Door County has long been a beloved tradition for people looking to make memories with loved ones, enjoy life's simple pleasures and explore one of the most beautiful parts of Wisconsin.
With charming small towns, a vibrant art scene, unique local businesses and one-of-a-kind experiences you won't find anywhere else, Door County truly is a Wisconsin treasure. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the area:
1. Door County Coffee
Door County Coffee ships to all 50 states, but it is 100 percent roasted and packaged in the Door County location. Stop by their cafe and store for some homemade food and delicious coffee drinks. We recommend trying an espresso "flight" to find your favorite drink!
2. Ephraim's Shops and Galleries
Door County as a whole is known for its unique art and talented artists, and one of our favorite spots to gallery hop is the village of Ephraim. From prints, to pottery, to fine art and other gifts, there really is something for everyone.
3. Northern Sky Theater
Northern Sky Theater seems to have grown right out of the woods in Peninsula State Park. This theater showcases solely original musicals that are set in our region, and particularly in Wisconsin. To see a live show under the stars is a singular, almost magical, experience which shouldn't be missed!
4. Sunset over Eagle Harbor
The Village of Ephraim offers some of the best shoreline access in the county, and the sunsets over Eagle Harbor are unparalleled. Grab some ice cream at Wilson's and find a good spot to take in the show. When the sun sinks below the horizon, you'll often hear applause from captivated spectators.
5. Parasailing
From kayaks, to SUP, to pontoons, there are tons of ways to get out onto the water in Door County. But to experience the water from a whole new perspective, we recommend parasailing with Wisconsin Waterwings in Ephraim.
6. Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island is the largest lavender farm in the Midwest. Along with breathtaking views and the wonderful lavender aroma, you can learn from experts about the plant and its byproducts.
7. Lavender Products
Whether at the farm store on Washington Island, or their retail store in Fish Creek, you have to sample some of Fragrant Isle's lavender products. From lotions and soaps, to chocolate and ice cream, you can find some amazing items, all made using naturally grown and chemical-free lavender.
8. Evenings in Ephraim
Is there anything better than live music on a summer night? We think not! Evenings in Ephraim is a summer concert series on Monday nights at Olson Park.
9. Peninsula Players Theatre
Peninsula Players Theatre is America's oldest resident summer theater, located on 16 beautiful acres of cedar forests on the shores of Green Bay. Here you can experience big-city quality theater in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. Be sure to pack a picnic, come early, and enjoy a cocktail as you stroll through beautiful gardens and along over 1,000 feet of shoreline.
10. Fyr Bal Festival
Fyr Bal Festival is Ephraim's annual event to celebrate the summer solstice. The street gets closed down to make room for vendors, live entertainment and pie-eating contests. And when the sun goes down, giant bonfires light up the rim of the harbor.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy Door County? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin.
- Jessica Murphy is a producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
With charming small towns, a vibrant art scene, unique local businesses and one-of-a-kind experiences you won't find anywhere else, Door County truly is a Wisconsin treasure. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the area:
1. Door County Coffee
Door County Coffee ships to all 50 states, but it is 100 percent roasted and packaged in the Door County location. Stop by their cafe and store for some homemade food and delicious coffee drinks. We recommend trying an espresso "flight" to find your favorite drink!
2. Ephraim's Shops and Galleries
Door County as a whole is known for its unique art and talented artists, and one of our favorite spots to gallery hop is the village of Ephraim. From prints, to pottery, to fine art and other gifts, there really is something for everyone.
3. Northern Sky Theater
Northern Sky Theater seems to have grown right out of the woods in Peninsula State Park. This theater showcases solely original musicals that are set in our region, and particularly in Wisconsin. To see a live show under the stars is a singular, almost magical, experience which shouldn't be missed!
4. Sunset over Eagle Harbor
The Village of Ephraim offers some of the best shoreline access in the county, and the sunsets over Eagle Harbor are unparalleled. Grab some ice cream at Wilson's and find a good spot to take in the show. When the sun sinks below the horizon, you'll often hear applause from captivated spectators.
5. Parasailing
From kayaks, to SUP, to pontoons, there are tons of ways to get out onto the water in Door County. But to experience the water from a whole new perspective, we recommend parasailing with Wisconsin Waterwings in Ephraim.
6. Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island is the largest lavender farm in the Midwest. Along with breathtaking views and the wonderful lavender aroma, you can learn from experts about the plant and its byproducts.
7. Lavender Products
Whether at the farm store on Washington Island, or their retail store in Fish Creek, you have to sample some of Fragrant Isle's lavender products. From lotions and soaps, to chocolate and ice cream, you can find some amazing items, all made using naturally grown and chemical-free lavender.
8. Evenings in Ephraim
Is there anything better than live music on a summer night? We think not! Evenings in Ephraim is a summer concert series on Monday nights at Olson Park.
9. Peninsula Players Theatre
Peninsula Players Theatre is America's oldest resident summer theater, located on 16 beautiful acres of cedar forests on the shores of Green Bay. Here you can experience big-city quality theater in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. Be sure to pack a picnic, come early, and enjoy a cocktail as you stroll through beautiful gardens and along over 1,000 feet of shoreline.
10. Fyr Bal Festival
Fyr Bal Festival is Ephraim's annual event to celebrate the summer solstice. The street gets closed down to make room for vendors, live entertainment and pie-eating contests. And when the sun goes down, giant bonfires light up the rim of the harbor.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy Door County? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin.
- Jessica Murphy is a producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.