We drive all over the state year round, but it’s always nice to skip the road trip and travel in style. This week, we’re cruising into Racine County, right here along the deep blue waters of beautiful Lake Michigan.
Closer than you think and better than you imagine – perfectly
located between Milwaukee and Chicago – come discover a lakeside community with surprises at every turn. From sailboats to silos and jet skis to shot-skis, it’s Racine County on this episode of Discover Wisconsin.
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Host Eric Paulsen opens by telling us how Racine County has something for everyone, but it all starts at the lakeside – in the gorgeous, thriving city of Racine. He highlights the beach, and harbor – a bustling area with endless recreation.
Segment One – Welcome to Racine County
Next, we transition to Eric and local expert John Rooney, chatting at the marina. The two discuss all the high points of Racine, the harbor, the beach and more of what makes the county as a whole a great place to visit. Eric takes a moment and explains that Racine County is Kringle central, and then joins local lighthouse keeper Andrew for a climb up the tower of the historic Windpoint Lighthouse. We visit Caledonia to hear the story of how the family behind Bear Paw Adventure Park turned the location into the family vacation hub it is today, and then take in the nationally recognized Browns Lake Aquaducks show, just outside the charming city of Burlington.
Segment Two – Where History & Culture Runs Deep
Staying in Burlington, Eric talks with a local organizer about Experience Burlington Days, and heads down to the street to take it all in. He visits the local Malt House Theatre to talk with a local “Haylofter” about the rich history of the building and how the community is keeping the art of theatre alive in western Racine County.
We then head just a short drive away to Waterford, where Eric meets Jay Noble to discuss how Noble Brothers Creamery and Burgers were born out of family tradition.
Segment Three – Racine County Food and Flavor
Coming out of the break, Eric heads down the street to a nearby staple, the Waterford Stillhouse. Local owners tell Eric their story over a tall, cold beverage. Eric mentions the integration of their beverages in other spots in the county, including Reefpoint in Racine and the Runaway in Burlington.
Just a short drive away in Rochester, Eric takes us to another iconic local spot with a veteran-themed aesthetic – the Bunker. The owners explain where the idea for this peculiar eatery came from and why honoring members of our military past and present is so important to them.
Heading back towards Racine, Eric tells us how Wells Brothers Italian Restaurant in Mount Pleasant has been around for over a century, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find better Italian food in the entire state. And what goes better after a traditional Italian meal than a glass of wine? Spirits of Norway Vineyard in Franksville has just what you need, and Eric visits briefly with the owner to tell the story of how they make their award-winning, hand-crafted wines.
Segment Four – Party on the Pavement, Music and the Zoo
We begin our final segment with Eric telling us how Racine County always has something happening that will engross you in its culture and community. Kelly Krause tells us all about Party on the Pavement, with 12 blocks of music, food, street performances, shopping, games, and rides. We then hear from a local expert on the wide range of live music options that happen county-wide, all year long.
We wrap up the episode with a trip to the iconic Racine Zoo. Eric takes in the popular concert, Animal Crackers at the Zoo, another live music opportunity in the county that takes place on Wednesdays during the summer. We then hear from the Zoo’s director about its size, history, accolades, and some of the unique and endangered species that call it home.
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