tymecard

Hello all!

My wife and I will be taking a weekend trip to Door County, WI this weekend (Memorial Day weekend). It’s our first time there, so we need lots of advice and tips!!

We are staying in Sister Bay. We have the option of staying at the Birchwood Lodge or the Hotel Du Nord. Are these two places good choices? Which would you recommend? We are city folks from Chicago and are used to staying in nice hotels…

Is Sister Bay a good location? We weren’t sure of which place in Door County to stay.

What are the must-do’s, must-see’s, and must-eats? We are clueless and would appreciate ay tips from you guys…

We would also like to go fishing and biking. Where are good places to fish and bike? Are there places to rent bikes? What about renting fishing poles? Are there any good hiking trails as well?

What are good restaurants to try?

Is Washington Island a must-do?

We’re arriving there late Friday night and will stay until Sunday.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

ShaeC

The Inn at Cedar Crossing in Sturgeon Bay, and Trio in Egg Harbor were my favorite restaurants. I can't comment on your hotel choices; we rented a cabin. Washington Island is a nice place to ride bikes. There is a goofy "zoo" with ostriches and things; the owner is very funny if that kind of thing appeals to you. We took a little cart ride around the island. I don't know if I would do that again. It was really bumpy and the "tour guide" spoke over a loud speaker that was very hard to understand. I would imagine the boat ride over to WI will be chilly this time of year, but since you're from Chicago, you probably know what to expect.

On location, I wouldn't worry about where you choose to stay. It's not much of a drive from end to end. You'll want to visit each of the little towns.

patg

You can rent bikes at the south entramce to Peninsula State Park.

Must do: Ice cream at Wilson's, mini-golf at the Red Putter (ok, personal bias there!)

Eat at Kristopher's or Mission Grille.

patg

You can rent bikes at the south entrance to Peninsula State Park.

Must do: Ice cream at Wilson's, mini-golf at the Red Putter (ok, personal bias there!)

Eat at Kristopher's or Mission Grille.

AuntAnnie

We stayed at the original Hotel du Nord on our honeymoon; it was cute and rustic. It burned down in a fire and was rebuilt as a more upscale hotel with a really good dining room. We have stayed there 2x; the first time it was great and the second time it was sadly in need of paint, TLC and new management. This was about 5 years ago now. The restaurant was still good at that time. It may be cleaned up by now... Sister Bay is a great location. Washington Island is not necessary IMHO. All of the state park beaches in Door County are gorgeous. Have a picnic, ride bikes, go to a "fish boil." The Wilson's suggestion is good!! Have fun!

lynnejoel1015

Hotel du Nord is beautiful (at least it was the last time I was there- late 2003) and well managed. The restaurant there is good too (Alexander's). We almost got married in Door County and would have had our reception at Alexander's. Sister Bay is terrific. Be sure to go to Al Johnson's Sweedish Restaurant- great food, cool gift shop, and GOATS on the roof!! It doesn't get much better than that.

And get out and walk around everywhere. Beautiful vistas of the lake, cliffs, etc., and OUTSTANDING little boutiques and galleries. Explore the little roads that shoot off 41.

Have a blast for me!

smokey

Stop at the frozen custard place on the north end of Fish Creek. There is also a bait shop in Fish Creek that might rent poles. You can fish from the dock.

Be sure to try the Swedish restaurant across the street from Al Johnson's (forgot the name). We find their food to be more "home made" and better. Also Sister Bay Bowl (upstairs) - best broasted chicken I've had. Northwoods Inn in Sister Bay also has good food including decent pizza.

Get a map of the state and county parks when you are there. There is a county park on the lake side (N of Baileys Harbor) - that is awesome. Hopefully, someone can remember the name.

Have fun - I'm so jealous!

tymecard

what's a fish boil? and where should we do it?

patg

A fish boil is a one-pot cookout where the whitefish, potatoes and vegetables are all boiled together until excess water boils over with a dramatic WHOOSH.

It is terribly bland food, but the atmosphere much like a family picnic and it's always fun to eat outdoors in the summertime.

gopack

IMO, the best place for a fish boil is the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek. The inn is a pretty older white clapboard inn and the restaurant is in the back. The fish boil is out on the patio. Go early and have a drink and sit on the chairs and watch the fish boil and the big fire ball at the end. The restaurant is very nice - country style. The fish is whitefish and very good. The best part is the homemade cherry pie and ice cream for dessert. It's a must do up there!!

Ginny

CAPH52

That's useful info for anyone who pulls this up looking for Door Co info. But, just as a heads up, the OP was going over Memorial Day weekend.

gopack

Yes, I realize the OP was talking about an earlier date. I posted my blurb on the fish boil because I thought it might be of help to others in the future. and because I just felt like posting it. Thank you, though, for taking the time to bring the dates to my attention. I didn't realize what a major faux pas it is to post helpful information here past the time the OP asked for it. Geesh!

alliepsp

Fish boils can be INCREDIBLE!

I love the Post Office. They also have the most incredible cherry pancake breakfasts.

Door county is lovely. Have fun.

CAPH52

Relax, gopack. I wasn't bringing the date to your attention. I assumed you knew you were pulling up an old thread.

CAPH52

I realized that I probably should have explained a little better...

It wasn't my intentiion to upset you, gopack. As I said in my earlier post, the info you gave would be helpful to someone looking for info on Door County. And, of course, you're welcome to respond to as many old posts as you'd like!

However, there have been several threads on this board where posters have said how much they dislike taking the time and trouble to type a long response to a thread, only to realize that someone has pulled up an old thread and the OP has long since come and gone. They were the ones for whom my "heads up" was meant.

gopack

CAPH52,

Thanks for explaining your earlier post. Sorry I got all bent out of shape. I just thought you were playing the post police or something. There are people who have nothing better to do but to check postings for stuff like that. Glad you were not of them. So sorry about the mix-up!!

CAPH52

No problem, gopack!

Fxmill

I would not recommend Hotel Du Nord.
(http://www.hoteldunord.com)

While I have not been there, we were planning on making a reservation. We liked the website and all it offered. However, I called to make the reservation and when I told them I would be coming with my hubby and toddler, she said you have to bring your own "pack in play". For those of you who don't have babies these days, this is a glorified playpen. I told her that she won't sleep in it and the woman just sat there. I said you do not have cribs? She said no. I said, hmm....well that could be a problem... was thinking...and then she HUNG UP ON ME. I could not believe it. I was shocked. No thanks. We won't be going there! Customer service is apparantly not a priority. Good luck all. We haven't made a selection on hotel in Door County yet but are thinking of Egg Harbour Lodge.