Eagle Harbor Inn, Ephraim, Wisconsin

Location

Picturesque Ephraim enjoys an enviable location on the shores of Lake Michigan with the inn itself looking out over its peaceful waters. The town is something of a hidden treasure in laidback Door Country with low-rise waterside houses served by quaint coffee shops and confectionaries. For fantastic cappuccinos and freshly baked pastries head three doors down to Leroy’s Café and for good old-fashioned treats look to Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor. Dating back to 1909 it even features a classic soda fountain and home brewed root beer served to sunset views. There’s also several artisan craftworks including Ephraim Clayworks and the independent Lardiere Gallery.

Accommodation

With just nine rooms in the main inn, it’s not hard to maintain the easy-going, laidback atmosphere of the town. The characterful accommodation, ranging in price based on size, are named after the town’s historic innkeepers. All feature private bathrooms, queen beds and traditional design, complemented by flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. For extra space and amentities, look to the Whirlpool Suites. Dotted throughout the inn’s five acres of land, these stylish self-contained apartments have their own kitchenette, daily maid service and a six-foot whirlpool bath in the master bedroom. They also come with an elegant cherrywood queen bed with down comforter and a two-way fireplace. The only downside is that, unlike their inn counterparts, they don’t include breakfast.

Dining

At Eagle Harbor Inn, you’ll be greeted with a glass of cool lemonade or a hot mulled cider, setting the tone for a relaxed few days. In the good weather, home-cooked breakfasts, featuring regional ingredients, are served with DC coffees in the garden while, come the afternoon, guests enjoy fresh lemonade and homemade treats. In the separate suites, it’s possible to request a homemade breakfast basket to be delivered to your doors. While there’s no restaurant, guests can make use of the grilling area for a Lake Michigan cookout while the staff are happy to make recommendations from the excellent selection of local restaurants.

Facilities

Don’t let its size fool you, the inn offers a superb array of resort-style amenities including an indoor pool, sauna and fitness room. On the lawn, among the garden pockets, you’ll find bocce ball, croquette, a playground and the aforementioned barbecue area. You’re also only one mile from the golfing, biking, swimming and beaches of Peninsula State Park.