Art, History, & Nature In Door County

A Return To Door County - Day 3

The Hardy Gallery in Ephraim invites visitors to leave their mark in ink and paint.

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My third day exploring Door County had a forecast of art, nature trails, lighthouses, and a wee bit of shopping. The first stop was brief, but scenic - taking in the view of the lake from George K. Pinney County Park. 

Located along Sturgeon Bay, the park features an open-air shelter with picnic tables, multiple parking spaces for gazing out at the lake, a public boat launch, fishing pier, and restrooms. 

At one time, beginning in the 1890's, the largest limestone and gravel quarry operated on the property, and featured the largest dock in the county as well. Today large limestone walls remain in the landscape, looking strong and sturdy against a bright blue sky.  The park is a notable location for watching the sunset, too.

Location: 4879 Bay Shore Drive, Sturgeon Bay
​Open Daily: 6am - 9pm

George K. Pinney County Park resides within the remains of one of Door County's historic limestone quarries along the shore of Sturgeon Bay.

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Next up: a little late breakfast/early lunch on the go.  I headed north again, and stopped at the Door County Coffee & Tea Cafe and Shop. 

If you're into brewing coffee at home, they have lots of Door County Coffee flavors ready to take with you. If you're doing some gift or souvenir shopping, they've got you covered. And if you're hungry, the cafe has a delicious menu to choose from. Dine in or get it to go. Under blue skies you can enjoy your meal out on the patio. 

I ordered an iced latte and a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich to go. Both were quite tasty.  Note: they even have a drive-thru!

Location: 5773 Hwy 42, Sturgeon Bay
Open Daily: 7:30am - 4pm

Door County Coffee & Tea - after 30 years, what started as a means of living in Door County, has become a Door County destination.

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Post-latte, I was in search of art. If you're looking for art galleries, Door County has plenty to choose from. I had heard about Plumb Bottom Gallery a few times over the last year or so.  They have three locations in Door County. I opted to check out their original location, situated on 20 acres at 4999 Plum Bottom Road, in Egg Harbor.

The natural setting is so peaceful, and displays many of their outdoor art pieces beautifully. Near the entrance is a gorgeous pond and water fountain. Upon my arrival I watched an American Redstart, American Robin, and a Cedar Waxwing take turns in the  pond waterfall.

A few cafe tables and chairs are scattered around the pond, so I took a seat for a few minutes just to absorb the atmosphere. Art and nature. Works for me. 

​Turns out there is a rental property on the premises as well. So, if you're looking for a unique location to stay while visiting Door County, check it out.

Stepping inside the gallery, there is a wide variety of art. Original paintings, jewelry, pottery, glass designs, many with birds and other nature themes. Lots of artful inspiration to be found here.

Locations are also open in Fish Creek and Downtown, Egg Harbor.
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Open Daily, though hours vary by location. 

The art is the thing at Plum Bottom Gallery - but the beauty of nature shines, too.

The pond at Plum Bottom Gallery is a favorite of birds from the surrounding area.

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I had plans to check out the writers nature trail at Write-On Door County in Fish Creek, but on the way I got sidetracked for a short time at the Wood Orchard Market.

Souvenirs, garden decor, local produce, wine, cheese, homemade jams and other tasty treats can be found here. I browsed around for a bit, picked up a couple garden art items, and headed on my way. 

The market appears to be a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. I highly recommend it.

Location: 8112 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor
Open Daily: 9am - 5pm

Fresh local produce, sweet treats, and unique gift items can be found at Wood Orchard Market in Egg Harbor.

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After so much driving, it was time for a walk. I finally arrived at the Write-On, Door County writing center and campus in Fish Creek. The center officially opened in October, 2020, though the concept of the center began as far back as 2011. Over the next decade writers workshops, retreats, and conferences developed. The center is open to all visitors. Reservations are required for workshops, classes, or readings. Events are scheduled throughout the year.

I was there to check out the 1-mile looped nature trail behind the center, and to do so incorporating the "Hike & Write" booklets provided by the center. There are five different booklets/themes available at the start of the trail. Each contain writing prompts to draw you in to the natural surroundings with an observant eye.  I chose books I and V, and filled them out as I walked along the trail. 

The trail itself is an easy one, and so lovely. I, however, should have heeded the presence of a can of insect repellent in the booklet kiosk, and used it.  The mosquitoes were ferocious! So, fair warning. Even so, it was still a beautiful walk. I hope one day to be able to attend one of their workshops or retreats. 

