Imagine a vacation destination that exudes natural beauty, is chock full of fun activities and home to great community events. Let your imagination become a reality and set course for Egg Harbor, Wisconsin.
Egg Harbor’s unique beauty stems from its location in the heart of Door County, along the shores of Green Bay. Taking a hike along the shore treats you to unforgettable views of the rocky coastline, pristine beaches, and the deep blue waters of the bay. Stroll through the downtown area, which showcases vibrant public gardens and beautiful, classically designed buildings. Around the outskirts of town you’ll find fruit orchards and forests teeming with wildlife. No matter where you look or what you do here, the environment is breathtaking and ready to impress.
While the town has a full time population of only a few hundred, the activities here are indicative of a much larger community. You’ll find golfing for for all skill levels at courses such as Alpine Golf Course, Horseshoe Bay Golf Club, and The Orchards at Egg Harbor. If shopping is your passion, Egg Harbor will over deliver. The town has over a hundred shops, boutiques and stores. Whether you're looking for rare antiques all the way to supplies for your trip, it's all here. Is adventure calling? Egg Harbor is a premier year round destination for outdoor activities. From ziplines to beach games, outfitters like Door County Adventure Center and Gravity Trails Zip Line & Kayak Tours will set you up for almost any adventure.
The town plays host to events and festivals that can turn an average getaway into one for the photo album. The Egg Harbor Alefest is returning for it’s fifth year to the beautiful confines of Harbor View Park. This is the ideal location for a beer event because of its memorable views of the bay and proximity to local lodging, restaurants, and attractions. The festival is one of Door County's premier craft beer experiences, with over 100 different beers to sample that come from over 40 different breweries. Not only will you be able to sample some of the best craft beers anywhere, but you’ll also get to eat some great food along with a commemorative pint glass. The WiFEE and the HUZz BAND will be performing during the festivities, adding a level of fun to this already great event. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Jeff Larson, Event Manager for the festival, to talk all about this great celebration of brewing.
RAL: Tell me a bit about the event.
JL: This is the fifth year for the Egg Harbor AleFest. On average, we’ve had between 700 and 800 patrons over the last few years and don't forget the 50 brewers and their representatives. It's a fun and engaging event that's not overwhelming.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
JL: This is an alcohol-based event so it is geared primarily to adults of drinking age. There is a definite cross section of people from 21 to 81. The most represented age group is probably in the 35 to 45 age bracket.
RAL: What makes the event unique.
JL: The event takes place in Harbor View Park, in the heart of Egg Harbor. There is a beautiful view of the Bay of Green Bay and Egg Harbor Marina. It is not unusual to see sailboats, yachts, power boats, kayaks, paddleboards, etc, cruising by.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
JL: The event is a craft beer tasting. A unique and fun part of the experience is to taste the latest creations from a number of brewers. Door County’s two local brewpubs, Shipwrecked and Door County Brewing Company, will be represented. Between the brewers there will be around 120 and 150 different beers. It truly is a celebration of craft beer tasting.
The event always features live music. This year has the biggest band yet, WIFEE and the HUZz BAND. Best described as the "new vintage", WiFEE and the HUZz BAND is sure to rock your socks off! Vocalists Ruby James and Stephen Cooper front this ten-piece powerhouse, leading the listener through their emotional love story with the reinforcement of a full horn section and a smokin' rhythm section that will take you back to the glory days of Motown while being on the forefront of today's cutting edge.
The event takes place from noon to 5:00 pm. There is a free trolley shuttle that runs guests from area lodging establishments to-and-from the festival grounds. The trolley runs from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. This encourages guests to eat lunch in the Village, attend the event, and still have time to shop or eat dinner after the event.
There is a VIP admission that begins at noon and then the general admission begins at 1:00 pm. The VIP guests get a hand-thrown stein, as well as tasting of a number of specialty cheeses (available only during that first hour). Each brewer also brings a special VIP beer that is showcased for VIP’s during the first hour tasting. The price of admission gets an individual unlimited tasting.
For more information about the Egg Harbor AleFest, please visit their website.