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4-Day Weekend in Door County, Wisconsin

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Dörr Hotel interior with a bed, white sloped cieling and walls and a window


Scenic rural highways, charming villages, and trails snaking between white birch and sugar maple trees. Family-owned wineries and cheese shops tucked between sprawling orchards. Centenarian lighthouses standing guard on the dramatic coastlines of Lake Michigan. These are just some of the reasons Door County, Wisconsin has earned the nickname “The Cape Cod of the Midwest.”

Door County comprises a long, thin peninsula (along with some surrounding islands) that extends into Lake Michigan and forms the eastern side of Green Bay. In total, it’s about 80 miles long and just 25 miles across at its widest point. Although it’s not a large area, it packs a punch: There are lots of things to do within and around the various communities that make up this region. Here’s your crash course on why Door County has long been a favorite spot for Midwesterners—and why travelers from across the country should take note, too.

Where to Stay


Dörr Hotel
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Dörr Hotel: One of Door County’s newest lodging offerings, the Dörr Hotel just opened in summer 2021. The vibe is modern Nordic luxury—minimalist without scrimping on any comforts or amenities. Hang out at the onsite bar, check out gear (like snowshoes and picnic baskets) from the hotel’s library of outdoor toys, and explore the beach, which is just a short walk away.

The Foxglove Inn: Located in a house dating back to 1877, this inn is elegant and historical without being stuffy. Many rooms have deep soaking tubs and fireplaces, making it a nice place to wind down after a long day of exploring.

Ashbrooke Hotel: Any adults-only hotel is alright in our book—sometimes you need a spot to get away from the kids. Here you can unwind beside one of the hotel’s outdoor fireplaces, or if you want to get your heart rate up, swim laps in the indoor pool.

Things to Do

Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market: This is where champions are made. This large, family-owned fruit farm offers visitors a chance to not only sample and pick fresh fruits, but compete in the Cherry Pit Spit. To participate, you take the stone of a cherry and try to spit it as far as possible on a “pit spit” course. It’s a competition that attracts everyone from tourists to Miss Wisconsin. If that’s not your thing, you can always pick your own basket of fruit or explore the gift shop (the chocolate-covered cranberries are delicious).

The Ridges Sanctuary: A 1,600-acre preserve, the Ridges Sanctuary was founded in 1937 and has since been designated a protected State Natural Area, an Audubon Important Bird Area, and a National Natural Landmark. The preserve features plenty of trails to explore its unique ridge-and-swale topography (a result of fluctuating lake levels over the centuries) and varying ecosystems, including beaches and pine forests. Keep an eye out for rare flora and fauna, like native orchids and the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly.

Peninsula State Park: From the top of the Eagle Tower, a newly opened observation tower accessible via stairs or an 850-foot ramp, you can get an incredible view of this 3,776-acre park and adjoining Green Bay (the body of water, not the city the Packers call home). There are also a series of easy hiking trails in the park, as well as a lighthouse that has been helping sailors find their way in Lake Michigan for more than 150 years.

Where to Eat

A goat on the sod roof of Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik with a crowd and buildings in the background

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik
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Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik: Come for the goats grazing on the sod roof; stay for the Swedish pancakes topped with lingonberries (they’re basically a cross between a currant and a cranberry).

Sonny’s Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria: At Sonny’s, you can feast on excellent Chicago-style pies and sample brews (many of which come from Bridge-Up Brewing, which is found downstairs). Its second-floor dining room overlooks Sturgeon Bay, and it’s a great perch to watch boats come and go.

Door Artisan Cheese: If you’re going to get cheese, you may as well go straight to the source—and Wisconsin is known as America’s Dairyland, after all. Not only can you sample fine goudas and manchegos at this establishment, but you can also see how they’re made.

Renards Artisan Cheese: But you can’t come to Wisconsin and only stop at one cheese shop. Renards is another favorite: This family-run business makes stellar aged cheddars and cheese curds.

Where to Drink

Exterior of One Barrel Brewing Company with a beer garden and people at outdoor tables by a lawn

One Barrel Brewing Company
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One Barrel Brewing Company: Here you’ll find the marriage of two of life’s great joys: craft beer and pizza (in this case, wood-fired, Roman-style pies made by Wild Pizza Works, which has an ordering window right inside the brewpub). If that weren’t enough, there’s also a massive beer garden and plenty of TVs; it’s a great spot to relax over some brews and watch a game.

Shipwrecked Brew Pub: Before it was home to a brewery, the land on which Shipwrecked stands was the site of a saloon that opened its doors in 1882. The area was reportedly a favorite retreat for Chicago gangster Al Capone (there’s also a pair of alleged ghosts, two IRS agents who were after Capone, that haunt the property). Even if you’re not into ghosts, you’ll love the beer: It’s a go-to spot for a solid hefeweizen or red ale.

Kitty O’Reillys Irish Pub: Did you even go to Wisconsin if you didn’t have a Spotted Cow? For those unaware, it’s a beer made by New Glarus, a brewery that only sells its products in its home state. Despite that geographic restriction, it outsells many breweries that distribute nationwide (In 2020, USA Today ranked New Glarus as the 15th most successful craft brewery in the country). While you can get the boozy beverage just about anywhere in Wisconsin, Kitty O’Reillys is a fun local stop in Door County.

Door County Coffee & Tea Company: Start your day with a kick of caffeine and some calories. Beyond gourmet house-roasted coffee, you can get muffins, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and more.


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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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