Most of our travel wraps up at the beginning of August. Once the kids are back in school, I get instantly overwhelmed by my kid’s schedules. Do you care to join me for a Racine, Wisconsin, Off-Season getaway? And can you call it a getaway from it is only 30 minutes away from the Illinois/Wisconsin border?

Vacation is spending a weekend in the house where I am not responsible for the chores and have no chance on my endless to-do list. Add water, sun, and a few activities, and you have a recipe for a getaway.

Racine Wisconsin Off-Season

WHERE TO STAY

I prefer to stay close to the waterfront without breaking the bank. I stayed in two AIRbnb just a block or two away from Lake Michigan, which makes a short walk to the beach.

WHERE TO EAT

On the budget while staying at the AIRBNB? Drive to the local Piggly Wiggly and load up on the kitchen staples or prepared dishes. Nobody says that you have to spend money eating out. 

However, if you want to enjoy the food and the view, I recommend REEFPOINT Brew House. The restaurant is located on the shore of Lake Michigan on the Marina and specializes in seafood. If you plan to eat only once this weekend, the Brewhouse could be your one splurge. With plenty of sitting inside, outside, and outside (is that a thing?), this place is fancy yet kids-friendly and fast.  

Want a quick bite? Look for the “I Love Tamales” food truck. Their Thanksgiving Tamale might be why I picked this area for my getaway.

WHAT TO DO

RACINE BEACH – love peace and queit? You will most likely not be bothered on the beach in Racine. Bring a chair to spend fifteen minutes or four hours here. Enjoy the sand between your toes and Lake Michigan waves while watching kids building caves or trying to build a sandcastle. 

RACINE ZOO: Tired of the beach? Take a walk to the Racine Zoo. While it isn’t the Brookfield Zoo or even the Milwaukee Zoo, you will again not fight crowds walking down park paths to the children’s playground or going in and out of the Zoo buildings. There are a few places you can stop at for a snack. 

The Zoo also hosts fun events like Jack-or-Lantern Nights in the Fall. 

Midwest Market @ 2210 – located near the highway, this is an indoor maker’s market that is open Friday through Sunday. You will find various small stores in this place, along with food and drinks. It’s like coming to the market fair but indoors!

LOOKING FOR A BARGAIN? Take a drive to the 7-mile Flea Market. Admission is $2, but you can spend a few hours here browsing bargains and trying out fun food ( corn in a cap or churro Sundays). The Flea market is very multicultural, so get ready for different languages and dialects. There is an indoor and outdoor space, so plan on walking a lot.

Need a getaway from your everyday life? Have your own Racine, Wisconsin, off-season getaway!