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5 Off-Season Couples' Getaways

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Door County is spectacular any time of year, and winter is no exception. 

Visiting the region during this “slower” season from November-May means you’ll need to be ready for the cold (definitely) and snow and ice (probably), but it also has some serious perks like solitude, sensational scenery, unique seasonal experiences, and a slower pace of life.

Here are just a few ways to embrace the season and spend a few days exploring Door County’s unique events, fests, and fun.

1. New Year’s Long Weekend

New Year’s Eve 2021 falls on a Friday this year, so it’s the perfect excuse to head to Door County and start the new year right.

Kick off the celebrations at the Fireworks and Cherry Drop in Sister Bay, welcome in the new year with a chilly dip at the Jacksonport Polar Plunge, attend the famous New Year’s Day Parade in Egg Harbor, and finish the trip with a cold-weather hike where you craft your new year’s resolutions.

A giant, lit-up cherry hangs above a crows at a New Year's celebration


2. Winter Sports Adventure

Spend a romantic weekend embracing the cold and snow, enjoying the spectacular winter scenery, and exploring the great outdoors on snowmobiles, ATVs, cross country skis, snowshoes, or your own four feet. 

If you’re really looking to push your wintertime limits, a backpacking or winter-camping excursion to Newport State Park could fit the bill.

If outdoor pursuits like these are your goal, be sure to research equipment rentals, winter gear shops, and the Snow Report before venturing out. 

3. Culinary Getaway

Door County’s dining scene may not be on full display in the winter when many businesses close for the season, but there’s still plenty to eat, drink, and taste.

Couples dine at a seafood and sushi restaurant

Spend a few days dining at historic supper clubs, fine-dining restaurants, and other dinner hot spots that are open year-round.

4. Relaxation Weekend

No matter the weather, there’s relaxation and rejuvenation to be found up here. If cozying up indoors is more your style, you’ll find salons and spas for your dose of self-care and massages, near-empty parks and trails, boutiques and specialty shops, and plenty of restaurants and bars for enjoying the finer things.

5. Winter Hideaway

Take a few days to escape the daily grind in favor of sleeping in a cabin, bed and breakfast, or hotel, motel, or inn and exploring all the peninsula and Washington Island have to offer in winter.

Spend the weekend seeking soft snowy landscapes, frozen lakes and backroads, coffee and cider by the fireplace, reading and watching movies, or relaxing and gazing at snowy landscapes in cozy corners.

More Winter Getaway Resources

Ready to start planning your wintertime adventure? Get started with these four trip-planning tools. No matter what you do or where you go, you’re sure to unearth something incredible.

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