down the marina, play in the parks and beaches and dine on the finest goods in Fish Creek. Fish Creek has the largest single store retailer of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, The Oilere. Or you can visit the Swedish-American bakery, Fika Bakery & Cafe and Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market, where during the summer you can purchase freshly picked Montmorency cherries. Around dinnertime, the Fish Boil at Rowley’s Bay Resort in Ellison Bay serves freshly caught Lake Michigan whitefish that is cooked over an open fire. Finally, end your evening under the beautiful night sky at Northern Sky Theater located in Peninsula State Park.
To end your time in Door County you can look at the waterfront in Egg Harbor. You can also visit the Cappaert Contemporary Gallery, or the Plum Bottom Gallery where you’ll see handcrafted porcelain and stoneware first-hand. Harbor Ridge Winery is a great place that makes award-winning wines in a fun atmosphere. Then head next door to Wisconsin Cheese Masters which sells only the finest Wisconsin produced cheeses. Finally, have dinner at Glacier Ledge which celebrates cheese through their small plate menu.
There’s a lot to do in Door County and anyone who’s looking to enjoy nature, art and artisanal goods will find every part of this trip worth their time. This location would be great for anyone who prefers a more elegant and rustic stay. For more information on what Door County could provide, visit www.doorcounty.com.
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