Meridith Jumisko is Public Relations Director of Visit Kenosha. Contact her at MJ@VisitKenosha.com
Visitkenosha.com
Give the Gift of Local Experiences
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
If you’re still looking for gift ideas … keep reading. Treat a loved one to some me-time at Faded Barbershop for Men, Moda Bella Salon and Spa,Perfect 10 Salon & Spa, Salon On Sixth, or Tune Up The Manly Salon. Gift someone a class at Santosha Yoga – or a membership to the Kenosha YMCA.
Support a local nature or cultural organization by purchasing memberships for those on your list. A membership comes with its own benefits and perks for the recipient. Think of what their interests are. An outdoorsy person would appreciate a membership to Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum or Pringle Nature Center.
A streetcar/transportation fan would like a Kenosha Streetcar Society membership. A theater enthusiast would enjoy being a member of Lakeside Players, Inc.
History buffs would welcome a Kemper Center membership or a museum one. One membership covers both the Kenosha History Center and Southport Light Station Museum. A Friends of the Kenosha Public Museums membership includes the Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, and Dinosaur Discovery Museum.
Think ahead to warmer days! Purchase tickets and/or gift certificates to attractions like Boundless Adventures, Brighton Dale Links, Kenosha Charter Boat Association, Kenosha Community Sailing Center (for a kayak or pedal boat outing next summer), Kenosha Kingfish, Lakeshore Pedal Tours, or Petrifying Springs Golf Course. Wilmot Mountain offers gift cards as well.
Purchase tickets to a show at the Kenosha Comedy Club or a Kenosha Symphony concert. Through January 3, Bristol Renaissance Faire has an online Holidazzle Sale going on. Save $10 per adult ticket and there are no processing fees; tickets are valid on select dates.
Book a time to go together to Hold My Beer for indoor axe throwing, or to Tavern on 6th or Brat Stop to enjoy their golf simulators. Give the gift of creativity, such as a gift card to Pinot’s Palette, Alpaca Art, or Hot Mess Studios LLC.
How about the gift of your undivided attention over a scrumptious meal at a local restaurant? Make a reservation for this month. Or put it on the calendar to do in the new year – maybe for Kenosha Restaurant Week, February 24 – March 3.
Gift cards to local restaurants or shops are also greatly appreciated. Consider giving a Visit Kenosha or Downtown Kenosha gift card. These digital gift cards serve as a universal payment for dozens of area stores, restaurants, and attractions. When at a participating business, the gift card can be presented on a mobile device or printed out; go to VisitKenosha.com/Swag to purchase.
One last idea: how about treating your family to a staycation? Make a reservation now for an overnight stay during the holiday season, a random weekend, or Spring Break! Combine the stay with visits to local restaurants and attractions you haven’t been to before or in a while.
As you purchase gifts this holiday season, consider giving a helping hand to those who could use it. Support a local nonprofit organization of your choice. Or donate new and gently used coats, gloves, scarves, and hats, as well as new socks for Visit Kenosha’s “Bundle Up Kenosha” winter-wear collection drive. Donations are being accepted at our Visitor Information Center at 600 52nd Street, Suite 140, and the Wisconsin Welcome Center – Kenoshaat I-94/41 and Hwy. 165.
Find fun faster! Be sure to use our website VisitKenosha.com when looking for #KenoshaFun. Go to VisitKenosha.com/Holidays for the Merry & Bright Events Calendar and to VisitKenosha.com/Santa for Santa’s Calendar. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(This article first appeared in the 12/14/23 Smart Reader)
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New Fall/Winter FUN 101
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
The NEW Fall 2023 / Winter 2024 FUN 101 list is now posted on our website! A product of Visit Kenosha, this is a list of 101 Things to See & Do for $10 & Under – and many of them are FREE! Go to VisitKenosha.com/Fun101 to see the entire list. Discover – and/or re-discover – what affordable adventures await in the Kenosha Area!
FUN 101 is part events calendar and part seasonal activity guide with recreation spots, attractions, and landmarks included. Visit Kenosha has been producing the FUN 101 list since 2010. It’s updated twice a year – for the fall/winter and spring/summer months.
While FUN 101 was never intended to be more than just a one-time list, its popularity continues to this day. The list is evidence that our community offers Friendly. Affordable. Fun. While attractions across the price spectrum exist here, there are numerous free and budget-friendly ways to have fun!
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town and use this list as a resource as you Shop, Dine, and Play Local! Have friends or family visiting you in the coming months? Use FUN 101 as an itinerary or to plan a fun scavenger hunt. Build a homeschool assignment around some of these items. Plan a date night. Or use the list to get ideas when arranging an outing for a scout troop, senior center, or school.
We have this edition of FUN 101 divided into these categories: Fall In Love With The Outdoors, Fall Festivities & Halloween Happenings, Merry & Bright Holiday Events, Cool-Outside-In-The-Winter-Kind-Of-Fun, Stay-Warm-Inside-Kind-Of-Fun, Year-Round Sightseeing, and More #KenoshaFun.
Here are just five of the items in the Fall Festivities & Halloween Happenings category: Enjoy one-of-a-kind hand-painted pumpkin displays (and much more) at Jerry Smith Farm. It’s free to view the displays. A long-time tradition in Kenosha, the Kemper Haunted House happens on Saturday evenings, September 30 to October 28. The cost is $10 & under.
Also at Kemper Center, the Port of Fear Film Festival is taking place. Kenosha’s only Horror film festival happens September 29-30 and October 1. The festival’s Spooky Market is FREE to attend.
The City of Kenosha and the Lakeshore Business Improvement District present the Fall Into Fun Festival on October 14 at Veterans Memorial Park. It’s free to attend and free to participate in the Pumpkin Decorating Contest (registration deadline: October 9) and Costume Contest (no pre-registration).
