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.

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!

Door County offers a myriad of lodging options for your stay, from quaint bed & breakfasts to luxurious hotels to timeshare condominiums. Door County Reviews recommends the following tips to help you zero in on the perfect option for you.

1. Call ahead: Door County is a seasonal vacation destination, and if you’re planning on traveling between May and October, as most travelers do, you had better call ahead. In the middle of summer you will be hard-pressed to find a vacancy sign anywhere.

2. Consider a time frame: Many of Door County’s accomodations can be reserved by the week. These options can offer you a better rate than if you simply stayed there 7 consecutive nights, and many of these weekly options include better facilities: a kitchenette, a suite, a jacuzzi, etc. If you are a die-hard Door County vacationer like we are, you may want to consider a timeshare option. Timeshares in Door County begin to feel like home as you record a lifetime of memories in their familiar walls and make vacation planning easier as you rely on “your week” every year.

3. Price Range: Door County Reviews notes the price range of each resort, as does the Door County Peninsula, a free catalog you can pick up at any Door County Visitor’s Center. Make sure you’ve budgeted your trip before you get to the cash register. Prices for accomodation can range from $50 to $350 per night.

4. Amenities: Depending on whether you are going to Door County with children, on a romantic getaway, or on a rendezvous with friends, you may want to check out the amenities offered by your resort. For the active go-getter, some offer free bike rentals, windsurfs, board games, tennis courts, etc. If you’re looking for relaxation, some will offer spa treatments and hot tubs. It’s wise to peruse the listings for the amenities that fit your style to a T.

5. Location, Location, Location: True, the Door Peninsula is compact enough to ensure that no matter where you stay you will be only 45 minutes or so from any point on the peninsula, but for your own convenience, it may be wise to review your vacation plans and pick a village that fits. Egg Harbor is on the southern end of the peninsula and keeps you closer to Sturgeon Bay with its movie theaters and department stores. Sister Bay is near the north end, so if you’re planning an excursion to Rock Island, it will make a day trip more manageable. Vacancies will be harder to find in the more southern villages of Egg Harbor and Fish Creek. As you work your way up the peninsula, you may have better luck in finding an opening if you made a last-minute dash for the Door.