Here Are the 7 Best Reasons to Visit Door County
If you’re searching for the perfect destination for the ultimate getaway, take a trip to Door County. This rural, yet exciting area in Wisconsin features breathtaking scenery, an impressive culinary and drink scene, and more, throughout an array of charming towns. For a detailed list of some of the best reasons to visit Door County—read on!
Reasons to Visit Door County
1. You Can Stay in a Luxurious, Adults-Only Hotel
During your Door County getaway, you’ll need somewhere comfortable and accommodating to rest your head. The Ashbrooke Hotel is a superior hotel with pristine guest rooms and a copious amount of amenities. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor lap pool, outdoor deck and firepit, in-room wet bars and toiletries, and exceptionally hospitable staff.
2. The Peninsula Is Filled With Many Wonderful Towns
The Door County peninsula sits between Green Bay, WI, and Lake Michigan. One of the most appealing things about staying at The Ashbrooke Hotel during your vacation is that our hotel sits in Egg Harbor, which is right in the heart of Door County. This makes it convenient for you to explore the other surrounding towns, each unique and charming in their own way. Neighboring towns include Baileys Harbor, Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, and more!
3. There Is a Plethora of Gorgeous Parks
Not much can beat spending a day outside exploring the natural beauty of Door County. With five state parks, 19 county parks, and a variety of other places to enjoy outdoor recreation, your options for a day of adventure are nearly endless. Some of the parks that you should add to your Door County bucket list are Whitefish Dunes State Park, Peninsula State Park, Cave Point County Park, and Ridges Sanctuary. In addition, there is also an impressive list of golf courses on the peninsula that you can enjoy on a beautiful day.
4. The Lighthouses Take You Back in Time
When you visit Door County, you’ll find that there are many lighthouses along the shores. Since the 1800s, these beacons have safely guided sailors as they made their way through the lakes. Most of these lighthouses are retired and no longer operating, but they still stand as symbols of strength, protection, and history in the county. During your trip here, be sure to make time for a visit to these picturesque local treasures. You can even tour the inside of some of them! To get a close-up view from the water, take a ride on the Washington Island Ferry. Favorite local lighthouses include the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Sherwood Point Lighthouse, and the Cana Island Lighthouse. You can also learn more about the lighthouses at the Door County Maritime Museum.
5. You Can Gaze at Cherry Blossoms and Eat Sweet Cherries
Door County’s cooler spring months and unique soil composition make it an ideal spot for growing cherries. Usually, around mid-May is when the trees begin to blossom and yield dazzling cherry blossoms. You’ll want to be sure to bring your camera along to snap some photographs of these picture-perfect flowers. Then, Door County cherry-picking season takes place each year between mid-July and mid-August. It’s the sweetest time of the year! You can visit local orchards to pick your own cherries, or pick up a delicious cherry treat—like homemade cherry pie!
6. You Can Sip Local Beer, Wine and More
Did you know that Door County is the home to an up and coming wine, beer, cider, and spirits scene? Sip an ale made from local ingredients at the breweries—Door County Brewery, Shipwrecked Brewery, and Starboard Brewing Company. If beer isn’t your forte, try a refreshing cider at Island Orchard Cider. Or, indulge in a wine tasting at one of the fantastic wineries, such as Simon Creek Winery, Stone’s Throw Winery, Harbor Ridge Winery, and more!
7. The Restaurants Will Make Your Mouth Water
With an array of locally-owned restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining, it’s easy to eat your way through Door County. Start your day off with a cup of complimentary coffee and a yummy pastry in the lobby at The Ashbrooke Hotel. Or, take a stroll to Buttercups Coffee on Main Street. For a casual lunch, head to Wild Tomato for handcrafted pizza or Casey’s BBQ & Smokehouse. For an elevated dining experience for dinner, choose from Chop in Sister Bay, or Chives in Baileys Harbor.
For a truly authentic Door County food experience, attend a fish boil. For years, these special community events have brought everyone together for an evening full of fresh food, lively music, and good company. A fish boil is a traditional technique for cooking large amounts of fish that involves a stainless steel pot placed over a fire and filled with locally caught whitefish steaks with salt and potatoes. Before the boil master pulls the pot off, they throw fuel onto the fire, causing the flames to engulf the fish and the water to boil over. The White Gull Inn is famous for their fish boils.
Start Planning Your Vacation
Now that you have learned about some of the best reasons to visit Door County, you can get started planning your dream trip. Begin by booking your lovely guest room at The Ashbrooke Hotel. We offer six sophisticated styles of rooms and suites, including our Grande Whirlpool Suite. This two-room suite contains a king-sized bed in the bedroom and a separate living room with a 2-person Sanijet™ spa tub and a gas-burning fireplace. What are you waiting for? Check our availability and reserve your ideal room today!
