Not only is autumn one of the prettiest times of the year in Door County. It also is the time when you may be able to take advantage of end-of-season sales at area shops and boutiques.

Also, late fall and winter is a good time to enjoy a more peaceful peninsula, as crowds have subsided and parking spots are easier to find as compared to the summer vacation time. So, why not make it a time to try a new place to stay, shop or eat? Here are some ideas.

Overnight:  Coachlite Inn & Suites, 2544 S. Bayshore Dr., Sister Bay, welcomes guests year-round.  It has a lovely location nestled within mature pine trees yet near Sister Bay shops, restaurants and other attractions.

In a review of this inn, DoorCountyNavigator.com called it a "Great little property. We love the rooms."

The inn's furnishings and whitewashed-finished walls are in harmony with its Door County location. "It's an example of the beauty the area has to offer. We want you to feel that your stay at the inn is as enjoyable as the activities that brought you to Door County," according to the Hoffman family, who own Coachlite Inn.

Here, accommodations include classic rooms which are outfitted with two full beds or a queen bed. Deluxe rooms have two queen beds or a king. For special occasions, the owners urge people to try a queen suite. It has a fireplace, double whirlpool tub, flat panel TV/DVD player.

One queen suite on the property also has kitchenette. The lodge suite has a full kitchen, two bedrooms, one and one-half baths and a dining area.

All rooms and suites have views to lovely landscaped grounds and gardens. There's a covered whirlpool and hot tub area, too.

Conveniences inside rooms and suites include cable TV, air conditioning, electric heat, ceiling fans, full baths, in-room phones, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, hair dryers and tasteful d�cor.

Continental breakfast is available to guests.

"Our family really does care about our guests. We live on site and are enthusiastic about sharing information you may be interested in during your visit. The Coachlite Inn is where people come by choice and not chance," the Hoffmans state on the inn's Web site.

If you plan a five-night stay (from April to June), you can get the sixth and seventh nights for free.

Learn more about the Coachlite Inn and other fine places to stay in Door County on Door County Navigator.com

Food and wine: Door County Coffee & Tea continues to grow in size and offerings since opening in 1993. Located at 5773 Hwy.42 in Carlsville (just south of downtown Egg Harbor), Door County Coffee is a place where you can pick up coffee that was roasted on site. Here, they make more than 100 traditional and favored coffees.  Fall coffees-like pumpkin space-are now available.

Also find Lighthouse Blend, Sumatra and Door County Cr�me (a combination of vanilla and hazelnut). And, now, some Door County Coffee flavors come in single server cups that fit inside Keurig coffee machines.

A caf� inside the building serves up the coffee, sandwiches, salads and much more. Also, enjoy an adjacent shop offering home d�cor, books, and accessories. Customers can buy the coffee via the drive-through service or online.

Must see/do: Don't miss the 18th annual sale at City Farmer home and garden store at 10432 Hwy. 42 in Ephraim. Browse the merchandise inside this more than century-old barn that has been repurposed into a dreamy shop. Items are now 20 to 50% off with a lucky draw revealing the daily deal.

Chic shopping:  Candles made in Door County are on display at Door County Candle Co., 5789 Hwy. 42, Carlsville. Formerly called Candleworks of Door County, this is a spacious retail store where you may also see the candles being made. A wide variety of candle scents and sizes are available here. Also, find candle accessories and other gift ideas.

For arts lovers: Artists and craftsmen will participate in the Sister Bay Fall Festival Oct. 17 to 19 on Mill Street in downtown Sister Bay. Don't forget to visit some of the galleries that are open in Sister Bay, as well.