3 Charming Door County Escapes for Fall

When the air gets crisp and the trees burst into color, it's time for an escape to Door County. One of Wisconsin's most popular destinations, "the Door" is a narrow, 70-mile peninsula known for its thriving arts scene, recreational offerings, flavorful food and natural beauty – especially come fall. Here are some ideas to jumpstart your trip planning.

For Wine Lovers & Foodies

The Door County Wine Trail is a great way to explore nine unique wineries lining the picturesque peninsula. Although the region is famous for fruit-based wines, especially cherry and apple, its vintners cultivate delicious cold-hardy varieties as well.

You and your crew can also enjoy a Belgian-inspired farmhouse ale, porter or IPA at Door County Brewing Co. in Baileys Harbor. Or, sample French-style hard ciders at Island Orchard Cider in Ellison Bay, crafted from apples grown on Washington Island, which sits off the peninsula's tip. Door County Trolley also offers wine, beer and spirits tours that allow you and your group to sample multiple spots.

And don't forget to eat! Many restaurants, such as Chives in Baileys Harbor and Roots Inn & Kitchen in Sister Bay, excel at creating fall-inspired dishes using locally harvested produce.

For Outdoor Adventurers

For a picturesque scavenger hunt, seek out some of the 11 historic lighthouses in Door County. The oldest is Rock Island's Pottawatomie Lighthouse, built in 1836, and you’ll need to take two scenic ferry rides to get to it!

After visiting Rock Island, you may wish to explore the other 33 named islands in the county. The largest and most well-known is Washington Island, accessed by a ferry ride across the "Death's Door" strait. Once you arrive, down a shot of bitters at Nelsen's Hall, a quirky tradition that helped make the bar the world's largest consumer of Angostura bitters. Or stop in at Field Wood Farm to ride an Icelandic horse through the vivid fall foliage.

Hikers will have miles of trails at their disposal, as Door County is home to five beloved state parks. Pottawatomie in Sturgeon Bay contains several miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, including the trail's eastern terminus. Visit Peninsula State Park to follow a wheelchair-accessible canopy walk through brilliant colored trees and be rewarded with an expansive view of Lake Michigan.

For Art Lovers

More than 100 artists' galleries and studios dot the Door County peninsula, making it an art-lover’s paradise. Meet artists at work or take a class with friends at Sievers School of Fiber Arts on Washington Island. Outside Fish Creek, drop into Hands On Art Studio with the kids to make ceramic projects, paint together, create mosaics and more! . Or catch an outdoor performance at Peninsula Players Theatre, America's oldest resident summer theater.

And remember, Mother Nature is the most talented artist of all. Drink in her brightly-hued fall foliage by driving along the Door County Coastal National Scenic Byway, which runs more than 66 miles up and down the peninsula. Make sure to stop at Whitefish Dunes State Park to climb Old Baldy, Wisconsin's tallest sand dune, for sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Clark Lake.

At night, tuck in at one of the county's many cozy B&Bs. All 15 guest rooms at the Blacksmith Inn on the Shore in Baileys Harbor contain a fireplace, in-room whirlpool and private balcony showcasing the harbor, while the all-suite Foxglove Inn in Sturgeon Bay offers even more luxe accommodations for you and your crew.

Keep planning your Door County getaway with these fantastic fall color drives!