By Chelsea Langston

Imagine a region vibrating with all the color and life of a bygone American era. You need not take an imaginary journey into your favorite Norman Rockwell painting or Rogers and Hamerstein Musical because such an area still exists, tucked into a quaint corner of Northeastern Wisconsin. Door County Peninsula, with its hundreds of miles of shoreline and hundreds of years of unique heritage, is surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan on the north and east and the waters of Green Bay on the west.

Door County is known for its strong artistic community and boasts almost one hundred art venues including galleries, museums, performing arts centers, and studios. It is rare that such a relatively small and secluded place could give birth to such a flourishing climate of artistic production. How could one county, a mere 75 miles long, hold the keys to unlocking inspiration for countless individuals? And more importantly, would I, upon entering Door Country, transcend a threshold of artistic wonder, or would the proverbial door slam on my ideological vision of this place?

On the first morning of my journey, the nondescript sky and the still breath of autumn air seem themselves a blank canvas, ready to absorb the colors, sights, and tastes of Door County. As I drive further into the heart of the peninsula, a bronzed palette of autumn colors burst onto the barren backdrop. If you want an at-once cozy and lavish lodging, do as I did and check into the suite at the Eagle Harbor Inn. What a more ideal way to transition from the splendor of the natural trails and the authentic bay views than to soak in the albeit artificial warmth of the in-room hot-tub or gas fire-place? (more…)