Call me DORA!

Official first day of summer vacation. Summer school is over and now I have the freedom to do whatever I want. Thanks to my dog Blue, sleeping in has never really been an option so today I decided to meander around town in an overdue exploration tour of my favorite town, KENOSHA!

My walking tour was basically the southeast side of the K. My mission was really to hit up the three local bike shops (hoping to get a road bike) and just weave through neighborhoods as I go. I really love the area of 39th ave and 55th street. Super cute little gem of brick homes and well kept yards. I even saw a home for sale that charmed me enough to pull a flyer. Sad to say that I bought my house a few years too soon because the cute two story brick home was well worth the $114,000 asking price, dang it!

Walked past a ton of local business including Kenosha Steam Bath. I have noticed this place my entire adult life and have always wondered how it stays in business, today I walked in! Yup, I went right into the location and there was a vending machine (I mean who doesn't want a pepsi and snickers while steaming away?) the man at the counter explained the process of steam baths and then told me that the rumors I may have heard are not true.... Wonder what he was talking about?!?

The goal of my tour was to stop at all three bike shops: the Bike Shop, Total Cyclery, Ski and Sport Chalet. I was on a mission to price out starter style road bikes. The selection seemed to be similar in terms of price and features but the businesses had wildly different customer service approaches. Pretty sure I interrupted the afternoon nap when I walked into Bike Shop. The guy was annoyed by my presence alone so I kept the questions to a minimum. Total Cyclery got right down to business on price but didn't have any bikes for me to try. Seemed like it was more a repair shop than anything else. Finally (mom was right, good things are worth the wait) my last stop, Ski and Sport Chalet. The three employees worked together to explain the hybrid to road bike transition and also informed me that the sale price will be available to me now but not advertised till thursday. They offered to measure and test out a bike if I was ready and gave me information to take with me. Guess where I'll be buying my bike?!?

My walk and bike hunt seemed successful. Not only was I happy to get the bike information but I was also happy to see the new Book store going in downtown. I will be posting more as they progress but I think this is the exact addition needed to our fab downtown area!

live on location

After taking the triple victory tonight on the sandy courts of Sheridan Lanes our ASHLING sponsored team pulled up a stool and celebrated the early game victory with reckless weeknight drinking. Shout out to Roderick for the clutch service game three. Thank you Adam Karaway for the huckleberry hotstuff. Thank you Sasha Mika for the awesome t-shirt graphics, angle brings volume to the upper half. Hey-Yo!
First place team with last place class.
Sand Volleyball at a bowling alley, weeknight night drinking, two Kenosha traditions in one hot summer night.

Making it rain!

Just got back from the perfect run! Calling for rain all day but the sun prevailed!! I was able to enjoy a wonderful mid-70's lakefront jog until I actually hit the lake and realized the bugs were also enjoying the weather. Re-route west on my way back home. While taking in the new-to-me neighborhoods I noticed a $5 bill on the sidewalk. I did a quick look around and snatched it up. Then a block later, another $5 bill. Being rewarded for running is so nice! Again, I love Kenosha!

Still Alive and on the Southside!

This was my best idea ever, start a Blog about 'all things Kenosha'. When the idea started it was mostly to document all the nothings that were going on and the mini adventures that I was lucky to enjoy with my summers off. Now, I think I'm about to kick it up a notch. Amazing how life can have a two year hiatus and bring you right back to that same "best idea ever" you had summers ago!

Today is my first official day of summer vacation so I find it fitting that it will also be my first post of the summer. I have had three days of beach glory and 12 of sweatshirts, weather is not cooperating but it does make for sweat free runs on the lake front! Lots be a happening and I'm going to post all about it. Hope my favorite follow Katy Marescalco enjoys her updates, knowing that I wish she were my partner in crime!

Goals for the summer of posting:

Update weekly

Attend many Kenosha events

Travel away from the lake (even though my body is programmed to head east I need to be an equal opportunist!)

Find more followers

Guest Bloggers insight!

Yay for summer! Yay for Kenosha!

End of the Summa

It was odd how many things jumped out at me today screaming summer's end.

As if the weather wasn't an indicator enough, I rolled up my sweatshirt sleeves and hit the lake front bike trail to notice boats docking on the harbor ramp coming in for the season. Wolfenbuttle beach was perfectly groomed without a towel or flip flop track in sight. The window signs at Big Star clearly indicate which of the menu items are no longer an option and that 9/6/09 will be their last day of the season! Sad way to say good-bye to summer, but truth be told I like The Spot better anyway (and not just because it's next door to Sunnyside).

I guess I better get my khaki's and cardigan's ready. Here comes fall.

Holiday-UPDATE

The new restaurant/bar on 6th ave. is called "Goodfellas" according to the newly hung sign!

Harbor Holiday

I realize that most people do not peruse the harbor as often as this lady of leisure but one thing I am starting to wonder about it why so many out-of-towners choose the Kenosha Harbor as their boat destination? I hardly ever see the marina less boats which means most boaters either enjoy staying harbor-side or the econonmic hardship has sunk their anchor this season. I wish Kenosha had more for the everyday boater to explore. You can only ride the trolley so many times and unless you are super hungry for produce the Harbor Market is standard issue.

Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. This past week there has been much progress made on 6th ave in the old Caroline Coffee Connection location. Seems to be transforming into a bar or restaurant of types. Also, the two store fronts just south have a future ahead of them, construction remains a mystery but something is sure to pop up soon. On the far southeast side of the downtown strip there is a new pottery painting place and an "open in the fall" modern home decor boutique. Also, for all the boaters who are reading this, may I suggest you stop judging a book by its cover and make a visit to A&J Collectables which is directly north of your favorite little ice cream shoppe, Scoops! A&J is the cutest store with tons of reasonably priced antiques including their specialty of beer/bar accents and jewelry. Not only is the store exuding charm but the owners/operators are the most enjoyable couple I've ever met! They have been in business for 19 years in the same location, open daily 11-4.

So boaters and townies alike, I realize we are steps behind "The Hamptons of the Midwest---Racine" but keep your eyes peeled for 6th ave to liven up a bit by the fall, and explore the current options while you wait.