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SPOTLIGHT:
Ephraim, Wisconsin
There’s plenty to do in Ephraim!!!
Ephraim, Wisconsin, is a pleasant community located on the shores of
Eagle Harbor in the heart of the Door County peninsula. The Door
peninsula is about 45 miles long and offers 250 miles of shoreline, 10
lighthouses, 11 golf courses, and 5 state parks.
Ephraim was founded in the late 1850’s
by a group of Moravians. To this day, the white Moravian church up on
the hill, can be seen in most of the artistic renderings of Ephraim. At
noon and 6:00PM every day, the bells of the church ring out a familiar
hymn for all 353 full time residents. The Moravians made up their minds
back during the early days that Ephraim would be a ‘dry’ community, and
that still holds true to this day. No business establishment can serve
or sell alcoholic beverages of any kind.
That said….there’s still plenty to do
in Ephraim!!!
Water sports abound with a public
beach and public boat ramp available.
There’s also boat rentals (canoes,
kayaks, day sailers, pontoon boats, paddle boats, and ski-doos). If you
crave more excitement, there’s para-sailing!!!
If you care for something a little
more romantic, there’s a sunset catamaran cruise.
Peninsula State park is just south of
town and offers hiking and biking trails, a terrific golf course, a fine
beach, and the American Folklore Theatre (if you’re into the performing
arts).
Also just south of town, you’ll find
one of the last remaining drive in movie theaters, the Sunset Drive In.
They normally show two features for one price every evening during the
season.
In town, you’ll find restaurants,
boutiques, art galleries, and Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor, an Ephraim
landmark. Wilson’s is celebrating their 100th. Anniversary this year.
Many folks take an evening walk to Wilson’s for an ice cream treat, and
then sit down at one of the many nearby benches to enjoy their
treat….and view one of the magnificent sunsets over Eagle Harbor.
If you feel a little romantic, then
you might want to treat yourself and your loved one to a horse drawn
carriage ride around Ephraim, which you can hop onto just outside of
Wilson’s.
If you are into history, Ephraim
offers walking tours which include the Anderson Museum, the Anderson
Store, the Anderson Barn, the Pioneer School House, and the Iverson
House. The tours run from June through Labor Day.
In mid June, Ephraim celebrates the
‘Fyr Bal’ festival. Bon fires are lit all along the shore to welcome the
‘Fyr Bal’ king, who is dressed in his Viking garb, and arrives via the
water in an old Viking ship. Scandinavian folk dancers provide
entertainment, as well as local bands. Booths are set up along the main
thoroughfare and along the water to display arts and crafts, as well as
to serve food.
Throughout Door County, you can find
art galleries displaying and selling oil paintings, water colors,
ceramics, etc., by many of the local artists.
Just a short drive from Ephraim in
June, the Peninsula Music Festival provides music of all kinds to enjoy.
The Door County Auditorium also has top name entertainers performing
throughout the season. The Peninsula Players, one of the most seasoned
of the groups, puts on plays for all to enjoy in a newly outfitted barn.
Regarding food, you can find anything
from a simple snack to a full Swedish meal (at Al Johnson’s Swedish
Restaurant…..another Door County landmark with goats on a grass thatched
roof).
If you prefer upscale gourmet dining,
there are numerous restaurants to satisfy your tastes.
If it sounds like I love Ephraim….you
are right!! My wife And I (Joanne & Joe Stainer) own a condo at the
Ephraim Guest House, 3042 Cedar St., Ephraim, Wisconsin 54211. We also
manage the Guest House, which is open year round, and offers fully
equipped one, two, and three bedroom condo suites available for short
term rentals.
The Guest House is located on serene,
lushly landscaped grounds, just ½ block from the water and all
activities.
You can check us out on our website:
www.ephraimguesthouse.com
...or, you can call us on 800-589-8423
...or, if you’re in the area, stop by for a visit. We’ll leave the
lights on for you!!
For
information about accommodations, recreation, dining and much
more in this area and many other US destinations, take a moment
to visit our US Travel Directories:
