Wintry storefront
Shopping draws visitors and locals alike to northern Door County. As one drives north on Highway 42 through Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay and Ellison Bay, it’s hard to choose just where to stop: there are so many shops, and they’re all so charming. More and more stores are keeping hours through the winter, and if you’re on the peninsula between May and October, nearly all stores are open seven days a week. Door County shopping really has something for everyone, and deciding what you’re shopping for can help narrow the possibilities for a successful day of perusing.
Quality Sporting Goods
As a county renowned for her outdoor activities, it is only natural she should be able to outfit them, too. Bayshore Outfitters’ two locations in Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay sell a wide variety of name brand kayak and paddleboard gear. Nor Door Sport & Cyclery in Fish Creek offers bicycles and their accessories. Also in Fish Creek is Nan and Jerry’s, which provides fishing and some camping supplies.
Uniquely for the Home
Known for beautiful art, it is unsurprising that beautiful and practical home goods also abound on the peninsula. Door County Natureworks and Maxwell’s House in Egg Harbor boast one-of-a-kind home furnishings. Fish Creek’s Sister Golden features uncommon home goods, from local art to fun accessories. Nathan Nichols & Company prides itself on fine furniture and decor.
Everything Kitchen
Eat well and cook well on the peninsula. In Sister Bay, The Cook Book purveys practical and rare culinary implements, including several types of cherry pitters. A toy store “for cooks,” the Main Course in Fish Creek is sure to provide endless browsing.
Vintage & Secondhand
Door County has always been a destination for antiques, but of late, antique stores are getting an upgrade. In Door County’s secondhand and vintage stores, carefully curated items of old are sold beside reclaimed pieces repurposed with a modern twist. Such treasure troves include Vintique in north Ephraim, and Julie’s Upscale Resale and Secondhand Sue’s in Sister Bay.
Sweet Threads
Adopt the Door County style that is both comfortable and sleek. Both men and women can find fine outdoor and activewear in Sister Bay at Ecology Sports, Bayshore Outfitters or Twisted Tree. Spot in Sister Bay, Blue Ivy in Fish Creek and Blacksmith Clothing Company in Egg Harbor all feature eye-catching women’s clothing.
Book Stores
I would be remiss to leave out shopping for the bibliophile, for it would not be vacation without a great read. Wander among previously-loved titles in William Caxton Ltd. Books in Ellison Bay. Expand your mind and or get a great recommendation in The Peninsula Bookman or Fish Creek Bookshop & Gallery, both in Fish Creek. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a new title at Fair Isle books on Washington Island.
Part of the charm of shopping on the Door is each village has so many stores to offer, and they’re usually within walking distance of one another. Check out the great names I’ve suggested, but be sure to explore others that appeal to you.
For a perfect place to land after shopping till you drop, check the Blacksmith Inn’s availability.
