Door County…300 miles of craggy, Great Lakes shoreline dotted with lighthouses, featuring epic sunsets and bluffy vistas year-round. The communities are a string of pearls, running up and down the peninsula, tying us all together. But most of all, the backbone of this place is the small business owners and entrepreneurs making this slice of the Midwest a vibrant, enriching place to call home, second home, or just home for a weekend. Digging into the area’s retail offerings, travelers will be surprised to note the prevalence of independently-owned, unique establishments brimming with charm and high-quality goods. Authentic tweed from County Donegal in Ireland, novels by Wisconsin authors, and locally-grown lavender bath bombs are just a smattering of the products you can source here.
“Door County is one of those relatively rare tourism destinations that has never lost its connection to small family businesses that span generations,” explains Lars Johnson, co-owner of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik. “As a result, it’s what visitors have come to expect, that they won’t be offered chain restaurants or chain retail stores when they come here, they’ll instead find successful small businesses that you won’t find everywhere else,” he adds.
Now let’s GO…shopping in Door County.
We’ll start in Sturgeon Bay, in the shadow of its famous steel bridge. This “city” of Door County is more than just the county seat of the peninsula—it’s a community with lovely retail offerings around every corner. The beating heart of Sturgeon Bay is historic Third Avenue, which boasts a slew of shops, and the rest of downtown opens up around this main drag. Stop into The Pearl of Door County, an art gallery and collective representing more than fifty creators. Feel the collaborative energy of this place, see the lights shining in the windows, and browse mosaics, paintings, and pottery, with new pieces added each week. Experiences are on offer too, a diverse range from forest bathing to yoga nidra to energy work.
Door County Candy’s bright cherry and pristine white awning is hard to miss. This vintage-style confectionary serves up classic, homemade treats like saltwater taffy, fudge, caramel corn, ice cream, and chocolate. Owner Terry Ullman shares that fresh fudge and gourmet chocolates are top sellers. “For the fudges, sea salt caramel is number one, and chocolate peanut butter and Door County cherry are other favorites,” he says. Visitors should be sure to try pie bars, which are exclusive to the shop and available in four varieties. Door County Candy feels like “a step back in time, a nostalgic, old-fashioned escape,” notes Ullman. “It’s overwhelming in a good way.”
It’s just a short hop or a few steps to another longtime area favorite, Novel Bay Booksellers. Owner Liz Welter shares, “We like to say there are no bad books at Novel Bay.” This spot, which has been open since July 5th, 2018, is Welter’s second-wind retirement project. “We were lucky to pick the spot we did – it’s an amazing part of the city, a big downtown revitalization project,” she adds. Visitors can feel the energy of Sturgeon Bay and enjoy the hardcover magic of a carefully curated selection. ‘I research every single book,” Welter explains. Vintage-style postcards, warm wood paneling, and cozy armchairs add ambiance and soul. Browse local authors, historical works, children’s books, and an impressive STEM-inspired collection.
Our next stop is BLISS, a boutique conveniently located next door to the bookshop in the heart of Sturgeon Bay’s Historic Third Avenue. The owner, Todd Trimberger, says the store lives up to its moniker: it’s pure bliss, with “a fantabulous collection of interesting gifts, accessories for you and joyful adornments for your home or home away from home.” Two levels full of fanciful glassware, imaginative artwork, dreamy ceramics, unique lamps, and great accent furniture make for “a shopping experience that is not to be missed…truly a sensory journey to be explored,” he adds. Pro tip: Consider a stop during the Christmas season to see the shop fully decked out in holiday glory.
Let’s head north on Highway 42, part of the Door County Coastal Byway. In the tiny town of Carlsville, we can experience three of the area’s most famous exports. Join me at Door County Coffee, the first and largest roaster in the area. This family-owned and operated establishment just celebrated 30 years in business. During coffee class, try the Death’s Door Blend, the darkest roast available. This Coffee 101 Tour looks behind the curtain to share the Door County Coffee story and explain the high quality of their specialty coffee, crafted with only the top two percent of Arabica beans. Fun flavors like Grasshopper, a nod to the minty supper club dessert cocktail, add an extra taste of Wisconsin. Enjoy a pop of famous Door County cherries in the seasonal food offerings at the onsite cafe. Note the bright tartness of cherry chutney on a turkey sandwich and the crunch of fresh lettuce on soft baked bread. After a quick bite, wind through aisles and aisles of local goodies and countless coffee offerings in the ample retail space. Not sure what to purchase? Try perennial top seller Highlander Grogg, known for its luscious caramel notes.
