It’s not the official theme of Tourism Week, but it could be.
In fact, the local theme is “Be a tourist in your own town,” which fits into the U.S. Travel Association’s overall national theme, “Travel: Moving the Economy.” Connect America. ”
“Our local theme encourages residents to enjoy Kenosha as if they were out-of-town visitors experiencing our community for the first time,” says local tourism bureau Visit Kenosha. said Meridith Jumisco, director of communications.
That means “appreciating what we have here and taking the time to frequent local parks, historic districts, restaurants, shops, museums, art galleries, and other attractions,” she added. “Just as our visitors love about our community, our residents love it as well.”
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And what if that fun comes with a free perk? That’s the sightseeing week bonus.
“As an added incentive to ‘be a tourist in your own town,’ we have a free tourism week each year,” said Jumisco. “Local attractions and stores will be offering free admission and merchandise for visitors and residents to enjoy this week.”
This year’s Tourism Week giveaways (from Sunday to Saturday 25 May) include a free tram ride and a climb to the tower of Southport Lighthouse, as well as Summer’s Garden Florist, Mars Cheese Castle , including an initial offer from Blue House Books.
“Local residents and neighbors love the free day promotion during Tourism Week,” said Laura Gregorski, director of marketing for Visit Kenosha. She said: “Many people use it as a time to explore places they haven’t been before, or as a reminder to revisit places they haven’t been in a while.
“One of the things we often hear from residents during tourism week is, ‘I forgot about this,’ or ‘I didn’t know this existed here.’ So this is a great way to slowly explore all the great things that we have here.” We know it will be a great reminder to be grateful for things in our own backyard. ”
Looking to the future
With Memorial Day weekend and summer approaching, Jumisko and Gregorski are looking forward to a busy outdoor event season.
“We have a lot of outdoor activities, including charter fishing, concerts, outdoor dining, and walks along the lake,” Gregorski said.
As for what’s new here this summer, Jumisco said the Simmons Island Beach House is “scheduled to open this summer with dining, live music, beach chairs, umbrellas, and a variety of recreational equipment available for rent for beach and park play.” We plan to prepare the following.”
“We now also have a campground at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds,” she added. “Open from May to September 30th.”
Taco Fest, first held outside the Kenosha History Center last summer, is expanding in size for its second year. The festival will be held at Kennedy Park on June 28th.
“Classic cars are back,” Jumisco said. “And there will be more participants in the taco contest, and beer will be sold by the Kenosha Shriners. There will also be entertainment.”
It’s here again this summer: another Harley-Davidson Homecoming Celebration.
“Milwaukee used to have an event every five years. Now it’s an annual event,” Jumisco said. “Yukes Harley-Davidson of Kenosha, Wisconsin’s oldest HD dealership, will be hosting its own celebration from July 25th to 28th, along with events within the community.”
Have fun and vote!
Republicans will be in Milwaukee July 15-18, Democrats will be in Chicago August 19-22, and Visit Kenosha is busy preparing for an influx of visitors, as both national political conventions will be held nearby. is.
“A committee has been established to help coordinate with delegates, media and other stakeholders involved in the convention,” Gregorski said. “We’re definitely going to see an increase in hotel stays and more people visiting Kenosha. We expect restaurants to be particularly popular.”
These national events also mean more visitors stopping by the Wisconsin Welcome Center at Interstate 94 and Highway 165.
Starting Sunday, there will be an added incentive to stop by. Free cheese and sausage samples (from Brat Stop) will be available throughout his seven days of Tourism Week, May 19-25.
Kenosha staff will be at the center daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We get so many visitors here,” said Welcome Center Manager Jake Hoey. “They ask us, ‘What can we do while we’re here?'” I tell them to go to downtown Kenosha, with its museums, streetcar, historic district, and free public beach. say. ”
For those with limited time, we will direct you to attractions near the interstate, such as Mars Cheese Castle, Bristol Woods County Park, and Prairie Springs Park at Lake Andrea.
The Welcome Center was “renovated” in 2023 thanks to the state’s Travel Wisconsin organization, with new countertops and brochure racks and new monitors displaying videos with highlights of the state.
“We work with Travel Wisconsin as one of only five welcome centers in the state,” Hoey said. “I like talking to travelers about what they love. Everyone has a different story.”
As early as May 2023, Hoey was already preparing for a large number of visitors to the 2024 political convention.
Because no matter who you vote for, we can all agree that exploring Kenosha County is your ticket to victory.
Do you have any comments? Email Liz at esnyder@kenoshanews.com or call 262-656-6271.
Who doesn’t love free stuff? We love free stuff!
This year’s Tourism Week Special:
Sunday, May 19th through Saturday, May 25th: Stop by the Wisconsin Welcome Center at Interstate 94 and Highway 165. Receive free sausage and cheese samples courtesy of Brat Stop (while supplies last). Kenosha staff will be at the center daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: All Kenosha County dog parks offer free one-day admission. The dog parks are: Carlisle Family Dog Park (5555 Seventh St. in Petrified Springs Park, Summers). Harris Family Dog Park, 24100 75th St., Old Settlers Park, Paddock Lake. and Warren Close His Bark Park at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park at his 35610 89th St. in Twin Lakes. Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations and wear valid dog tags. Note: Although this day is free, dog owners are encouraged to purchase their annual Dog His Park tag. Otherwise, a daily fee will be charged at each dog park.
Monday, May 20: Free climb to the Southport Lighthouse Tower, part of the Southport Lighthouse Museum. (He must be 8 years old or older to climb.) As a bonus, the Southport Light Station Museum is only open on Mondays during tourist week.
Tuesday, May 21: The first 100 people who visit A Summer’s Garden Florist (5617 Sixth Ave.) will receive a free carnation to brighten your day or someone else’s day.
Wednesday, May 22: Admission to the Civil War Museum’s main exhibit, “The Fierce Trial,” is free to everyone. This exhibit is an immersive exhibit featuring a 360-degree film, “Seeing The Elephant.” (Other areas of the museum are always free.)
Thursday, May 23: The first 100 people who visit Mars Cheese Castle, 2800 Frontage Road, will receive a free piece of mild cheddar cheese.
Friday, May 24: The first 100 people to visit Blue House Books (5915 Sixth Ave. A) will receive a free bookmark and sticker.
Saturday, May 25: Anyone can ride Kenosha’s electric streetcar for free. This route takes riders on a scenic journey along the shores of Lake Michigan, through the historic district and downtown Kenosha.
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