The ultimate guide to things to do in Door County in August this summer.

I often dream of Wisconsin as my next stop in the Midwest when summer is near.

I thought it was just for the scenic hiking trails and the lighthouses until I spent summer enjoying the things to do in Door County in August.

Dubbed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County reveals traces of European influence and the rich heritage of Native Americans.

In August, sprawling state parks, lakeside villages, traditional fairs, and art galleries make visitors cherish the region’s diverse culture and heritage.

From a romantic sunset cruise to cherry picking, I experienced a well-spent and adventurous vacation.

What to see in Door County and the things to do in Door County? I’ll be your sunny days’ tour guide as I show you the exciting events lined up for you in August.

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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Door County posts? Have a look at my other posts:

• Things to do in Door County in July
• Wineries in Door County, Wisconsin
• Things to do in Door County in Winter

Love Wisconsin? Click here to download your free bundle with a Fantastic Wisconsin Bucket List and a Weekend Trip Checklist! Don’t let them slip by!

Top Things to Do in Door County in August

• Explore Peninsula State Park
• Sunset Cruise on Green Bay
• Kayaking Tour of Cave Point

1. Attend the Door County Fair

Started in 1871, Door County Fair gives timeless fun for families and people of all ages.

From thrilling rides to a satisfying gastronomical escapade, it’s an event where you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Door County.

Usually held the first weekend of August at John Miles County Park, my best memories at the Door County Fair are the Midway Magic and the motorcycle races.

The exhilarating carnival rides and the racers’ breathtaking flip-over at high speeds are thrilling moments you wouldn’t want to miss.

After a long day of exciting activities, I capped off the night by watching live performances of local and regional bands.

The foodies craving traditional fair foods such as funnel cakes, mini donuts, BBQs, and more will also have a fantastic time at this event. 

Daily passes are $12, and season passes are $30.

For an ultimate Door County Fair experience, avail of “Sweet Cherry of a Deal” admission, which includes all the Grandstand events, live band shows, and Midway attractions.

2. Explore Peninsula State Park

A best-kept secret in the Midwest, the Peninsula State Park is a little slice of paradise in Door County.

It boasts over 460 campsites, an 18-hole golf course, a lighthouse, and eight miles of Door County coastline.

For breathtaking views of the bay, I hiked the challenging and fun Eagle Trail, about 2.5 miles long, where 150-foot cliffs, springs, and forested terraces will amaze you. 

Then, I stretched my legs at the nearby Nicolet Beach, one of the frequently visited beaches in Door County.

On warmer days like August, you can take advantage of fishing, biking, swimming, picnics, or even a kayak tour.

3. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on Green Bay

A romantic sunset cruise along the serene waters of Green Bay is one of the best Door County things to do in summer. 

I love sunsets, and this experience was something I didn’t want to miss. While taking breathtaking coastal views from the boat, I was serenaded by the live music onboard.

Door County Boats offers a Sunset Live Music Cruise with live band performances daily, from 4 pm to 7 pm. You can also book with scenic Door County sunset tour.

But if you’re looking for other sunset tours in Door County, Sail Sturgeon Bay offers a sunset cruise along the scenic Potawatomi State Park.

Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll see different lighthouses, shipyards, and tugboats, making it one of the many fun and romantic things to do in Sturgeon Bay.

4. Visit the Door County Maritime Museum Source: Wikimedia Commons

With its rich maritime history, the Door County Maritime Museum features interactive exhibits and historic vessels. 

Established in 1969, it gave me a glimpse into Door County’s glorious heritage and maritime roots.

I loved the museum’s lighthouse tours and fascinating shipwreck displays, which tell the story of Door County’s nautical past.

One of the must-see museum highlights is the 1960s restored tugboat, the John Purves. The galleries also feature brave ship captains and even lonely lighthouse keepers.

The Door County Maritime Museum is open daily, 10 am to 4 pm from January to April and 10 am to 5 pm from May to December.

5. Attend the Washington Island Music Festival

A two-week festival set in a picturesque island location, the Washington Island Music Festival is jam-packed with live classical music performances. 

Held in mid-August, the festival showcases a series of concerts by talented musicians and is led by co-directors Stefanie Jacob, Scott Tisdel, and Teresa Drews. 

If you’re looking for what to do in Door County in July and August, the Washington Island Music Festival is perfect for you.

It typically runs between July and August in an intimate and scenic setting on Washington Island at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center (TPAC). 

This year, I plan to catch Strauss’ four last songs, Schubert Quintet performance, and a children’s concert featuring “The Washington Town Musicians” at one of the much-awaited Door County events.

