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Do you have a great story to tell about Racine County? A great restaurant? Tips when staying in Racine County? Your first impression? We'd love to know. Email us and if you have a photo from your trip, send that, too, and we'll post it here.
For many years, I had never even considered spending a day in Racine. It was the brunt of our spring break jokes when I was growing up in Milwaukee. We would ask our father if we could go somewhere south for vacation. He would always say, "sure, how about Racine?" Not funny to tan-seeking teenagers. To me, Racine was dirty, industrial, confusing and didn't have a lot to offer. Then, wouldn't you know it, when I was in my twenties, my parents relocated there. Racine is now my surrogate hometown.
It was the Monday after Christmas. With the frenzied gift opening and overeating still looming heavy in the air, I could not wait to head out to Racine's newly revived downtown lakefront area. My mom, sister and I set off for a leisurely day of post-holiday shopping.
Racine's downtown and lakefront revitalization effort has turned a once neglected and almost lifeless area into a thriving business district and tourist destination. The lakefront now hosts upscale condominiums, apartments, restaurants and a hotel. Two blocks to the west is where I like to be.
There is about a five-block stretch of Main Street that, in my opinion, has become one of the finest art and boutique shopping destinations I have encountered in Wisconsin. Starting at the drawbridge (a spot the kids like to stop and watch boats in the summer), you can find several fantastic restaurants, art galleries, antiques, clothing and other enjoyable shops.
We started at Dover Flag & Map. Dover's is one of those uniquely interesting shops that one could spend hours just browsing. It's the place to go for a driving map of Latvia or sailing chart for the Caribbean. I just needed a detailed map of Madison this time.
Next, my mom introduced me to Braun's Specialties. Braun's stocks a variety of teas, coffees, cigars, wine, beer and gourmet specialty foods. I knew my husband would appreciate a bag of freshly ground coffee. Then, only a few doors down, we hit Copasetic for the popular Life is Good apparel for my daughters. The Racine Art Museum anchors the end of the block featuring first-rate exhibits and an exceptional museum gift shop. They are open every day, except Mondays and holidays. We decided to cross the street to check out Dimple's, a one-of-a-kind shop chock full of all sorts of fun finds from far-flung eastern lands. My daughters and I love to look through the brightly colored saris and paper lanterns. The last stop for the day was Uniquely Northern to look at some affordable art and creative jewelry. Finally, it was time to return home for the day, but we decided to bring the whole gang back for breakfast at the Red Onion Café.
Tuesday morning we squished my parents, husband, two daughters and me with my wheelchair into our minivan and made our way out to breakfast. I believe we are the kind of triple-threat mob that makes some shop owners break into a cold sweat. Just imagine, two young children, a woman that carts her own furniture through narrow isles of fragile objects and three others trying to keep it all together. As we entered the restaurant through Flowers & Company (an actual flower shop connected to the restaurant), there were no frightened grimaces, only "hello", so I figured we were ok. I had never been to the Flower Shop/Red Onion Café before, but my parents are frequent visitors and rave about the food. It was time to experience one of their favorite stops.
The Red Onion Café is a hip little spot that serves coffees, breakfast and lunch. The menu boasts fabulous omelets, quiches and sandwiches. The feta and spinach omelet was a big hit. Definitely a place to visit again.
Time never seems to permit stopping at all of the wonderful shops, galleries and restaurants, but of all I have visited, I have never been disappointed. Along with the restored buildings and new streetscape, downtown Racine has become very inviting. All of the sidewalks have been resurfaced and landscaped. Good news for someone who relies on even surfaces and well-constructed curb cuts. The whole five-block area is fairly level for easy walking (or rolling). Most of the shops are easily accessible. I've only noticed a few buildings that had a step or two. Not bad (actually excellent) for a historic area. There are still a few storefronts under renovation, but construction was not a problem. It will be exciting to discover what new businesses emerge on Main Street. As for my parents, I think they are enjoying their retirement down south -- in Racine.
