Typically, Michael and I celebrate a low-key New Year’s Eve. We put on our jammies, break out the board games, pop a bottle of bubbly and call it good. This year, though, we celebrated the end of a decade by traveling up to Door County, Wisconsin.
Door County is every Wisconsinite’s favorite summer destination, but I love it just as much in the winter. A lot of shops and restaurants are closed for the season, but I like seeking out all the stalwarts that stay open even in the cold.
Where to Stay in Door County in Winter (and All the Time)
This time, like every time Michael and I go to Door County, we stayed in Sturgeon Bay.
This is a great place to stay in the winter because, unlike the rest of the peninsula, most everything stays open during the off-season. Also, there are a lot of nice places to camp out.
For this quick getaway, we checked into the Holiday Music Hotel. We stayed here years ago and had a blast. The ’50s styling of the place is so fun and, honestly, the price is right for an impromptu trip. Not to mention the place has some great vibes. It’s owned and operated by musicians and there are a lot of artsy events going on in and around the hotel. Plus, a two-block walk has you right on the main drag for all the food, drinks and quirky shops you could ever need.
The location came in really handy on this trip, especially.
A Snowy Night in Sturgeon Bay
We spent most of our first evening right in Sturgeon Bay since it was pretty snowy. We hit up Within Things, a shop I’ve been following for some time on Instagram. It was wonderfully weird. We also snagged a mushroom book at Novel Bay Booksellers.
But the real fun didn’t start until after dinner. After a long drive back from Sister Bay, we decided to lay low and grab a drink nearby at Cedar Crossing. It was a beautiful snowy walk there from our hotel. The bar area was so relaxing and very swanky. We were just planning on a drink until the bartender recommended we check out another stop. We’re spontaneous people, so we took the short walk.
That’s how we ended up at my new favorite: Cherry Lanes.
This place was a blast! I snagged a hot toddy while Michael sipped on a Moscow Mule, then we decided to grab ourselves a lane. Michael and I had never bowled together before, so we had to rectify that.
For $15, we got shoes and an hour of bowling (a steal). We got in four games. Michael says he was practicing his spin the whole time. I’m not sure I believe him, so I’ll just brag here that I won three games out of four.
Other Wintry Musts in Door County
A lot of the upper peninsula shuts its doors in the winter, but there’s still plenty to do for a short stay.
Waking up after a night at Cherry Lanes, we had one order of business: Bea’s Ho-Made. This place is a must when you’re visiting Door County, no matter the season. This place sells some great jams and preserves. My favorites, though, are the hot garlic-dill pickles and the plum sauce. Oh my gosh, the plum sauce! It’s a must for Chinese takeout. Michael recommends the Hungarian relish. I know a jam shop doesn’t seem like a hip destination, but trust me, it’s worth the visit.
But Bea’s wasn’t our only stop. We also swung by Door County Bakery for some Corsica sticks. I’ve never seen this bread anywhere else. They’re essentially breadsticks covered in sesame seeds and drenched in olive oil. I can’t explain why these are soo good, but they are irresistible to me. I ordered four.
And no matter the weather, Peninsula State Park is always on my Door County list. While we weren’t able to check out Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in the snow, we still got to enjoy the sights and walk around a bit. Standing on the shores of Lake Michigan is always soothing to me, even in the cold and snow.
Ringing in 2020
On New Year’s Eve, we headed over to the Nightingale Supper Club in Sturgeon Bay for a nice dinner. I was positively thrilled that we could sneak in a reservation.
Michael and I put on our NYE best (mine being my glitter boots and flamingo pink dress) and sat down to a three-course dinner—something we do very rarely. We indulged with some stuffed mushrooms, homemade soup and prime rib (my go-to supper club order). I finished off the meal with a Grasshopper. I mean, you have to, right?
After a big night out at Cherry Lanes, we decided to opt out of the NYE conflama, so we just settled in for a night at the Holiday with our classic routine: games and pajamas (and a little time playing the instruments in the lobby).
If the rest of 2020 is this good, I’ll be the luckiest gal out there.
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