If anywhere in Door County, Wisconsin was going to make the perfect postcard, it just might be the village of Ephraim. This little town is certainly the most picturesque, with sailboats dotting the harbor, the trees of Peninsula Park covering the bluff that overlooks the town, and classic white steeples peeking out of the trees. The town hall itself is also an impressive structure, but so is most every establishment on the main strip of Ephraim. White siding, porches, perfect picket fences…these are the visions of Ephraim. My only complaint is that there are no sidewalks to make walking this town safer, easier, and more enjoyable. While Ephraim is certainly my favorite feast for the eyes, it offers few Door County restaurants (although the few located here are quality), and Door County shopping that is difficult to access due to the lack of sidewalks. Ephraim is heavy on Door County hotels, and is a good location halfway between the shops of Fish Creek and Restaurants of Sister Bay. The town also offers the most access to outdoor recreation: parasailing, swimming, and sailing in the harbor, golfing, camping, and biking Peninsula Park. One event you might want to plan for is the Fyr Bal Festival, held the weekend before the summer solstice in late June. The Scandinavian heritage of the town is proudly displayed in a colorful ceremony, where music, entertainment, and food fill the downtown, and bonfires dot the shores at dusk. I’ve never attended this ceremony myself, but would love to plan a trip in the future. All in all, if I was looking for pure aesthetic pleasure, and outdoor recreation, I would pick Ephraim every time.

What a great week we had in Door County, Wisconsin in 2007. I’m originally from the west and have been adopted in to the Wisconsin culture thanks to my wife. I’m really grateful to have married her and Door County is one of the “icings on the cake”.

I’ve had the chance to go to Door County at least two times per year on vacation since 2002. My wife’s family is from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, just one hour north of Milwaukee. She has been to Door County ever since she can remember. As we dated prior to getting married, I heard all about this “Garden of Eden” of the mid-west. I was a bit nervous when going for the first time: what if it was like one of those movies someone talks up and then you really don’t like it at all? So, I went in with low expectations.

My first experience was nice. I won’t lie - it didn’t knock my socks off, but we had so much fun with our families, played in the lake, and overall I thought it was great.

The thing I seem to love most about Door County now, however, having been there a few times, is how much it grows on you. Every time we go we discover something new and exciting to explore. This year my wife, her brother, his wife, and our two children all biked Peninsula State Park. We really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and stopped at one of the scenic light houses for ice cold water and pictures.

If you are looking for a great family vacation destination, Door County is definitely a place I’d recommend.

Egg Harbor: Aaah…after all that driving, you round the bend on 42 and see the quaint little shops and think, “Finally, I’ve arrived!” Egg Harbor, to me, is the first heavy dose of Door County Culture you get as you head up the peninsula. It offers that perfect, ma & pa shop-laden main street, the blooming gardens of Harborview Park, the gorgeous views at Alpine Golf Course, everything you were dreaming about can be found right here in Egg Harbor. And if you’re not into historic inns or old motel rooms, Egg Harbor boasts the newest accomodations on the peninsula. The bluff overlooking the bay is dotted with quaint condominiums and new homes are being built off Hwy E, just minutes from downtown. Egg Harbor also offers the convenience of the Main Street Market, one of the few full-service grocery stores you’ll find up here. But don’t worry, we’re not talking chinsy warehouse here; Egg Harbor even does groceries right, with a to-die-for bakery, and European flair in its presentation from the deli down to the end-of-aisle displays. And some of the best Door County restaurants are plentiful here, with a variety ranging from an Internet cafe, to an ice cream shop housed in a historic landmark, to fine Italian dining complete with an accordian serenade. With its convenient location just midway up the peninsula, Egg Harbor is in the running for Best of the Peninsula in my book.

If you’re driving up 42 on your way to your favorite family vacation destination, Door County, make sure you don’t blink halfway between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor, because if you do, you will almost certainly miss Carlsville. Carlsville is a bit of an anomaly, a town that settled inland, away from the water: a rarity in Door County. Although I have frequented a few local businesses in Carlsville, I have never spent much time here and, to be honest, I never felt like I’d missed much.

However, small-town-enthusiasts, I would recommend heading to Carlsville Day, which is an event held in mid to late July. The community proviedes tours of the local winery and dairy farm/ice cream parlor, as well as food, live music, games for kids, a parade, doggie contest, and vendors displaying arts and crafts. For a small town quiet feel, stop by and see what Carlsville is all about. If I’m in town for Carlsville Day next year, I’ll plan on it. If not, I’ll probably blink, and not look back.

Bailey’s Harbor is one of the more quiet villages. Located on Lake Michigan, it was named after Captain Justice Bailey, who found refuge here during a wild storm in 1848. The specialty of this town is its marina where Charter fishing boats are readily available to help you bring home a King Salmon, and lighthouses which can be toured throughout the year, but particularly the 3rd weekend of May, during the Door County Lighthouse Walk. But if you’re not planning on Charter Fishing or touring lighthouses, Bailey’s Harbor may not be the best fit for you.

With fewer and older Door County Hotels and restaurants, downtown Bailey’s is a quiet village on the outskirts of the heart of the Door. In fact, I’ve been to a few restaurants here that I would even classify as “dives,” and although I’ve never stayed at one of their hotels, none of them have caught my eye, either. My favorite spots in Bailey’s are: The Yum Yum Tree, Maxwelton Braes golf course, the view from Hwy 42 as you come into town, and Coyote Roadhouse(located on the outskirts of town). So, if we’re asking if Bailey’s is the Best the Peninsula has to offer, I would say, “Not even close.”

Anyone who has been to Door County, Wisconsin knows that there is enough to see and do to fill months of time, let alone the short week or two that most of us can afford to steal away.

Door County consists of 8 major villages: Bailey’s Harbor, Carlsville, Egg Harbor, Ellison Bay/Gills Rock, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Jacksonport, and Sister Bay.

• So, my question is, which village is the best?

• With limited vacation time, which village should I choose to book a hotel at?

• Which village will I book most of my dinner reservations at?

• Where will I want to spend my afternoon shopping sprees?

Each of my next few posts will talk about the pros and cons of each individual village-and who knows–we may come up with a definitive answer!