What is shoulder Season? May be your favorite season!
What is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season falls between high and low seasons so it happens twice a year. So think of Door County where the high season is summer and the off-season is winter. The shoulder seasons would be spring and fall. Depending upon where you’re traveling, shoulder season can happen at different times of the year. High-season for Puerto Vallarta, for example, is December through April. So, traveling in the summer is their low season – because: humidity (gross).
Why Should I Travel During Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season is a great time to travel because shops, restaurants, and the general area have fewer people and you’re unlikely to wait in long lines or have to deal with traffic. If you’re the type of person who loves the hustle and bustle of events and people-watching, then traveling during high season is awesome. But, If you’d like a slightly smaller crowd, shoulder season just can’t be beat. You generally get great deals at restaurants, tours, and, of course, lodging. And the weather is still mild.
“The shoulder season likely won’t bring the sweltering heat or storms that come with a region’s offseason. And in some cases, the weather during shoulder season is actually better than peak season.” Nerd Wallet
When is Shoulder Season in Door County?
If Winter is December through February, Shoulder Season in Door County includes March, April, and May (before Memorial Day) as well as September, October, and November. The further you go north in Door County, the more things are closed. That being said, there are plenty of places like the Harbor Fish Market & Grille in Fish Creek or Blue Bear in Ellison Bay that are open all year round.
Of course, we have year-round restaurants and pubs here in Sister Bay as well. Granted, some may close for 2-4 weeks for renovation or vacation during the low season like Al’s and Sister Bay Bowl do. So, just message us if you’re wondering. Don’t forget that Door County is known for arts and music. There’s always something great going on up here.
“Live music events stay steady at many bar and restaurant establishments, but more formal musical appearances happen at Door County Auditorium. While many art galleries north of Sturgeon Bay choose to have seasonal openings, many do continue to stay open near the southern portion of the peninsula.” Destination Door County
Is Shoulder Season Always Open for Bookings
More and more, people are coming to Door County to enjoy nature walks, astronomy, and writing retreats. There are great deals to be had during shoulder season but there may not always be openings – especially last minute.
Two big festivals in Sister Bay are during the shoulder and off seasons. Fall Fest is October 13-15 this year, so bookings will be hard to get. The same goes for the Annual Cherry Drop. So, if you’re wanting to book and you can’t find a spot, think about making reservations for 2024. You can always join a waitlist, too.
"Shoulder season is becoming more and more attractive, especially for empty nesters, so don't procrastinate. Most of the time, you can always cancel if you decide to do something else. Plan ahead and pull the trigger early." Janice Holly Booth, Real Simple
Book Your Getaway to Sister Bay
What’s stopping you from booking your getaway to Sister Bay? Text your BFF, board your dog, or give yourself or your special someone a good excuse to get away – all year-'round. Check our availability and book today! You won’t regret it.
Goose & Twigs – Your Sister Bay Getaway