Stroll each of these water-side little villages. Take in the views, the quaintness, do some shopping and enjoy a tasty break. Start in Egg Harbor and then drive north on HWY 42 (the road Egg Cottage is on).

• EGG HARBOR – Consider: A tipple at Hatch Distilling Co. (Door County honey distilled spirits), wood fired pizza from Pizza Bros. at One Barrel Brewing’s outdoor beer garden, Artisan bakery at MacReady’s (enjoy a sandwich at their outdoor tables), indoor/outdoor art with water views at Cappaert Gallery (a mini Edgewood Orchard right in the village – and just 2 doors down from Egg Cottage).
• FISH CREEK – Consider: The famous Cherry Stuffed French Toast at the historic White Gull Inn (Good Morning America Approved), Bayside’s Famous Chili (served with lots of local atmosphere), Door County Fudge from The Confectionery (and a stroll around Founder’s Square) and real homemade frozen custard from Not Licked Yet (find a spot to watch the ducks float by).
• EPHRAIM – Consider: A cone from the famous Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor (take a number if there’s a line), a glass of wine and a snack outside at Pearl Wine Cottage and a stop at Ephraim Coffee Lab (try the Nitro Cold-Brew Coffee – a personal favorite).
• SISTER BAY – Consider: Taking a photo of the Famous Goats-on-the-roof at Al Johnson’s (also great for a Swedish breakfast), step next door to Stabbur’s outdoor beer garden (where you can also order Swedish small plates), Husby’s for a fun bar atmosphere (live music most weekend nights during the season) and the Boathouse for a Lobster Roll with water views (best from a rooftop table).

Everyone who’s ever been to Door County will ask you if you saw Al Johnson’s goats on the roof.  See the Sister Bay listing for more (above). Check out the Goat Cam HERE. 

A unique Door County tradition that starts with a bonfire and ends with a slice of cherry pie.  This link takes you to descriptions of and links to the classic Door County fish boils we recommend as well as a fun video that offers some insight into the tradition. FYI, if you’re interested in going to what’s widely considered the best fish boil, the White Gull Inn’s, it’s not too early to make your reservation. They book up well in advance.

White Gull Inn, Fish Creek.  Famous for the Cherry Stuffed French Toast served in a beautiful historic inn.  The coffee cake is also noteworthy and big enough to split. No reservations for breakfast, first come, first served.  Plan on a wait – we usually stroll Fish Creek’s waterfront and shops after we put our name on the list.

If you only have time for one: Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market.  There’s an on-site winery & tasting room featuring a range of fruit wines and traditional grape wines that are all made in house. There’s fresh bakery, a full selection of Door County specialties (jams, candies, salsas, etc.), indoor and outdoor tables to enjoy your purchases, and when the fruit is ripe – apple and cherry picking in their orchards. It’s just a short drive north of Egg Cottage on your way to Fish Creek. Directions HERE.

You can visit on your own or let Door County Trolley Tours do the driving for you.  Harbor Ridge Winery  is especially nice (and near Egg Cottage) as you can sit outside with a cheese plate from the TERRIFIC cheese store right next door (try the award-winning Marieke Gouda) The other wineries are all fun – you really can’t go wrong. Full winery list & info HERE.  Directions to Harbor Ridge Winery HERE.

Cave Point County Park. This is the non-negotiable stop – even for non-nature lovers.  Limestone cliffs hang over Lake Michigan at this iconic site.  It’s a short stop for a photo or a longer visit if you follow the paths along the cliffs for some gorgeous exploring. Directions HERE.

The best, most wonderful professional theater experience is at Peninsula Players, the oldest resident summer theater in America. This is an outdoor (covered) venue, on the bay.  They do a bonfire for patrons to enjoy, and one can stroll the water’s-edge with a glass of wine.  It’s in the woods and is a magical experience.  Tickets can be bought online and it’s only a 6-minute drive from the cottage: Directions HERE.

Edgewood Orchard Gallery. What started as a small gallery in an old converted stone barn, has expanded into a wonderful place to spend an hour or two – with two storybook style buildings, gardens dotted with art, a courtyard with seating and the can’t miss feature: the forest gallery.  They’ve carved paths into the adjoining woods and dotted it with sculptures along the way.  This is a magical place only 4 minutes from the cottage and very easy to get to: Directions HERE.

Consider a tour on the “Edith M. Becker” a beautiful 65-foot, 22 passenger tall ship experience out of Sister Bay. (Its 18th century inspired and the gorgeous sails are raised manually during your cruise.) We did this once for Father’s Day and Greg still talks about it.  Bring a jacket/sweater – it’s cold out there even if it’s 80 degrees on land. 

Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Tower was expanded and redesigned in 2021 and includes a ramp that slowly climbs and meanders through the tree canopy, ending at the top of the tower. Enjoy those expansive views! Use the golf course entrance and continue straight on to Eagle Tower. Directions HERE.