Four of our favorite ways to experience Door County vacations
When people talk about “Door County vacations,” the conversation usually involves cherry orchards, sunsets, lighthouses, and fish boils. And while those classic activities will always be part of the reason to visit the peninsula, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to explore Door County. Every traveler has “their” version of this place — whether it’s biking at sunrise, planning their own gallery tour, taking in as many concerts and performances as possible, or tasting their way through their favorite restaurants.
That’s part of what makes Door County vacations so memorable: no matter your style of travel, the peninsula has the perfect getaway for you. Here are four types of Door County experiences to help inspire your next trip — and Ephraim Shores Resort makes it easy to explore them all:
For adventurers: hiking, biking, and the great outdoors
If your ideal Door County vacations include some variety of trail maps, bike gear, and plenty of layers depending on the weather, the peninsula’s got you covered. With five state parks, 19 county parks, and nature preserves like the Door County Land Trust and The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County is a playground for hikers, cyclists, runners, skiers, and anyone who likes to be out in the fresh air.
Some of our favorite outdoor spots include the Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park, the limestone ledges of Cave Point County Park, and the quiet expanse of Newport State Park. Many of our guests who bike love the tree-lined stretches of County Road Q in between Ephraim and North Bay, as well as the 8-mile twists and turns of Ellison Bluff Road. If you find yourself on Ellison Bluff Road, be sure to visit Ellison Bluff County Park!
For art & culture lovers: plan your own gallery/studio/museum tour
There’s no shortage of creativity on the peninsula. From waterside galleries to restored barns filled with contemporary art, there are many ways to plan art-centered Door County vacations.
Here in Ephraim, we love the Hardy Gallery on the shores of Eagle Harbor — a seasonal gallery devoted to featuring new and established artists, including many who live and work on our peninsula. The Ephraim Village Museums, managed by the Ephraim Historical Foundation, is also worth a look for anyone interested in our village’s history.
Outside of Ephraim, we’d suggest spending an afternoon at Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek — don’t forget to take a walk through their outdoor sculpture garden! — or visiting the many working artist studios scattered throughout Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Sister Bay, and Ellison Bay.
For culture enthusiasts: theater, concerts, and live performances
Looking to plan your Door County vacations around music and theater? You won’t be disappointed. Northern Sky Theater brings original musicals to life under the open sky at Peninsula State Park and inside its intimate indoor space. Peninsula Players Theater presents five shows seasonally at their “theater in a garden” — the oldest summer resident theater in the United States.
If live music is your thing, you’ll want to check out the line-up at Door Community Auditorium, where nationally-touring acts and local musicians alike can be found on their Mainstage. In addition, many of the peninsula’s communities organize outdoor concert series during the summer and fall (one of them being “Evenings in Ephraim”).
For the foodie: restaurants, farmer’s markets, and local flavors
Some travelers experience a destination through its food, and Door County rewards that curiosity. The best part is that there’s so much to explore in Ephraim alone!
Enjoy a morning coffee at Leroy’s or Ephraim Coffee Lab before digging into a hearty breakfast at Sunset Harbor Grill (just upstairs from Ephraim Shores!) or grabbing a breakfast burrito at Good Eggs. Make plans for lunch at Chef’s Hat Cafe or Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor. For dinner, head to Pearl Wine Cottage for a glass of wine and snack before dining at La Sirena, a new restaurant in Ephraim that celebrates Mexican preparations and Midwestern ingredients. Or, get your fish boil fix by booking a reservation at Old Post Office Restaurant. No matter what combination of flavors you put together, food-focused Door County vacations will have you looking at the peninsula in a whole new way.
Visitors return to the peninsula again and again, discovering new ways to enjoy their Door County vacations. Some even celebrate life’s biggest moments here, choosing among the many beautiful wedding venues in Door County as their connection grows.
Wherever your plans take you, a central home base in Door County is essential for your ideal vacation. Ephraim Shores Resort offers convenient, waterfront lodging in downtown Ephraim, putting you close to the many parks, galleries, restaurants, and venues that make our peninsula so special.
Ephraim Shores Resort — a waterfront Door County resort for the whole family
Located in downtown Ephraim, Ephraim Shores is a family-friendly resort for groups of all sizes. From our private sundeck overlooking Eagle Harbor and our many room types to our beautiful waterfront location, Ephraim Shores has everything your family needs for the perfect vacation. Some of our amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, an exercise room and game room, and bikes for our guests to use. To make your reservation, contact us at 877-854-2371 or visit our website at ephraimshores.com.