The dinosaurs will come alive in the shadows during Dinos In The Dark at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. The dates are October 6, 13, and 20. The cost is $8 to $10. Book your time now!
The More #KenoshaFun category includes these cultural opportunities: See the Southport Quilters Guild Quilt Show, at Anderson Arts Center, through October 15. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. The 2023 edition of the free Kenosha Book Festival comes to a close on September 24at Studio Moonfall. The inaugural Southport Literary Fair, a celebration of literature for all ages and interests, is September 30 at Southwest Library. Blue House Books and the Kenosha Public Library have planned this free event.
Mark your calendars now for these two items: Enjoy the free Snow Daze Festival in Downtown Kenosha on January 27. There will be many ice sculptures to enjoy! And Kenosha Restaurant Week will take place February 24 to March 3. Each participating venue will have discounts or special offers (prices vary).
Go to VisitKenosha.com to find more events, things to see and do, and places to eat and stay at. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(This article first appeared in the 9/21/23 issue of the Smart Reader Publication)
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Fall Fun in Kenosha
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
There are many events and activities to look forward to this Fall in the Kenosha Area! Go to VisitKenosha.com/FallFun for ideas on how to enjoy the season! Here’s a sampling:
Of course, Jerry Smith Produce & Pumpkin Farm is THE place to visit in the Fall. September 16 is when their fall/pumpkin season starts. There is no cost to see the fun and amazing hand-painted pumpkin displays! Be ready to take lots of photos!
The paid activity area has many activities to enjoy – including hayrides, a corn maze, and more. There’s also the country store to visit, a petting zoo, and delicious frosted cookies to stock up on. Produce, pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and more fall décor are available to purchase.
Also find fresh produce and fall-themed decorations from vendors at the two Saturday Farmers Markets in Downtown Kenosha: Kenosha HarborMarket and Kenosha Public Market. The markets are outdoors through October, then they move inside.
Or make your own décor! Create Halloween or Fall-themed art at Alpaca Art or Pinot’s Palette. Alpaca Art is a pottery-painting studio. During open hours, choose from a selection of plates, bowls, banks, boxes, and figurines. Then sit, relax, and paint. Make your own unique candy dish!
Pinot’s Palette is a paint studio that offers guided painting classes. Their upcoming event calendar includes such themes as: Harvest Sunset, Under The Harvest Moon, Autumn Sunset, A Perfect Fall Day, Autumn Brook, Spooky Vineyard, Spooky Lake, Having A Gourd Time, and Midnight Scarecrow.
Also this Fall, experience a private or public Ghost Tour through Downtown Kenosha. This fun and informative tour is offered by Lakeshore Pedal Tours each October. Speaking of ghosts and spooks, the Kemper Haunted House is open each Saturday evening in October at Kemper Center.
More events in the coming weeks include: Old Settlers Oktoberfest at Old Settlers Park and Walk in the Woods Art Fair at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum on September 9. The Petrifying Springs Biergarten Oktoberfest is September 15-17.
September 16-17, Oktoberfest happens at Union Park Tavern. The Fall Fun Festival and World Migratory Bird Day at Pringle Nature Center / Bristol Woods Park is September 16. September 24 is a Rooftop Oktoberfest VIP Party at The Apis Restaurant.
September 28 to October 1 is the Rustic Road Brewing Company Lakeside Oktoberfest at HarborPark Celebration Place. September 29 to October 1 is the Port of Fear Film Festival at Kemper Center.
The Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha’s Brat Trot is September 30 at HarborPark Celebration Place. The Wolf Lake Trail Run/Hike at Richard Bong State Recreation Area is September 30. October 6 is the day of the Fall Senior Scramble at Brighton Dale Links.
October 7 is Fall Fest at the Kenosha YMCA, as well as Flannel Fest with the Jockey Undie Run at Petrifying Springs Park. The Fall edition of Sip & Stroll in Downtown Kenosha is also October 7.
October 14 is the City of Kenosha’s Fall Into Fun Festival at Veterans Memorial Park. The Lakeside Players production of “Blithe Spirit” opens on October 27 at Rhode Center for the Arts. The Halloween Horror Golf Tournament at Brighton Dale Links is October 28. That’s also the day of Trunk Or Treat at the Kenosha YMCA. The Bristol Woods Trail Run is November 4 at Bristol Woods Park.
Go to VisitKenosha.com to find more events, things to see and do, and places to eat and stay at. Coming soon is a new Fall/Winter FUN 101 list! Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986. All event information is subject to change.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(This article first appeared in the 9/7/23 issue of the Smart Reader)
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Explore Western Kenosha County
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
As I am writing this, Country Thunder is about to draw thousands of country music fans to Twin Lakes in western Kenosha County (the festival was July 20-23). Which leads me to the subject of this column: things to see, do, and eat that are located west of Interstate 94/41. Here’s a sampling:
Travel back to the 16th century at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. See the jousters. Go on a Pub Crawl. Try archery. Enjoy muscle-powered rides. Stroll through artisan shops. Visit puzzle escape rooms. Dress for Pirate Weekend August 5-6. Join a celebration of cosplay: August 12-13 is RennCon™.
A variety of entertainment awaits you at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds, including the best dirt track racing in the Midwest at Wilmot Raceway. Also at the fairgrounds is the Wilmot Flea Market on Sundays (excluding August 13, 20). And don’t miss the Kenosha County Fair, August 16-20.
The fair includes the Discovery Barnyard, the Carnival Midway, daily entertainment, live music, an antique machinery display, car races, a Truck & Tractor Pull, a Combine Demolition Derby, Big Hat Rodeo, the International Demolition Derby, and much more. “Barnyard Mardi Gras” is the theme of this year’s fair, while next year’s theme is “Hay Bales and Cow Tails”.
