Community Spotlight: Carlsville

Carlsville, located just south of Egg Harbor and North of Sturgeon Bay on Highway 42, is an unincorporated community that has been in existence since the 1860s. The town originally earned its name because of the number of men named Karl who lived in the settlement. Today, the community is still small in size, but thriving with local offerings that highlight the pristine location in the center of the peninsula.

A Beverage Mecca

Coffee, tea, spirits, beer, or wine—no matter what your drink of choice, Carlsville has a place for you to enjoy a sip. The premier coffee and tea destination is Door County Coffee and Tea Co., which offers a huge selection of flavored coffees, espresso drinks, and tea. Breakfast and lunch are also on the menu, with favorite staples like the breakfast burrito and quiche.

Across the street is the Door Peninsula Winery serving various wines and a selection of ciders and mead. Visit their tasting room and gift shop to find a selection of local goods and products. Housed in the same building is the Door County Distillery, offering vodka, gin, whisky, bitters, brandy, and moonshine.

Not far from the highway is the beautiful vineyard and tasting room of Simon Creek Winery. 

The large tasting room features a gift shop and views over their lush lawn and vines. Winery tours are available and let visitors take a peek at the winemaking process including bottling and casing. 

During the summer, you can visit to hear live music outdoor on the patio, letting you take advantage of the beautiful surroundings while enjoying a glass of local wine.

If you are fancying a cold pint of beer or a cocktail, swing on by the Roadhouse which has a full bar and lunch and dinner menus. Fan favorites include the extra-large broasted chickens and succulent baby back pork ribs made with tangy, sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce.

An Agricultural Center

Tucked among the farm fields surrounding the tiny town center are a number of places where you can go inside our agricultural heritage. Visit a working dairy farm at Schopf’s Dairy View Country Store and sample some fresh-made ice cream.

Make new furry friends at Plum Loco Animal Farm an animal farm with pigs, goats, mini-horses, and more, or saddle up for a horseback ride through the countryside at Kurtz Corral, open year-round.

During the summer and fall, make a pit stop to pick up fresh produce, canned goods, pumpkins and more at the farmer’s market stand at the intersection of Highway 42 and County Road I.

Celebrate Carlsville

Each summer in July the community takes the time to spend a weekend celebrating the town of Carlsville during Carlsville Days. Complete with a parade, cherry stomp, wine tasting, doggie contest, cherry pie eating contest, and corn maze. Locals and visitors gather together to enjoy live music, food and over 40 craft vendors. It’s the biggest weekend of the year in Carlsville, so mark your calendar early — you don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Before you go, pay a visit to to the Door County Candle Company, one of the Midwest’s selections of candles and accessories. 

Take your time exploring the thousands of candles that help to add a little Door County coziness to your home. From votives, to soy candles and melting chips, you can find a gift for everyone and yourself.