Sunday, August 16, 2015

Door County 2015

If you live in Wisconsin (or close) and haven't been to Door County, you need to bump it to the top of your list.  It's one of my favorite places.  Brett and I have been lucky enough to go to Door County the last three years as a couple, kid free.  It's been a team effort.  My dad has gotten us a gift certificate the past few years to stay at different bed and breakfasts, and both my mom and Brett's mom have taken care of the girls while we were away.

We always look forward to this trip, and this time was no different.  We stayed at the Whistling Swan in Fish Creek.  It was a cute, charming bed and breakfast, that also had a nice restaurant.  We ate there our first night.  

The first morning we were there, we rented a tandem bike and did a 13 mile loop through Peninsula State Park.  I would highly recommend doing it, and if you haven't tried a tandem, it's a fun thing to do as a couple.  We rented our bike from a place across the street from the entrance and paid half of what they were asking at the shop right near the park.  


On our way to lunch, I got stung by a wasp on my toe, which really put a damper on the rest of our time there.  I cannot believe how badly the sting hurt, and I ended up needing to put ice on it for the rest of our time there.  Even a week later, it is still sore.  We tried to make the most of our trip though, and did what we could to enjoy time together and apart from the kids.  

We visited the marina that Brett designed in Egg Harbor.

We relaxed and read.

We drove through the different towns, this is in Ephraim.

We had amazing food.  (GF pizza and sangria from Wild Tomato in Fish Creek)

We shared ice cream from Wilsons and listened to live music at a park.

Saw beautiful sunsets.

And visited a winery and little shop on our way out of town.

There are so many awesome things to do in Door County.  It almost doesn't feel like you are in Wisconsin when you are up there.  All of the little towns have so much to offer.  I'll leave you with a list of my favorites.

Favorite restaurants:
Wild Tomato - great pizza (GF options),  Fish Creek
The Cookery - they offer a great variety for all meals (GF options), Fish Creek
Chop - awesome steak , Sister Bay

Best place to get ice cream:
Wilsons in Ephraim 

Best shopping:
Fish Creek

Favorite activities:
Anything in Peninsula State Park (biking, hiking, driving a loop)
Going to the beach (Sister Bay has a great new beach area)
Visiting a winery
Cherry picking

Favorite place to stock up on salsa, fudge, jam, etc.:
Wood Orchard Market, just outside of Egg Harbor

Favorite Bed & Breakfast (so far):
Blacksmith Inn - It is on the other side of Door County in Bailey's Harbor, but the accommodations were great, breakfast was good, and they offered free bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks.  It is only a 15 - 20 minute drive to the other towns, and is nice if you are looking for quiet.