Perhaps what makes Door County truly unique among midwest vacation spots is the way we embrace our short summer. Every year, for a matter of a few weeks, Door County feels like a Florida-esque beach community. From places like Julie’s Park Cafe and Motel, with their oversized purple chair, to the bustling Sister Bay beach and waterfront, visitors and locals alike take full advantage of the summer.
September brings an in-between time where the heat of summer is gone but the temperatures are perfect for getting outside and enjoying the still-vibrant natural beauty. While the change of colors is right around the corner, now is the time to avoid the summer crowds and get out – just remember to pack a sweatshirt.
Read on for great things to do, eat, and drink in Door County at this time of year, and some new developments in Sister Bay and at Open Hearth Lodge.
Beer is Here in Door County
We remember only a few short years ago – at the beginning of the independent craft brewery explosion – lamenting the few options for locally-brewed beer in Door County. Well, we didn’t have to wait long. With the launch of Door County Brewing Co. in 2012, our County quickly caught up with what what happening nationwide, and now is home to several world-class breweries and taprooms. These unique venues, many of which are founded by locals, are popular destinations and nicely compliment Door County’s many wineries.
Although attendance is limited, the upcoming Peninsula Brewery Battle is a great event to find your favorite:
Peninsula Brewery Battle
It’s Apple Picking Season!
Cherries are the most famous fruit for picking in Door County, but the humble apple is grown plentifully County-wide and makes for a great family activity.
Destination Door County has a great resource to find your perfect apple picking destination:
Destination Door County: Orchards & Farms in Door County
Sister Bay’s Growth Continues
As Door County’s popularity as a vacation destination continued over the past decades, there has always been a town and village that becomes the new “hot spot” of the time. Over the past few years, Sister Bay has seen enormous growth, and Open Hearth Lodge has some exciting news to share of our own growth – see below.
Sister Bay has a rich history and a bright future. Although The Old Anderson House Museum is temporarily closed, you can find tons of information and images of Sister Bay’s history at the Sister Bay Historical Society’s website:
Sister Bay Historical Society
One More Thing: Open Hearth Lodge is Expanding!
We are thrilled to announce an exciting addition to Open Hearth Lodge!
This October, we’ll be breaking ground on a new addition to our Lodge. We’re adding 14 new rooms designed for the comfort of your whole family, including your 4-legged family members. The new rooms will be available Spring 2021, and we’ll begin taking reservations later this year. Watch this space and our website for progress updates.