How to spend six days in Door County

There is more to experience in Door County than a person can (or should) attempt to tackle in a week. Thankfully, we have 25 years of Northern Door favorites to share. We’ve outlined six days of activities we check off before summer passes us by. Can’t find what you like? We’re happy to provide recommendations for other ways to enjoy your time at Eagle Harbor Inn.

DAY ONE

After a long drive with the anticipation building every mile, we’ll welcome you with a glass of iced lemonade & homemade bars in the Inn. Ephraim’s beautiful white sandy beach is just a block away — ask for our colorful beach chairs if you think you might just stay awhile! For dinner, drive five minutes to Fred & Fuzzy’s in Little Sister, where you can snag a waterfront umbrella table to take in the spectacular view of the pristine bay and skip tones while you wait for your basket. Back in Ephraim, grab an ice cream cone from Wilson’s, a classic soda fountain from 1904. Then settle in for your first sunset over Eagle Harbor, a nightly attraction. You have arrived!

DAY TWO

Wake early for a run through our historic village & reward yourself at Leroy’s Coffee while you catch your breath. Once you’re fueled, take advantage of the breathtaking views at Peninsula State Park’s 18-hole golf course. Then head to Nicolet Bay in Peninsula State Park to rent a kayak. After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab sandwiches at Chef’s Hat in Ephraim. Remember to check out the camp store before you leave the park to buy a classic Pen Park tee. At dusk, American Folklore Theatre puts on original, funny, folk theatre productions in the park amphitheater under the stars. A must do!

DAY THREE

Goat’s on the roof: ever heard of it? If not, and even if you have, check out this curious Scandinavian tradition at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay. In true Scandi fashion, the Swedish pancakes and lingonberries are not to be missed. If it’s Saturday, head to “Corner of the Past” on Hwy. 57 to sample fresh produce, Door County products, and good conversation at the farmer’s market. Other Hwy. 57 highlights include the K. Allen Gallery, full of otherworldly glass creations, and Chelsea Antiques with Blue Willow Gallery. Then, wend your way east on ‘Q’ to Ridges Sanctuary for a forested hike. Guides are happy to help interpret what you see. When you return in the late afternoon, stop by Top Deck at Gordon Lodge for a crisp and refreshing waterfront drink, often accompanied by a jazz combo. No matter where you are, the even sky is breathtaking.

DAY FOUR

A trip to Door County wouldn’t be complete without taking the winding road to Northport, where you can take the ferry to Washington Island. On the way, stop at Charlie’s Smokehouse for his smoked whitefish or salmon for your picnic lunch. On the Island rent mopeds to see the sights. On your return down Hwy. 42, take a left on NP, north of Ellison Bay to the 90* turn; park in field on right. Straight ahead is a hidden gem managed by the Nature Conservancy. Walk three-fourths of a mile in the woods to observe a thriving habitat for waterfowl at the Mink River Estuary. As you make your way back to Eagle Harbor Inn, grab your beach towel for a nap on Ephraim Beach before heading out for rustic gourmet pizza at Wild Tomato in Fish Creek. Cap off your evening with cold stone custard from Malibu Moos & be sure to say hi to our daughter Ava.

DAY FIVE

Walk down to Good Eggs in Ephraim for Joel’s filling potato & egg wrap — it’ll keep you satisfied until late in the day. Be inspired by local Ephraim artists at Fine Line Design and the Hardy Gallery, the graffiti-covered boathouse on Anderson Dock. Try your own hand at Hands On Studio where you can spend the afternoon in the country making art, whether your medium is ironwork, pottery, glass or mosaic. The folks at Hand’s On will fire it for you to pick up the next day. After you’ve exhausted your creative juices, plan to take a sunset sail of Eagle Harbor to see Door County from a different perspective. For dinner, Whistling Swan offers fabulous global cuisine in an intimate setting in downtown Fish Creek.

DAY SIX

On your last day, linger in bed and enjoy the warm homemade goodness that is our Homemade Breakfast Basket, delivered right to your door. Wake up with a walk to Anderson Pond, a three-quarter mile nature hike in Ephraim. Rent a tandem bike for two from Edge of Park Rentals in Fish Creek and cruise the streets of town, breaking every once in a while to shop for souvenirs to take home. Enjoy lunch at Stillwater’s, an outdoor cabana where you can get a quick bite to eat while watching the bustling streets of Fish Creek. Don’t miss the jewelry at J. Jeffrey Taylor’s, or the leathers at Hyde Side Boutique. Take Cottage Row up and out of Fish Creek to admire the century-old cottages. The rural landscape of orchards and barns will remain with you long after you return home. End your leisurely tandem ride at the village of Egg Harbor where you can indulge in artisanal Wisconsin cheeses and homemade crackers at Schoolhouse Creamery. On your final evening, take in a show performed by Door Shakespeare, a play in the garden at Bjorklunden in Bailey’s Harbor. After all that fun and relaxation, you’ll want to start planning your next trip to Door County soon.