Nearby is Door County Candle Company. “Our new candle bar gives people a truly immersive experience of how we make our candles,” shares owner Christiana Trapani. “Scent is our strongest sense,” she adds. In roughly 30-45 minutes, says Trapani, visitors can build a custom candle. Attendees get to smell their way through different fragrances and pick up to three to craft one all their own. They’ll learn insider info about the scent families during the process. The next step is wicking the jars, then getting to the actual candle making. “Our favorite scent a customer made was an old-fashioned, bourbon-scented creation,” the owner says. Plus, there’s a large retail footprint if folks aren’t interested in getting their hands dirty. “You can walk in and see the candle bar area and get the feel of it but shop without doing the experience,” she explains.
Cross the street for a trip to Door Peninsula Winery and Door County Distillery. This spot is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Smell distinct distillery scents like rum molasses, whiskey mash, and the wafts of fermentation. Get a look at the inner workings with free daily tours, offered on the hour from 10am to 4pm. Upgrade options, like wine tastings, are available for those who want to sip away. Marketing and Sales Director Rob Peterson says, “We have over 10,000 square feet of retail space” in the winery and distillery, focusing on “cherry everything here.” The famed Door County cherries rightfully dominate the offerings, with cherry wine, cherry brandy, and cherry vodka, three of the most popular picks. It’s not just about the booze, either, as there’s a large food area, stocked with locally-made products like cherry BBQ sauce, olive oil, fudge, and cherry jam.
Now let’s move on to Egg Harbor, an artsy enclave along Highway 42. Before we reach the village, pop into Woodwalk Gallery. “It almost feels like you’re pulling into a private residence,” owner Joslyn Villalpando says of the dreamy 10-acre farmstead property with rolling meadows and a large lawn. Inside the barn, the milk room has been transformed into a bright, white gallery space. “It’s a huge
open-air, open-feeling barn,” she adds. Visitors can wander from the milk room to a new wing for a more contemporary vibe or check out the original horse stalls, where art is now displayed. There’s a cozy upstairs loft space, too, a former artist’s studio complete with sun-dappled light and creative energy. “It’s really special, such a magical little spot,” Villalpando says. Those checking out Woodwalk Gallery will find a mix of types of art, from ceramics to quilts, paintings to woodwares.
Main Street Shops, located on Egg Harbor’s main drag, is one of the few indoor malls in Door County, and features 17 highly unique shops that run the gamut. There’s clothing for babies and kids, leisurewear, two high-end womens’ wear shops, and even a sleepwear shop; plus, you’ll find artisan wood products by local craftsmen, an old-fashioned candy store, a shop with a huge inventory of holiday décor and ornaments, and even stained glass artwork. When you need a pick-me-up, there’s a coffeeshop with tasty food items.
Further down Highway 42, it’s time to pop into Main Street Market, a locally-owned, full service grocer. Beyond the usual suspects, like fresh produce and a large meat department, this spot stocks gourmet and specialty items to elevate any Door County dining experience. Look no further than the late harvest Riesling vinegar, the perfect base for homemade salad dressing to pair with the agricultural bounty of the county.
Cross the road and head to the blufftop Cappaert Contemporary Gallery. “Our space is an 1800s log home overlooking the water and sitting atop the Niagara Escarpment,” shares artist Ginnie Cappaert. Her small, contemporary gallery features her abstract landscape paintings and the work of 30 other independent artists. Visitors can find ceramics, glasswork, sculpture, jewelry and more. “A sense of calm and peace with a bit of color is the vibe here,” she says. “It’s really about the experience. Door County is magical!” Cappaert adds.
We now journey north to a commercial center of Door County, Fish Creek, a mid-peninsula spot always brimming with activity. With so much to choose from, we’ll largely focus on some female-owned and female-helmed shops in the area. South of town, stop by The Ginger House, which is “a picnic around the world” describes the owner, Ginger Baron. Part of the Settlement Shops, this store is known for fresh flowers and colorful homewares like blankets from Lima and baskets from Ghana. Guests can snag local Wisconsin cheeses and wines, too. Custom Door County toile pajamas are another highlight and top seller in the specialty shop. “There’s just something magical there,” Baron says. “It just transplants you to a different place.” That’s one picnic we can’t wait to be a part of.
