A Sheboygan Staycation
staycation noun
stay·ca·tion | \ ˈstā-ˈkā-shən \
Definition: a vacation spent at home or nearby
Sometimes we just need to take a break from our lives and get away from it all. But who has time for that? Don’t be overwhelmed with planning a whole out-of-town vacation chock full of expensive activities. Visit Sheboygan, your ultimate “Staycation” destination. Nestled on the Lake Michigan coast, Sheboygan offers an opportunity to get out and about while exploring in your own metaphorical backyard.
Sheboygan prides itself on being an artistic community. Inspired by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, vast murals decorate the historic buildings of 8th street, introducing a colorful vibe into the eclectic atmosphere. Even though the art offers an eye-catching experience, the beauty of Sheboygan’s local parks and waterfront view is even more breathtaking, feeling like an intimate escape although being located in a hub full of things to do.
Conveniently, Sheboygan is home to the infamous Blue Harbor Resort, providing a full indoor waterpark as well as other activities like glow-in-the-dark mini golfing. This resort brings ample tourism to the area, which has made the local scene boom with opportunities to entertain out-of-towners. Once your fingers are pruney and you’ve exhausted your attempts to putt under par, the city continues to impress with local festivities and grub-hubs.
Home of the famous “Brat Plate,” Sheboygan cares about Wisconsin tradition. This staple dish features two award-winning Miesfelds brats on a round—yes, I said round—hard roll, with sides of baked beans and potato salad. What is more Wisconsin than that? Oh right: supper clubs. Rupp’s Downtown is the perfect emulation of the traditional midwestern supper club, from the old fashioneds and relish trays to the classic prime rib dinner, true local culture seems to seep from the walls and permeate the experience.
Even though Sheboygan celebrates their culture in traditional ways, the city is taking strides to enter the modern food movement by introducing a new custom, Food Truck Mondays, kick-started by a local restaurant, the Greece E Spoon. A variety of 15 or so food trucks congregate in the park on Monday nights, supplying the opportunity for locals to indulge in cuisine from a smattering of different businesses and cultures, and mingle with their community. These food trucks make appearances at local festivals like the Levitt Amp Concert Series and at other local landmarks.
Taking it a step further into the local food movement, the Sheboygan Farmers Market is open two days a week during their season of operation, supplying the city with local products and artisanal goods. Even in the winter months it’s easy to attain local munchies from the Goodside Grocery Cooperative, the city’s first Co-op.
Still hungry? Check out some of Edible Milwaukee’s favorite joints, like Trattoria Stefano for elevated Italian cuisine or 3 Sheeps Brewing Company to scratch your craft beer itch. You don’t have to go far for a local experience you’ll remember, so visit Sheboygan and indulge in a true Wisconsin staycation, sure to leave you planning your swift return.
