Kenosha

Kenosha, Wisconsin Discover this unique shoreline area

Lighthouses. Sandy shores. Electric street cars. Dog races. Shopping. Plenty of activities for people of all ages. Lots of history. It sounds like the description of some place perhaps up in Maine or perhaps out in Oregon. But no! It is in the Midwest, on the shores of Lake Michigan. It's Kenosha, Wisconsin. My husband and I took a weekend trip to Kenosha and enjoyed the scenery, the water, the shopping, the entertainment and the relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Each area we visited in Kenosha was unique and interesting and had its own flavor. Sometimes literally! We visited the Jelly Belly Center (click here for photo page and other information), where flavor is the topic of choice. From delicious flavors like strawberry jam and cappuccino to really strange flavors (that I refused to try) like vomit and ear wax (from the Harry Potter line of Jelly Bellies), this place was fascinating! We took a tour of the facility and learned all about how these tiny beans, each stamped with "Jelly Belly" on them, is carefully and painstakingly made. We took a tour of the Southport Light Station and climbed to the top for a breathtaking view. We also visited the Kenosha History Center, where we learned the fascinating history of this town, from the dinosaurs to present day.		We also visited Dairyland Greyhound Park and Simulcast Center, where we got caught up in the betting and gambling fun. It was very interesting to see the dogs marched out there, each one checked and placed in the shoot. This large center featured clubhouse dining and a panoramic view of the track. It is open all year except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information, check out www.dairylandgreyhoundpark.com or call 800-233-3357. We stopped by the local Harley Davidson dealership, where a festival was going on! We couldn't help but sit on some Harleys and buy some cool T-shirts. The Pollard Gallery is a quaint art gallery of great interest. Wisconsin artists George and Nan Pollard have been successfully painting and illustrating for more than 50 years. George has done amazing work with celebrities and has many photos of himself with those celebrities as he presented his work to them. We also rode on a streetcar, which cost all of 25 cents. These old-fashioned, restored streetcars are a great way to see the town! Another fun thing to do while in Kenosha, which we unfortunately did not get to do, was to book a charter fishing trip. That's what we'll do the next time we go!