EXPLORE
dEER RUN GOLF COURSE
NINE HOLES OF GOLF. IT’S NO AUGUSTa NATIONAL, BUT JJ WE’RE GLAD IT EXISTS. DECENT BEER & SNACK SelectioN. NO TEE TIME NECESSARY.
update: currently under the management of the islanders themselves. expect even more imperfect greens.
SCHOOLHOUSE BEACH
SCENIC ROCK BEACH that’s AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO HANG OUT AND SWIM. RACE AROUND THE BUOYS, ENJOY A BEVERAGE ON THE ROCKS, LISTEN TO THE WAVES - YOU’RE ON ISLAND TIME.
bonus: keep an eye out for granny & papa’s bench amongst the trees
THE LAVENDER FIELDS
Skip the gift shop and fork over the $5 to wander around a beautiful, giant field of island lavender.
THE SAND DUNES
Rocks not your thing? Trek to the sand dunes for a pretty lakeside hangout, no cushion necessary.
JACOBSEN MUSUEM
A rainy-day favorite. Small museum of historic Door County curios on Little Lake.
THE FARMERS’ MARKET
A small, but delightful collection of all the island’s local wares on Saturday morning. Pick up a bunch of flowers from Hoot Blossom Farm or enter the annual Quilt Raffle. Cash only!
FAIR ISLE BOOKS
No wifi, no problem. Stop by Fair Isle to pick out a beach read after YOUR TRIP TO RED CUP. take a moment to browse the Washington Island Lit Fest section!
THE MOUNTAIN TOWER
Take it all in! Get some perspective! Get some exercise! You’re on top of the world!
island cemetery
on your way to schoolhouse take at look at where jj & i will one day lay and decay together, side by side.
EAT
RED CUP COFFEE
Come for the coffee, the ambience, and PROBABLY THE BEST SHOPPING on the island. No WisconSIN cheesiness here…except on the sandwiches. OPEN FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH; HOURS POSTED TO THEIR INSTAGRAM.
K.K. FISKE
Ever tried lawyer? It’s better than you think! k.k. fiske’s is known for its bar food and fish dinners. advanced home cook jj says they have the best cheese curds on the island. Fun fact: the entire building was built by the mustachioed Kevin Koyen himself.
HONEYMOON HOUSE
Attached to the Hotel Washington, Honeymoon House is a darling market stocked with top-notch supplies for a picnic. if you can get there early enough they have a selection of freshly baked treats & bread. Check out instagram for their latest hours.
jackson harbor soup co.
Enjoy sandwiches and baked goods with a view of the historic Rock Island boathouse.
the albatross
Fast food on Island Time. Order an Alby Burger or an ice cream cone and people watch on the lawn while you wait…and wait… There’s also a “tiki-bar” in the backyard now! (heavy-emphasis on the quotations)
feeling fancy(ish)?
you’ll be visiting the hotel washington for our welcome party, but we recommend making another trip if you’re looking for a great meal. be sure to check their website for the latest hours and menu. five star rating from advanced home cook jj.
sailor’s pub is supposed to be good and fancy (relative to the island). alas we have never been, but rumor is it’s very good.
DRINK
karly’s bar
A Classic Wisconsin bar. It’s hot and covered in wood paneling on the inside - just how jj likes it. but chelsea says it hasn’t been able to recapture the magic since the death of the beloved burger night keyboardist (RIP).
middle bar
The bar in the middle. populated with mostly locals, there’s always ice cold Busch Light cans for cheap. IF YOU’RE FEELING LUCKY, THIS IS THE Only bar on the island with pull-tabs (a huge plus)!
NELseN’S HALL
thanks to Angostura Bitters’ SALUBRIOUS QUALITIES, NELSON’S WAS ABLE TO STAY OPEN during THE prohibition ERA AND CLAIM THE TITLE OF “the LONGEST CONTINuOUSLY running bar in Wisconsin.” TAKE A CUSTOMARY SHOT OF BITTERS AND Get your real-deal bitters card here.
k.k. fiske - the coop
A relative newcomer to the island bar scene, k.k.’s has been extra lively lately because of their Karaoke and open mic night on Saturdays. There is cheap beer and good times to be had here.
looking for a cocktail…?
the only establishments that serve hard liquor are under the “drink” category here. most restaurants have beer & wine only.
