Goats on the Roof

Story and Photos by Susan Sims, Publisher

OUT STOPPING TO GAZE AT GOATS ATOP THE ROOF of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. Why are there goats on the roof you ask? Well, why not?

The first roof-grooming goat was added initially as a joke by one of Al Johnson’s friends, but the goats have become a tradition. The restaurant, now run by Al Johnson’s children, has trademarked “Goats on the Roof” and the herd can be seen on the restaurant’s “Goat Cam.”

As journalists on assignment, my husband Greg and I were granted rare access to climb up to the rooftop and gaze into the very curious eyes of a few goats.

The walk up the same old wooden planks the goats use, wasn’t that much fun for me. I saw headlines “Writer breaks neck on way to view goats,” or something along those lines.

Fabulous food on the patio; the question is “How many scoops of lingonberries are you putting on your pancakes?”

Dogs are welcome at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik. You and Fido will find lots of petfriendly tables on the outdoor patio. All you need to do is order your food inside, take it to go, and eat outside with Fido. For breakfast, you could try the Swedish pancakes, served with optional Swedish meatballs and for lunch, the perch sandwich is smothered in coleslaw and tartar sauce.

Ahoy there matey, time for a scenic boat cruise where your friendly dogs are welcome aboard!

Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours offers a sunset and live music cruise with views of the enchanting coastline filled with beautiful homes. They offer daily narrated tours to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park, Millionaire’s Row, Eagle Cave, Egg Harbor, Ephraim and the many islands, bluffs and beaches surrounding Door County.

Honey, hubby and I were looking forward to the leisurely cruise as we set out to witness one of Door County’s magnificent sunsets. We enjoyed the live music and brief narratives identifying breathtaking sites on shore and on the waters of Green Bay.

Working up an appetite, we headed out to experience the best grilled cheese sandwich, ever!

As a pop-up last year, we found Thyme Restaurant + Catering and Twelve Eleven Wine + Provisions, located on Hwy 57, about one mile south of downtown Sister Bay. It’s a must stop on any trip to Door County.

In addition to slinging juice, the shop offers a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, bread, and a carefully curated selection of local wares. Our evening spent there under a cool October sky, was warmed by great company, hot soup and I kid you not, the best grilled cheese sandwich ever.

Staying in Door County is made easy by booking with DoorCountyStay.com. Four properties are Fido-friendly and range from half an acre to two acres of mowed lawn making it easy for dogs to run and play. As an additional bonus, a dog park is within a few minutes walking distance from two of their homes.

Traveling back again and again to Door County might seem curious to many. If we didn’t love living in Idaho so very much, we might consider living in Door County in one of the many hamlets that dot the coast. For now, we are content to visit year after year, exploring and finding new adventures to share and memories to last a lifetime.

Luxury vacation rentals in Baileys Harbor and Fish Creek. Four pet-friendly homes. doorcountystay.com doorcountystay.com/blog/ (224) 522-9575

Book your next Door County adventure and stay with Fido in one of the beautifully appointed homes. Ask about pet policy.*

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik 10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI aljohnsons.com

Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik offers menus for dine-in eating and children at their restaurant. The Stabbur beer garden offers drinks and food menus.

Al Johnson’s goats usually go onto the restaurant’s sod roof at the start of each tourism season, in late May. The goats then spend the winter in a barn and pasture from mid-October to the start of the next season. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik is open every day of the week from 6am to 8pm.

9448 Spruce Street Fish Creek, WI (920) 421.4442 fishcreekscenicboattours.com

Come cruise aboard the 69 passenger partly covered, partly open tour boat docked downtown Fish Creek. Daily tours starting at $29/ person, $27/seniors, kids 12 & under $5. Departs daily from Fish Creek Marina. Captains are Licensed and USCG Masters Certified. U.S. Coast Guard Inspected. Vessel Certified for 69 passengers.

(920) 421-5113 10339 N Hwy 57, Sister Bay, WI

Twelve Eleven + Thyme Cuisine are pleased to collaborate in a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, private events, separate wine bar and provisions shop. thymedoorcounty.com thymecateringdoorcounty.com