So you booked a vacation in Door County with your family. Now what?! We’ve spent years in Door County with our kids and this blog is full of our very favorite activities and destinations. If we’re being honest, with the right rental property, the best memories might be made right where you stay. Stock the fridge, spend the day on the water, and wrap it up with s’mores around the fire. Perfection!
But that’s not what this post is about. This is about those other days, when you want to get out and explore. We give you our perfect day in Sister Bay. Park once and pack your swimsuit.
Breakfast at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant
This is a no brainer. We love Al Johnson’s. This is one of those places that is truly an iconic Door County tradition. So much, and not much at all, has changed over the last few decades. The goats are real. The food is real good. And the ambiance, from the decor to the dirndls, is delightfully Scandinavian.
Besides the goats on the roof, Al Johnson’s is famous for its Swedish meatballs, lingonberries and pancakes. Our kids love the hot cocoa, piled high with whipped cream, no matter how hot it is outside. We all love the thin, square, folded and stacked Swedish pancakes. Plain, or with strawberries and cream.
The sandwiches are amazing, too. We have a now-vegetarian friend who says she still dreams about the roast beef sandwich on Swedish Limpa bread. SO good! The staff is always efficient and friendly.
Pass the time at Stabbur Beer Garden
Stabbur is a more recent addition to the restaurant. And what a great idea! Now when you’re told you’ll have an hour or more wait for your table to be ready, you don’t have to worry about restless kids or hangry adults, because the beer garden awaits.
Take your clicker with you and enjoy a cold beverage while the kids play yard games, or look for the goats on the roof. Sit back, enjoy the sunshine, the views, and the people watching.
Beach time on the Sister Bay Waterfront
Once you’ve had your fill of pancakes and goats, grab your suit and towel and head to the beach! Sister Bay boasts having the largest public waterfront in the peninsula, with the best playground, a pier, picnic tables, and a performance pavilion. If you’re lucky, or plan it right, you can catch some free live music!
Bay Shore Outfitters has a walk up kayak center on the beach where you can rent kayaks and standup paddle boards. No reservations needed. Feeling more adventurous? You can rent jet skis, pontoon boats and speed boats at nearby Sister Bay Boat Rental.
Lunch time!
Is it lunchtime yet? Lots of great options for lunch within walking distance of the beach. We will start with two of our favorites if you’re looking to leave the beach for awhile and dine-in.
Husby’s is a staple for us, with its full menu inside, or garage bar menu outside. And we love Boathouse on the Bay for their catfish po’boys and lobster rolls! The view of the marina is also hard to beat.
If you want to stay on the beach, may we suggest getting some sandwiches from Door County Creamery. It’s also a great place for an ice cream break. We are huge fans of their cheeses and goat milk gelato.
Sprinkle in some shopping
You might feel compelled to do a little shopping at the Creamery while you wait for your sandwiches. They have a great selection of items with goats on them or made from them! The same idea goes for Zeke’s Village Market. Pick up some picnic provisions at this market, literally steps from the beach.
There are plenty of other stop-worthy shops in Sister Bay. We love Spot and Space for women’s clothing and whimsically fun gift ideas. On Deck has clothing for men and women. Skal next to Stabbur has all things Swedish. The kids will appreciate (or insist on) a stop at Door County Confectionery. And just up the road from the Boathouse is Ecology Sports for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Dinner Time!
After a busy day in Sister Bay, beaching and boating and sipping and shopping, pizza is always a go-to for our family. Grab a table inside or outside at Wild Tomato, or maybe better yet, take a few pies to go.
Now about that perfect ending to a summer day in Door County..
Convinced? Check out Northern Door Vacations to book your getaway now!
