Generally, I would leave the Wisconsin-related blogging to the Badger State native of our duo, Tara, however, my freshman-year roommate hails from Door County: a summer getaway destination in the thumb of Wisconsin. Recently, I took a jaunt up to her hometown with two other friends to experience a couple of days of Midwest vacation bliss.
With my former roommate as our tour guide, we filled our time in Door County with hiking, boating, delicious food and a drive-in. Below are some of my favorite eats and activities from the weekend.
Eat
White Gull Inn
Good Morning America recently crowned the White Gull Inn’s cherry stuffed French toast “Best Breakfast in America.” The sweet, fluffy cream cheese, fresh cherries and cinnamon sandwiched between French toast slices is irresistible, and the homespun ambience of the inn’s dining area is thoroughly pleasant. Next time I’m hoping to make it to one of the White Gull Inn fish boils.
Breakfast at White Gull Inn, by Karina for TKGO
Al Johnson’s
If you know anything about Door County, I bet you’ve heard of this place. It’s, as many refer to it, “the restaurant with the goats on the roof.” The Swedish restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the waitresses are outfitted in traditional Swedish dirndls. (Fun fact: My roommate used to work at Al Johnson’s and would wear her getup as a costume in college.) I recommend the Swedish pancakes — which resemble crepes more than fluffy diner flapjacks — with fresh fruit and of course, lingonberries.
Swedish pancakes at Al Johnson
Not Licked Yet
Like any good vacation town, ice cream options abound. My roommate has had time to try them all, and Not Licked Yet’s custard is her undisputed favorite. Chocolate, vanilla and butterscotch custard are the standard flavors, accompanied by a rotating flavor of the day. (When we stopped by it was Strawberry and Granola.) Enjoy your custard at lounge chairs or tables along the water, or finish it quickly to cavort on the massive swingset play area. You’re never too old, right?
Entrance to Not Licked Yet, by Karina for TKGO
Do
Boating
We were lucky enough to take a ride on one of my roommate’s smaller boats, (owning a boat, from what I understand, is almost a requirement for any Door County resident) but you also can pay to ride one out in the harbor, as well. Boat between towns or just head out in the water to observe the lush beauty of the area.
On the boat, Elena (L) and me
Hiking in Peninsula State Park
Climb to the top of the park’s observatory tower to take in the surroundings, and then choose your trail and spend some time in the woods, which will take you along the water and past geometric-looking, natural caves.
Inside one of the caves along a hiking trail at Peninsula State Park, by Karina for TKGO
Sunset at Fred & Fuzzy’s
Most of the tables at this bar/restaurant are outdoors, and I’m convinced there are fewer places in the world where it’s prettier to watch a sunset. Order a cherry margarita, a local favorite, and wait for the sun to go down.
Sunset at Fred & Fuzzy
Skyway Drive-In
I felt as though I was entering the set of Grease when we pulled up to the drive-in movies. Seven dollars a person gains you entrance to the two movies playing that night. The movies are current (Shrek Forever After and Iron Man 2 were on for us), but the advertisements are retro-cutesy.
Shrek Forever After at Skyway Drive-In, by Karina for TKGO
–Karina for TKGO
Tara and Karina Go Out 