On July 11, 2016 we took our blue Kawasaki EX500 Ninja on a honeymoon trip from Chicago, IL to Washington Island, WI. The trip spanned seven days and 300 miles. Before our wedding we asked family and friends to support our honeymoon through a Go Fund Me campaign rather than wedding gifts.
Plymouth, WI
The route to the island featured two nights in Plymouth, WI at 52 Stafford, an Irish Hotel. Occasionally we deviate from traditional B&B's to stay at a "boutique" hotel. Chicago traffic and leaving mid-afternoon resulting in a late arrival.
Plymouth has great lunch options including Chester's Drive Inn.
No events were scheduled during our two days in Plymouth, but the track at Road America hosts many motorcycle events and we certainly plan to return soon.
Washington Island, WI
Leaving early from Plymouth we made our way North to Manitowoc, WI.
As State Highway 42 took us from farmland to the coast of Lake Michigan, the temperatures dropped and fog set in, breaking as we approached the lighthouse at Algoma. Across from the beach is St. Agnes' Episcopal Church.
As we traverse Door County, the opportunity to visit cherry orchards and to try their produce could not be ignored.
As the peninsula narrows, we approached the ferry terminal at Northport, WI. Following a 30 minute ride to the island, we had a lunch of fish chowder at K.K. Fiske Restaurant.
After lunch, a local gentleman remarked he was surprised we could ride from Chicago to the island on a 500cc motorcycle. Actually, the EX500 did very well two up with the exception of crosswinds.
Our base of operations on Washington Island was Valerie's Tipping Bucket Farm. Again, this was not a bed and breakfast, but it was also not a standard hotel. A real farm with Valerie's many children tending the animals.
After dropping our gear at Tipping Bucket, we made a short ride from the farm to check out the StavkirkeIs, a Norwegian Lutheran church built on the style of their wooden sailing ships.
Sunset on Green Bay brought an end to a perfect day.
The next day we explored a sandy beach, but all the while considering what it must be like in February with ice and snow.
For dinner we headed to Fiddler's Green, a bar/bistro featuring live entertainment.
Following dinner and a rain shower, we headed back to Tipping Bucket. On the way we were greeted by a close relative to the buck on the wall at Fiddler's. This encounter was the beginning of our realization that helmet communicators would be a prudent purchase. My new wife was pounding on my back seeing the large deer in our path. I interpreted this signal to mean "hurry up" because a gentleman in a pickup was tailgating. Fortunately, I soon realized the deer in the road was a bigger hazard than an impatient driver.
Our last morning on the island, we rose early to visit Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm. The farm offers many lavender-containing products and provides a colorful photo opportunity.
A quick breakfast at the Danish Mill, it was back to the ferry, and a return to the peninsula.
Fish Creek, WI
Following State Highway 42, we skirt Green Bay, shortly arriving at our new destination, The White Gull Inn, in Fish Creek, WI. The White Gull is not a B&B, but more a luxury accommodation with a home-like feel.
Fish Boil
Probably the most popular attraction of Fish Creek and Pelletier's Restaurant, is their version of a fish boil. Lake white fish are cooked, along with potatoes, in a large pot over a wood fire. At the proper moment, a healthy amount of kerosene is thrown on the fire resulting in the water rapidly expelled from the pot along with, according to the locals, any fat from the fish. Whether the cooking technique or the ample amount of salt, I cannot say, results in very tasty fish and potatoes. The meal is capped with a generous portion of Door County tart cherry pie.
The night ended with another impressive Green Bay sunset.
As if the fish boil was not enough to leave us satiated, the next morning was another culinary assault with a White Gull breakfast. Note the bacon falling off the plate.
Oconomowoc, WI
Could have stayed longer in Fish Creek, but back on State Route 42 to our last stop in Oconomowoc, WI .
Following Green Bay, the route changes to State Route 57, and then State Route 55/151 to Lake Winnebago. State Route becomes 175 and later P, as the landscape becomes farmland.
Just before turning to our day's destination, we grab an early dinner at the bike friendly (with separate bike parking) Tommy's & Di's Rustic Inn.
The last stop of our trip is a "real" B&B, The Inn at Pine Terrace. The rooms are very comfortable in the usual Victorian decor. We stayed in the Captain Parker room, at the top floor of the house.
With an early dinner, we walked to the downtown for ice cream, following the shore of Lac La Belle.
The next morning we made return to Chicago with gusty crosswinds challenging the small EX500. Considering the severity of the winds, it might have been wiser to remain a second night at the inn.
With reduced speeds and careful attention, we returned home ready for another trip.
It was great how many people honked at us when they saw the sign, sharing a little of our adventure.
