Travel to Wisconsin's Door County
Visit Small Towns and Quaint Inns Lining Lake Michigan's Coast
Nov 5, 2008
Lining the coast of Lake Michigan, is 80 mile long Door County Peninsula, featuring picturesque small towns, 30 beaches, five state parks, golf courses, lodges, art galleries and 10 lighthouses. It’s possible to drive up the Lake side, curve around and drive down the Green Bay side in one day, but it is best to linger for a few nights or more.
Door County is approximately 40 miles from Green Bay, 150 miles from Milwaukee and 230 miles from Chicago.
Historic Inn in Sturgeon Bay
Begin the experience in the gateway city of Sturgeon Bay, at the historic Inn At Cedar Crossing Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1884, the Inn is listed in the National Historic Register. The Victorian-era dining room was named “the county’s best restaurant” by a New York Times critic. Dinner entrees may include mesquite-grilled elk loin or quail with hazelnut crust. Nine guest rooms are furnished with fine antiques, elegant fabrics and down-filled comforters. The Gathering Room is always stocked with lemonade and freshly-made cookies.
Goats on the Roof
After a hearty breakfast, drive north and consider a stay at the Edgewater Resort in the village of Ephraim, where all rooms have a view of the harbor. Further north in Sister Bay, be sure to stop at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, famous not only for Swedish pancakes, but for the spectacle of goats grazing on the grass roof. From Memorial Day weekend through the Fall Festival weekend, the goats are transported from their home farm each day. The roof is slanted, but not one has ever fallen off. On rare occasions, one will “help” another one off with a friendly head butt.
Follow Highway 42 through the villages of Ellison Bay and Gill’s Rock, then down the other side through Northport, Rowley’s Bay and Bailey’s Harbor to Jacksonport.The Square Rigger Lodge on the shores of Lake Michigan features the Fish Boil, one of Door County’s specialties. As the story goes, fishermen and farmers of the last century provided the fish boil as sustenance for groups of hungry lumbermen and settlers.
The Fish Boil
A Fish Boil consists of locally caught whitefish, new potatoes and sweet onions boiled to perfection out-of-doors over a wood fire in a large stainless steel kettle. During this process, the fish oils rise to the surface of the water. Immediately before removing the contents, the Master Boiler throws kerosene into the fire beneath the kettle resulting in a tremendous burst of flames, forcing the water and oil to boil over the rim. The steaming hot fish, potatoes and onions are immediately served with a generous amount of hot melted butter. Included are cole slaw and Door County cherry or apple pie for dessert!
How Door County Got it’s Name
Door County got its name from the northernmost tip, Washington Island, once known as Door of Death, where Green Bay and Lake Michigan come together. Tricky currents and unpredictable weather made Death’s Door a challenge to 19th century helmsmen.
Today’s residents have preserved the tranquil feel of this place.Shops are given homespun names like Silly Goose General Store and homeowners have carved signs in their yards, with names like Still Meadow or House by the Side of the Road. It comes as no surprise that Door County has been voted Best Small Town Getaway in the midwest by Midwest Living Magazine, June 2007 issue.
 |
 |
