Pilots looking for a fall excursion should consider flying to Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport (3D2), Ephraim-Fish Creek, Wisconsin, in the Door County Peninsula. There are an array of activities, from water sports, bicycling miles of bike trails, golfing, fine and casual dining, a drive-in theatre and live/Broadway-quality theatres, lighthouse tours and historical museums, caves, quality shops, and some of the best fall colors Wisconsin has to offer.
For us “fly and diners,” try burgers and ice cream at Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Ephraim, established in 1906; Alexander’s Dining, located between Ephraim and Fish Creek on Highway 42, which specializes in hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood; the English Inn, also located between Ephraim and Fish Creek, with a full menu of seafood, steak, fish and poultry, open year-round; Good Eggs featuring omelet wraps, fresh bakery, and fruit smoothies; and Joe Jo’s Pizza and Gelato family restaurant.
Overlooking beautiful Eagle Harbor is the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim, featuring fresh whitefish, chicken and ribs, potatoes, onions, cole slaw, homemade breads and cherry pie. Breakfasts include Belgian waffles, homemade coffee cake and cherry muffins.
Paulson’s Mill Road Café and Windflower Gifts in Ephraim, features espresso and specialty drinks, bakery goods and desserts.
Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Grill in Sister Bay, features casual cuisine and scrumptious steak! When you get to the cemetery, turn right.
Other excellent restaurants include the Second Story Restaurant at Ephraim Shores with its panoramic view of Eagle Harbor; and Door County’s garden restaurant, the Summer Kitchen in Ephraim, known for its famous soup bar, salads, sandwiches, and homemade pies.
The scenery is breathtaking from the air, along the bike trails, or driving to the top of the peninsula along the Green Bay Shore on Highway 42. Peninsula State Park in nearby Fish Creek is a must see!
A special event in the fall is the “Pumpkin Patch Fest” in Egg Harbor, October 9-10, 2010. The event provides family fun, storytelling for the kids, children and outdoor adult entertainment, sweet corn, pumpkin pie, cider, beer and brats.
The Sister Bay Fall Festival, October 15-17, 2010, features an antique boat show, music and food.
Places to stay in Door County are many, but none more accommodating than the Pine Grove Resort in Ephraim. The 100-year-old facility is one of few remaining resorts that still offer waterfront access and a private beach exclusively for guests. In 1978, the original structures were replaced with the current buildings. Each room has a balcony overlooking Eagle Harbor, and there’s an indoor pool and exercise room. For reservations call 800-292-9494 (www.pinegrovedoorcounty.com).
Two excellent bed and breakfasts are the Lodgings At Pioneer Lane in Ephraim (www.lodgingsatpioneerlane.com), and the White Lace Inn in Sturgeon Bay (www.whitelaceinn.com).
The Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport (3D2) has two runways: Rwy 14/32 (paved), 2700 X 60 feet, and Rwy 01/19 (turf), 2345 X 80 feet. There is a new self-service fuel station, which is very user friendly! Tie-down is $10.00 per night,
restrooms are open 24/7, and bicycles are available for use free of charge. For additional information or assistance with ground transportation, call 920-854-9711 (www.friendsofephraimgibraltarairport.com).
Off the tip of Door County is “Washington Island,” known for its annual fish boil, held in mid July. You can either fly there and land on one of two turf runways 14/32, 2230 X 150 feet, and 04/22, 1300 X 125 feet (2P2), or take a ferry. For ground transportation call the airport manager at 920-847-2522 or Cherry Train Tours at 920-847-2546.
For additional information on Ephraim-Fish Creek, call 920-854-4989 (www.ephraim-doorcounty.com).
August/September 2010 Midwest Flyer Magazine
