Your first day of vacation in Door County can set the tone for your entire getaway. Start your trip off on the right foot with our helpful tips for making the most of Day 1 of your vacation. This blog post offers local insight on how you and your travel companion can maximize your time together.
For excellent vacation planning information, be sure to get your FREE copy of our Destination Guide.
Keep scrolling for our best advice on how to fully embrace your first day of vacation.
Maximize Your First Day of Vacation
Arrival: Flying in or Driving
Whether you are coming from major cities like Milwaukee, Madison, or Green Bay, WI, or even Chicago, IL, Door County is an easily accessible vacation destination by car or plane. Flying to Door County is a great option for guests traveling from farther away. Driving allows guests to explore the wild Wisconsin countryside on an epic road trip.
We recommend leaving your destination in the morning so you can arrive in Egg Harbor by early afternoon. This will allow time for at least one activity before checking in at The Ashbrooke Hotel.
Enjoy a Pre-Check-in Activity
From a round of golf to discovering a local museum, there are plenty of activities to try before check-in time. Door Country attractions range from wine tastings at area wineries to trolley tours. Choose at least one activity to add to your itinerary for Day 1, if possible.
Click here for more romantic Door County date ideas.

Check into The Ashbrooke Hotel
Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Enjoy a seamless check-in experience, obtain the keys to your beautiful private room, and explore what our adults-only hotel has to offer.
Take a Soak or Swim
After settling into your room, take some time to enjoy one of the luxurious amenities at our hotel. Soak in the hot tub, take a dip in the pool, or relax by the outdoor fire table. After a short respite, head back to your room to get cleaned up for an evening out.
Pick up a Few Vacation Essentials
Less than one mile from The Ashbrooke is a locally owned grocery store, Main Street Market. As you head out for an evening of fun, stop by the market to pick up any items you forgot at home, snacks, and drinks. This way, you will be set for Day 2 through checkout.

Watch the Sunset
Next, head to the beach to watch the sunset. The Egg Harbor Public Beach is just a three-minute drive from The Ashbrooke and offers a stunning location to enjoy the last few minutes of daylight with someone special. Be sure to take a few Instagram-worthy photos.
Click here for a sunset timetable for Egg Harbor, WI.
Enjoy a Delicious Dinner
Door County features an impressive selection of restaurants to choose from. From waterfront dining to cozy cafes, there is something for everyone. If you need help selecting a restaurant, please ask our friendly and professional staff for theirsuggestions. We do recommend making dinner reservations, especially during peak season.
Tip: Before you ask for the bill, consider ordering dessert to go.

Relax & Unwind in Your Private Room
Once you return to The Ashbrooke for the evening, it is time to relax and unwind. Guests who stay in the Signature Room or Grand Whirlpool Suite can indulge in the privacy of the on-suite Whirlpool tub. Elevate the experience with a bottle of wine or a cheese tray from our add-on selections. After a soak, cuddle up in the provided robes and enjoy a blissful night together.
We hope you have found this first day of vacation information helpful. Please follow our blog for more excellent planning tips like Detailed Packing Lists and 3-5 Day Door County Itineraries.