Anyone been to Door County recently?

Thinking of taking my wife there for her birthday. What are some things to do there? And if you have to wear masks even in outdoor places?

Fish, parks, wineries, antique malls

Suggested for masks indoor. Outdoors with distances no

It’s been many years since I’ve visited but I would rate Door County one of the most unique and beautiful regions of the entire Midwest.

The small towns/villages especially on the bay side are much like the small fishing villages along the northern New England coast. Quaint, picturesque, incredibly beautiful. A day trip driving around the peninsula offers many attractions.

A couple “musts” while visiting although “touristy” would be Al Johnsons Swedish Restaurant. The goats on the grass roof, the Swedish cultural servers bringing you Swedish pancakes.

The infamous and iconic Door County Fish boil. So much more than just ordering a fish dinner at a restaurant, but an experience.

You start by gathering outside around the “boil”, cocktail in hand. Relax and maybe have another before they boil it over in an inferno of flame.

Boiled whitefish (years ago it was lake trout), and potatoes swimming in melted butter.

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Indeed, do a fish boil but do some checking around as some are better than others. And the goats are something to see.

Orchards are everywhere as are wineries and I’d imagine now micro breweries. Try it all. You’ve missed the cherry season but you won’t leave feeling slighted.

We have a condo in Sturgeon bay, and are there all the time, just left there yesterday in fact. Was trolling for musky for a couple of days with my son. Lots to do around there. Was actually quite busy around there this year. Outside no mask required, inside varies. For the most part, eating places are asking that you wear a mask entering, and till you are seated. After seated no mask required. Shops are requesting you wear masks, due to Tony’s orders, but that may expire soon. I do miss that this year we didn’t have any free outside music. It was really a lot of fun to go out to eat, and listen to some great entertainment while you were eating, or afterword’s. It’s really a fantastic area to visit, just this year is naturally different. When were you thinking of going? Weekends will probably be booked. Wife and I took a ride the other day, and had lunch at a place in Fish Creek, where we sat on the upper level, that had someone playing the keyboard. Very relaxing, great food, great beer, and wife loved it. What more could you ask for. Fishing can be feast or famine, or in between, that’s fishing, don’t believe everything you see on you tubes happens every time out.

Was there last sat-tues. Masks indoors, never really had an issue, one restaurant we chose to wait outside as I wasn’t comfortable with how packed the bar/waiting area was but we’ll spaced in the dining area (but I wouldn’t have been all that comfortable without covid, just not a fan of crowds in general).

We did a self guided tour of washington island, spent one afternoon winery hopping, spent an afternoon fishing with Paul Delaney and mornings we perused the shops (earlier beats the crowds).

Definitely get yourself a dinner at the Chop in sister bay, hands down the best meal we ate. Also stop at Wisconsin cheese masters (right next to harbor ridge winery). Great cheese flavors.

Musky Ed wrote:

It’s really a fantastic area to visit, just this year is naturally different. When were you thinking of going?

Thinking of the Oct 2nd weekend. But yeah most places are booked. We are finding a couple but not a lot of options

Any idea if trout or salmon are near shorelines this time of year? Was considering bringing a rod and doing some shore casting

Friday night fish fry, perch is the best.

I was up there a few weeks ago. Just for a quick run so did not hang out long. We did eat breakfast at Morning Glory. about 10 miles south of Sturgeon bay and it was one of the best breakfast that I have ordered in a while. Would recommend it to anyone looking for breakfast on the way in there.

If sight seeing is your thing, Cave Point would be beautiful right now. I would continue on up to Bailey’s Harbor as well. There are a couple breweries up there and some nice restaurants. If anything the scenery is well worth it.