Locals give Packers' AJ Dillon suggestions on what to do and see in Door County
The "Mayor" of Door County — also known as AJ Dillon, the Green Bay Packers' third-year running back — hasn't explored everything there yet. Despite becoming immersed in Door County life, and posting about so much of it on Twitter and Instagram, Dillon said there's a lot left on his to-do, to-see list.
On top of that list is the Maritime Museum. And second is to support as many local businesses as he can, “especially during the winters,” Dillon said.
But Door County locals, friends and fans of Dillon, also have ideas. Knowing him and their corner of Wisconsin best, they shared some of their suggestions.
This list, in combination with Journal Sentinel reporter Chelsey Lewis' bucket list, should give Dillon (and all of us) more reasons to explore The Door, no matter what the season.
Peninsula, Newport, Potawatomi and the other state parks
Door County is the only county in Wisconsin with five state parks, plus one state trail.
Peninsula, Newport and Potawatomi may be the best known. During the Great Depression nearly a century ago, the parks became a public works project.
Europe Lake in Newport State Park is a favorite.
“That's a fantastic little inland lake," said Red Putter mini-golf owner Tracy Yttri Opper. "That's where we take our canoes because we're not experienced enough to go on the big lake."
Whitefish Dunes State Park is wonderful. “It's on the other (Lake Michigan) side so often it's a little cooler. So on those rare days when it's really hot on our side of the peninsula, we go to the other side and cool off a little,” Yttri Opper said.
Washington Island and Rock Island State Park come highly recommended too. “If you have the time to take the ferries over it's a really good, good trip up there,” Yttri Opper said.
Hotz and Eagle hiking trails
"I like to hike Hotz trail. It's just like an awesome loop," said Mike Holmes of Wickman House.
"The Eagle trail in Peninsula State Park can be a difficult trail, but it takes you from the top of the bluff down to the bottom,” said Bob MacDonald, one of the family owners of Bayside Tavern. “There are caves that have natural springs that can be camped and hiked into."
Farmers markets
Under the Stars Farmer’s Market. And Dusk Market. “There’s a late market, which is kind of fun. That's been kind of floating at different locations, but that's a night market,” Yttri Opper said.
Northern Sky Theater
Northern Sky Theater has been showing a Packers-related show called "Dad's Season Tickets" in recent summers. “The play is fantastic. It's all about this family and the season tickets," Yttri Opper said. “And they said an actual Packer came and loved our show. So that was really fun to see. They do the theater in the park; it's an outside theater. But they also have an indoor location that they built just a couple of years ago.”
Door County Coffee and Tea Company
"That is in what I consider the Hallmark capital of Door County, which is Carlsville,” said Hunter Malvitz from Destination Door County. “My mom was actually the second person ever hired there when it was started in Forestville, where I'm from. So it's just always been a part of the place. I just love their coffee.”
Steel Bridge Songfest and other music festivals
Steel Bridge Songfest and then Birch Creek Music Festival at Birch Creek Performance Center, which MacDonald recently visited
“It's between Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor out in the middle of the country in an old barn and there's a little gazebo in the center of it,” MacDonald said. “And it's a camp for jazz students. They put on these performances and then all the professors join. It's just an amazing experience.”
Other suggestions
Rusty Dusty Vintage & Records, Ephraim.
Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza and Grille; Trolley rides. Egg Harbor.
Door County Candle Company, Sturgeon Bay.
Maritime history. Many Potawatomi and Winnebago lost tribe members trying to cross the passage from the tip of the peninsula to Washington Island in canoes, leading the Potawatomi to dub the waters the “Door of Death.”
Native American history and culture appreciation; Chief Oshkosh Trading Post. Egg Harbor.
Hidden Caves; Caves of the Karst. Egg Harbor.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Locals give Packers' AJ Dillon suggestions for Door County bucket list
