It was a girls’ weekend, and I was ready for it. A friend and I headed to Door County. She’d never been, and I had zero reservation about returning for the third time. We’d travelled together once before—with a couple more friends—and we knew we’d go with the flow. We had some ideas about what we might do but nothing solid. We were okay with that. The main goals? Step away from everyday life, enjoy time together, and soak in God’s presence, specifically in the beautiful nature he created.

And it was certainly beautiful.

We arrived close to sunset—with enough time to locate our condo then continue the drive north to explore a bit in preparation for the next day. Driving along the water as the sun set that first night was stunning. The colors were brilliant. People were meandering along the sidewalks and enjoying the crisp Fall air. We spotted many places we’d stop the next couple days before returning to the condo, unloading our bags, opening a sweet, generous gift from our hosts, and setting out to find supper. We found a cozy place with delicious salads and appetizers, and the beer garden with open firepits was the perfect place to sit as we ate. We listened to the excited crowd inside as the locals cheered on their Milwaukee Brewers. (Of course, we had Chicago Cubs friends at the game, but we wouldn’t dare share that fact.) We actually revisited One Barrel the next night as well; it was that good!

We had two full days in Door County before heading home the fourth day of our getaway. We took our time everywhere we went, sometimes talking, sometimes quietly reflecting and taking in the sun (or the misty rain). We meandered around the local Pumpkin Festival. We ate scrumptious gourmet grilled cheeses from a food truck at an orchard. We rode the ferry to an island and giggled at ourselves as we took pictures of what seemed to be giant wild turkeys. Then we rambled around a lavender farm, which was beautiful even out of season. We tuned into a local radio station that had an, um, interesting selection of music. We learned WWII history from an intriguing local business owner. We browsed a coffee/gift shop solely because the name was connected to her firstborn but stayed and revisited because it was so quirky and inviting. 

We also did the typical Door County tourist things. We stood in the middle of the highway to get photos of the famous curvy road. We ate Swedish pancakes and delicious lingonberries (and thanks to IKEA, I can get them year round!) and saw the goats on the roof of the restaurant. And one of my very favorite indulgences of Wisconsin—cheese. We almost missed our cheese tasting, because, you know, we weren’t following a schedule or making plans or anything. But once we realized we had a deadline and a mission, we were laser-focused and got the cheese! On the way home, we picked up kringles to share with people.

We sat and chatted in multiple locations. And the other thing we did consistently was we found a variety of scrumptious drinks to try. At any point, we each had two drinks in the vehicle, and at times, we had to clear out cups to make room for more. We didn’t realize we shared an affinity for good sips, but that first morning, we started with What Cold? organic juices from Greens N Grains’ juice bar. Then there was fresh cherry juice. There was some sort of special lemonade at a coffee shop, a lavender-based drink on the island, plus the times we diverged into our coffee and tea preferences. We even found an organic hydration drink we’d never had. The mango clementine has become my favorite (anytime I can find it). 

Simultaneously, we had plenty of time, and the time flew by, and it was just right.

Why even share all this? To rub it in? To make a recommendation? 

It’s an encouragement, perhaps even a challenge. 

Take the trip.

Even if you don’t take a trip, spend time with a friend.

Make memories.

Be flexible.

Appreciate what’s around you. First, you’ll need to notice what’s around you. 

Do the unexpected but also the expected.

Find what you have in common. And also forge a path together.

Laugh.

Sit in silence.

Rest.

Refresh.

Find the beauty, because I promise it’s there.

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