No plans yet for the long weekend? Try these on for size: Road trip it 230 miles north to Wisconsin's lovely Door County Peninsula, then frolic along 300 miles of scenic shoreline, discovering charming local shops, and indulging in locavore eats and drinks.
Shop Local Boutiques
First, get your bearings in Sturgeon Bay, the gateway town to the peninsula, and home to a charming business district along 3rd Avenue. There, scope out the mouthwatering baubles at Samara Jewelry Designs, where a husband-and-wife duo have been in business for 30 years. Right now they're all over the rose gold trend (see necklace, right, $785), but they keep the mix diverse with diamond stunners and souvenir styles inspired by local nature.
From there, skip up to the waterfront haven, Egg Harbor, to hit Patricia Shoppe. Inspired by her great grandmother, a designer who ran the original Patricia Shoppe in Chicago in the '50s and '60s, owner Erin Bosman opened the boutique 10 years ago in the historic Egg Harbor Town Hall. The bright interior is filled with a mix of modern and vintage, with antique jewelry cases, historically accurate light fixtures, and her great grandmother's pen and ink sketches. Current picks include Nick & Mo's feminine, ruffly cardigans for transitioning into fall weather, Eva Franco's mod pencil skirts and dresses, and Weston Wear's graphic print tops.
And, on your way to Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, stop by Hey Daisy, which has trendy clothes and accessories as well as gifts like soap, mugs, and beach bags.
Play, Eat, And Drink Your Way Across the Peninsula
With five state parks—including the gorgeous bluffs of Peninsula State Park (pictured above)—Door County has plenty of opportunities for the outdoorsy types out there, from biking, hiking, and canoeing, to good old-fashioned beach-mongering.
Or catch a ferry ride to Washington Island and bike around the island, then tour Death's Door Distillery, which makes organic spirits with wheat and rye grown right there on the island.
Take a cue from the locals and do a classic fish boil for dinner. The Door County tourism board has a handy listing of the best spots in town. And, when it's time to hit the sack, you've got plenty of B&Bs, hotels, and campgrounds to choose from. Browse through your options here.
Feeling inspired? Check out the directions to Sturgeon Bay and start planning your well-deserved weekend getaway!
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