Many county parks are located in western Kenosha County. Depending on the park, you may find opportunities to hike, bike, fish, enjoy a concert, birdwatch, play disc golf, or lounge on a beach. The parks include Brighton Dale Park, Bristol Woods Park, Fox River Park, Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park, Old Settlers Park, and Silver Lake Park.
Bristol Woods Park is the home of Pringle Nature Center and Boundless Adventures, the outdoor aerial adventure park with ziplining and axe throwing. Bring your pooch to Harris Family Dog Park or Warren Close Bark Park. Golf at Brighton Dale Links, pause and reflect at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park Honor Plaza, and take your kayak out on the Fox River Water Trail.
Individual communities also have parks – including Hansen Park in Bristol and Lance Park in Twin Lakes. At Lance Park, the free Aquanut Water Shows happen most Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
Located in western Kenosha County are numerous inland lakes for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. Head to New Munster Wildlife Area for birding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more fun.
Visit Richard Bong State Recreation Area for biking, hiking, horseback trails, an ATV trail, naturalist activities, a nature center, boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. There’s even a “special use zone” for flying model airplanes, rockets, hang gliders, and hot air balloons.
Among the dining options west of the interstate are Blast From the Past Pizza (enjoy nostalgic arcade games when you dine in), Brat Stop (and its banquet facility Parkway Chateau), Bristol 45 Diner, Mars Cheese Castle, Red School Café, Sandlots of Salem, and The Red Oak Restaurant.
Planning a staycation before the summer ends? Many hotels are located directly west of Interstate 94/41 at Highway 50. Further west, Lily Lake Resort offers entertainment, a bar and grill, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking.
I’ve just listed summer activities here, but in a few more months it will be time for Wilmot Mountain to open for a new season of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and dining at Walt’s Tavern!
Learn about these places and more on our website VisitKenosha.com and engage with us on social media. Take photos as you explore western Kenosha County and submit your favorite ones to our photo contest at VisitKenosha.com/Photos. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(This articles first appeared in the 727/23 issue of the Smart Reader)
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Tourism Positively Impacts Community
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
Without tourism, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services. In 2022, the tourism industry in Wisconsin generated a record-breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact. The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth. Additionally, last year, tourism in Wisconsin generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Kenosha County currently ranks 16 out of 72 Wisconsin counties for annual visitor spending asKenosha County tourism also posted a recording-breaking year in 2022. The total economic impact of tourism in Kenosha County was $424 million in 2022; a 13.6% increase over 2021. The county’s previous record level was in 2019 at $391 million.
Also in 2022, Kenosha County tourism collected $25.5 million in state and local tax revenues. Kenosha County tourism accounted for 3,130 jobs with $106.7 million in related income in 2022. As we always say: tourism provides jobs, lowers personal taxes, improves our local economy, and provides a positive community image, which is critical for economic development.
Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism released this 2022 economic impact data, broken down by county. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism works with international research firms Tourism Economics and Longwoods International to compile the economic impact figures.
This record-breaking total economic impact figure is something that the Visit Kenosha team is proud of. We also know it’s a collective effort. We work with unique attractions and locally owned restaurants and shops that choose to support tourism in our community. We see ourselves as an extension of their marketing teams. It’s these places, as well as the hotel staff members, event planners, and our location that make the Kenosha Area a destination. It also helps that the municipalities we partner with value tourism.
Basically, everyone is doing their part to create a positive and memorable experience for travelers and giving them a reason to visit again. And that includes all of you! Visitors are always telling us how friendly everyone is in Kenosha. The #1 referral source for visitors to the Kenosha Area is family and friends. We thank everyone for being such great ambassadors!
We encourage you to Be A Tourist In Your Own Town – Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local! Please join us in continuing to support our long-time businesses and attractions – and welcoming the new ones to our community. Share your great experiences on your own social media as well as the social media of the businesses and attractions. Engage with Visit Kenosha online as well!
Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986. We’re a non-profit corporation with the sole purpose of enhancing and growing tourism in the greater Kenosha area, and thereby contributing positively to the community’s economy and overall image.
Known for VisitKenosha.com and the Official Kenosha Area Visitors Guide, we promote the Kenosha Area to key travel markets in the Midwest by using a number of strategies including advertising, social media, e-marketing, public relations, and customer care efforts.
Find #KenoshaFun faster! Go to VisitKenosha.com for our Events Calendar, Blog, FUN 101 list: 101 Things to See & Do for $10 & Under (Many are FREE!), Photo Contest, and much more!
Planning a vacation in Wisconsin this summer? Don’t forget to stop at the Wisconsin Welcome Center – Kenosha at I-94/41 and Hwy. 165. This location carries approximately 300 guides and brochures for destinations, attractions, and events throughout Wisconsin. Official State Highway Maps produced by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation can also be picked up. This time of year, the center is staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(This article first appeared in the June 29th 2023 issue of the Smart Reader)
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Summer Event Season
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
In the last issue, I talked about summer activities. Now it’s time to talk about summer events! This is merely a sampling. Go to VisitKenosha.com/Events for the complete Visit Kenosha Events Calendar – where more events are always being added!
This summer is the Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Homecoming – and Uke’s Harley-Davidson in Kenosha is celebrating July 12-16. Also, the dealership is partnering with Kenosha County Parks and Visit Kenosha for a Poker Run (July 12-16) and a Motorcycle Ride and After Party in the Park at Petrifying Springs Park on July 13. Go to VisitKenosha.com/Harley for all the details.
