By Trent Modglin

It’s easy to fall under the spell of Door County, given its quaint, approachable charm and beauty. You can sightsee, swim, fish, hike, shop, kayak, golf, dine and winery hop till your heart’s content. Or just kick back, unplug, relax, eat a few cherries and watch the clouds drift by. The choice is yours, and that’s the best part.

We try to make an annual visit to Door County, so here are a few of our must-do activities if you make your way up there this summer.

Sister Bay

Narrated boat tour via Door County Boats
Sadly, out of the two million or so people who visit Door County every year, somehow only five percent of them get out on the water during their stay. That’s mind-boggling, considering the pristine waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan that surround the peninsula are just begging to be explored.

“The water is what we’re all about,” our guide aboard Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours told us. “You just get a different perspective out here… and there aren’t any gift shops. Welcome to the club.”

Turns out he was quite the storyteller, too, entertaining us about the ghost of his grandmother who haunts a nearby lighthouse, the history of the islands we passed, and the return of the white pelican to the area. Our cruise, departing from downtown Sister Bay, was aboard a double-decker, 149-passenger boat that allowed us to duck underneath and grab a cocktail when a brief storm passed through. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Death’s Door and the many islands and bluffs that surround Door County — it’s all there for the taking. There’s also a sunset live music cruise for a nice change of pace.

Located in Sister Bay Marina (with other cruises departing from Fish Creek, as well as an assortment of boat rental possibilities). DoorCountyBoats.com

The water is what we’re all about (in Door County). You just get a different perspective out here… and there aren’t any gift shops.” — Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours guide

Stabbur Scandinavian Beer Garden
Located next door to the famous Al Johnson’s breakfast spot (and owned by the same family) is this beautiful green space and outdoor bar made of Norwegian logs. A rotation of 20 draft beers with a Wisconsin and Midwest focus is available, and giant TVs and lawn games add to the family-friendly fun.

10698 N. Bay Shore Dr. in Sister Bay. AlJohnsons.com

Pirate’s Cove
Take the kids on a miniature golf adventure through mountain caves, under waterfalls and across foot bridges. Just don’t let them see you miss a gimme.

2502 Highway 42 in Sister Bay. PiratesCove.com

Old Post Office fish boil

Ephraim

Historic fish boil at the Old Post Office
Fish boils are as synonymous with Door County as clam chowder or lobster are to New England and deep dish is to Chicago. There are a plethora of fish boils scattered throughout the peninsula, but the more we asked locals, the more we were consistently steered toward the Old Post Office in Ephraim.

Make your reservations early and then head to the back of the newly restored building that used to house the town’s post office in the early 1900s. There, you’ll find a giant bonfire to gather around for some stories about this rustic Scandinavian tradition that was designed as an easy way to feed dozens of loggers at a time. “Torch,” the cook, personally hosts some 400 boils per summer, preparing more than 30,000 pounds of fresh-caught whitefish in the process. After the flames die down, head inside the restaurant for a meal you won’t soon forget. Believe me, it’s essential Door County.

10040 Water Street, Highway 42 in Ephraim. OldPostOffice-DoorCounty.com

A throwback to simpler times, Wilson’s has been the landmark of the village of Ephraim since 1906 with its old-fashioned soda fountain, home-brewed root beer, burgers hot off the grill, juke box, and splendid ice cream creations.

Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor
A throwback to simpler times, Wilson’s has been the landmark of the village of Ephraim since 1906. Enchanting would be an accurate description, with its old-fashioned soda fountain, home-brewed root beer, burgers hot off the grill, juke box and — not to be overlooked — splendid ice cream creations. Don’t be turned off by a line of customers outside, as it moves quick. If you’re stopping after dinner, take your ice cream across the street to enjoy the sunset on the water. 9990 Water Street in Ephraim. WilsonsIceCream.com

Washington Island lavender field

Washington Island

No trip to Door County would be complete without a leisurely drive around Washington Island, located off the northern tip of the peninsula. The ferry — able to carry passengers, bikes and cars — departs several times per day to the island. Upon arrival, hop aboard the Cherry Train for an easy tour of the area, including a stop by the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm for a glass of wine, lotion/perfume shopping and a photo op. Also worth a stop: Schoolhouse Beach Park (with its white, polished limestone rocks), Stavkirke medieval church and the Albatross Drive-in and Tiki Bar for a burger and shake.

Don’t forget: Combination tickets are available to Rock Island State Park. And there is free parking at the Northport ferry terminal. 215 State Highway 42 in Northport. WisFerry.com

Upon arrival at Washington Island, hop aboard the Cherry Train for an easy tour of the area, including a stop by the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm for a glass of wine, lotion/perfume shopping and a photo op.

Stone’s Throw Winery patio

Baileys Harbor

Stone’s Throw Winery
Premium California grapes make their way 2,500 miles east to this hidden gem in the middle of Door County, where they have been utilizing the traditional barrel-at-a-time approach to produce a tasty variety of wines for nearly three decades. Sample a flight in the tasting room, dine in one of their two restaurants, or purchase a bottle to enjoy on the beautiful patio. 3382 County E in Baileys Harbor. StonesThrowWinery.com

Peninsula State Park

Fish Creek

Peninsula State Park
Established way back in 1909, this 3,776-acre gem offers an endless array of recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, swimming, golfing and fishing. If you’re looking to sleep under the stars in one of the park’s 468 campsites, try to reserve your space well in advance, as it’s the state’s most popular camping destination. The sandy beaches, professional summer theater performances, White Cedar Nature Center and 1860s lighthouse only add to the allure.

Insider’s tip: We snagged bikes for a few hours from Edge of Park Bicycle & Moped Rental and enjoyed exploring the park at our own pace. 9462 Shore Road in Fish Creek. DoorCounty.com

Barringer’s in Fish Creek

Barringer’s Restaurant
We had heard good things about this stylish restaurant with a supper-club vibe and decided to make a reservation on the last night of our most recent visit. And boy are we glad we did because it was easily the best dinner we’ve had in our half-dozen visits to the area. Steaks and hearty American comfort food are the focus, but we were delighted by the loaded lobster roll, lake perch and decadent crab-stuffed shrimp. 1 N. Spruce Street in Fish Creek. BarringersDoorCounty.com

Established back in 1909, Peninsula State Park is a 3,776-acre gem offering an endless array of recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, swimming, golfing and fishing.

Hill Street
Self-described as “sometimes cozy, sometimes raucous,” this lively bar in the heart of downtown Fish Creek has one of the best patios around, ideal if you’re taking a break from shopping, looking to people watch or just catch the game with a cold drink in hand. 4149 Main Street in Door County. HillStreetDoorCounty.com

Blue Horse Beach Cafe
We stumbled upon this great little breakfast and sandwich spot while on our way home, and wished we had found it earlier. Grab a sausage egg biscuit, curry chicken salad sandwich, giant cinnamon roll (c’mon… you’re on vacation) or iced latte to enjoy from the backyard or front porch overlooking the water. 4113 Main Street in Fish Creek. BlueHorseCafe.com

Egg Harbor

One Barrel Brewing Company
This Madison, Wisconsin brewery established its second location a few years back in Door County, and the massive outdoor patio is an ideal spot to kick back with a cold craft beer on a warm afternoon or evening. The modern taproom is inviting as well, as are the Wild Tomato pizza options if the hunger pangs hit. Try the hoppy Penguin Pale Ale, crisp Kolsch or the Banjo Cat, a rich and malty black porter. Good ciders too. 4633 Market Street in Egg Harbor. OneBarrelBrewing.com