So you’re thinking that Wisconsin is not exactly a desirable destination, right? Like, who goes to Wisconsin on purpose?
We do! And you should too! Please, please, please meet Door County, Wisconsin. It is a gem of a place, a throwback to simple beauty, simple activities, and simple joys. And for me, it is like taking a giant bite of cherry filled nostalgia pie.
Here’s the quick and short of this place: A string of small adorable towns in the upper peninsula of Wisconsin, Green Bay to the west and Lake Michigan to the east, no chain restaurants, stores, or hotels, stitched with cherry and apple orchards, littered with birch trees and wildflowers, and hugged with bays, harbors, boats, and golden sunsets. It’s peace on earth, I think.
I’ve been coming to Door County as far back as I can remember. I loved it as a child on a paddle boat, eating ice cream from Wilsons, and reading Nancy Drew books on an Adirondak chair in muggy air. I loved it as a teenager eating Swedish pancakes at Al Johnsons, shopping at the boutique stores, and lounging on the back of a pontoon watching my sweet dad navigate Green Bay. I continue to love it as an adult who now shares it with a husband and children. It is so sweet.
Well that was a bit heavy. I realize not everyone shares deep childhood memories here. But consider this: if you’ve ever wanted to live out an actual Hallmark movie, this is the place for you. (You know that it’s a little bit true.) Take out postcard, walk in.
This was Harper and Jameson’s first official visit, and Door County was a hit with them, too. Though Jason and I have been a few times, it was our first stay at this lovely bed and breakfast inn in the town of Ephraim. Eagle Harbor was a delight and perfect for a family, though couples and people of all ages roamed its grounds happily.
After settling in. we headed right to one of the peninsula’s most well-known restaurants, Al Johnson’s. Get your Swedish food fix here. Jameson gorged himself on Swedish pancakes, while Harper and Daddy chose meatballs. I mostly indulged on Swedish limpa bread smothered with butter and lingonberries. Win-win for everyone.
After dinner, we headed straight to the Red Putter. Best mini golf place ever. Ever. Except not really. If you are looking for run down, hand-made obstacles on questionable greens, this is the place for you. Oh, it is darling! Honestly, I’ve never know a soul who hasn’t loved golfing at the Red Putter. If you are local, you can actually enter the tournament. Last year’s winner won $2000. Just saying …
Over the next three glorious days here, we spent a lot of time on Ephraim’s sweet beach.
We swam and took paddle boats out to Green Bay.
Okay, the word “we” might be an overstatement here. I dipped my toes in Green Bay. Um, brrr. But the other three were so brave and had such fun!
We ate giant bowls of ice cream from the famous Wilson’s Restaurant.
We strolled along picturesque avenues, bopped in and out of shops, and admired the summer flowers in bloom everywhere.
We ate breakfast at the White Gull Inn.
And ate our weight in cherries.
We went to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater.
We climbed lighthouses and took in lake air.
We paused, laughed, breathed, loved, appreciated. Big joys here.
We awoke on our last morning sad to go. Until next time, Door County … I hope it’s sooner than later.
P.S. Not pictured- car travel whining, sweaty humid armpit stains, crying about big flying bugs, a giant fall into a more giant mud puddle causing mud to deluge body parts including nostrils and earholes
Ahhh, life is about maintaining a humble balance, isn’t it?
I hope you have a place as special as this one in your life. If you don’t, give good old Wisconsin a try. You might even fall in love with cheese curds.