6. Go Cherry Picking at a Local Orchard

Dotting along the scenic landscape are local orchards bearing sweet cherries. On a typical summer day, I often strolled past bountiful cherry trees for the freshest tart red fruit in Door County.

Between late July and mid-August, cherry-picking is one of the fun outdoor activities in Door County. It’s when the cherries are ripe and ready for picking.

Local orchards like Lautenbach’s Orchard also offer artisan goods, arts and crafts, and family activities, and don’t forget to try their homemade cherry products.

You may also sample wines and hard ciders made from homegrown fruits.

After cherry-picking, check into one of the resorts in Door County and day spas in Wisconsin for the weekend.

7. Explore the Art Galleries and Studios

With a vibrant art scene, Door County provides a safe space for local artists to showcase their creativity, and visitors can admire them in its numerous art galleries and studios.

My favorite Door County art gallery is the Frykman Studio Gallery. Inside, you’ll find a stunning nature photography exhibit alongside magnificent stoneware pottery by Steve Jorgenson. 

I recommend stopping by the Peninsula School of Art or checking out local galleries like Edgewood Orchard Galleries for unique pieces and exhibitions. 

At Woodwalk Gallery, you may purchase art made by 90 featured artists. They also host private events in Door County for weddings and other special occasions.

8. Relax on the Beaches of Whitefish Dunes State Park

If you’re a beach lover like me, you don’t want to miss the sandy shores of Whitefish Dunes State Park. 

Last summer, I enjoyed lounging on the rugged but picturesque Lake Michigan shore with a mile of sand beach worth exploring.

Known for having the tallest dunes, Whitefish Dunes State Park is one of the incredible places to visit in Wisconsin in summer.

Enjoy the clear waters and sandy beaches, with facilities like picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, including the Brachiopod trail.

Whitefish Dunes State Park is only available for day use, and camping is not allowed. If you want to extend your stay, you can book nearby romantic cabins in Wisconsin.

9. Attend Marina Fest

Happening on a Labor Day weekend, the Sister Bay Marina Fest is overflowing with art, street food, and musical performances.

Last year, I visited the stunning Sister Bay marina, and to my surprise, the Marina Fest was happening right then and there.

Fortunately, I was hungry enough and curious simultaneously, so I took the opportunity to line up at the many food stalls in the area.

Sister Bay Marina Fest is typically held during the last week of August. 

Event highlights include a classic wooden boat show, an arts and crafts fair, a farmers market, and a book sale. The night is capped off with a fantastic fireworks display.

10. Take a Kayaking Tour of Cave Point

Next to Whitefish Dunes State Park, Cave Point is studded with towering limestone cliffs. 

I went there last summer to try the kayak adventure, and it was truly breathtaking. I was in awe of the stunning karst landscape of the Niagara Escarpment on Lake Michigan.

Join the Peninsula Kayak Company on a memorable kayak trip along the pristine coastline of Lake Michigan, Cave Point County Park, and Whitefish Dunes State Park. 

Door County’s rock band stretches from Wisconsin to the stunning Niagara Falls. 

Door County Kayak Tours also offers a safe and unforgettable experience paddling through the clear..

Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street

Read on to book a bike and boat tour in Greece! From seasoned cyclists to casual adventurers, embark on an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and captivating stories.

With its sun-drenched islands, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, Greece is on every traveler’s bucket list.

And since Greece has over 6,000 islands, out of which more than 200 are inhabited, any trip to Greece involves a lot of island hopping. Which is where bike and boat tours come in.

This adventure combines the thrill of cycling through picturesque landscapes with the serenity of cruising on azure seas.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual adventurer, a bike and boat tour in Greece offers an unforgettable experience. Read on for your ultimate guide to making the most of this incredible journey.

Santorini in Greece. Photo via Creative Commons

What Is a Bike and Boat Tour?

A bike and boat tour is a hybrid travel experience that combines luxury bike tours with sailing or a boat cruise.

Participants travel between destinations on a comfortable boat, which serves as both a mode of transportation and accommodation. Each day, you disembark with your bicycle to explore different areas on guided or self-guided rides. This format allows you to cover more ground and see various places while enjoying the convenience of having your lodging and meals taken care of.

A bike and boat tour in Greece lets you explore more of the island nation’s 6,000 islands. Photo courtesy iStock by Getty Images

Planning Your Tour Choose the Right Tour Operator

Selecting a reputable tour operator is crucial for a successful trip. Look for companies that offer well-planned itineraries, quality bikes, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable boats, such as this Greece bike tour operator.

Several other options are also available in the market. Always do your own research, read reviews, and compare options to find the best fit for your interests and fitness level.

