These days, it seems like anyone can put together a "top recommendations of Door County" list. But our family is connected to some of the first settlers to arrive in the area. We're a fourth-generation Door County family — Kevin Oram and the late Karrie (Koepsel) Oram, their daughters Karina and Kami, and their families. Karrie's brother, Dennis Koepsel, and his wife Melissa, along with their family, own Meadow Lane Antiques, right next door to Koepsel's Farm Market.
That's given us few generations to figure out where the locals go in Door County, Wisconsin. We're not just here for the summer; we proudly live here year-round!
So consider this less of a list from strangers, and more of a set of Door County family recommendations, from ours to yours!
Outdoor Activities in Door County
Hyline Orchard Farm Market
Hyline Orchard in Egg Harbor is where our family gets our fresh local cherries — and it's more than just a favorite stop. Our families go way back. Our original orchard was in Ephraim, and Tracy, who's part of the Hyline family, has been lifelong friends with Kami since they were kids growing up together between the cherry trees. We love picking cherries and apples at their Egg Harbor location every season.
Silver Strike Fishing Guides
For a day out on the water, our family recommends Silver Strike Fishing Guides — specifically going out with Andy, Sid, and Spencer. We've taken our own Koepsel's staff out on fishing trips with them before, and it's always a great time. If you want an authentic Door County fishing experience with guides who know these waters inside and out, this is who to call.
Go-Karting at Johnson's Park
If you're traveling with kids, Johnson's Park is a must. There's nothing like watching your kiddos tear around the track with the wind in their hair — it's the kind of simple, all-ages fun that makes a Door County afternoon. Bring the whole crew; everyone from the littlest racers to the grown-ups sneaking in "one more lap" will have a blast. It's also worth knowing the park has ties to good friends of our family — Sydney, Spencer, and Sawyer! This is one of Kami and Jeremy's recommendations.
Jerry's Flowers
We get the plants for the outside of our store from Jerry's Flowers, and Nate and Josh have become good friends of ours through it. They help us out every single year putting together our outdoor display. Stop in and support the best local flower shop in Northern Door!
Sister Bay Wednesday Outdoor Concerts
Melissa & Dennis Koepsel love spending a warm Wednesday night outside with this weekly summer tradition. They recommend building your evening around it!
Wilder Lavender
A great family activity, with beautiful fields and a cute farm store to find all the Door County lavender you could ever dream of. Located right across the street — pop over the next time you're at the farm market!
Cave Point County Park
We've taken our kids on hikes here for years, out to see the caves and the water — it's one of those places that feels a little magical every single time. It's not just a kid activity for us, either: Kami had her wedding photos taken at Cave Point, and years later, her son's senior photos were taken there too. It's a spot that grows with your family. Please be smart when visiting — no jumping into the water!
Take the Slower Lane — Highway 57 & The Lodge / Rewind Radio (FM 106.9 & 97.7)
This is our family's favorite way to see the peninsula: slow down, roll the windows down, and take in the views. There's nothing like the sunrise from the top of the hill coming into Baileys Harbor. Melissa and Dennis Koepsel, along with Karina and Kevin Oram, recommend tuning into the local radio stations FM 106.9 & 97.7 to stay up to date on what's happening in the community, catch great music, and support local businesses along the way.
Food & Drinks in Door County
Food is a big part of how our family connects with Door County, and these are the restaurants, breweries, and wine shops that mean the most to us.
Scotties Pub
Kevin points travelers toward Scotties Pub in Jacksonport. It's a welcoming spot that makes you feel like a regular the moment you walk in. Good fish, good drinks, and good company.
Island Fever
This one is special to us. Island Fever was the favorite place of Karrie Oram. Her husband Kevin shared with us how much she loved this spot — and we think people will love hearing that too.
Alexanders
This is our celebration restaurant — the place we go when there's something worth marking. Romeo always treats us so well, and it's simply the best steak in Door County. If you're celebrating anything during your trip, this is where to go.
English Inn
Kevin's recommendation for great products, good food, and one of a kind dining experience in Door County.
Pasta Vino
Amanda and Nick run a wonderful spot here — it's Karina's favorite place for celebrating anniversaries and other special occasions. Kami's go-to order is the chicken carbonara!
Fire Fly Wine Shop
An interesting selection of world wines and fine art prints, recommended by Melissa and Dennis Koepsel. We love supporting local small businesses, and they've been a hidden gem for a while! Stop in and shop with them.
Bridge Up Brewery
We not only sell local beer at Koepsel's Farm Market, we also love stopping at Bridge Up's two taprooms on the peninsula! Refreshing flavor, made right here in Door County.
Carroll House Restaurant
Kevin doesn't just recommend the Carroll House — he's gone there for breakfast nearly every single day. Our family has kept up a weekly family breakfast tradition there for the past 15 years, and they never once have let us down. If you want to eat breakfast the way locals do, this is the place. Thank you again for not only the support and kindness you've shown us over the years, but for being a part of our daily routine!
Zaza's Carryout Pizzeria
When things get busy, this is our go-to for takeout pizza. Reliable, easy, and always good. Everyone in our family gets takeout from Zaza's, even Archer really loves the pizza crust!
Whitecap winery
Not only can you find local wines at Koepsel's Farm Market, but you can also drive to many different locations around the peninsula and find so much variety. Our family loves Whitecap winery located at the tip of the peninsula in Ellison Bay. Nothing like stopping and touring the vineyard before going up to Washington Island.
Plan Your Fall Trip to Door County
As summer comes and goes, start planning your fall trip to Door County. Soon our autumn display will be up outside Koepsel's with our fresh pumpkin pie, but it's also the season for apple picking out at Hyline Orchard, watching the trees turn at Cave Point, and feeling that first cool breeze on your back by the water. Maybe you end the day with a steak dinner at Alexanders, or a Lavender lemonade in hand while you stroll around downtown Bailey's Harbor. However you spend it, summer & fall in Door County is something our family looks forward to every year — and we hope you get to experience it too.
Looking for more local Door County recommendations? Let us know!