Entertaining walk in downtown Kenosha
Shop local takes a different path in Kenosha. Located between Chicago and Milwaukee, “local” shopping may extend to folks from these cities. Regardless of who visits Kenosha, the downtown area offers people unique shopping, dining and views.
Downtown Kenosha is not your typical six or seven blocks of antique stores or family-owned furniture shops. Here, you can stroll more than a mile east or west and a mile north-south. It’s a larger downtown area with a layout that includes the shoreline of Lake Michigan and the main public library a few blocks inland.
We had a great time checking out the area. From a bakery with tooooo many delicious-looking items to a men’s clothing store that includes more than just tuxedoes and bow ties, downtown Kenosha is an interesting area.
We started our stroll along Sixth Avenue. Our stops included several food-related shops (we were good little kids and didn’t snack at every one of them). Elsie Mae is home to some amazing pastries. Individual-sized pies and bear claws called out to us, but we did our best to hold off and not ruin our dinner appetites.
Scoops Ice Cream shop was hopping with several customers during our visit. The treat shop offers ice cream and cupcakes to your sweet tooth.
Sandy’s Popper is a popcorn lover’s nirvana. The store has tons of flavors – birthday cake, wild cherry, cheddar cheese and caramel corn puffs among them. The store also has ice cream available.
Beyond food, downtown Kenosha has a plethora of stores to check out. I actually found a Minnesota Vikings Christmas ornament at a store in the middle of Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears territory. Something Different is a store offering unique items, including football ornaments.
Near the store, we found some nice mural art.
Need a tuxedo? You may want to stop by Mike Bjorn’s men’s clothing store. But, prepared to see more than just tuxes and bow ties. Bjorn’s has airplane and hot balloon models hanging from the ceiling, paintings of air ships adorn the wall. Photos of politicians line the walls as you take the stairs down to the basement level. This place is an attraction unto itself. The store has been around for 35 years, and the owners have seen other men’s stores come and go in the area.
Buzz Café offers visitors coffee and wine. Whaa? Indeed, the coffee and wine bar serves up a great cup of Joe in the morning and early afternoons. Later in the day, you can unwind with a nice glass of vino.
Our walk took us by an Episcopal church. We love the architecture of older buildings and churches tend to offer some impressive views.
We even checked some comic book characters paintings along the way.
As we walked around downtown, we ended up near the lakefront. The lakefront has a lot to offer – views of Lake Michigan, museums, a sculpture walk, as well as veteran memorials.
We enjoyed our visit of downtown Kenosha. The eclectic shops and great dining options make for a wonderful experience. We recommend visiting the downtown when in Kenosha.
For more information on Kenosha businesses, please visit www.visitkenosha.com.
