On this trip, we left the RV at home. As we boarded the plane to fly to Milwaukee Airport on August 8, 2024, we cried, “Wisconsin, here we come!” We were meeting our daughter, Laura, and her family in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin.

Our plan had been to grab something to eat when we changed planes in Las Vegas. That didn’t happen because a delayed landing in Las Vegas caused us to rush through the terminal to catch our connecting flight. When we arrived in Milwaukee, everything had closed at the terminal and around Hyatt Place, where we stayed for the night.

We were thankful for the hearty breakfast we ate before we left Oakland, California. Our next meal wasn’t until the next morning, not counting the flight snacks or the hotel’s chocolate chip cookies. My body craved something more substantial than sugar. Next time I fly across the country, I’m packing a peanut butter sandwich and an apple. Like a Girl Scout, we’ll be prepared.

After a few hours of sleep, we picked up our rented Hyundai Palisade, found a place for breakfast, and drove three hours to Egg Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin.

The Landing Resort

We found our king studio at The Landing Resort in the Village of Egg Harbor, a quiet, comfortable place to stay. The kitchenette allowed us to purchase food and drinks to have on hand for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, so we didn’t have to eat every meal in a restaurant.

For relaxation, I enjoyed a chair in the lobby for reading and writing.

A wooded trail around the buildings and a quick walk to the harbor, restaurants, and stores made it convenient to get around without the car. Other amenities included an indoor and an outdoor pool, video arcade games, gas grills with a picnic area, and other items guests will appreciate.

Village of Egg Harbor and Town of Egg Harbor

The Town of Egg Harbor, established in 1861, broke apart in the early 1960s. The downtown businesses wanted to focus on inviting tourism to the area, while the rest of the town wanted to retain its rural roots.

In 1964, the Village of Egg Harbor hatched, and since then has become a popular resort community within the boundaries of the Town of Egg Harbor. The greater Door County area attracts visitors from throughout the United States and from other countries.

One might ask, “How did Egg Harbor get its name?” Apparently, three stories exist. The first one credits Mr. Increase Claflin, an early pioneer, for the name when he found a nest full of duck eggs. Others say the name came from when residents collected eggs from seagull nests along the shore.

A more exciting story appeared in the Door County Advocate on April 26, 1862. In this story, as documented in the journal by Mrs. Elizabeth Baird, the name came from The Great Egg Battle. Sailors in a six-boat trading flotilla carrying furs from Mackinac Island stopped in the harbor to rest for the night.

As they rowed to shore, the sailors began throwing hardtack at each other. When they depleted their supply, they engaged in a friendly battle with eggs as their ammunition. Mrs. Baird reported that eggs even pelted her on the head. Apparently, the sailors camped along the shore strewn with eggshells. I think I like the Egg Battle the best.

The image of sailors hurling ammo, eggshells cracking, and yolks oozing is more entertaining than someone stealing eggs from a gull’s nest.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the Cupola House houses a collective of retail spaces. Inside, visitors will find a cosmetics store; the Cupola Cafe; a selection of wine, beer, and spirits; a children’s store; and a photography studio. In one room, a gallery displays work created by local artists.

Julie’s Park Café & Motel

On Saturday, August 10, 2024, we loaded everyone into the Palisade for the drive to Fish Creek for breakfast. After a wait of 20 minutes, we slid into our seats. Unfortunately, the day must have been a rotten one for our server.

It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered such an unfriendly server. I hoped she wasn’t indicative of the type of treatment we could expect from other people in town. Otherwise, we had a fine breakfast, and she finally smiled after we paid and were leaving. Maybe we should have paid in advance.

Sister Bay Historical Society Corner of the Past Museum

Before heading back to Egg Harbor, we stopped at Sister Bay Historical Society Corner of the Past Museum to check out their Open Aire Market. Farmers, vendors, artists, and crafters displayed their wares under canopies.

Outside and inside the historic Koessl Barn, we spotted various farming implements and equipment used in years past. The welcoming vendors and docents at the museum dispelled any apprehension about unfriendly people.

We enjoyed talking to everyone at the market and learning about the history of the area.

Our next stop was the Piggly Wiggly, and my first visit. I used to think the name of this grocery store was a joke. I’ve since learned the grocer began in 1916 as a self-service grocery in Memphis, Tennessee, and later began franchising the concept. Today, over 500 stores operate as independent grocery retailers under the Piggly Wiggly name.

That evening we went to the Third Avenue Playworks in Sturgeon Bay to watch their production of Jeeves Saves the Day, by Margaret Raether. The play was based on the characters of PG Wodehouse. The large comfortable seats allowed for maximum enjoyment of the play without being squished between the people on either side. The actors’ character portrayals and the set design made it clear this theater strove for professionalism. If we ever return to the area, we will come to the theater again.

Up Next: Washington Island Ferry, Stavkirke (Stave church), and other sites.

Safe Travels