For car events, the Kenosha History Center hosts two cruise-ins a month: the last Friday evening and the second Sunday morning of the month. The Kenosha Car Club Car Show is June 25. The Kenosha Classic Cruise-In is in Downtown Kenosha on September 2. Enjoy the car races at Wilmot Raceway throughout the summer. Also enjoy bicycle races at the Washington Park Velodrome on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
History and museum events include guided historic district walking tours; place your reservation with the Kenosha History Center. The Third Avenue tour happens the first Saturday of the month, Library Park is the second Saturday, and the Old Northside tour (new!) is the fourth Sunday of the month. Museum Crawl happens July 14 at the Civil War Museum, Kenosha Public Museum, and Dinosaur Discovery Museum.
Family fun events include Kenosha Kingfish baseball games at historic Simmons Field and Aquanut Water Shows at Lance Park. The Outta Sight Kite Flight is June 3-4, Mud Day at Pringle Nature Center is June 29, and Bristol Progress Days is July 7-9. Bristol Renaissance Faire opens for its nine-weekend season on July 8. The Kenosha YMCA hosts the Tri My Best Triathlon on August 13. The Kenosha County Fair is August 16-20.
Don’t miss these Jerry Smith Produce & Pumpkin Farm events: Babies on the Farm is June 10-11 and June 17-18, Chalk Fest is July 22-23, and Sweet Corn Fest is August 12-13. Also, the Sunflower Fields will be in bloom this summer.
Free events at Petrifying Springs Park include Picnic in the Park on August 19, Movie Night every Friday, June 16 through August 18, and Yoga every Monday evening, June 12 through August 14.
Fourth of July events include: Celebrate America July 2-4, with Fireworks on the Fourth. The Firecracker 5K, 10K, 1 Mile is July 2. The Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade is July 2, while Let Freedom Sing at the Sesquicentennial Bandshell is July 4.
Arts-related events include The Good Old Summertime Art Fair at Civic Center Park on June 4 and the Beach Front Arts Fest at Pennoyer Park on July 22. The Kenosha Art Market happens the third Sunday of the month at Union Park. Studio Moonfall hosts the Kenosha Book Festival June 25, July 23, August 27, and September 24. Gardening is a form of art – especially when you see the gardens featured in Kenosha’s Secret Garden Walk on July 8!
Food & beverage events include the Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast at Daniels Dairy Farm II on June 17. There will be a Pop-up Biergarten and Food Truck Rally in HarborPark June 15-17 and July 20-22. Sip & Stroll happens on June 24 in Downtown Kenosha. Kenosha Taco Fest (new!) is at the Kenosha History Center on June 30. Taste of Wisconsin is July 27-29 and Cheese-A-Palooza is September 2-3.
I’ll discuss music events in another issue! Use our website VisitKenosha.com to find #KenoshaFun faster. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986. Event information is subject to change.
(This article first appeared in the 6/1/23 issue of Smart Reader)
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
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Summer’s Coming to Kenosha
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
How are you going to spend your summer? Picture kayaking and golfing, jousting knights and ziplining adventures, building sandcastles on the beach and fishing for dinner, enjoying concerts in a park and taking scenic bike rides along the lake. Which golf course, park, beach, and lake? Take your pick!
Kenosha is a vacation destination for families, friends, and couples throughout the year – and a summer getaway means numerous opportunities to get outdoors! Be A Tourist In Your Own Town and experience your hometown like a visitor. We live next to a Great Lake! That is so special; people visit here from Iowa specifically to go fishing on Lake Michigan with the Kenosha Charter Boat Association.
Schedule fun dates throughout the summer with your significant other. Enjoy Downtown Kenosha aboard a party bike: book the Lakeshore Pedal Tours. Go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in the harbor or take sailing lessons together – all through the Kenosha Community Sailing Center.
Get in your 10,000 steps at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum or Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Enjoy a round of golf at a local public golf course. Or play disc golf. Enjoy an excursion on Lake Michigan with Sail Away Charters. Walk through the Sculpture Walk – HarborPark.
Break up the work week with a free concert in the park. There are concerts at Pennoyer Park, the grounds of Anderson Arts Center/Kemper Center, Lincoln Park, Bristol Woods Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and Old Settlers Park. Go to VisitKenosha.com/freeconcerts to find out where the concerts are on any given Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Enjoy al fresco dining – whether it’s breakfast for two, a lunch date, or an evening out. Stop for drinks on the roof of the Apis Hotel & Restaurant or at the Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar atop of The Stella Hotel & Ballroom. Make it a date night at Wilmot Raceway. Or a morning date at Kenosha Public Market or Kenosha HarborMarket.
Arrange fun adventures for the entire family to enjoy. Introduce the kids to fishing. Catch a Kenosha Kingfish baseball game at the historic Simmons Field. Take in a free Aquanut Water Show – the talented water skiers will impress everyone!
Experience a duck themed pedal boat ride in the harbor (book through the Kenosha Community Sailing Center). Enjoy the swimming pool at Anderson Park or Washington Park. Cheer during free bicycle races at the Washington Park Velodrome.
Enjoy sunflower fields in bloom at Jerry Smith Produce & Pumpkin Farm. Travel back a few centuries at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. You’ll find ziplines, ladders, and bridges – along with axe throwing – to conquer at Boundless Adventures.
On a hot day, enjoy a splash pad. There’s one that’s not too far from the Kenosha Public Museum. Look for beach glass along Lake Michigan. Bring your pooch to a local dog park.
Don’t miss out on some old-fashioned family fun as well: Fill up the tires on everyone’s bicycles and head out on a bike ride. There are more than 130 miles of bike trails to travel down in Kenosha County!
Or fill a picnic basket and go to a local park. You have your choice of parks: the City of Kenosha alone has 70 parks and conservation sites. Various parks in the city and beyond offer such amenities as a playground, beach, walking trail, skatepark, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and much more!
