I have been traveling to the tip of Wisconsin for more than thirty-five years. My brother and I would load up into the minivan, dad at the wheel and mom navigating, and leave our suburban Chicago house to head to the Door every other year or so of my childhood. Once you get past Sturgeon Bay, the world as we know it is left behind. There is not a Walmart, a McDonald’s, nor a Starbucks to find. Instead, big chains make way for galleries, small handy shops, and little restaurants. Cellular service is spotty at best. Mornings and nights are chilled perfection, lit with fireflies and a starry skies. Fish boils are nightly events, and the orchard trees sag with cherries. Green Bay sits to the west, mostly calm and inviting. Lake Michigan is to the east, beautiful and wild.
This was not an unusual vacation spot for Chicagoans like us. It is much more unlikely for Coloradans, though. But that’s okay … we need not let them in on our little Wisconsin secret.
Three years ago, Jason and I took the kids there for the first time and had a blast. Jameson has dubbed it the “best vacation ever” despite his many spoiled adventures. Needless to say, they were happy to head back this summer. And, it was made all the more wonderful, because Nana (Jason’s mama) joined us, which made this little summer getaway extra special.
We did many of the same things we did last time, with a few new and excellent exceptions. We chose to stay in Ephraim again, at the Eagle Harbor Inn. I love Ephraim, because it is centrally located between Sister Bay and Fish Creek, and it’s quieter than both. It has world class ice cream and the cutest and practically private (though not) beach. It’s adorable.
The Eagle Harbor Inn is all white, and big red geraniums show off against its exterior.
Ephraim’s harbor at sunset is … well … pretty lovely.
Wilson’s has the best ice cream. The child size is ridiculously gigantic. The single scoop for adults is like a bucket. So terrific.
Ephraim’s bluffs have pointy white steeples and Victorian houses.
The view of town from the beach is like a postcard from a different time, even on a cloudy day.
Just after the sun rises, the harbor is quiet.
Breakfast at the White Gull Inn is a must. We went on day one. Also, we maybe did take out on day two, as well.
We recommend the cherry pancakes and any kind of coffee cake offered that day. Also, buy the hand soap!
We took lots of little walks to take in the views like this.
And to engage in all kinds of family vacation photo shenanigans.
The shenanigans continued over at the Red Putter. This place has been around for ?? decades. I sat in this chair as a child myself. This is not the Mercedes of the mini golf world. It’s more like a humble jalopy.
There were holes in one. And holes in twenty.
And weird mannequins to boot! Making family memories all the while!
For the first time here, we tried our hand at fishing in Peninsula State Park. Jason bought a one-day Wisconsin fishing license and made friends with a state park ranger (of course) who was kind enough to let us borrow some rods. The kids and I had no idea what we were doing, but shout out to Daddy and Nana- they can both hook a worm and throw a beautiful cast like no one’s business!
Harper’s big catch …
Jameson’s big catch …
Good times were had by all.
After fishing, the sun came out and we treated ourselves to custard at Not Licked Yet. Yum.
We dipped our toes in the water and enjoyed an afternoon at the beach.
Dinner at the Boathouse was 100% delicious … salmon, blackened whitefish, catfish … we had it all.
As always, evenings were special. They are a bit like walking inside of a watercolor.
Old school.
The drive-in is always a must and a favorite. It was a beautiful night for a movie outside.
We went parasailing one afternoon. Even for the people who are a little cautious about heights (ahem … Daddy), this adventure was a high-flying success. Peaceful, fun, and scenic!
Before long, it was time to say goodbye to the Door. We love its simplicity and its waters, its cool air, and its spirit of the Midwest. But, we had one more important stop to make before boarding a plane in Green Bay …
Yes, we went to the land of the Pack. Lambeau Field was giant and fun to tour. I was not brave enough to admit to anyone there that I originally come from Chicago and would prefer to cheer on Da Bears. Packer fans are a committed bunch, I tell you.
Who knows? Maybe Jameson is destined to be a Cheesehead.
Thanks for following along with us. I hope you are gifted a painted sunset with your favorite people sometime this summer.
