• I never had a desire to see the Midwest until I saw photos of Door County, Wisconsin, in the fall.
• On my trip to Door County, I found amazing fall foliage, exciting traditions, and friendly locals.
• I'm now open to visiting more places around the world rather than just the big-name tourist spots.

I love traveling up and down the East Coast, and I have always wanted to see the Pacific Northwest — but I can't say I ever dreamed of visiting the states that fill out the center of the United States.

However, I changed my mind the second I saw photos of Door County, Wisconsin, during autumn. I was awestruck by images of lush trees that seemed to go on forever in the most vibrant hues of red, yellow, green, and orange.

Growing up in Virginia, I was no stranger to fall foliage — but I had never seen anything quite like this. I felt an immediate pull to the area, and within a few weeks, my flight was booked for a trip in late October.

Door County looked like a place right out of a Hallmark movie

On my first day in Door County, I woke up to views of Lake Michigan from my balcony at The Water Street Inn, a circa 1896 hotel that looked like it was right out of a Hallmark movie.

I kicked off the day with a ride aboard the Door County Trolley to get a closer look at the leaves I had been dreaming of for weeks. It's one thing to see that kind of beauty in a picture, but seeing it in person was surreal.

It had rained that morning, so the wet streets reflected the colors of the maple trees towering over them, with brightly colored leaves covering many of the roads in blankets of orange and gold.

In the days that followed, I spent my time strolling through diverse nature preserves and parks, such as Whitefish Dunes State Park and The Ridges Sanctuary.

I climbed to the top of the Cana Island Lighthouse, which is over 150 years old and towers just beside Lake Michigan.

I explored the picturesque downtown areas of Fish Creek and Egg Harbor, and took part in Door County's most time-honored tradition: the fish boil.

What began as an efficient way to feed hungry fishermen a century ago has turned into an incredible way to bring the town together on a regular basis for an unpretentious, delicious meal by the fire.

Watching people cook in giant steel pots, talking to new people, and sharing bites of things like whitefish, potatoes, and corn with others was a special experience that made me feel like part of the community.

The Midwestern peninsula had much more than quaint towns and mesmerizing scenery

During my time in Door County, I discovered more than just once-in-a-lifetime fall foliage, charming towns, and epic waterfronts.

I found there was a deep sense of pride among the people who lived here. I met locals who were eager to tell me they'd lived on the peninsula for their entire lives. Some had left for college or moved away as adults to see what else was out there, but came back when they didn't find a place more special than the one they grew up in.

The locals who have painstakingly preserved the area's heritage while adding to its story are the ones who've made Door County flourish, and their love is evident in every square mile from Sturgeon Bay to Fish Creek.

This trip really taught me that although there's nothing wrong with visiting top tourist destinations, the United States is teeming with beautiful towns I've not yet heard of, and that many of them are worth exploring, too.

Now, I plan trips with a more open mind because I know that no matter where I go, whether it's Bucharest or the Midwest, I will find something wonderful worth experiencing.

This story was originally published on August 20, 2024, and most recently updated on September 23, 2026.

• I'm an interior designer who loves shopping at West Elm for myself and my clients.
• When I took a trip to the store, I fell in love with the kitchenware and throw-pillow covers.
• A cozy duvet, an ottoman, and a wool rug also caught my eye.

As an interior designer, the fall season always has me excited to refresh my own home.

Fall is a time when I naturally crave feeling more grounded and comfortable at home, gravitating toward deeper colors, cozy textures, and warm lighting. It's also the season of gathering, so it's a great time to add a few special pieces to my hosting collection.

I recently went to West Elm — one of my go-to stores to shop for home accents for myself and my clients — to see if anything caught my eye.

Here are eight pieces from West Elm I'd add to my home right now.

The Marble Kitchen collection is both stylish and functional.

I am a strong believer in elevating everyday objects, particularly in the kitchen.

West Elm's Marble Kitchen collection is crafted from rich "brown-forest marble," meaning each piece has one-of-a-kind veining.

The collection consists of functional items like a mortar and pestle, a paper-towel holder, and a utensil holder — pieces that can be kept on countertops to add beauty, texture, and elegance to your everyday life.

West Elm's throw-pillow covers are a great way to introduce new patterns and textures.

One of the easiest ways to create a grounded, cozy feeling in any home is by layering textiles in deeper tones and richer fabrics. That's why I love West Elm's selection of throw-pillow covers.

For example, the chenille jacquard treescape pillow cover has the most beautiful nature-inspired pattern that feels perfectly suited to the season. The corded bias velvet one adds subtle texture and dimension from the channeled pattern in a variety of fall colors.

I love the brand's Rhea pendant lights.

Upgrading your lighting is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to a room for fall. After all, this is the time of year when we naturally rely more on indoor light fixtures as natural light becomes scarce.

West Elm's Rhea pendant lights feel effortless yet striking. I love how the larger scale makes a statement, but the linen material keeps it feeling delicate.

The collection consists of three different sizes and shapes. Although each pendant is beautiful on its own, I especially love the idea of pairing all three together to give the feeling of an art installation.

The Nadia wood tray looks like a great way to keep things organized in a stylish way.

I love a piece that's both practical and stylish, and the Nadia carved-wood tray is just that.

I'm also a minimalist at heart, so I appreciate the clean lines mixed with the carved-wood detailing. It's simple, but feels special.

This cozy duvet cover is perfect for fall.

During my trip to the store, I instantly fell in love with the Piece & Ward striped duvet cover.

The brown stripes are a classic pattern, and the cotton-and-linen blend gives a cozy, lived-in feel for fall.

Ottomans are my secret weapon for hosting.

I truly believe every home needs at least one ottoman, which can do double duty as a footstool and extra seating for guests.

I was drawn to the Thalia ottoman for its curved, sculptural silhouette and round wood legs.

I think the Pierce & Ward two-tone wood console is worth the investment.

In my opinion, the Pierce & Ward two-tone wood console looks and feels like an heirloom piece.

It combines solid materials and a timeless silhouette, but the inset panels add a cool, unexpected texture change.

When investing in quality pieces like this, I like to ensure they have enough versatility to use for years to come. In this case, it can function as a bedroom dresser, an entry console, a dining cabinet, or even a media unit.

The Lumini performance wool rug feels like a cozy sweater.

When it comes to rugs, I tend to prefer lighter tones. However, light colors can still feel warm and cozy.

The ribbed texture of the Lumini performance wool rug reminds me of my favorite wool sweater. Still, it's durable and easy to clean. I also like that it comes in a variety of sizes and colors.