Make new memories close to home this summer! I’ll talk about summer events in another issue. Use our website VisitKenosha.com to find #KenoshaFun faster. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(This article first appeared in the 5/18/23 Smart Reader)
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Tourism Week Free Days
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
National Travel and Tourism Week – as designated by the U.S. Travel Association – is Sunday, May 7 through Saturday, May 13. Locally, Visit Kenosha celebrates the week with free promotions.
Visit Kenosha is partnering with local attractions and shops to provide FREE admission and products during this week. Residents are encouraged to “Be A Tourist In Your Own Town”, while visitors can discover – and/or re-discover – the fun things there are to explore in the Kenosha Area.
Here are the details; go to VisitKenosha.com/TourismWeek to learn more.
Sunday, May 7, ride an authentic Electric Streetcar for free. Enjoy a scenic trip along the Lake Michigan shore as well as through historic districts and Downtown Kenosha. Sunday hours are 10:35 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Monday, May 8, climb the Southport Lighthouse tower, which is part of the Southport Light Station Museum, for free. Must be 8 years or older to climb. The museum at 5117 4th Avenue will be open on a Monday just for Tourism Week: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 9, all guests receive free admission to The Civil War Museum’s main exhibit “The Fiery Trial”. This is an immersive exhibit with a 360-degree film “Seeing The Elephant”. The other areas of the museum are always free. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the address is 5400 1st Avenue.
Wednesday, May 10, choose a free healing stone at Peacetree Originals to take home with you. This offer is available for the first 100 people. The Bohemian-style boutique at 4721 7th Avenue will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, May 11, prepare for summer concert season and backyard cookouts with a free Kenosha can coozie at The Lettering Machine. This offer is available for the first 100 people. The shop, at 725 50th Street, specializes in personalized and branded apparel, as well as custom gifts, swag, and promotional items. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, May 12, receive a free greeting card at RK News Hallmark. This offer is available for the first 100 people; up to $3.99 value. Visit this family-owned shop at 5914 B 75th Street between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 13, bring your pup to any (or all) of the Kenosha County Dog Parks on this day and get free single-day admission. The parks are: Carlisle Family Dog Park at Petrifying Springs Park, Harris Family Dog Park at Old Settlers Park, and Warren Close Bark Park at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.
Dogs must have current license/vaccinations. While this day is free, dog owners are encouraged to purchase an annual dog park tag. Otherwise, there is normally a daily fee, which can be paid at each dog park.
And that’s not all! Sunday, May 7 through Saturday, May 13, stop by the Wisconsin Welcome Center – Kenosha at I-94/41 and Hwy. 165 for free sausage and cheese samples (while supplies last), courtesy of Brat Stop. At the same time, pick up free travel literature!
The center carries approximately 300 guides and brochures for destinations, attractions, and events throughout Wisconsin. Official State Highway Maps produced by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation can also be picked up. The 2023 edition will be available by early summer; currently the last edition is still available. Visit Kenosha staffs this center 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week this time of year. Let us help you plan your Wisconsin vacation this summer!
Use our website VisitKenosha.com and the Kenosha Area Visitors Guide to find #KenoshaFun faster. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
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National Travel and Tourism Week Coming Up
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
National Travel and Tourism Week – as designated by the U.S. Travel Association – is May 7 through May 13 this year. It’s an annual celebration of the U.S. travel industry’s contributions. Visit Kenosha is working with a few of our Tourism Partners to offer Tourism Week Free Days, for residents and visitors to enjoy free offers. Find all the details at VisitKenosha.com/TourismWeek.
Tourism provides jobs, improves our local economy, and provides a positive community image, which is critical for economic development. Tourism also lowers personal taxes. In fact, without the tax revenue produced by tourism activity in Wisconsin, residents of the state would need to pay an additional $580 per household to maintain the current level of governmental services (2021 figure).
Visitor spending in Kenosha County reached its second highest level in 2021. Visitors spent an estimated $231.9 million on a variety of travel related expenditures, including lodging, dining, attractions, shopping, special events, recreation, transportation, and more in 2021. (Economic impact figures for 2022 haven’t been released yet.)
Kenosha County ranked 13th out of 72 Wisconsin counties for annual visitor spending in 2021. People visit our community while vacationing, visiting family or friends, traveling for business, or attending sports and special events. Also in 2021: Kenosha County tourism collected $23.3 million in state and local tax revenues and accounted for 3,084 jobs with $99.6 million in related income.
We encourage job seekers to consider employment in the hospitality industry. Tourism is an around-the-clock industry with full time, part time, and seasonal jobs in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, indoor and outdoor attractions, and other businesses. There are positions for first-time workers, jobs that are flexible, and places with room for advancement.
It’s fitting that National Small Business Week – which is recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration – always falls around Tourism Week, given that tourism is comprised, in large part, of small businesses. This year, NSBW is April 30 through May 6.
Small, independent, locally owned shops and restaurants help distinguish Kenosha from other communities. We recognize and thank the staff members at our local businesses and attractions – including the small business owners – that make Kenosha such a friendly and welcoming community for people to visit. Follow Visit Kenosha on social media for a chance to win a Visit Kenosha gift card during this week so you can do a little extra to support local!
Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986. We are a private, not-for-profit corporation with the sole purpose of enhancing and growing tourism in the Kenosha Area. We work with businesses and attractions that support tourism in our community.
Visit Kenosha promotes the Kenosha Area to potential visitors by using the Official Kenosha Area Visitors Guide (the only publication of its kind in our community), our mobile-friendly website VisitKenosha.com, social media marketing, public relations efforts, advertising, in-person customer service at two visitor information centers, and more.
