Cool Hotels

Beachfront Inn at Bailey's Harbor

The lakeside of Door County isn't as densely populated or developed as the more chic and expensive
bay side, but then again that's its chief selling point. All along the lake beaches are basic, family-friendly beach accommodations, and one of the oldest and best examples of this is the Beachfront Inn at Bailey's Harbor.

The yellow, motel style inn has been in operation since the 1950s, and while it is immaculate and somewhat upgraded, it still maintains the feel of a bygone era. There are no phones in the rooms, but the beds are comfy and clean and the views as good as you'll find anywhere on Lake Michigan. Best of all, the official house Dog, Max, makes it his mission to greet guests as they check-in.

Weather permitting, there's a bonfire each night with s'mores.

Door County

I know I've been quiet of late, as I haven't been traveling as much as I should be. My kitchen renovation and a slew of well paid health and wellness stories have prevented me from taking trips. But I just got back from a terrific four day trip to Door County, WI, which is nothing less than Cape Cod without the salt water or traffic. Bucolic, temperate and lush, the lake and bay both sparkle in the summer and best of all there are no chains north of the biggest town, Sturgeon Bay. No chain hotels. No chain restaurants. No chain shops. It's nothing but charming, independent owned places. And I didn't see one piece of trash anywhere during my whole trip. And it was a cool 80 degrees.

I stayed in two great hotels and saw a whole slew more. So, I'll be adding as many as I saw with my own eyes.