June 24, 2026

197. Door County, Wisconsin - Wind-Swept Shores, Cherry Orchards, Quiet Bays

Show Notes
Transcript

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

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Hey, we made it to Door County, Wisconsin. Picture this

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a charming slice of Midwestern heaven. Nestled between the waters

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of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is the

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kind of place where you can slow down and really

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soak in the small town charm while enjoying a whole

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range of outdoor activities and local eats. You can think

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of it as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, but

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with that friendly Wisconsin twist. First things first, you might

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want to start your visit in Sturgeon Bay, the county's

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largest city. In a hub of activity, the city itself

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has a sweet mix of history and modern day charm.

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Head to the Door County Maritime Museum to get a

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sense of the area's rich nautical history. It's a great

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spot for a couple of hours, and you'll learn all

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about the shipbuilding industry that's been a backbone for this community.

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The museum has some interesting exhibits, including a restored nineteen

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nineteen tugboat that you can explore. Once you've soaked in

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some history, take a walk along the Sturgeon Bay Canal

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North Pier head Light. This lighthouse, with its classic red exterior,

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is a perfect photo op If the weather's nice, it's

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a great spot to just sit and enjoy the view,

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perhaps watching the boats drift in and out of the harbor.

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It's one of those spots where time just seems to

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stand still. Now you can't say you've been to Door

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County without experiencing a traditional fish boil. The white gull

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In in Fish Creek is the place to try it.

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It's a Wisconsin tradition that dates back to the early

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Scandinavian settlers. Basically, they boil fresh whitefish with potatoes and

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onions over and open fire. The big moment is when

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the boil master throws kerosene onto the fire, causing the

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pot to boil over dramatically. It's both a meal and

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a show, and the result delicious flaky fish, paired with

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some tangy coalslaw and fresh bread. After a hearty meal,

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take a stroll around Fish Creek. It's a quaint little

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town with quirky shops and beautiful waterfront views. Stop by

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the Lautenbox Orchard Country Winery and Market, where you can

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sample local wines and ciders. It's particularly known for its

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cherry wine, which is a Door County specialty. Grab a

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bottle as a souvenir, or enjoy a glass right there

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in there picturesque outdoor seating area. For a bit of nature,

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head over to Peninsula State Park. This place is a gem.

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You can rent a bike and cycle through the park's trails,

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taking in the lush forest and stunning water. If you're

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into hiking, there are several trails to choose from, ranging

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from easy to moderate. One of the mussy spots is

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Eagle Panorama, where you can get a sweeping view of

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the surrounding area. The park is also a great spot

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for a picnic, so pack some snacks or a sandwich

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and find a quiet spot to relax. If you're visiting

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during the warmer months, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard

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and hit the waters. The views from the water are

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just as stunning, and you might even spot some wildlife

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along the shore. It's a peaceful way to spend an

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afternoon and get a bit of exercise at the same time.

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After all that activity, you might want to slow down

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a bit, so head over to Sister Bay. It's another

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charming town with plenty to see and do. Make sure

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to stop by Al Johnson's Swedish restaurant, which is famous

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for its goats that graze on the sod roof. Yes,

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you heard that right, goats on the roof. It's a

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quirky site and one that draws plenty of visitors. Inside

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you'll find hearty Swedish fare, like Swedish pancakes with lingenberries

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and delicious meatballs. Once you've eaten your fill, take a

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walk down to the Sister Bay Beach. It's a lovely

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spot to dip your toes in the water or just

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relax on the sand. If you're traveling with kids, they'll

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love of the playground right by the beach. It's a

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great place to unwind and enjoy the afternoon sun. Next,

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make your way to Ephraim, a postcard perfect village with

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a rich history and beautiful views of Eagle Harbor. Stop

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by Wilson's Restaurant and ice cream Parlor for a taste

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of nostalgia. It's been serving up cones in Sunday since

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nineteen oh six, and walking in feels like stepping back

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in time. Try one of their classic Sundays or a

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root beer float. Ephram is also home to some beautiful

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galleries and shops. The Hardy Gallery located on Anderson Dock,

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is worth a visit. It's a small but vibrant gallery

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showcasing the work of local artists. The dock itself is

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a landmark and a favorite spot for photographers with its

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colorful graffiti and stunning sunsets. Speaking of sunsets, don't miss

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a chance to catch one while you're in Door County.

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Head over to Sunset Park and Fish Creek, a favorite

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spot for watching the sun dip below the horizon, grab

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a blanket, sit back, and enjoy the show. It's the

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perfect way to end a day of exploring. For those

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of you who enjoy a bit of adventure, consider taking

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a ferry over to Washington Island. The ferry ride itself

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is part of the fun, offering great views of the

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surrounding waters. Once on the island, rent a bike or

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moped to explore. Schoolhouse Beach is a must see with

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its smooth white limestone rocks instead of sand. The water

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is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing swim. Back

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on the mainland, take a drive north to Gills Rock.

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This tiny community is known for its fishing heritage and

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beautiful views. Check out the Door County Maritime Museum's Gills

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Rock Facility, which focuses on the area's commercial fishing history.

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It's a smaller museum, but packed with interesting artifacts and stories.

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Way for unique dining experience, try Door County Creamery and

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Sister Bay. They make their own goat cheese and serve

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up some fantastic sandwiches and salads. It's a great spot

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for lunch, especially if you want something light and fresh.

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As you wander through Door County, you'll notice the cherry

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orchards that dot the landscape. If you're visiting during cherry season,

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usually mid July to mid August, make sure to stop

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by one of the orchards and pick your own cherries.

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It's a fun activity and there there's nothing quite like

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the taste of a cherry plucked straight from the tree.

