When it comes to visiting Door County during the shoulder season, fall getaways tend to get the most attention. But spring is an ideal time to book your stay at Hillside Waterfront Hotel if you want the peninsula all to yourself. Having not yet endured the long, busy days of summer, everything the Door has to offer is feeling fresh and energized.
The crowds are sparse, the temperatures are mild and the activities are plenty. Below, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite ways to spend a springtime excursion to Door County.
See the Cherry Blossoms
It’s no secret that the cherry blossoms are one of the most anticipated spring events in Door County. To see the peninsula’s orchards explode in shades of pinks and whites is a sight to behold — and photograph! For a guided tour of all the must-see locations, consider booking the spring blossom trolley tour at Door County Trolley.
Or choose your own adventure as you meander back country roads past acres and acres of orchards. If the blossoms are your main motivation to visit this spring, plan on booking a stay at Hillside Waterfront Hotel around mid-May (give a week or two).
Connect with Nature
While the temperatures can still be on the cooler side and trails can be a bit muddy, there is nothing like treading through the forest in spring and watching it come into bloom. And with five different state parks and an abundance of county parks and nature preserves to explore, there is no shortage of opportunities to observe all the wonders of spring.
Take a guided nature hike at The Ridges Sanctuary. Search for migratory birds in the trees of a Door County Land Trust property. Or pack a blanket, a picnic lunch and enjoy having Door County’s many beaches all to yourself.
Visit the Lighthouses
No visit to Door County is complete without touring the many lighthouses that have guided sailors through the Great Lakes since the 1800s. Door County is home to 11 in all, each with its own unique history, legend and lore.
If you are planning a visit in late spring, you’re in luck! The Door County Lighthouse Festival (June 9-11) offers visitors the unique opportunity to view some of these structures that are not open to the public the rest of the year.
Go for a Run
The Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k have become something of an “unofficial” kick off to the season as thousands of runners take to Peninsula State for the ultimate challenge in stamina and speed.
If you’re a runner, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience one of Door County’s (and the state’s) most popular parks by foot.
Book a Reservation at Your Favorite Restaurant
Worried about long waits or not being able to snag a table at your favorite restaurant? Not in the spring! Avoid the crowds as you dine your way across the peninsula.
From upscale fine dining to laid back supper clubs … cozy coffee shops to classic fish boils…Door County’s wide menu of restaurants offers something for every palette and occasion.
Shop Til You Drop
Spring is the ideal time to shop Door County’s eclectic array of boutiques, stores and art galleries as new inventory makes its debut. The variety of merchandise found in Door County goes unmatched. From one-of-a-kind jewelry to fine clothing, fun accessories to artisanal gifts, you’ll find new surprises around every turn.
Check out historic Founder’s Square for a variety of shops in walkable Fish Creek – just a few miles down the road from Hillside.
Check Out What’s New
Part of the fun of springtime in Door County is visiting the new-on-the-scene restaurants, shops and businesses. Be “in the know” as you explore and report back to friends and family all the fun new things to see, eat and do in Door County.
Whatever activities draw you to the peninsula this spring, let our luxury boutique hotel be your home away from home. Hillside Waterfront Hotel offers five upscale rooms, complete with private bathrooms and balconies, as well as two newly remodeled private cottages. Check out our availability here. We hope to see you at Hillside soon!