When is the Best Time to Go to Greece?

The ideal time for a bike and boat tour in Greece is spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner than in the peak summer months. Plus, the scenery is particularly stunning during these seasons.

Plan your visit to Greece in the spring or fall to enjoy great weather with fewer crowds. Photo by Ryan Spencer on Unsplash

Fitness Level and Preparation

While many tours are designed to accommodate different fitness levels, preparing for daily cycling is important. Train in advance by cycling regularly and incorporating hills into your rides. Additionally, practice riding on different terrains to build confidence and stamina.

Train on your bike before your trip and be prepared to bike each day. Photo by MikePax via iStock by Getty Images

Where to Go On a Greek Bike and Boat Tour

Greece is a picturesque country, and its 6,000 islands offer endless possibilities. Here are some recommendations for the best places to go on a bike and boat tour in Greece.

The Saronic Islands

The Saronic Islands are an archipelago that includes the famous island of Salamis, where the famous battle of Salamis took place in 480 BC between the Greeks and Persians.

Other major islands on the archipelago include Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. Each island has its own unique character, from the ancient Temple of Aphaia on Aegina to the car-free streets of Hydra. The cycling routes here are relatively gentle, making them suitable for all levels.

Enjoy the car-free streets of scenic Hydra. Photo by Mauricio Muñoz on Unsplash

The Cyclades

The Cyclades, known for their white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches, offer a more challenging cycling experience. Islands like Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini provide breathtaking views and fascinating historical sites. Santorini, in particular, is famous for its white buildings with blue domed roofs. Images of its picturesque villages overlooking the coast are among the most recognizable images of Greece.

Santorini offers breathtaking sea views. Photo by zoom-zoom via iStock by Getty Images

Be prepared for steeper climbs and thrilling descents, given the hills in this region.

Crete

Crete, Greece’s largest island, offers varied landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Cycle through olive groves, past ancient ruins, and along stunning coastlines. Don’t miss the chance to explore the historic city of Chania and the famous Samaria Gorge.

Go hiking or biking in the Samaria Gorge in Crete while discovering Greece. Photo by sokol_lukasz via iStock by Getty Images

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands, including Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos, are known for their lush greenery and beautiful beaches. The cycling routes here are varied, with options for leisurely and strenuous journeys. Enjoy the relaxed pace of life and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Enjoy the beaches of Corfu. Photo by Keszthelyi Timi on Unsplash

Tips for a Successful Tour

With some planning and following our tips, you can experience the vacation of a lifetime in Greece.

Pack Smart

Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for cycling and casual evenings on the boat. Don’t forget essentials like a good pair of cycling shoes, a helmet, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. A small daypack will come in handy for carrying personal items during your rides.

Stay Hydrated and Energized

Cycling in the Greek sun can be demanding, so staying hydrated is important. Drink plenty of water and visit local markets to stock up on fresh fruits and snacks. Most tours include meals, but having some energy bars or nuts on hand is always good.

Embrace the Experience

Be open to new experiences and embrace the adventure. Engage with your guides and fellow travelers, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, and savor the local cuisine. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Part of the fun of traveling to Greece is enjoying the local restaurants. Photo by Anna_Jedynak via iStock by Getty Images

Final Thoughts

A bike and boat tour in Greece offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Whether cycling through ancient olive groves, exploring charming villages, or cruising on the Aegean Sea, this experience promises memories that will last a lifetime. So, gear up, set sail, and discover the magic of Greece from two wheels and a boat. We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder to find some of our favorite destinations in Greece.

The post Your Ultimate Guide to a Bike and Boat Tour in Greece appeared first on Wander With Wonder.

Here in Part 7 of our Miles & Points for Beginners series, we’ll continue looking at options and strategies regarding the redemption phase of your points journey.

In Part 6, we went over how to define a “good deal,” how to assess if the award flights you find in your searches are providing you with good value, and how to balance all this information with your own personal travel priorities and desires.

In support of your hunt for good deals, this article will dive into redemption “sweet spots” to build your knowledge on these incredibly helpful and valuable award flight options.

By being tuned-in with existing and potential sweet spots, you’ll be even more well equipped to make high-value redemptions and to enjoy your first (and second and third) business class flight for close to free.

Loyalty Programs & Sweet Spots

As you begin to research different loyalty programs to invest in, and you build your knowledge on how to find award flights that represent a good deal, one of the most important things to look for in each program is their sweet spots.

When we say “sweet spot,” what we’re referring to is the best possible way (in terms of points or cash value) to book a particular flight, especially when compared to other programs. To help give you a good understanding of what a sweet spot entails, we’ll go over a number of examples throughout this article.

