With summer right around the corner, have you decided where you will go? If you are looking to beat the heat in a spot with plenty of outdoor activities, you should check out the under the radar spot, Door County, WI. Many in the surrounding areas refer to Door County as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Known for their cherry production, they seem to find their way into many a dish. Here are five spots to get in on all the cherry action in Door County.
1. Renard’s Cheese Shop
What’s a visit to Wisconsin without some cheese, right? Renard’s is a third-generation family cheese shop. Led by Chris Renard, he is one of 60 master cheesemakers in the United States. Their signature cheese, a white cheddar cherry is a unique and delightful flavor. Did I mention cheese curds are highly addictive and abundant at almost every meal you’ll have in Door County?
Cheese Samples at Renard’s Cheese Shop
2. Cherry French Toast at The White Gull Inn
Ever heard of a little show called Good Morning America? They voted The Cherry French Toast at the Old Gulf Inn the best breakfast in America. Having tried it myself, their Cherry French Toast doesn’t disappoint. Made with fresh, Wisconsin cream cheese, you’ll want to have some bacon or sausage to balance out the sweetness. The beautiful space is also a real Inn, so you can stay here on your trip to Door County as well!
A French Toast Breakfast at White Gull Inn
3. Orchard County Winery
Orchard County Winery uses 3.5 million cherries annually. Who knew cherries could produce such fantastic wines? There is a current trend of rosé. If you like rosé wine, the wines produced at Orchard County Winery are a delicious alternative, as it isn’t as sweet as you might expect.
Trivia: They had German POWs work here when Orchard County was just farmland.
4. Seaquist Orchards
Suppliers of cherries to all the surrounding businesses, Seaquist Orchards are available to tour as well. How do they pluck all those cherries? Instead of handpicking, they use a machine that shakes the cherries off the trees using an upside-down umbrella-like feature.
Wait, there’s more. Seaquist Orchards has a bakery on-site too. Besides dips, spreads, jams, and jellies (there are plenty of samples everywhere), the cherry pies are something to behold. They produce 1200 pies per week with 3 lbs of cherries in each pie!
Unpicked cherries at Seaquist Orchard
5. Island Orchard Ciders
Island Orchard Ciders, relatively new in comparison to the other restaurants and wineries in the area of Door County, opened in 2011. The Cider is made from both apples and cherries. Cider is much more than a weak alternative to beer. It pairs well with seafood, pork and spicy Asian foods. The founders also recommend it for brunch. Hops used in the ciders are grown locally.
Tip: The proper way to drink cider is from a ceramic container.
Island Orchard Ciders
Besides the abundance of lovely cherries, there’s more to Door County, WI that makes it a super summer getaway. There are many unspoiled vistas in Door County. If you are looking to beat the summer heat, Door County is a good choice as it is relatively cool in the summer and there are plenty of outdoor activities perfect for families or individuals.
Looking for more Cherry Inspired Drinks? Try this recipe for Cherry Bomb Cocktails!
Supporting Local in Door County
Do you love to support local businesses? When is the last time you went anywhere in the US without seeing a chain store, restaurant, or hotel? In Door County, you won’t find a single chain at all. Hotels and restaurants are independently owned by families that live in the local area.
Get ready to loosen your belt as you imbibe and indulge in all the cherry fun in Door County, Wisconsin!
~ Malika Bowling is the author of Food Lovers’ Guide to Atlanta, Food Blogging 101, and founder of Atlanta Restaurant Blog. She has been a contributing writer to USA Today and Urbanspoon. Malika holds the title of President of the Association of Food Bloggers. Follow her on twitter @ATLEatsNTweets and on Instagram @malika_bowling.
