Wisconsin’s
Door County
is one of those places that conjures up images
of pristine natural beauty. You picture 250
miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, five state
parks, and seemingly endless opportunities for
hiking, biking, boating and more. It’s easy to
see why Door County is one of Wisconsin’s top
destinations to “travel green.”
Fittingly, Door County’s visitors overwhelming
embrace the concept of sustainable tourism,
consciously seeking to minimize the footprint
they leave behind. In turn, a number of Door
County businesses now show they share those
concerns by obtaining certification from
Travel Green Wisconsin,
a voluntary, innovative program from the
Wisconsin Department of Tourism that recognizes
tourism-related businesses committed to reducing
their environmental impact through operational
and other improvements.
When
travelers need a rest after green-action-packed
days – which can now even include kayaking,
thanks to the Travel Green Wisconsin-certified
Door County Kayak -- they have ample options for
resting their heads.
Furthest up the peninsula are three properties
in Bailey’s Harbor.
The Blacksmith Inn,
which was built in 1905 by August Zahn
in rememberance of his home and blacksmith shop
in Germany, features 15 guest rooms, each with a
fireplace, a whirlpool, private balcony and a
view of Lake Michigan. Guests here receive a
homemade continental breakfast and can help
themselves to the inn’s “bottomless” jar of
homemade cherry oatmeal cookies.
Across the street is
The Orchard House,
which operates under the same ownership. Guests
here can either rent individual rooms or the
entire house, which is located on an acre of
apple orchard. This B&B boasts beach access,
views of the harbor, wide porches replete with
porch swings, cast-iron fireplaces, original
maple floors and vintage furnishings.
Just
outside of Bailey’s Harbor (and near the Ridges
Nature Sanctuary) is the
Journey’s End Motel and
Cabins. Nestled on three rolling
acres, all three quaint cabins feature a bedroom
with a queen bed on the first floor and an
upstairs loft with double beds along with plenty
of amenities, including grills, picnic tables
and a fire pit for family cook-outs. Pets are
always welcome – with a simple, prior phone call
to make arrangements.
On
the
Green Bay
side of the Door peninsula, green travelers can
stay at the
Lodgings at Pioneer Lane,
in the heart of historic Ephraim. All the rooms
offer a private whirlpool bath, sleep-timer
controlled fireplace and a patio balcony with a
view of the water, plus they’re individually
decorated to capture the feel of a northwoods
cabin.
Further south, the aptly named
Quiet Cottage Bed and
Breakfast offers travelers a
one-suite log cottage with English gardens and
private Lake Michigan beach on
Sturgeon Bay.
This property is all about R&R and pampering,
from the fresh flowers and chocolates awaiting
guests’ arrival, to the handmade quilts,
fresh-air linens and in-house massage therapist.
There’s even a full, home-cooked breakfast,
which includes fresh fruit juice, oatmeal and a
breakfast entrée of the day – not to mention
nightly bonfires.
Also
in Sturgeon Bay,
White Pines Victorian
Lodge
– Door County’s only member of the Green
Hotels Association and one of the few "Fragrance
Free" accommodations in the state – offers a
Victorian take on “green.” Built in 1870 with a
farm-size kitchen and five porches, White Pines
is the oldest house in Sturgeon Bay’s
residential historic district. It’s also a short
walk to unique shops, restaurants and the bay
shore.
Also
in Sturgeon Bay’s historic downtown district is
the
Black Walnut Guest House.
Built in 1899, the house includes four guest
rooms, each decorated with antiques and unique
craftsmanship. Guests can choose from several
activity packages including the “Romantic
Weeknight Escape,” which features a horse-drawn
carriage ride for couples; and the “Winter
Wonderland Tour,” with a sleigh ride as well as
tours and tastings at Door County's award
winning wineries.