As you journey further into Miles & Points, knowing and leveraging sweet spots within each program will help you maximize your redemptions, save points, and have some outstanding experiences to boot.

Miles & Points can unlock incredible experiences

In many of our loyalty program guides, we list sweet spots and how to book them with points, but in this article, we’ll focus exclusively on a few of our favourite programs that are easily accessible, have excellent award pricing, and solid sweet spots.

We’ll also give you some insight into how to identify sweet spots in general, which builds nicely on Part 6’s lesson on “what’s a good deal.”

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada’s Aeroplan is a versatile program that’s particularly easy to access in Canada since there are many co-branded credit cards, and since you can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points (MR points) to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio.

Aeroplan also enjoys the benefit of over 45 airline partners, so there are redemption options in nearly all corners of the globe.

Aeroplan has more than 45 airline partners, including All Nippon Airways

As a hybrid distance- and zone-based program, Aeroplan redemptions become more expensive the further the total distance of the flights on your itinerary.

Accordingly, if you can arrange for your flights to remain within the first few distance bands of Aeroplan charts’ geographic zones, there are plenty of sweet spots to be found.

As we mentioned in Part 6 of this series, Aeroplan uses a dynamic pricing structure for Air Canada redemptions, so sweet spots are often award flights that cost as close to the low end of the points range as possible and fly as close to the maximum number of miles for any given distance band.

For redemptions with partner airlines, Aeroplan uses fixed pricing, and the sweet spots depend on award availability existing in the first place, and for redemptions to various parts of the world.

An example of a short-haul sweet spot within Canada is 12,500 points for a cross-country flight in economy, 19,000 points for a cross-country flight in premium economy, or 25,000 points for a cross-country flight in business class. Sometimes, you can even find flights for less than that.

For a medium-haul sweet spot in the Aeroplan program, you could look for opportunities in the North America to Atlantic zones chart.

Flights from Eastern Canada to Europe tend to measure under 4,000 miles, which means that a one-way business class flight can be booked for as few as 60,000 Aeroplan points on a partner airline, or sometimes with Air Canada (if you can find flights at the lower end of the dynamic range).

In terms of long-haul sweet spots, Aeroplan has a few notable opportunities between North America and Asia.

For only 55,000 Aeroplan points, you could potentially fly ANA business class from Vancouver or Seattle to Japan.

(At the time of writing, these can only be booked over the phone, so you’ll need to find ANA award availability on another Star Alliance program website (e.g., United MileagePlus), and then call Aeroplan to book it using Aeroplan points.)

Fly ANA business class from Vancouver to Tokyo for just 55,000 Aeroplan points

If you’re flexible and can wait until within a month of travel for last-minute award availability, you can also find United Airlines Polaris business class to fly from San Francisco to Tahiti for 55,000 points too.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you should be aware of the so-called “Asia 3” sweet spot on the “Between North America and Pacific zones” chart, which refers to the third distance band on the chart.

Leveraging the third distance band on this chart gives you up to 11,000 miles to fly between North America and anywhere in Asia or the South Pacific, which is an exceedingly generous distance for the associated points range. By keeping your flight distance within this band, you’ll pay just 87,500 Aeroplan points to fly in business class with partner airlines.

This means that you can fly from North America to Australia over the Pacific, or take the long way around to Asia by flying through Europe or the Middle East, and you’ll still pay just 87,500 points (or sometimes less, if dynamic pricing skews in a favourable direction).

Additionally, if you’d like to explore a new country or city along the way, you can add a stopover for just Aeroplan 5,000 points more.

For these and many other reasons, Aeroplan is widely considered to be one of the best loyalty programs available, especially if you’re willing to put the time in to learn about how it works and the many sweet spots that lie within.

British Airways Executive Club

Another of our favourite programs is British Airways Executive Club.

This program is quite accessible in Canada since you can easily earn British Airways Avios through the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite† or by transferring RBC Avion points or American Express MR points at a 1:1 ratio.

Avios points are flexible points that can help you access award flights within the oneworld alliance.

British Airways Executive Club gives you access to oneworld airlines, including Cathay Pacific

There are a number of excellent sweet spots within the British Airways loyalty program, which mostly involve non-stop flights. That’s because British Airways uses additive award pricing, which means that you pay for each segment that you book.

One sweet spot in the program shows up when you redeem points for short-haul flights within Europe (on British Airways or Iberia), within Asia (on Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines), and within Australia (on Qantas Airways).

For example, flying from London to Rome comes in at 11,750 Avios plus $1 (all figures in CAD) in taxes and fees. You could also choose to pay more in cash and less in Avios, since British Airways allows you to customize your redemptions.

