It started off as just a typical “Let’s go camping weekend”, but it soon turned into a “Let’s see how much of Door County we can squeeze in in a weekend!”
The Solo Traveler invited a few friends on this journey as we traversed the Door County area. Where is Door County? Imagine the state shape of Wisconsin. See the “thumb”? That is where Door County resides, between the Green Bay area and Lake Michigan. This past weekend, the weather was so perfect for not only camping, but running, and sipping cherry drinks outside. Yes, seems wherever I have gone lately there has been some adult beverage involved. The funny thing is, I don’t even drink a lot, but when I do, I enjoy the local flavor of the area. This area is known for cherries: cherry pie, cherry lemonade, cherry mimosa, cherry jams. This time of year, the cherry blossoms have gone, but the fruit is now visible. Red dots covered the orchards on the roadsides.
So, one of the best parts of traveling with friends, is traveling with friends who know the area. This is how we squeezed a week’s worth of stuff into one weekend.
We arrived on Friday night, around 9pm to our campsite, thanks to me for taking the long away around Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. Got settled in rather quickly, then enjoyed a small fire. Off to sleep so we could wake up refreshed the next morning, because with any vacation, one must run. What better way to see the park than to run 13.1 miles of it. We stayed to the bike trail and enjoyed views right by the water’s edge.
After the run, a quick lunch, but delicious homemade pizzas. Thanks Jessie for whipping that up so quickly. Absolutely hit the spot, so we could be on our way for some Door County Tastings!!
First stop, Door County Distillery. They offer six samples of wine/spirits for free. I still can’t believe it. I kept asking, are you sure this is free. I felt so guilty that I went ahead and purchased a Cherry Lemonade Moonshine to help cleanse the pallet in between tastings. Tip on the moonshine, be prepared if you indulge in the moonshine saturated cherry that tops off the drink. Just sayin’!
Stopped in at the gift shop to make some Christmas gift purchases, then drove just a little ways north to the One Barrel Brewing Company. Now, I don’t like beer, but this was a nice place to sit a spell outside in the gorgeous, gorgeous sunshine and munch on some pork rinds. Those that know me, know I don’t eat pork, so don’t fall off your chair. These pork rinds were plant based and absolutely delicious. I just had to try them and see if they were any good. Yep, ate the whole bag.
It is now nearing late afternoon, so we head back to Fish Creek to do some window shopping. Okay, I did buy a few things. I couldn’t help it, there were anchors everywhere. We took in the little shops that lined the town, before going to our next adventure/experience, a fish boil. Have you ever been to a fish boil? I hadn’t and boy was it amazing. Luckily, I got to watch the demonstration twice because the first time I was in so much amazement, that my eyes couldn’t take it the “explosion” in its entirety. The second time around, I watched while filming in slow motion so I could go back and let my eyes take it all in slowly. The fish boil is highly recommended at Pelletier’s.
We thought we were done for the night, but remembered ice cream. We went in search of, had some great places to choose from, but alas, we were still so full from the fish boil (two pieces of fish, potatoes, onions, bread, and a piece of cherry pie), that we postponed that part of our meal.
Now, it’s time to drive back to camp so we can pick up our chairs? Why? The sun is about to set over the water, and it is not to be missed. Do remember a chair though, as the as the benches can only hold so many people. And many people view the sunset. The sun sets right into the water and is so relaxing to sit in the comfort of a camp chair and take it all in.
We skipped the fire on Saturday night as we pooped from the day and tomorrow will be another packed day of fun.
Sunday morning, oatmeal breakfast, packed tents, and more to see. Off to see some goats. These are not just any goats. These goats live on a roof of a Swedish restaurant called Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay. Now that is a sight to see. I would definitely recommend visiting there. Be warned, to get a table, the line may be a bit long, because who doesn’t want to eat where goats live above on the roof. Make sure to give yourself time in Sister Bay because the town is cutesy for sure. Cute shops line the street as well as a small walkway lines the shore. We stopped for breather here; one last deep breathe before heading back home.
The route back home had other detours along the way, because we were so close to Northport (the furthest point on the Wisconsin “thumb”), might as well drive there. Northport led to Gills Rock that led to Bailey’s Harbor, where we stopped for lunch. How many cute little towns can Door County have? Every single one is cute! Lunch was found at Harbor Fish Market and Grille: great outdoor seating overlooking the water with fabulous service. After lunch, a little window shopping, then back on the road to home.
Speaking of home, we made one last detour to Algoma. Where is and what’s in Algoma? It may not be a typical tourist stop, but when your friend used to live there, you just have to go see her home. Thanks Jessie for sharing with us where you grew up. Algoma is a cute town and guess what? It has a winery. We had to stop in at the von Stiehl Winery, Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery, and partake in a tasting. I found a few favorites despite the fact that I usually don’t like wine. I do like the sweet versions so found an Orange Muscat, a Sweet Cherry, and a Sparkling Crimson Royale. I may or may not have bought a few bottles; to support the local economy of course. A bottle or two may or may not be given as a Christmas gift this year. A bottle may or may not get drunk before that. Who knows? LOL
The beauty of traveling solo is that you can detour and zig and zag at will. Usually, when you are traveling with others, these opportunities are lost. I have to say though, this trip, we zigged, we zagged, and we LOVED it.
If you are looking for a long week or a jam-packed weekend, Door County is the place to be. Go to relax, go to drink, or go to be active. Door County has everything. Thank you Door County for the hospitality!!
Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:
Alli L
For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook