Door County Golf Getaway

Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula is perhaps the most culturally rich and visually beautiful area in the Badger state. With Lake Michigan on the east and Green Bay on the west, Door County is surrounded by more fresh water than any other travel destination in the world.

Known world-wide as a Native American enclave and, most recently, as a prime recreation destination, this area can provide four seasons of special outdoor activities for the whole family.

My most recent four day exploration into this area was to celebrate a special friend's birthday and the gorgeous autumn weather provided a rich context for the diverse activities with which we filled our days and nights.

We chose the Ephraim Inn as our base and this tasteful, elegant old inn was just what the doctor ordered as a romantic birthday getaway. Our second story, beautifully appointed room, was overlooking the Bay and the lush, carpeted hallways guaranteed quiet nights and memorable evenings with a gentle breeze off the Bay. The Christophersons are the proprietors of this lovely abode and they do everything that they can to insure that their guests find all points of interest in Ephraim and on the peninsula.

Ephraim may be the most laid back of Door County's destinations and this inn is emblematic of the Ephraim area's very relaxed ambience. Ephraim is so laid back that we seldom heard or saw a vehicle after 6.

The birthday girl is a theatre buff so our first evening was pleasantly passed within the cultured confines of the Peninsula Players' beautiful new theatre. We shared a bonfire with other attendees and enjoyed a pre-performance beverage prior to watching an uproarious performance of "Miracle on South Division". This company of players has been treading the boards for going on 100 years.

Our goal, beyond the birthday celebration, was to play golf at several of the peninsula's great golf courses. We chose the Orchards and Peninsula State Park.

The Orchards is just down the road in Egg Harbor and this 18 hole championship course will challenge players of every level. With 4-5 sets of tees on each hole, there is a comfortable length for every player. The green fees are very reasonable and the amenities and hospitality in the new clubhouse make socializing after your round a fitting end to a pleasant day on this course which is staffed by an engaging, hospitable crew.

Peninsula State Park Golf Course is a treat at any time of year but playing there in September, on a crisp autumn day, affords the golfer visual beauty unsurpassed on the peninsula. We were paired with a friendly, cheerful twosome who volunteered that they were newlyweds and we spent a happy, harmonious afternoon with Bill and Irene enjoying golf, their company and the sun-splashed maples which cover this wonderful park.

After golf we explored this gigantic landscape and took the opportunity to climb the tower which overlooks the bay and the simple, gorgeous shoreline which embraces Ephraim. The 360 degree vista is stunning, breathtaking: and it drew to a gentle close our joyous afternoon in this treasured parkland.