A unique feature of the British Airways loyalty program is that there are multiple loyalty programs (Aer Lingus AerClub, Iberia Plus, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Finnair Plus, Vueling Club, and British Airways Executive Club) that use the same currency (Avios), and you can instantly convert them from one “flavour” to another at 1:1 ratio.

This feature allows you to access sweet spots within each one of the above airlines’ loyalty programs.

Most notably, the transferable Avios feature opens up access to one of the most sought-after sweet spots – Qatar Airways Qsuites.

By transferring points to Qatar Airways Privilege Club, you could access the following redemption sweet spots in the world’s best business class:

• North America to Doha: 70,000 Avios
• North America to elsewhere in the Middle East: 75,000 Avios
• North America to South East Asia: 95,000 Avios

Book Qatar Airways Qsuites for as few as 70,000 Avios

Another sweet spot example that can be easily accessed thanks to the ability to transfer Avios between different flavours is with Iberia Airlines.

By transferring Avios to Iberia Plus, you can book a one-way business class flight from the Eastern US to Madrid for only 34,000 Avios.

The ability to transfer Avios also lets you take advantage of booking award flights with airlines that have taxes and fees that are lower than those charged by other airlines.

For example, if you were to book a one-way business class flight from Finland to North America using Finnair Avios, it would cost 62,500 Avios, plus $140 or so in taxes and fees.

If you were to book the same flight using British Airways Avios, the taxes and fees would jump up to around $1,400.

That means that the little extra step of transferring your Avios can save you literally a thousand dollars or more.

It’s also important to note that there are often transfer bonuses at play when you move your points from RBC Avion or Amex MR points to British Airways Executive Club.

By timing your points transfer, you can leverage these bonuses to effectively book your award flight for less.

Air France KLM Flying Blue

The Air France KLM Flying Blue program is a bit harder to access in Canada since the transfer rate from American Express MR points is 1:0.75 and the only co-branded credit card in Canada is the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®.

Flying Blue uses a dynamic pricing model, so the cost of a route can change from day to day; however, although this makes the prices unpredictable, the benefit to this model is that every seat on a flight can be booked with Flying Blue miles.

Flying Blue also harmonized all award pricing between Europe and North America in October 2023, which means that a longer routing from Vancouver to Istanbul via Amsterdam will be priced in the same way as a much shorter non-stop flight from Toronto to Paris.

Fly Air France business class between North America and Europe

Despite being a bit difficult to earn in Canada, Flying Blue is still an excellent program with some great sweet spots.

In particular, Flying Blue offers the following “starting at” rates for flights from North America to Europe, which are amongst the best in the business:

• Economy: 20,000 Flying Blue miles
• Premium economy: 35,000 Flying Blue miles
• Business class: 50,000 Flying Blue miles

If you’re able to score any of these flights at this low end of the dynamic pricing range, you’ll have captured a sweet spot (and a fabulous trip to Europe).

Flying Blue also stands out among loyalty programs in that it offers monthly Promo Rewards which give a 25–50% discount on the already competitive award rates.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Flying Blue program, its sweet spots, and the monthly Promo Rewards, we keep updated guides on almost all the major airline loyalty programs.

In each guide, we dive into the loyalty program’s best sweet spots to help highlight key ways for you to get excellent value from your points.

Honourable Mentions

In addition to the most popular sweet spots listed above, there are a few more that you should be aware of as you continue your journey with miles and points.

Booking WestJet Flights with Delta SkyMiles

If you’re planning on booking a flight with WestJet using points, your first instinct might be to look at WestJet’s own loyalty program, WestJet Rewards.

While you can certainly book any WestJet flight using WestJet dollars, the truth is that there’s no way to get outsized value from this loyalty program. In fact, the best way to book WestJet flights with points may come as a bit of a surprise.

The best way to book WestJet flights with points is by using Delta SkyMiles

To access a great WestJet sweet spot, you’ll need to take advantage of the WestJet and Delta Air Lines partnership. Through this partnership you can earn and redeem each airlines’ miles and points on the other’s flights.

Additionally, the Delta SkyMiles loyalty program is a transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards, and points can be transferred at a 1:0.75 ratio.

With Delta SkyMiles, you’ll pay a fixed price of 12,500 SkyMiles for any WestJet routing in Canada or the United States.

For example, you’ll pay just 12,500 SkyMiles (or 16,667 American Express MR points with the transfer ratio taken into consideration) to fly from Vancouver to Toronto, Calgary to Atlanta, Toronto to Los Angeles, and so on.