Jammin Jane Travels: Ahhh...Door County

We left our slip in Door County (DC) early August, what I didn't expect was that it was pretty emotional for me. We have special friends and family in our harbor which made it difficult to say ~~goodbye~~ "see you next year". We also have been spoiled with, in my opinion, the best sunset views around. DC has landed in my heart which is why I thought I would share a little bit about the wonderful place we spend our summers. Door County, the largest county in Wisconsin, really is a peninsula with Green Bay to the West shore, Lake Michigan on its east side and "Death's Door" (where the waters of Green Bay meet Lake Michigan, this cut is called death's door. Traditionally this was a dangerous passage with many shipwrecks to confirm this) to the North. DC has close to 300 miles of gorgeous shoreline views making this a very popular vacation spot as well as a tourist mecca. The year round population is around 28,000 people but explodes close to 250,000 people from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We can't seem to get enough of this beautiful place and hope you come check it out for yourself. There is a bit of something for everyone. If you are a history buff, outdoorsman, professional shopper, boater, jet skier, kayaker, art and theatre lover, biker/hiker/camper, self described foodie or one who is looking to experience a stunning setting while relaxing, DC holds the key. With so much beauty to see, DC has become one of my favorite places. I love to wake up feeling the wind off the bay and the sound of the waves and ending the day soaking up the breathtaking sunset views. Door County has been referred to as "The Cape Cod of the Midwest" having charming old villages, peaceful harbors and fantastic beaches all without one chain store in sight!

Sturgeon Bay is the southern boundary of DC. It is an old boating town, with many things to do that include a stop at the Maritime Museum where you can board a tug boat to petting the animals at The Farm. If this doesn't interest you, how about some shopping in the cute downtown area or a sample of some local wine at the Simon Creek Vineyard. Our favorite places to eat include: Kinara Urban Eatery for a bit of Indian flair or a scrumptious Boar's Head sandwich. Looking for a great prime rib or a tasty perch fish fry? Try The Nightingale Supper Club, this is old school supper club...great food! Looking for some wonderful Northern Italian food, try Dal Santo which is located downtown. We loved their lamb shank and the walleye.

Heading north towards Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor you will see what DC is all about with apple orchards, farms and the gorgeous views of the water. Check out Alpine Beach in Egg Harbor, I hear it is a quaint beach with lodging, great place for kids. If you are into theatre, Bailey's harbor has this. Door Shakespeare offers plays outside during the summer months. Or visit Cana Island Lighthouse, it is a working lighthouse and you can climb the 97 steps to the top! Pack the SUV with some snacks, pillows, blankets and catch a movie at the outdoor Skyway Drive-in Theatre in Fish Creek.

Next stop... Ephraim! You should take a drive through Peninsula State Park, check out the light houses and the gorgeous views of the bay. You have to stop at Wilson's Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor for some delicious ice cream (huge scoops too!) and a hidden jelly bean! This is a Do Not miss spot! If you have not experienced a "Fish Boil" try the Old Post Office Restaurant, I hear it's a good one. They also serve a great breakfast. Show off your putting skills at The Red Putter. Stop at Jo Jo's Pizzeria for some amazing gelato (I luuuuuve ice cream but have become a bit obsessed with gelato recently...because of this place). Visit Anderson Dock and put your John Hancock on the building, great water views of Peninsula Park/Eagle Tower and Horseshoe Island. The sunsets here are breathtaking, you can almost here the sun sizzle as it dips into the water!

Head into Sister Bay going north on Route 42 where you will see a bit of everything! Food, bars, shopping, goats on roof tops (Al Johnson's), go-carts, put-put golf and ICE CREAM, yay!! We like Chop for a great steak that someone else prepares and cleans up! Enjoy Fred & Fuzzy's for an outdoor lunch overlooking the bay and rum punch to knock you out! Sister Bay Bowl is pretty much our go-to spot. We love Wednesday night corn beef and cabbage. Any other night, broasted chicken, fish fry and prime rib are all yummy.

Ellison Bay has a great market called Seaquist Orchards. Spend some time in here shopping for all the DC goods: Uncle Tom's pancake mix, Door County mustard, fresh apples, the baked goods are irresistible, fresh cherry juice and loads of mixes from soups to dips to desserts...stock your shelves (I have to make sure we are stocked with this pancake mix and mustard)! The drive north is always an annual drive for us, we make our final stop at Gills Rock and pick up a sweatshirt/t-shirt at the little shop near the ferry. There is a great restaurant called Shoreline that has a neat bar and overlooks the bay. If you ever find yourself here, make sure you take a picture with one of the huge anchors you will find on the lawn. Our friend found those at the bottom of the bay back in the late 1950's and used 5 gallon drums to float them to the top. Pretty neat!!

These stops are only a fraction of what DC has to offer, I'm probably not doing it much justice as we are on our boat most of the time. When we have guests we usually spend one day on land and these are some of the wonderful places we like to take them. Otherwise you will find us on our boat, or at the end of the dock with drinks in hand, grill going, appetizers being devoured, smiles plastered to our faces and gorgeous views for all to enjoy!!