Beyond the Brewery: Explore Door County’s Hidden Charms!
Door County, Wisconsin is regarded as the “Napa Valley of the Midwest” thanks to an abundance of wineries, art galleries, and other cultural activities, but not everything on this peninsula isn’t as prime and proper as it seems. Beyond the award-winning artisan cheeses and world-renowned cherries, lays another Door County–one that’s funky, spunky, and so much fun! Here are some of the best festivals, fairs, and side trips that Door County, Wisconsin has to offer!
Annual Roofing of the Goats Parade
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, located in Sister Bay, is one of the most popular Door County eateries. While the menu contains tons of delish items, it’s the roof that gets all the attention. During the summer months, the grass-covered roof is occupied by live goats! Of course, since the goats don’t live on the restaurant’s roof year-round, Sister Bay welcomes them back to town with the annual Roofing of the Goats Parade! In addition to participating in the parade (it’s a BYOG-bring your own goat-event), there is also live music, kid’s games, food and beverages, and a Swedish Pancake Eating contest!
Date: June 9, 2018
More Info: Visit Sister Bay’s website
Fragrant Isle
Located on Washington Island, it’ll take a Ferry or personal boat to get to this Door County fragrant farm, but you’ll be glad you did! Fragrant Isle is the Midwest’s largest lavender farm and a shop with more than 20,000 lavender plants! Each year the farm welcomes visitors to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the blooming buds. Whether you choose to shop for one of their more than 150 lavender-based products, visit the Le Petit Bistro for a mouth-watering snack, or just stroll through the extra instagrammable lavender fields and enjoy the natural beauty. Every other year, the farm hosts an “All Things Lavender” fest which is not to be missed!
Date: 2018 dates TBD
More Info: Visit Fragrant Isle’s Website
Rock Beaches
Typically when people think of beaches, it’s soft sand that comes to mind, but Door County does it differently. While some sand beaches can be found, Door County is known for the pebble beaches that populate the shores. On Washington Island you’ll find smooth, skipping stone-like rocks at Schoolhouse Beach while other parts of the peninsula have a mixture of smooth and rough rocks. At Cave Point County Park, located just outside Sturgeon Bay, you’ll find many rough, but easily walkable rock cliffs jutting out into the water. Come for the nature, stay for the zen atmosphere thanks to the many impromptu stacked rock sculptures.
Dates: Open throughout the year, but May-October are the best to visit
More Info: Learn More Here!
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga
Yoga has become the workout of choice for people of many backgrounds, interests, and skill levels, but Door County takes it one step further by incorporating the abundant freshwater sources the peninsula offers! Here full-time yogis and novices alike can hop aboard a stand-up paddleboard and try their hand at one of the many SUP yoga classes. Classes generally run $25-$35 per hour and include all equipment. Not sure about trying your hand at a floating yoga practice? Many companies rent the boards and also offer guided tours making this another great way to explore the area by water.
Dates: Memorial Day to Labor Day will have the best water conditions
More Info: More information found here or here!
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