Door county
 

Am planning a trip to door county in August, 2005. Is it feasible to stay in Sturgeon Bay and drive up the pensula? And which is the best side of Door county to visit. The lake side or the bay side?
Besides shopping and eating, What else is recommended to do?
Thanks [email protected]

Sure it's feasible. You can make a day trip from the town of Green Bay if desired. You will feel more of the experience if you stay in Egg Harbor, Fish Creek or Sister Bay however.

The Bay side is most popular and has most of the cute shops, towns, restaurants and 2 state parks. If you have never been to the door, that is the thing to do. You can make a circle that will give you a taste of the lake side as well. The lake side has cooler lighthouses and a less congested shoreline. While there are some touristy things on the lake side, it does not compare with the bay side.

Sorry...forgot about the what to do part:

Definately rent bikes and ride through Penninsula State Park. This can be done at the parks entrance in Fish Creek. Go up to Gills Rock and take the ferry to Washington Island (that will be quite a drive from Sturgeon Bay). Do a fish boil. Visit at least one cherry and apple stand. Visit the maritime museum near Ellison Bay.

gandb7
We stayed in Sturgeon Bay and was sorry we did not choose Fish Creek, Egg Harbor or Sister Bay as the above posted stated.

Sturgeon Bay is working on it's "shopping" and other "to-do" stuff, but for a true DC vacation - yes, you absolutely need to be staying in one of the (further north) peninsula villages.

Depends on your taste, however. Do you hate crowds and 'touristy' stuff? Then stay away from Fish Creek. (Or go there, if being right in the thick of things is appealing.) If you're looking for a quieter get-away (and reliably cooler temps), think about staying in Baileys Harbor (on the lake m. side). Jacksonport is on that side too, but will add 20 mins or more driving time to most of your activities.

However, J'port will put you fairly near Cave Point (a not-miss stop) and Whitefish Dunes St. Park.

There's just such a range of lodging options, from right smack in the middle of any of the villages, to 'tucked away' - yet only a 5-10 min drive from the action.

More of what you're after and like will help get better suggestions.

<<<Besides shopping and eating, What else is recommended to do?>>>

Theater - Peninsula Players in an incomparable setting above the bay (and possibly so-so productions) and American Folklore Theater (in an equally incomparable, but different, setting in Peninsula State Park (bring bug spray to either - tho so far, it's not been a bad skeeto season).

Music: Birch Creek - Great music, great setting; in a barn, in the country.

Great biking country.

Five outstanding state parks.

More lighthouses than any other county in the U.S. Be sure to visit the one in Peninsula State Park (Eagle Bluff) to hear about the family who raised 7 sons in a snug little house.

Take the ferry to Washington Island (preferably on a rough and wavy day).

Ice cream. Ice cream. Ice cream. AT least once a day.

Watch the moonrise. Look at the stars. Take a deep breath. Enjoy!