Hard to believe it’s already the middle of July. We feel summer is flying by too quickly and there’s still so much more to see and do in Door County. If you’re visiting for the first time, EVERYTHING is new to you. What an exciting adventure you’re about to embark on! For us, it’s hard to resist our favorites, but we try to find something “new to us” on every trip. It could be a restaurant, or a trail, or an experience. This year we’ve already managed to hit some brand new businesses in Door County that are new to everyone. Here’s a quick little roundup:
Five stars for One Star Burgers and Dogs
Add One Star Burgers and Dogs to your list of family friendly restaurants. It’s a new place, in an old space. Located on Highway 57 in Sister Bay One Star is in what once was the Patio Drive-in. It’s also the sister restaurant to one of our favorite Fish Creek establishments, Hill Street. (But you can get ketchup at One Star!) Get a Patio Burger and reminisce about the goold ol’ days. Visiting from Chicago? They have a hot dog with your name on it! No french fries, but they do have chips, grilled cheese, PB & J’s, and ice cream sandwiches.
Designer donuts in Fish Creek
They’re designer, because they’re designed by you! At Donuts By Design you pick the donut, the icing and the toppings. The donuts come out warm, and the options are endless. We tried one with chocolate icing and fruity pebbles. (Yes, a grown-up ordered that one.) The one with apple pie filling was a hit. So was the one topped with pretzels and bacon. It’s an easy walk from the Fish Creek beach and you can order ahead.
While we were in Fish Creek, we also stopped in at Love Letter Door County in its new location downtown. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for vintage or gently-used high-end clothing and accessories. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Door County sweatshirt, check out Zeke’s new spot in the back of the building.
An experience for the senses in Bailey’s Harbor
Door County now has a floating sauna and cold plunge. The sauna is a brand new, adorable structure docked at Gordon’s Lodge. The cold plunge is Lake Michigan! We booked Kiln Floating Sauna for a group private session and had an amazing time. Our host, Zoe, delighted us with different essential oils poured over the coals. Towels and sandals are provided. Book now, because the Kiln might be traveling south (Chicago!) for the winter. This picture doesn’t do it justice. Follow Kiln on Instagram to get a better look at the experience.
After our dip in the lake, we headed to Sway Brewing for a beer and a bite to eat. They recently added some new food options and we’d love to show you, but the food was scarfed up before we could take any pictures. Trust us, get the Grilled Chicken Kebab. We are going back for it!
Other new stuff we can’t wait for
And there’s more! When we get the time, here are a few places on our list: Cut is a brand new restaurant serving steaks and craft cocktails in downtown Fish Creek. For coffee, we’re looking forward to the newly re-opened, and local favorite, Leroy’s Water Street Coffee. If you’re craving burgers or Mexican food or margaritas, The Cleat is now open in Sister Bay in the old JJ’s/La Puerta location. And The Ellison Inn & Lounge has just reopened the bar that used to be Hugel Haus in Ellison Bay. We love that space and love that it’s close to many of our luxury rental properties! Happy exploring!
