Door County (from Chicago)

Four hours north of Chicago, this Wisconsin peninsula sticking into Lake Michigan is the Midwest's Cape Cod — minus the attitude. Cherry orchards, fish boils (a Door County tradition since the 1800s), eleven lighthouses, and five state parks. Ephraim and Fish Creek are postcard-perfect villages. The cherry pie at the Door County Creamery is worth the drive alone. In summer, the water is cold but swimmable. In fall, it's spectacular. In winter, you have it to yourself.