By Donna Marie Pocius
Special to DoorCountyNavigator.com
 
When you shop in Door County, you not only find nice things. You visit historical buildings and meet interesting people.
 
That's because many boutiques, galleries and specialty shops are in repurposed vintage homes, log cabins, barns and schoolhouses.  A couple stores are even located in former churches. Often, the shop owner is working and ready to assist you or answer questions.
 
Here are a few of the many intriguing shops located throughout the Door Peninsula. We start to shop from near the Peninsula's tip:
 
In Ellison Bay, Linden Gallery presents Asian antiques, home accents and art in a two-level space that was once a Lutheran church. Pieces at all price points-from mugs and silk scarves to paintings and furnishings--are available. Nearby is the Savory Spoon Marketplace, which opened in 2007 in the old schoolhouse building. It's adjacent to the popular Savory Spoon Cooking School and is a great place to pick up warm bread, artisan cheeses and locally made sauces for a picnic on Washington Island or for a snack in your hotel room.
 
Or maybe you can eat your portable lunch on the way to more shopping in Sister Bay.  On Deck just opened a new location here (Other On Deck stores are in Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek). Each store branch has a different feel as well as diverse brands of clothing displayed.  Tannenbaum Holiday Shop, also in Sister Bay, is not just for Christmas shoppers.  You can wander through the rooms of a former church and find items for decorating your home at all times of the year.
 
Plan to also shop at some of the many farm markets on the Door Peninsula. The pie (any flavor) at Koepsel's Farm Market, Sister Bay, is always good. At the family-owned farm, Hyline Orchard, Fish Creek, the taffy apples are an addiction in the fall, albeit a good one. Also in Fish Creek, don't miss Curt's Oilerie and Olive Oil Bar.  Sample (just a tiny taste is all you need) creatively flavored olive oils here, and then ask them to bottle your choice.
 
You can continue shopping for food, as well as clothing, home d�cor and jewelry at Liberty Square in Egg Harbor.  This sprawling center was redesigned over the past year and a half. It also includes The Bistro Restaurant and The Board Room. The latter is a nicely outfitted room where people can take a shopping break, hear live music and come back for elegant dinners. 
 
On the way south to Sturgeon Bay, don't miss a stop in Carlsville.  Door County Coffee and Tea displays coffees actually made on the premises.  Included are flavors like hazelnut cr�me and breakfast blend. Next door is Pet Expressions, a gift store for pet owners as well as pets.  A unique find are the organic catnip-filled mice toys made in the U.S.  Cats take one whiff and kick back, to be sure.
 
In Sturgeon Bay, DC Bikes/Latitude 45 is the place to find quality brand bikes, such as Giant. They are on display in this vintage Third Ave. building with exposed brick walls. Also, clothing such as soft cotton Life Is Good brand tee shirts and eco-friendly Keen-brand shoes are available.
 
Nearby, AMO Gallery & Framery provides art and photo framing services as well as work by owner Audrey Off.  Pick up a print of a Door County wildflower or one of Off's photographs of the iconic Sturgeon Bay steel bridge.