Ephraim Motel

The two-story Ephraim Motel, with its yellow-and-turquoise exterior, white railings, and windowed cupola evokes a cozy, country home. Outdoor hallways offer their own seating, and the lushly landscaped grounds include picnic areas, seating around a fire pit, a three-person swing, and hammocks. The motel has its own nature trail and apple and cherry orchards, where guests can pick their own fruit. The lobby, a mix of shabby chic and retro furniture clustered around an inviting fireplace, offers magazines to peruse and a computer for guests' use. Several small tables on the wraparound deck offer quiet places where guests can have their continental breakfast, or read a book from the motel's lending library. This tranquil atmosphere draws mostly couples and families.

This motel, tucked away down a quiet lane, is located on the northern edge of Ephraim, about an eight-minute drive to the Sister Bay Marina. A miniature golf course and Joe Jo's Pizza and Gelato sit across the street, and a few other restaurants and shops are within a two- to three-minute walk, and other Ephraim and Sister Bay restaurants are within a few minutes’ drive. The Northern Sky Theater is a six-minute walk or a one-minute drive from the motel, and it's a three-minute drive to the lakefront. Peninsula State Park, which includes a golf course, is about a 10-minute drive, while Sturgeon Bay is a 40-minute drive, and Potawatomi State Park is close to an hour's drive. Egg Harbor is a 25-minute drive. Ephraim-Gibralter Airport is a 10-minute drive from the property, Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay is a 90-minute drive, and General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee is a little more than a three-hour drive.

The 26 rooms at the Ephraim Motel, which include Standard Doubles and Queens and Deluxe Rooms, get high marks for cleanliness. While decor varies, rooms share a common theme of print quilts -- some with a floral design -- gray-tone carpeting, oak-framed windows and doors, and a hodgepodge of furniture that ranges from faux-country (some might call it "shabby chic") to light-wood veneer. Plaid armchairs or gray couches pop out in some. All rooms include 32-inch HD flat-screen TVs and DVD players, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe Queens come with sofas. Some rooms have painted dressers or nightstands, some of which are aqua blue. Many rooms have oak vanities positioned outside the bathrooms, and all have shower/tub combos with curtains, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

The Ephraim includes a continental breakfast in the room rate, and free coffee is available in the lobby throughout the day. The grounds include a picnic area with umbrella tables and gas grills. Yard games, such as croquet, are available, as are books and board games. There's a heated outdoor pool with lounge chairs and a children’s playground. The motel has its own nature trail, lovely landscaped gardens, and orchards, where guests can pick their own cherries and apples. Bikes can be used for free, and there's a computer station in the lobby for guests' use. On-site parking is free, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.