Stay & Play

The Harmonious Blacksmith Inn on the Shore

by Cherie DeLory

Admirers of George Frederick Handel’s The Harmonious Blacksmith will no doubt appreciate the old world charm of Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, in quiet Baileys Harbour, Door County, Wisconsin; population of 1,000 residents thereabouts.

This historic inn (circa 1907) was once the local blacksmith shop. The barn where the bikes are stored was the original blacksmith shop. Guests can choose from 15 spacious and cozy guest rooms between the historic Zahn House, boasting wide plank old growth pine floors and exposed beams, and the delightful replica Harbor House, which is where I stayed.
With clapboard siding and generous windows to let in the fresh air, you’ll feel transported to simpler pioneer times, albeit with the creature comforts of home.

I was instantly won over by the lush flower garden, with blooms of hollyhocks and roses lining the walkway to the entrance, and the intimacy and antique decor of the foyer. This is where treats are available 24/7; popcorn, organic juices and homemade cherry oatmeal cookies, and a take-away breakfast awaits each morning; fresh fruit, yogurt, blueberry muffins, oatmeal, boiled eggs and toast. It didn’t take long to test drive the hammock on my room’s balcony, which overlooks the greenery and bullrushes with the lake and dock beyond. I fell asleep to the sound of water lapping on the shore and the soft hue of the electric fireplace casting its glow across the room. I’d awake to glorious morning sunrises and the cheery calls of Red Winged Blackbirds.

Door County is a Swedish settlement, hence nods to Norwegian culture abound. It’s no wonder the Scandinavian concept of hygge seems to be the natural order of things here. With a population of around 27,000, Door County is known for abundant shoreline, beaches and historic lighthouses that guard the peninsula off of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Its five state parks offering everything from kayaking, hiking, camping and birdwatching make It a beacon for nature and outdoor enthusiasts year round. Its string of village main streets lined with artisan shops, craft breweries, wineries, and bakeries serving up treats like the local specialty, cherry pie, make it easy to feel like this is a home away from home.

The quaint village of Baileys Harbor has a lot to offer, and the best part is that everything is within walking distance of the Inn. Paddle boats and kayaks are at the dock, bikes are in the barn, and binoculars and a birding guide beckons on the end table in your room. Door Shakespeare produces outdoor theatre at Bjorklunden Park, near Baileys Harbor, and next door to the Inn is The Ridges Sanctuary, a diverse nature preserve, covering 1,600 acres in and around the shoreline, with vast trails, wetlands, boreal forest, wildlife and wildflowers to explore. Don’t leave out a visit to the Nature Center and Baileys Harbor Range Lights, a pair of lighthouses situated at opposite ends of the boardwalk. Or, simply enjoy the view of the harbour and its glorious sunrises and sunsets from the Inn’s dock, comfortably nestled in the perch of your Adirondack chair.

www.theblacksmithinn.com