What visitors love about our community are the same things that residents love and that make people relocate to the Kenosha Area. Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local all year round! Let Visit Kenosha be a resource as you plot your leisure time; arrange a visit for out-of-town friends and relatives; bring a meeting or sporting event here; or plan a wedding, reunion, or other gathering in our community.
Browse through the 2023 Kenosha Area Visitors Guide. Go to VisitKenosha.com often for the Visit Kenosha Events Calendar, Blog, FUN 101 list, and a ton more information! Sign up for our newsletters. Buy some Kenosha swag to show off your hometown pride. Be A Tourist In Your Own Town!
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
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Start Thinking Summer Camps
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
If you’re looking for Spring Break activities for the kids, check out our Spring Break blog post at VisitKenosha.com/Blog. It’s also time to start thinking about summer camps before they are all filled up! I’ve done some research to get you started; I’ve also included other fun activities. I’m sure this isn’t a complete list of options, and please contact each place directly for details!
The summer acting camps at Actor’s Craft 7th Avenue Theater & Acting Studio include Professional Acting Intensive for ages 10-18. This is for those who are interested in acting as a profession or who would like to land good roles in local productions. Also offered are: Theater Games and Improv for ages 6-16, a Lights! Camera! Action! camp, and a camp pertaining to Kids On Camera Audition Technique.
Anderson Arts Center will offer an art camp in July, as well as dance classes that will end with a dance production at the end of summer. Meanwhile, Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace will offer a two week summer plein air (outdoor) class for ages 7-12 at Union Park.
Boundless Adventures, the outdoor aerial adventure park, offers both full day and half day summer camps. All participants ages 10+ will have access to the entire course, and kids under 10 will have access to the “blue” courses. There’s a strict age minimum of 7 years old.
Carthage College offers volleyball camps, soccer camps (with an overnight option), and the Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts Inc. Harand offers quality non-competitive musical theater training for attendees ages 7-18; the participants stay on campus.
Have a fun and safe time on the water! The Kenosha Community Sailing Center offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages. New additions include Grades 9-12 Teen Sailing Courses, a Boy Scout Sailing Course, and indoor wooden boatbuilding workshops for youth ages 8-11. The Sailing Center also offers S’Mores: Youth Sailing & More!, Grades 6-8 Youth Sailing Courses, family sailing courses, private sailing lessons, and adult courses.
Kenosha Kingfish Baseball offers the Kids Club; registration is now open for the 2023 season. This is free for the first 500 kids (ages 5-14) and includes five ticket vouchers for the child, a post-game VIP autograph access and team meet-and-greet, early access to Kingfish Baseball Clinics, and more.
The Kenosha Public Museum offers these summer camps: Dinosaur Field (which includes the Dinosaur Discovery Museum), Star Wars, Archaeology Expedition, Making Art, Wizarding World, and Backyard Nature. There are two age categories for registration: ages 5-6 and ages 7-10. There are also teen camps for ages 11-14: Dungeons & Dragons and Printmaking.
The 2023 Summer Day Camp at Kenosha YMCA is full and the waitlist is at capacity. However, at the time I’m writing this, there were still openings for the Preschool Camp.
There are many drop-off camp programs for specific age groups at Pringle Nature Center. Topics include All About Animals, Wild Discoveries, Super Sleuths, Habitat Hunters, Young Naturalists, and Woodland Warriors. Kids ages 5-10 will enjoy nature crafts, hikes, games, and other exploration activities at Bristol Woods Park.
Perhaps your kids will like Monday Night Stock Bike Racing at the Washington Park Velodrome. This is an introduction to track racing, geared to younger riders. Anyone from three years old (on training wheels) to adults can race. A track bike is not necessary; anyone with a bike and helmet can race.
For information on these venues and more things to see and do in the Kenosha Area, use our website VisitKenosha.com to find #KenoshaFun faster. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
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New Spring/Summer FUN 101
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
It’s always exciting when we roll out our new Spring/Summer FUN 101! This is a list of 101 Things to See & Do for $10 & Under (Many are FREE!). Visit Kenosha produces this list twice a year – for the fall/winter and spring/summer months.
At VisitKenosha.com/FUN101, you’ll find the Spring/Summer 2023 list. FUN 101 serves as a supplement to the Official Kenosha Area Visitors Guide. It’s part events calendar and part seasonal activity guide with some recreation spots, attractions, and landmarks included.
Discover – and/or re-discover – what affordable adventures await in the Kenosha Area! Use the list to Be A Tourist In Your Own Town. Share the link with friends or family members that will be visiting you in the coming months.
The FUN 101 categories this time are Life By The Lake, Free Outdoor Concerts (EIGHT concert series are listed!), An Eventful Time, Nature Break, Preserving History, Artsy Side, and More #KenoshaFun. Learn about a Little Free Art Gallery, a Miniature Statue of Liberty, a Wallace Fountain, and a sculpture that commemorates the second stop on the Winter Dance Party Tour – all in Kenosha!
Two of the free concert series we list take place west of the Interstate. Bristol Woodstock takes place on Wednesday evenings at Bristol Woods Park from June 14 through August 16. On Thursday evenings is the new Rhythm on the Lake Concert Series at Old Settlers Park, June 15 through August 17.
FUN 101 shares where the Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast will be on June 17: at Daniels Dairy Farm II in Brighton. Taste of Wisconsin WILL take place this year: July 27-29 at the lakefront. And we list what the free grandstand entertainment (with paid fair admission) will be at the Kenosha County Fair in August.
Learn how Wilmot Flea Market’s season kicks off on April 23 at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds. May 13 is the day that both Kenosha HarborMarket and Kenosha Public Market move outdoors.
