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When I last left off I had visions of vacations dancing through my mind – our honeymoon, a trip to Lansing, and a long weekend in Door County.

Door County, WI

Door County is the thumb of Wisconsin bordered by Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. It consists of several little towns labeled on the map and Washington Island (not shown) which you ferry to and it’s just about the most beautiful, peaceful place in the U.S. to unwind and have yourself to a simple, carefree, and fun-loving time. Door County is so special to us for many reasons, not the least of which is because we chose this peninsula as the place we wanted to get married and begin the rest of our lives together. Between the sweet little main streets lined with adorable shops and to-die-for restaurants that serve only local food (as soon as you pass Sturgeon Bay there is not a single chain restaurant, hotel, or store anywhere to be found and I mean that in the most literal way), the multitude of state parks, beaches, and summer fun activities ranging from professional theatre companies to water sports and bike tours to drive-in theatres and old-fashioned bowling alleys, you’ll always be relaxed and entertained. And the gorgeous colors covering the landscape in the fall are just icing on the cake. We couldn’t possibly do everything we want to do in one long weekend, but luckily we don’t have to since we’ve promised ourselves one trip to Door County every year to celebrate our anniversary. Here’s what we’re hoping to hit up:

–  Square Rigger Galley Fish Boil (Jacksonport): If you haven’t watched or dined on a traditional Dutch fish boil with boiled salted fresh whitefish yanked directly from the waters mere steps away from you served with potatoes, onion, and corn cooked all together in a boiling cauldron on the beach and set ablaze with kerosene and finished the meal off with fresh cherry pie, then you’re missing one of life’s most delicious surprises. We were after something extremely local, festive and non-traditional for our rehearsal dinner and this place is phenomenal. By phenomenal I mean the food is phenomenal, the staff is phenomenal (they had closed for the season but re-opened for one night especially for our rehearsal dinner), and the view – oh, the view! – is beyond phenomenal.

– Lavender Spa (Fish Creek): I’ve had a few massages in my lifetime, and all of them were okay. But truth be told, though they felt nice, they weren’t the epitome of extreme relaxation they promised to be. For free? Sure. But I’m not so sure I’m into paying $60+ tip for a massage unless I’m positive it will be worth my hard-earned money. Lavender Spa was incredible. It was the most glorious, relaxing experience I’ve ever had. I’m only going to indulge in something like a massage or pedicure once a year and I would gladly fork over the money at this place.

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 – The Cookery (Fish Creek): The food, omg the food! It is so fresh, so local, so seasonal and so delicious it’s unreal. The menu is just a little bit eclectic featuring a smorgasbord of ingredients grown locally and paired together. I had the best tuna melt of my life here and a tough time to boot picking out just one entree to order because they all sounded delicious. They even have this neat little wine bar upstairs. A definite must for lunching.

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– Lautenbauch’s Orchard County Winery (Egg Harbor): Fruit wines made on site, pick your own cherry orchards, free wine tastings, and a store full of cherry goodies including wines, chocolates, salsas, oils and everything in between! Door County is one of top producers of our nation’s cherry crop. We purchased all the wine for our wedding from here and our supply is starting to dwindle, so we’ll be stocking up on our favorites for the year.

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– Double Delites (Egg Harbor): Homemade gelato and gourmet popcorn abound in this sweets shop. The Door County cherry gelato is the best one there! I can’t picture a better place for an afternoon snack.

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– Goats On the Roof (Sister Bay): Okay, so technically it’s Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, but this place is the best breakfast place in Door County A) because the food is awesome – think authentic Swedish meatballs, lingonberry crepes, and the most fabulous hot chocolate known to man served by ladies in traditional Swedish get-up, and B) because there are goats. Hanging out. On the roof of the restaurant. That I am in love with.  This is a win-win combination.

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– Peninsula State Park & Peninsula Players (Fish Creek): Quality professional theatre in a fantastic state park with beaches, dunes, towers, fantastic views and miles upon miles of trails for hiking and biking? Yes, please!! Did I mention quality professional theatre?

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We also can’t relax, schmooze, play, adventure and unwind in Door County without stopping by for mass at the church we were married in, staying at the lovely Landmark Resort where we stayed our first night as newlyweds, playing a round of mini golf at Pirate’s Cove, bowling a few rounds at the original Sister Bay Bowl, catching a flick at the drive-in theatre, taking a ferry to explore Washington Island (we’ll make it happen one of these times!), and noshing at Summertime for a romantic evening-long feast of blue crab ravioli.

How do we fit it all in!?