Door County has been a special place for us for years. Here are a few of our favorite spots to eat, drink, relax, and explore. We hope they become yours too!
While we plan to keep you entertained well into the evenings, we hope you leave some time to explore the peninsula on a warm summer morning. Keep a water on the nightstand and set your alarm early, because some of the best of what Door County has to offer is enjoyed before noon! Here's a brief curated list of activities that keeps us busy in the morning. Be sure to check the bottom of this page for a link to Destination Door County for more recommendations.
This charming waterfront coffee shop is a must visit. You may be familiar with the tavern of the same name located just up the street. Grab a coffee to go and sit outside admiring the boats in the harbor. Alternatively, explore the shops on Cedar, Spruce, and Main streets of Fish Creek.
White Gull Inn's Door County Cherry French Toast achieved national praise when Good Morning America named it the nation's best breakfast. We can attest... it was fantastic! This is a meal you might want to walk off, however, which is perfect as Fish Creek boasts one of the more lively boutique shopping scenes on the peninsula. Arrive early! There are long lines on peak weekends.
Go on a hike, bike ride, or even play golf at Peninsula State Park, one of Wisconsin's largest and most visited state parks. Nellie and Charlie ran the Door County half marathon here in 2025... Nellie won by 10 minutes. Rematch is still to be scheduled. Please note there is a nominal daily vehicle entry fee.
Travelers search the corners of the earth looking for the best destinations, and we are thankful to have one of the best right in our backyard. Relax and pick a few spots to settle down with your favorite people (and maybe your favorite beverage too). It's easy to lose track of time in Door County, so don't forget about all the fun events we have planned for you throughout the weekend!
The Food Trucks at Chives are located right across the street from the welcome party venue. While Chives restaurant serves as a great upscale dining option, the food trucks are great for a more casual sandwich and beer... A little more our speed!
Relax with a glass of wine and cheese platter at our favorite wine bar. Sit out on the patio and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the picturesque Village of Ephraim. When the Murphys run out of wine (which very seldom happens), count on the Pearl to act as the local grocer!
Al Johnson's iconic Swedish restaurant doubles as one of Door County's most beloved beer gardens. Grab a cold one and enjoy the patio atmosphere. If you're lucky, you'll spot the (world?) famous goats grazing about the property. Be sure to look high and low...
Stop in for a beer at one of Sister Bay's mainstay taverns or enjoy live music outside at the Garage. Alternatively, take advantage of Sister Bay's open container law: grab a spiked frozen beverage from the Filling Station and wander the town's stores and beaches!
Enjoy a scoop (or five.. it's on the menu!) of ice cream at Wilson's, one of Door County's oldest and most recognized institutions! Take your ice cream to go, and roam the coast of Eagle Harbor along the idyllic town of Ephraim. Truthfully, our loyalty is still split between here and Door County Ice Cream Factory (where Nellie spent a summer scooping ice cream in high school). Check them both out if your stomach can handle it!
Fun for the whole crew! Live music, food vendors outside, and plenty of yard games to spark some friendly competition. If you're feeling lucky, head inside and see if you can find a board game with all its pieces still in the box...