Ever wonder about the homes and buildings that make up Kenosha’s historic districts? Take a guided tour with Kenosha History Center volunteers! Read in FUN 101 about the monthly Third Avenue and Library Park Historic District tour opportunities.
Listed as #20 on FUN 101 is the Downtown Kenosha Small Business Bunny Hop, which is coming up quickly on April 1. This free activity is a way to visit and support Downtown Kenosha restaurants, shops, attractions, salons, and other businesses.
Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., visit as many of the participating businesses as you would like. Kids can collect an Easter egg filled with a treat. Adults can collect an Easter egg with a surprise special offer inside.
Please be courteous so as many people as possible can participate; only take one egg per person at each venue you visit. Eggs are available while supplies last. Shop, dine, and explore as you go! Go to VisitKenosha.com/BunnyHop for details.
Whether you use FUN 101 as a resource when planning your summer “bucket” list, a scavenger hunt, or a staycation, take photos as you adventure through the Kenosha Area! Enter Visit Kenosha’s Picture Your Kenosha photo contest.
Photos submitted may be used to promote the Kenosha Area as a fun and exciting place for out-of-town visitors. At the end of the year, all photos submitted during the calendar year will be judged. The individuals who submit the top photos will be awarded dinner for two at a local restaurant – and bragging rights! Go to VisitKenosha.com/Photos to enter the contest.
Use our website VisitKenosha.com to find #KenoshaFun faster. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
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What’s Next After Restaurant Week
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
Don’t forget that Kenosha Restaurant Week continues through February 26. You can find amazing meals and deals at more than 50 locally owned restaurants, pubs, and food shops. Celebrate our community’s delicious dining scene – and then continue to Dine Local all year long! Visit Kenosha produces Kenosha Restaurant Week and the menus can be found at VisitKenosha.com/RW.
What do we have to look forward to after Restaurant Week? SPRING!! While MLB players have reported to Spring Training, our own collegiate baseball team the Kenosha Kingfish open their season at home on May 29. They host the Kalamazoo Growlers at 1:35 p.m. at historic Simmons Field. You know you can’t wait to see everyone’s favorite mascot, King Elvis!
Meanwhile, the NASCAR season is underway, and our own Wilmot Raceway opens for a new season of motorsports entertainment on May 6. Located at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds, the 3/8-mile clay oval has new aluminum bleachers with seat backs! The tentative schedule includes Monster Trucks June 3-4 and a Truck & Tractor Pull on June 16.
Looking for more signs of Spring in the Kenosha Area? Big Star Drive-In will be re-opening. The place officially opens each year on March 1 (and often sooner). Restaurants will be bringing out their patio tables and chairs for outdoor dining – if they haven’t already!
In March, Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum re-opens. Enjoy the walking trails there – as well as many programs. On March 11 and 18, you can learn how Hawthorn Hollow taps their Sugar Maple trees, collects sap, and cooks it to make all-natural maple syrup. Sign up for the program titled It’s Maple Sugarin’ Time.
Weather permitting, area golf courses such as Brighton Dale Links, Petrifying Springs Golf Course, and Washington Park Municipal Golf Course typically re-open in March.
Also in March, the Lakeshore Pedal Tours get going again. This is an open-air, pedal-powered, memorable rolling party. New this year, the only operating pedal pub in Kenosha County has added a second pedal bike!
In April, Boundless Adventures at Bristol Woods Park re-opens. Get ready to swing, climb, balance, traverse, and zipline through a new season at this outdoor aerial adventure park, which also offers axe throwing.
Wilmot Flea Market opens for Season 16 on April 23. It’s open on Sundays through October 15, excluding August 13 and 20. The family friendly open-air market offers unique treasures from both loyal and new vendors at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds.
Also in April, self-guided tours begin again at the beautifully decorated 1860s Durkee Mansion at the lakefront Kemper Center. It’s open the first and third weekends, April through October, and then during the holiday season. Admission is free; donations are welcomed.
Make plans now for a charter fishing excursion on Lake Michigan with the Kenosha Charter Boat Association; the boats will be back in the water before too long!
Looking ahead to May: the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum re-opens with the 1866 Southport Lighthouse tower to climb and a maritime museum to tour. Watch for the two year-round Saturday farmers’ markets to move outside: Kenosha HarborMarket and Kenosha Public Market.
Also in May, the bicycle races will start back up at the Washington Park Velodrome. On May 27, a new season of Aquanut Water Shows will begin on Lake Mary.
Use our website VisitKenosha.com – with the Visit Kenosha Events Calendar, our FUN 101 list (the spring/summer edition will be coming out soon!), our blog, and lots more – to find #KenoshaFun faster. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(This article also appears in the 2/23/23 issue of the Smart Reader)
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Upcoming Events To Put On Your Calendar
By Meridith Jumisko, Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha
There’s no time to get the winter blues in the Kenosha Area! From enjoying the slopes at Wilmot Mountain to doing spins around the ice rink at Veterans Memorial Park, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. There are also fun events taking place! Make sure you put these on your calendar:
Upcoming productions by Lakeside Players at Rhode Center For The Arts include: The Wizard of Oz (February 3-18) and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (March 24-April 2). Shows take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
February 4 is the day when ice sculptures take over Downtown Kenosha! The free Snow Daze Festival takes place at Veterans Memorial Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Watch as ice artists from Art Below Zero in Franksville create a one-of-a-kind ice sculpture! Look for lots of fun photo opportunities, with more than 50 ice sculptures on display in the park and in front of downtown businesses. The ice sculptures will be installed that morning and will be on display as long as the weather cooperates.
Also on February 4, the African American Read In will take place at the Kenosha Public Museum. This historic program celebrates Black voices through poems, essays, short stories, and children’s books by African American authors. Next door at The Civil War Museum, Civil War Medical Weekend happens February 18-19 with many activities, demonstrations, and interactive displays.
