Door County Visitor Bureau Winter 2011

Hibernation, schmibernation. That stuff is for the bears.

Door County is a different world in the winter than in warmer months, but that's not to say it's a less vivacious one.

While some of the peninsular community's shops and attractions have shuttered until spring and boat tours have halted, the blankets of snow seem to breathe cool new life into other tourist destinations perhaps overlooked on sunny summer days.

There are still plenty of places to dine and shop in the Egg Harbor, Ephraim, Fish Creek and Sturgeon Bay areas. Lakeshore strolls and sleigh rides invigorate as they're fueled by breaths of crisp, clean air. And warm meals and accommodations await those looking to thaw their limbs.

Take refuge in one of the region's cozy resorts or bed-and-breakfasts. Or enjoy an old-fashioned fish boil and watch the flames mix with the wintry breeze.

Any season is a fine time to visit Door County and celebrate this picturesque spit of land, well known for its tourism options as well as its Lake Michigan shipwreck history. Its name refers to "death's door," but these days it's as full of life as any beachside paradise, regardless of what the thermometer reads.

Local fare

Groups can enjoy the fruits of the most recent harvest with a trip to Country Ovens, a family-owned and operated business. Its products — including dried and chocolate-covered cherries and cherry juice — are made from Door County Montmorency red tart cherries, a distinctive flavor of the region that shows that Wisconsin isn't simply all about cheese.

For great local pizza and and icy cool treats, look no further than Joe Jo's Pizza and Gelato in Ephraim. Its thin crust is made from scratch, and the gelato and sorbetto comes in all kinds of mouth-watering flavors such as tiramisu, white chocolate and Grand Marnier.

Upscale casual dining has a distinctly Door flavor at Cooper's Corner in Fish Creek. Groups can visit the adjacent Barrel Room before dinner to enjoy complimentary samples of local wine and tasty Fat Louie's olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Door County is home to some of the prettiest nature in the Midwest or, for that matter, anywhere. That fact doesn't change when the snow flies.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will delight in the more than 16 miles of clean, double-tracked ski trails and four miles of snowshoe and hiking trails. Nor Door Sport & Cyclery will equip visitors with all the topographical wisdom and rugged gear they need.

For a re-energizing Lake Michigan hike, explore picturesque Whitefish Dunes State Park and its rocky shoreline, sandy beaches and forest areas. The park draws 180,000 visitors annually, more than any other day-use park in the state. Its nature center features an exhibit room, auditorium and picnic area.

Peninsula State Park also offers enchanting views as well as wildlife education opportunities and chances to hand feed some of the most charming and trusting birds you'll see.

Door County Visitor Bureau
(800) 527-3529
(920) 743-4456
www.doorcounty.com

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Travel & Events

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