Sailing. Cherry picking. Romantic dinners. Some activities go hand-in-hand with a Door County summer getaway. But at 70 miles long, rest assured, the peninsula offers no shortage of new and unique experiences.
When your fun-filled day of excursions comes to an end, let our luxury boutique hotel give you a place to put your feet up and relax. With its warm and inviting atmosphere and five upscale rooms — complete with private bathrooms and balconies, as well as two newly remodeled private cottages — it’s no wonder Hillside Waterfront Hotel has been ranked one of the top five bed and breakfasts. Book your stay with us at hillsideofdoorcounty.com for a summer getaway filled with memorable experiences, like these, that we’re happy to curate for you.
Connect with the Past
Door County is rife with legend and lore. Get a front row seat to the stories that made the peninsula what it is today when you take in one of the area’s many history tours. Ephraim’s Historic Tram Tour offers the enjoyment of an outdoor history tour with the comfort of being off your feet for a spell as their open-air tram drives you to specific points of interest throughout the charming historic village.
Discover how Ephraim changed from a bustling center for trading vessels, to a fishing and lumbering village, to one of Door County’s premier tourist destinations. Advance reservations are recommended for the tram tour, especially during the height of the season.
Once you’re done exploring the area’s history by land, discover its rich shipwreck past by water. Several of Door County’s shipwrecks can be seen from the surface by kayak or boat with several outfitters in the area offering a variety of themed excursions.
Pick Your Own Flowers
With its abundance of orchards, vineyards and rural landscape, the peninsula is home to a vibrant agritourism scene, including a variety of you-pick experiences from strawberries to cherries to apples — and flowers! At OneEighty Petals in Fish Creek, visitors can stroll through a field of specialty cut flowers and harvest their very own bouquet of seasonal blooms.
While you’re there, enhance your visit with a picnic lunch in the flower field, flower field yoga, or floral-focused workshops. No time to pick? Bring home a bouquet from their 24/7 grab-n-go bouquet cooler.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
For cocktails with a vintage vibe, raise a glass amid the speakeasy ambiance of Welcker’s Lounge in Fish Creek. The new for 2023 establishment offers a menu of delectable bites and thirst-quenching libations that’s sure to be the cat’s meow.
Waterfront Restaurant in Sister Bay is one of the few fine dining options in Northern Door located on the water with a stunning view of the bay. Their menu changes with seasonal fare and their wine list is extensive. A glass of champagne on their patio is a relaxing way to end the day.
Explore the Outdoors
Following an afternoon or evening of indulgence, it’s time to get moving and explore the outdoors. Discover new-to-you natural areas and hiking trails when you join an Explore the Door guided hike from Door County Land Trust. Each educational hike lasts an hour or two and takes visitors to a different Door County Land Trust property.
Head north to the tip of the peninsula and catch a ferry from Northport Pier to Washington Island to visit one of five limestone beaches in the world. School House Beach features a pristine rocky beachline layered with smooth, polished limestone rocks and crystal clear water for a unique locale for swimming, picnicking or photographing.
Book Your Autumn Getaway Today
While we still have limited summer availability (please call or check online), our calendar is more open for an autumn visit to beautiful Door County. Please consider a stay at our award-winning accommodations in the heart of historic Ephraim, Wisconsin. We’d love to be your luxury getaway on the harbor.