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Trip Ideas

Enrich Your Mind

Get up close and personal with the Peninsula's natural beauty; awaken your inner artist; create mouth-watering cuisine; listen to music with a new appreciation; or even dance the night away. On this trip, you can do it all!

Three days, two nights

Day One: 

 

9:00AM

There is no better place to start your journey than the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay. The museum offers docent-guided tours of exhibits that span the nautical history of Door County, from early American Indian canoes to post-World War II bulk carriers. And if there’s time, head across the bridge and enjoy the Door County Historical Museum, named the best small museum in the Midwest by the Chicago Tribune. Times vary.

11:00AM

Continue your day by participating in one of the many workshops Door County has to offer. Entertaining as well as educational, these workshops are excellent alternatives to typical vacation activities. Classes vary from one day to three weeks.

Peninsula School of Art – Enjoy a workshop in painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry or photography. Offered year-round. www.peninsulaartschool.com

Bjorklunden – Study art, music, religion, literature, history and the nature of Door County in a relaxed setting. www.lawrence.edu/dept/bjork

The Clearing – Since 1935, people have come to learn about the arts, fine crafts, humanities and natural sciences in this inspiring setting. www.theclearing.org

Francis Hardy Center for the Arts – Take part in artist workshops providing educational opportunities for adults and children to observe and learn from professionals.

5:00PM

For dinner, take part in one of our renowned cooking schools to enrich your mind even further. These schools offer hands-on cooking classes for the home cook who wants to learn by doing. Classes teach techniques, offer tips and introduce new ingredients to give you the confidence to replicate the dishes at home.

Savory Spoon, Ellison Bay http://www.savoryspoon.com/

Inn at Kristopher’s, Sister Bay http://www.innatkristofers.com/

The Washington Hotel, Washington Island http://www.thewashingtonhotel.com

7:00PM

Give your mind a break and enjoy the night by looking at the stars of the sky and the stage! Door County boasts some of the best performing arts venues in the country. Go to the “Arts & Humanities” section of the events calendar for a full list of venues and show times. Events Calendar

Day Two:

 

AT DAWN

Wake up early and see a glorious sunrise over the harbor. It’s a magnificent sight everyone must enjoy at least once in a lifetime. For sunrise times, go to the “What To Do” tab and click “Sunrises & Sunsets.”

9:30AM

Get back to nature at the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. The Ridges Sanctuary is 1,200 acres of pristine nature. It features native wildflowers along its five miles of rustic trails and bridges. You can also take a naturalist-guided hike through the park, mid-May through mid-October. www.ridgessanctuary.org

11:00AM

Gallery hop & shop all the way to the other side of the Peninsula. Stop in at Fine Line Designs on Ephraim’s north end. It features original painting, sculpture and custom wood furnishings; stone, metal, wood and glass sculpture; and fiber art, deep in color and texture. Another great stop is the Potter Wheel Gallery in Fish Creek, a true Door County landmark.

12:00PM

Enjoy lunch at one of Door County’s finest restaurants. Go to “Where to Dine” for a full selection or download our dining brochure. Dining Guide (pdf)

1:00PM

After lunch, discover your artistic side at Hands On Art Studio in Fish Creek. Paint your own ceramics, metal, glassware, tee shirts and birdhouses. Experiment with fused glass. Throw a pot. Make a project in the metal studio. A great place for kids and adults alike! www.handsonartstudio.com

3:00PM

Return to your hotel for some R & R before dinner.

5:30PM

Enjoy dinner at one of Door County’s many fine restaurants. Dining Guide (pdf)

7:00PM

End your night with a fireside chat at Peninsula State Park. Interpretive programs aim to create interest, understanding, respect and a sense of responsibility toward our natural resources. Peninsula programs include camp fires, trail hikes, nature crafts and living history.


Day Three:

 

9:00AM

Take your final nature tour on a Segway or bike in Peninsula State Park. One of the state’s most popular parks, this 3,762-acre area features great camping, an 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, groomed ski touring, snowmobiling, sledding, swimming, boat rentals, observation town and tours through Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.

11:00AM

Gallery hop & shop on your way out of town. There are plenty of unique galleries and gift shops that offer something for everyone. Go to the “Shopping” menu under “Things To Do” for a full list of shops and galleries.

   

 

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