Downtown Fish Creek is a prime shopping spot. An enduring community favorite there is the nautical-inspired On Deck Clothing. Though there are three locations spread across the county, the late 1800s charm and the vintage Chris-Craft boat in the Fish Creek store make it our favorite. Owner Mitch Larson notes that the space has a warm, inviting feel. “The floors are the original hardwood, there’s shiplap siding and a beadboard ceiling,” he adds. “It’s just beautiful craftsmanship; we’ve restored it to its original condition.” Enjoy all manner of upscale clothing offerings for men and women, including a wide array of Vineyard Vines gear; the shop is one of the top sellers of the preppy, maritime brand in the entire Midwest. Footwear, accessories and kid’s clothing round out the offerings at On Deck.
Across the street, don’t miss Sister Golden, a mother-daughter-owned shop. This funky, eclectic, botanically-inspired boutique is especially well-known for its flower art prints made from found foliage. Grab a best-selling calendar and scoop vintage rugs, sconces from India, plush throws, and jewelry crafted by independent artists.
Next, stop into Love Letter, Door County’s only women’s clothing consignment shop. Owner Laurel Janisse carefully curates and hand selects each piece sold in this upscale shop with the aim of reducing fast fashion waste through thrifting. “I love sustainable brands like Patagonia, Reformation, Eileen Fisher, quality fabrics from Tory Burch and Theory, and timeless styles from Ralph Lauren, Madewell, and Everlane,” she says. Part of the fun is the thrill of the hunt and snatching an unexpected find. “Items are constantly changing, and there’s only one of each, so it’s different each time you shop here,” she explains. “I absolutely love having this shop! It truly is a love letter to myself and all the women who shop here and support our mission,” Janisse adds.
Around the bend, O’Meara’s Irish House is a must-stop. “It’s like walking into a store in Ireland,” owner Megan O’Meara explains. Feel the plush, soft wool from Irish sheep. “We’re known for our quality woolens, knits, and jewelry,” she adds. Listen for the permanent soundtrack of traditional Irish music. “We never tire of it,” she laughs. Another standout item is the candles from Rathbornes, the oldest candle company in the world, with roots dating back to 1488 in Dublin. Visitors can smell popular scents like Dublin Retreat, with notes of musk, black ebony, and amber. O’Meara’s is a genuinely immersive, authentic, even surprising shopping experience.
At Top of the Hill Shops, pop over to DC Chocolate Design Cafe, a sweet escape in Fish Creek. Chocolatier and owner Kara VanderLeest shares that customers can’t get over how fantastic chocolate and coffee smell together. “Everyone says, ‘Oh my God, it smells so good in here,” she says. The aroma might hit first, but when walking in, visitors are greeted, front and center, with a 9-foot-long custom truffle case. These top-selling, hand-painted beauties are the stars of the show. “The shopping experience is fun to pick and choose your flavors,” VanderLeest adds. People enjoy the interactive experience. “It’s fun to choose for gifting or yourself,” she notes. “Some customers pick by colors and others by flavors,” she explains. Try cherry cream and cherry caramel, made with local Door County cherries and decked out in bright seasonal colors.
Sister Bay is the next village on the west side of Door County. There’s lots of shopping to enjoy, starting with clothing store Spot (which has a sister store in Egg Harbor). Owner Jennie Bexell says, “Shopping should be a treat…the music, the mood, the staff, and all the pretty things are here to make you step into a happy place.” There’s so much variety in clothes, too, with many bright, fun colors. “I try really hard to cover all the styles,” she adds. “Life is too short to wear boring clothes.” And with hundreds of brands to choose from you’re sure to find something cozy and comfortable that suits your needs.
Cross the road to check out Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, currently celebrating 75 years in business. If we’re lucky, the resident goats might just be grazing on the roof! Part of the famous eatery, the onsite Butik features traditional Scandinavian goods of all types, while Skål is Al’s newer Nordic-inspired standalone store, located just south of the restaurant. At the Butyik, stock up on the restaurant’s Swedish pancake mix, lingonberry jam, or cute items like a goat print apron with a
Peter Pan collar. Traditional sweaters and shoes from Scandinavia are other popular picks. At Skål, check out the mix of curated modern Scandinavian products, clothing, and housewares.
