The Village of Ephraim sits on Eagle Harbor, and is renowned for its skyline-Green Bay waters in foreground, white buildings all over, church spires punctuating the hills beyond.

But there's more to do than just look at Ephraim. Here are some tips for enjoying the area.

What's to do?  This is a convenient location to board a sailboat for a ride on Green Bay waters. Also, just enjoy the beach, which the village improved last year by bringing in new sand (to aid the drainage and run-off concerns).  Beyond water sports, there are a lot of attractions to keep you on the ground here. Head south of the village hall to find the Ephraim Wetlands Preserve. Seven acres of wetlands have been preserved by the Village of Ephraim.  There are two trails with man-made bridges, making it possible for you to hike about one-third of a mile through the area. Check out some of the 60 different types of wildflowers and don't miss seeing the Hine's emerald dragonfly on the Federal List of Endangered Species.  Look for green eyes.

The annual Fyr Bal is a festival that welcomes summer while celebrating Norwegian heritage.  Locals and visitors gather around the bonfires on the beach, which symbolically burn the winter witch.  An arts and crafts festival, with food and drinks for sale, are also part of the weekend-long Fyr Bal, which takes place this year June 18 to 20.

What to buy:  Many of the shops are near Eagle Harbor, so you have a view of the water as you walk around. Others are north of the Ephraim Village Hall and are definitely worth a drive. Near town are Hanseatic Art Gallery, 3060 Hwy. Q (Church St.). It presents art by Karsten Topelmann and Ellen Sprogo-Topelmann. They work in oils, watercolors and acrylics and the art depicts vast subject matter from Door County landscapes and flowers to still lifes and European scenes. 

Next door is Celeste Wegman Interiors, a lovely shop for home furnishings, accessories and personal items such as handbags.  On the upper level is a design studio, where fabric samples and more are available. 

Head north on Hwy. 42 to find the Shops of Green Gable and more galleries including the Rustic Fish Gallery. Erik Rinkleff sells his hand-carved Santas and other characters. His wife, Mary Ann Rinkleff, shows her line of greeting cards with inspirational quotes and her photography.  Fine Line Designs Gallery, 10376 Water St. (Hwy. 42) is also a destination for viewing and purchasing art. The paintings by Sister Bay-based artist Pamela Murphy highlight the vast collection.

Where to eat: Eat at Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor-especially during your first visit to Ephraim. The restaurant, established in 1906, overlooks the water, has a wide porch for outdoor dining and an old-time soda fountain.  They make the root beer here, and ice-cream is made in Wisconsin. Flam-broiled burgers and much more are on the menu. Another place to try is Second Story Restaurant at Ephraim Shores. You don't have to stay at that hotel to enjoy the restaurant and the water view from the upper level.

Historical highlights:  The historic Iverson House on Cedar St. is an 1853 log and frame Moravian parsonage-the oldest frame house in Door County, according to the Door County Historical Society. Guided tours are available. Two old schoolhouses are also open to the public including the Pioneer Schoolhouse, 9998 Moravia St., built in 1880 at a cost of $658. The 1858 Anderson Dock and Warehouse (transformed into the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts) and the Anderson Gas Station (circa 1915) are other attractions. Find out more about historical sites and tours, by contacting the Ephraim Historical Foundation, 920/854-9688.

Where to stay:  Relish the choices. If you want a view, try the Bay Breeze Resort or Pine Grove Resort. The Lodgings at Pioneer Lane gets you up close to shopping and restaurants. Stay at a charming B&B: The Ephraim Inn.  And there are lots more choices from cabins and cottages to resorts and more.  Read about these places and many others at www.DoorCountyNavigator.com, of course.

To learn more: Ephraim Visitor Center, 10049 Water St. (Hwy. 42), 920-854-4989., www.ephraim-doorcounty.com