Baileys Harbor feels like an old coastal town, but it has all you want today, too.

Plan a visit here, whether you are a lover of nature, water sports, art, history or shopping. Here are some Baileys Harbor highlights.

What's to do?  There are a lot of ways to celebrate Independence Day, and Baileys Harbor tosses them all together in a full day of activities. First of all, the celebration on July 4 extends from a parade (with the theme this year of "friends and neighbors") through town at 10 a.m. to fireworks over the Lake Michigan beginning at dusk.  In-between you can attend the outdoor art show; enjoy food and drinks, live entertainment and inflatable toys for the kids.

Baileys Harbor is also the host of the Sept. 18 Autumnfest. The event features an antique car show, arts and crafts, entertainment and food and drink.

On any day, take a walk to the town square, and check out the marina, 8132 Hwy.57. It opened in spring 2000.  It has four lighted ramps and full marina service. It's also a town focal point, especially on the Fourth of July when bands play here. Across from the marina is the town hall. It houses the library and more.

Actually, one of the most popular things to do in Baileys Harbor is to travel to the Cana Island Lighthouse, located about six miles from the town.  Find the lighthouse by driving north on Hwy. 57 to Cty. Rd. Q. Turn right on Q, and proceed to Cana Island Drive. Turn right, park on the mainland and walk the 500-foot rock walkway to the island.

Another site to see while in Baileys Harbor is Boynton Chapel on the grounds of Bjorklunden, a 405-acre estate where Lawrence University, Appleton, offers educational programs The chapel, with a 15^th century Norwegian style look, was crafted and painted with interior frescoes by Winifred and Donald Boynton from 1930 through 1947. Tours are offered in the summer by university students.

Nearby is the Ridges Sanctuary, a natural preserve and home to 25 native orchids and rare plants. You can hike trails within this 1,300-acre property. Inside the sanctuary are the circa 1869 Range Lights structures, which guided ships safely into shallow waters of Baileys Harbor. 

The lakeside location entices people to get on the water, of course. Charter fishing is popular here, and so are other water sports such as swimming and windsurfing.  Meanwhile, bikers rave about rides on Cty. Rd. Q, and golfers enjoy playing a round or two at Maxwelton Braes Golf Course. 

What to buy: But if your style of workout is a shopping excursion, then head to town, where clothing, furniture, antiques, books and art stores abound on Hwy. 57.  Nathan Nichols & Company is a home furnishings and accessories store featuring elegant lines including Baker and Milling Road.  Nearby is What Next, where Naot shoes and clothing designed and made in Door County are displayed. You may also see the staff making the clothes in this location. Novel Ideas is a family-owned bookstore, where a variety of books are sold and author visits and kids' activities often take place.

Where to eat: Harbor Fish Market and Grille is open year-round with a room overlooking the lake. Come for breakfast, and enjoy the cherry-stuffed French toast (that's right; they make it, too). And the owners tout fresh seafood and meats "from all over and a wine list that is one of the finest in Midwest." Sit on the deck (or inside) at the Espresso Lane Coffee Caf� and enjoy a homemade cinnamon roll and coffee, or head to the Yum Yum Tree to choose from one of 24 homemade ice cream flavors; deli sandwiches are also available. Also, try Weisgerbers Cornerstone Pub. Take a short drive to PC Junction and Top Deck Restaurant & Bar.

Historical highlights:  Baileys Harbor gets its name from Captain Justice Bailey, who sought shelter here from a storm in 1848 on Lake Michigan.  He was in charge of one of 12 vessels owned by Alanson Sweet, a Milwaukee industrialist, who had extensive businesses in shipping stone and lumber to Detroit, according to the Baileys Harbor Community Association.

Where to stay: Choices abound: Gordon Lodge Resort, Journey's End Motel & Cabins, the Rushes, Baileys Harbor Ridges Resort, Baileys Harbor Yacht Club Resort, Kangaroo Lake Resort. Also consider inns: Beachfront Inn, Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, the Inn at Windmill Farm, New Yardley Inn, Orphan Annie's Schoolhouse Inn, Garden Inn/Motel, Cedar Beach Inn. Other options include: Bella Villa, Gustave's Getaway, East Shorewood Cottages, Carraig Mor Cottage, Olson Cottages, Baileys Harbor Lakeview Suite and Beantown Campground. Check out these places and others at www.doorcountynavigator.com.