Seasonal events help Sister Bay shine, too. “Christkindlmarkt Door County is popular for the same reasons as other similar events across the world,” says John Nelson, the event coordinator. “Our visitors are hoping to do their pre-Christmas gift shopping, so we offer handmade artisan products by local artists and craftspeople, plus Christmas music, great Nordic street foods, and German glühwein, the traditional hot drink,” he adds. This market stands out for another reason, too. Instead of being in a bustling urban area, it sits on a 7-acre heritage site draped in the rural, wintery beauty of Sister Bay. The event is an annual major fundraiser for the property’s owner, the Sister Bay Historical Society.
Head to our next stop, the Door County Wildwood Market, north of Sister Bay. Items like floral bouquets, canned goods, and specialty bakery picks make this more than an upscale fresh farm stand. But activities really help amp up the shopping experience for guests. July is the perfect time to visit for pick-your-own cherries. The fall brings an annual corn maze and pumpkins for the family.
Another Northern Door town worthy of a visit is Ellison Bay. For a caffeine boost, try Kick Ash Coffee, a locally-owned spot celebrating five years in its current location. It’s not just coffee here, either. Owner Carol Ash says, “We have a little smattering of everything, gifts for everyone,” like self-care items, books, cards, and local products. Plus, Kick Ash makes its own very popular granola and small batches of roasted coffee. “Our cherry almond is the most popular granola,” she adds. Want to feel even better about shopping small? This coffee shop is a force for good, supporting multiple area nonprofits with special blends that give back every time you purchase. Order Dark Sky to support Newport State Park, the state’s first International Dark Sky Park.
Further up the road, visit Island Orchard Cider, a Door County cider house. Focused on Normandy-style dry ciders, the operation is among many high-quality beverage purveyors around the county. Try some award-winning ciders like Brut Apple Reserve, Kingston Black, Pear Reserve, and Spruce Tip, with a tasting flight in the taproom; Apple Cherry and Apple Lavender are other top hits that use local ingredients. Then, stock up for gifts or home and purchase your favorites. This taste of Door County is a memorable one.
Taking the ferry from Northport, over the renowned Death’s Door, to Washington Island is an experience in itself. The sweeping views of Door County, the so-called Cape Cod of the Midwest, are unmatched. Some days, the lake swells with activity, but even when it’s choppy, a trip is well worth it to see Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm and Shop, the Midwest’s largest lavender farm. Marketing Director Julie Imig says, “As visitors walk through the lavender field, they experience the true essence of lavender firsthand! It is a return to nature as well as the serenity and beauty of 20,000 lavender plants.” Inside the bespoke shop, there’s even more to note. “When visitors enter the Shop, they first experience the aroma of lavender,” Imig explains. As they stroll through, they can sample over 300 different kinds of lavender products, including gourmet treats. (Don’t miss the famous macarons!) “Another sensory experience is sipping one of the signature drinks as they overlook the lavender fields at The Distillery, the wine and craft beer bar,” she adds. Plan a peak season visit for July or August, when the fields usually burst with color and blooms.
There’s quality and craftsmanship to be found on the quiet side of the peninsula, too. Let’s head down Highway 57, part of the Door County Coastal Byway, to pretty Baileys Harbor. (Time the drive correctly to catch an epic sunrise over Lake Michigan, perhaps with a local cup of joe in hand.)
On the right, let’s visit Jackalope Trading Co. This bright, bespoke space effuses Scandi chic vibes with light wood shelving. Visitors can view a kaleidoscope of taper candles, feel beautiful handcrafted leather pouches, and breathe in the fresh air from verdant houseplants on nearly every surface. Rainbow prisms sparkle in the window, illuminating locally crafted goods like hand-marbled clothing.
Our next, final stop is southward on Highway 57 to the old fishing village of Jacksonport, where Jacksonport Cottage Gallery & Gifts, opened in 1984, has since become synonymous with unique handcrafted gifts. Amish quilts, wall hangings, pillows and rugs, cloth dolls, turned wooden bowls, it’s all here, plus dozens of other types of handcrafted items. The shop is housed in an 1860s era log home that has been lovingly restored. If you’re in Door County during the high season, there’s also a weekly farmers market on Tuesdays that features a wide array of locally made crafts.
We’ve covered a lot of distance, browsing more than 20 shops in villages and towns throughout the peninsula, but really just a smattering of what exists here. As we wind back south, passing rows and rows of cherry trees, it’s clear there are always more unique small businesses to discover in Door County. They remain the lifeblood of the area, connecting generations, and bringing many of us back year after year after year.
–Katy Spratte Joyce
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