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Another fun stop is the Door Peninsula Winery in Carlsville.

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It's one of the oldest and largest wineries in the state.

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You could take a tour of the facility, learn about

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the wine making process, and of course, sample some of

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their wines. They have a wide variety, including fruit wines

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made from local Door County cherries and apples. For a

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bit of shopping, make your way to Egg Harbor. It's

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a charming village with a variety of boutiques, art galleries,

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and specialty stores. Stop by wood Orchard Market for some

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local treats. They have everything from fresh produce to cherry

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salsa and homemade fudge. It's a great place to pick

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up gifts or souvenirs to take back home. If you

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find yourself in Door County during the fall, you're in

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for a treat. The autumn colors here are simply spectacular.

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Take a drive along Highway forty two, which winds its

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way through picturesque landscapes dotted with vibrant red, orange, and

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yellow foliage. It's a site that draws visitors from all

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over the country. When it comes to accommodations, Door County

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has a range of options, from cozy bed and breakfast

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to charming inns and motels. Find something that fits your

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style and budget. If you're a camper, there are also

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several campgrounds, particularly within the state parks, where you can

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pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors. As your

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trip draws to a close, make sure to enjoy a

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leisurely breakfast at one of the local diners. The Morning

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Glory by the Bay and Sturgeon Bay offers delicious breakfast

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options with a view. It's a wonderful way to start

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your day with a steaming cup of coffee and a

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hearty plate of pancakes or an omelet. Door County is

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one of those places that leaves an impression long after

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you've left. It's the combination of natural beauty, charming towns,

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and warm Midwestern hospitality that makes it special. Whether you're

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here for the outdoor adventures, the local flavors are just

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too unwind you'll find plenty to love, and if you're

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looking to experience more the local art scene, head over

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to Fish Creeks Peninsula School of Art. It's a hidden

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gym where you can dive into workshops or simply appreciate

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the rotating gallery exhibits showcasing regional talent. The school often

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hosts events and classes that welcome visitors of all skill levels,

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so if you've ever wanted to try your hand at

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painting or sculpture, this is the perfect opportunity. The serene

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set wedding also makes it a peaceful place to wander

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and perhaps be inspired by the creativity that surrounds you.

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For those moments When you're in the mood for a

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leisurely drive, take the scenic route up the Door County

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coastal Byeway. This picturesque drive offers stunning views of Lake

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Michigan and the surrounding countryside. It's the kind of journey

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where you'll want to stop often, maybe pull over at

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one of the roadside parks or overlooks, and just take

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it all in. The changing seasons each bring their own

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beauty to the landscape, whether it's the vibrant greens of summer,

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the rich tapestry of fall colors, or the quiet, snow

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draped trees of winter. Another must visit spot is Cave

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Point County Park. It's a local favorite for its dramatic

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limestone cliffs and underwater caves. The sound of waves crashing

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against the rocks is both mesmerizing and invigorating. You can

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walk along the trails that wind through the park, or,

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if you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the

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caves from the water. It's an exhilarating experience to paddle

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along the rugged shorelines and peek into the mysterious caves

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that have been carved out by the relentless forces of nature.

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If you're a fan of theater, you're in luck. Dor

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County has a vibrant performing arts scene, with venues like

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the Northern Sky Theater and Peninsula Players Theater offering an

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array of performances. The Peninsula Players is America's oldest professional

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resident summer theater, and seeing a show here is a

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unique treat. The open air theater, nestled in the woods

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creates an atmosphere that's both intimate and enchanting. Whether it's

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a musical, a comedy, or a drama, catching a performance

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is a memorable way to spend an evening. And of course,

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no visit to Dor County is complete without indulging in

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some classic Wisconsin cheese. Stop by Renard's Cheese and Sturgeon

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Bay for a cheese tasting tour. Here you'll find a

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variety of local cheeses from creamy cheddars to tangy blue cheeses,

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plus a selection of cheese curds that quintessential Wisconsin snack

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that squeaks when you bite into it. It's a fun

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and tasty stop that cheese lovers won't want to miss.

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For a different kind of taste, head east to Bailey's Harbor.

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This town is known for its laid back vibe and

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natural beauty. While there, make sure to visit the Ridge's Sanctuary,

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an important ecological area with flora and fauna. The Sanctuary

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offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the unique

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ridge and swale landscape, or you can explore on your

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own by wandering along the boardwalks and trails. It's a

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wonderful spot to immerse yourself in nature and discover the

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delicate ecosystems that thrive here. End your day in Bailey's

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Harbor at one of the waterfront restaurants like Florian Ascent,

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where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view of

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the harbor. Watching the sunset over the water while savoring

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a plate of fresh caught fish is the perfect way

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to reflect on your day's adventures. Before you leave Door County,

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consider a stop in Jacksonport, a quieter area that still

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offers plenty of charm. Here you'll find the iconic Lakeside Park,

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a small but serene spot perfect for a picnic or

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just a quiet moment by the water. The beach here

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is a great place for a morning walk with the

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gentle lapping of waves, providing a soothing soundtrack. As you

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wrap up your visit, take a moment to appreciate the

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simplicity and beauty of Door County. It's an area that

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invites you to slow down, savor the little things, and

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make lasting memories. Whether it's the friendly smiles of locals,

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the taste of freshly picked cherries, or the sound of

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waves against the cliffs, Dor County has a way of

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capturing your heart. I'm Johnny Mack and Travel is Back.

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Follow Travelers Back wherever you listen to podcasts and find

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all two hundred plus destinations in our back catalog.

197. Door County, Wisconsin - Wind-Swept Shores, Cherry Orchards, Quiet Bays

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