Please join us February 18-26 for Kenosha Restaurant Week! Visit Kenosha produces this nine-day celebration of our community’s delicious dining scene. It’s a way for us all to show some LOVE to our locally owned restaurants, pubs, and food shops. You’ll find all the participating restaurants and menus at VisitKenosha.com/RW; the information is being added as we receive it.
During Restaurant Week, you simply visit/order from participating restaurants and ask for the special Restaurant Week menu. No tickets, coupons, or passes are needed. Each participating place creates their own specials and prices. Their regular menu will be available as well.
As you enjoy the many options and delicious deals and cuisines during Restaurant Week, please consider making a donation to the Shalom Center, The Sharing Center, or the Kenosha County Food Bank. These are the official nonprofit partners of Kenosha Restaurant Week.
Also in February, the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra Concert: Symphonic Gems takes place February 25 at Reuther Central High School – Ralph J. Houghton Performance Center. Tickets can be purchased online; tickets are free for children and college students with I.D. Enjoy a concert featuring Neil Kimel, French horn.
The Kenosha Expo Health & Home Show takes place March 11-12 at the UW-Parkside Frank J. Petretti Fieldhouse. The Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce presents this community event which showcases many businesses and organizations. As part of the event, the Kenosha Community Health Fair features free health services.
Looking ahead, April 15 is the date of the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival, which is a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha. It happens at Brat Stop and the attached Parkway Chateau. Enjoy a variety of Wisconsin cheeses and beers from Wisconsin and beyond, as well as great live music.
This is just a sampling of events. Use our website VisitKenosha.com to find #KenoshaFun faster. The Visit Kenosha Events Calendar, our FUN 101 list (101 things to see and do for $10 and under – and many of them are FREE!), our blog, and lots more info will keep you informed! Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986. Please remember all event information is subject to change.
(This article first appeared in the 1/26/23 issue of the Smart Reader)
Meridith Jumisko
Public Relations Director | Visit Kenosha
Downtown Visitor Information Center
600 52nd Street, Suite 140
Kenosha, WI 53140
O: (262) 654-7307 ext. 13
E: MJ@VisitKenosha.com
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Time To Be Merry And Bright
Various entities in Kenosha have come together to present Merry & Bright – a collection of holiday events and activities to enjoy all season long. The Merry & Bright website is VisitKenosha.com/Holidays and it includes a holiday events calendar, as well information on local holiday shopping and winter activities. Here is a sampling of the events taking place:
The City of Kenosha’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is held outside the Kenosha Public Museum on November 25; it starts at 3:45 p.m. with pre-lighting entertainment. This is followed the same evening by the Lightin’ Up celebration in Downtown Kenosha with family activities, live entertainment, and special promotions at locally owned businesses. View all the decorated storefronts and vote for your favorite online.
Small Business Saturday takes place on November 26. You can expect to find special offers at locally owned businesses throughout the community. We encourage you to continue to Shop Small, Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local all year long!
Christmas at Kemper is a series of holiday events at the historic Kemper Center. Events include the Gallery of Trees; the opening night gala is November 26. November 27 and November 29-December 4, you can tour the Gallery of Trees and see the historic 1860s Durkee Mansion fully decorated for Christmas. Durkee Mansion will continue to be open on Saturdays and Sundays through January 15, except for the two holiday weekends.
On November 26, December 10, and December 17, visit with Santa at the Kenosha History Center, climb the 1866 Southport Lighthouse tower (must be 8 or older), and enjoy a Rouse Simmons Christmas Tree Ship Presentation at the Southport Light Station Museum.
The Carthage Christmas Festival is December 2-4. The Lakeside Players production of A Seussified Christmas Carol happens December 2-11, Friday through Sunday, at the Rhode Center for the Arts. The group is also doing the show A Doublewide Texas Christmas, December 16-18.
On December 3, International Holiday: A Cultural Christmas Celebration happens at the Kenosha Public Museum. Eat, shop, and celebrate your way around the world. Enjoy festive musical performances while sipping a cup of cocoa. There will also be a craft station for kids.
Also December 3, a Victorian Christmas happens at The Civil War Museum. Enjoy holiday music, living history presentations, special displays, dancing, crafts, and activities that explore how Upper Midwestern soldiers and civilians celebrated the Christmas season before and during the Civil War.
The Merry & Bright Holiday Market, presented by Kenosha Public Market, is December 3-4 at Kemper Center Simmons Auditorium. The Holiday Cheer Crawl, presented by the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, is December 7-10 at participating pubs and restaurants.
On December 10, enjoy Cookies With Santa at Lou Perrine’s Gas & Groceries on Sheridan Road, a Kenosha Symphony Orchestra Concert: Together for the Holidays at Reuther Central High School, and A Kenosha Pops Christmas Concert at Carthage College. The Kenosha HarborMarket Annual Holiday Event is on December 17 at The Stella Hotel & Ballroom.
Ongoing events include: November 16 through December 30, a group called Harmonix will perform popular holiday classics and modern favorites at Wyndham Garden – Kenosha Harborside. November 25 through December 24, the Artistree Giftable Art Show happens at Lemon Street Gallery & ArtSpace. The Holiday Light Walk takes place November 25 through December 18 at Jerry Smith Farm.
For additional events, as well as times, prices, and more details, go to VisitKenosha.com/Holidays. Be sure to use our website VisitKenosha.com when looking for #KenoshaFun. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986.
Meridith Jumisko
Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Public Relations Director
MJ@VisitKenosha.com
(262) 654-7307 ext. 13
Tweet to @MJ_KenoshaPR
(This article first appeared in the November 17, 2022 issue of the Smart Reader)
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