Gals have fun on the Door Peninsula
By Donna Marie Pocius
Special to DoorCountyNavigator.com
Girlfriends can fashion all kinds of getaways to the Door Peninsula.
For example, they can pursue a shopping excursion, a hiking trip or even a culinary-focused weekend.
Let's say you're the kind of gal who likes all the above. Begin a long weekend on the Peninsula with your friends by heading to Fish Creek to shop. Don't miss Bath, Body and Soul Essentials. Owner Bonnie Smith creates a spa-like atmosphere with soothing music and aromatherapy. The place is filled with pampering products and brands at all price points: from Crabtree & Evelyn and Caswell-Massey to Ahava and Trillium Organics; the latter is locally made.
Nearby is Brilliant Stranger, a store which opened in the Whistling Swan Shops last year. The owner, an avid traveler herself, has an offbeat collection of journals, books, clothing, jewelry and more for sale.
A great place to hike is Peninsula State Park, also in Fish Creek. On the Eagle Trail, you'll pass through a forest and climb alongside spectacular cliffs. This trail affords spectacular views and a decent workout to boot.
Perhaps the Peninsula's Maritime history inspires the gals. The Cana Island Lighthouse is now open seven days a week in Baileys Harbor, so you can climb the 89-foot tower and take in the view at your convenience.
You'll no doubt work up an appetite, so consider taking a cooking class together at the Savory Spoon Cooking School, Ellison Bay. A vintage schoolhouse provides a charming atmosphere for classes which are offered on a variety of subjects in half-day or full-day formats. 
Janice Thomas, the owner and chef, offers up more than 60 tempting choices over the months of June through October. Choose from classes with titles like "Around the World Flavors," "Chic Vegetarian" and "Oh Chocolate."
While in Ellison Bay, don't miss shopping at some of the many unique galleries on the Door Peninsula. The Linden Gallery, housed in a converted Lutheran Church, is filled to the brim with Asian antiques and art. You'll feel like you are browsing a museum with an opportunity to buy the artifacts. The 6,000 square foot gallery on two levels includes pottery, blue and white Chinese porcelain, handwoven textiles, Buddhas, Tibetan rugs, decorative furniture and more.
Just down the street is Newport Gallery. Owners Carol Lango and Jan Jenkins carry antiques and traditional folk art. Another girly place to go is Turtle Ridge Gallery and Studio, Ellison Bay. Add a handbag by resident artist Mary Ellen Sisulak to your collection. 
She also works with fiber.
Both her leather goods and fiber wares are inspired by nature and carry designs like trees, leaves, turtles and acorns.
"Women love to come up here and see what we have. It is fun to find something different. They like the discovery of it," Sisulak says.