Location: 4210 Juddville Road, Fish Creek
​Walking trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset.
The writing center is open 10am - 3pm, but closed on Tuesdays

A home to both writers and readers, the Write On, Door County campus is open to all visitors.

When walking the trails at the Write-On, Door County campus, take along one of the "Hike & Write" booklets .

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Last November I toured nearby Peninsula State Park, checking out several of the iconic views throughout. However, I somehow missed a stop at the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. 

With plenty of sunshine left in the day, I drove to the park to check it out.  Stepping out of the car, the fragrant perfume of lilacs filled the air. There is a big lilac tree next to the lighthouse. Every bit of breeze carried the scent. It was heavenly!  

The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is constructed of cream city brick, and was first operational in 1868. Although it is no longer occupied, the beacon of light it provides to travelers on the waters of Green Bay shines on to this day. Every day of the year.

It resides on a bluff 76 feet above the sometimes voracious waters below. Unfortunately, the museum was closed during my visit. However, it is the only lighthouse in Door County open to visitors.  If you are interested in touring the inside of the lighthouse, check the schedule to be sure it is open when you plan to visit.

Overlooking the waters of Green Bay, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, though no longer occupied, is an actual working historical lighthouse. It is located within Peninsula State Park.

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True to form, I was too late to view the artworks inside The Hardy Gallery in Ephraim. I did, however, get to see the iconic building it calls home. Historically known as the Anderson Warehouse, the gallery building has been in use as an art gallery since 1962, when it was founded by the Peninsula Arts Association.

The gallery was named for Francis Hardy, a summer resident of Ephraim for 30 years, who had a passion to develop an appreciation for the arts within the community. It has since been an inclusive staple in the art community of Door County.

The warehouse, as it stands, is the third incarnation, as the first two buildings were destroyed by storm, and by fire, respectively. The tradition of writing visitor names on the exterior walls of the gallery reaches back to the early days, when steamers would arrive to the dock, and sailors would commemorate their arrival (or survival at sea) to Ephraim by signing their names and ship numbers on the walls of the building. This graffiti tradition continued through generations, and the different versions of the building, and continues today. An ongoing art project, and visitors are welcome to be a part of it!  

The gallery also encourages the public to participate in the annual Community Mosaic Project. A mosaic is created inside the gallery with approximately 300 6x6 canvases, created by members of the community.

The canvases are provided free of charge. Once on exhibit, the canvases are sold for a donation of $35 each. Sales will help to fund the non-profit Hardy Gallery, a public charity. This year the exhibit will run from July 14 to August 27.  

Location: 3083 Anderson Lane, Ephraim
Admission is Free.
The gallery is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
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Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm (In Season)

The Hardy Gallery is an iconic art gallery in Ephraim that first opened in 1962.

The graffiti on The Hardy Gallery building is as much a work of art as the works on exhibit inside.

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After absorbing all this hiking, history and art, I was hungry!  I decided to visit the aptly named Summer Kitchen Restaurant, just outside of downtown Ephraim.

Walking up the steps to the restaurant is like entering a botanical garden. There were flowers blooming everywhere. I took a seat on the open-air porch, and enjoyed one of the days special entrees, chicken chimichangas. I washed it down with a non-alcoholic brew. I was hungry, and thirsty, and then I was full.

Location: 10425 N. Water Street (Hwy 42), Ephraim  
Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 7am - 8pm,
​Sunday 7am - 3pm

The Summer Kitchen in Ephraim features old-fashioned, homemade cooking, amidst summer blooms everywhere.

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I knew it would be hard to improve upon the sunset at Ellison Bluff, from Day 2, but there was still daylight left, and I wanted to relax and enjoy a bit of sunset before retiring to my room for the night. I remembered seeing a lakeside park in Sturgeon Bay as I traveled through town, so I headed back that way.

​Sunset Park is a 41-acre park along the shore of Sturgeon Bay. Amenities include a half-mile walking/jogging/biking trail, pickleball courts, a basketball court, two tennis courts, a swimming beach, boat launch, 9-hole frisbee golf, and two children's playground areas.

​I was mostly interested in the park benches facing the bay, and the oncoming sunset.  I took a few photos of the surrounding area, and then had a seat and watched the seagulls bicker and fly, and then enjoyed watching the sun as it settled down to rest. Not as much drama as the night before at Ellison Bluff, but lovely and peaceful just the same. 

​When it was done, I packed up my things and headed back to the motel. Where I settled down to rest, too.

Location: 747 N. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay

Sunset Park, in Sturgeon Bay, is aptly named. Take a seat and enjoy the sunset on the bay.