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City in Wisconsin, United States
Photo: Racine2020, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Racine is a city of 77,000 people (2019) in Southeast Wisconsin along Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. It is the county seat of Racine County.
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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
RAM
An art museum that features local artists and traveling exhibitions. The building was designed to be accessible for all persons, including those with special mobility needs.
A 32-acre zoo on Lake Michigan. Often has seasonal special events.
Riverwalk with beautiful shoreline views. During the summer months, many festivals with music and fireworks on weekends.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available, check their website for the seasonal hours.
Local businesses in the downtown area host an event on the first Friday of the month. The main road through downtown is blocked off and turned into a pedestrian zone. In addition to the shop's sidewalk sales, there is live music in Monument Square and often stores will have a musician or band playing in front of them. You can gain free admission to the downtown's museums. Food trucks and the nearby restaurants have specials or promotions. Visit their website to see the band line-up, specials, and whether any special activities or demonstrations have been scheduled.
An escape room with rotating themes. Check the website to see the current theme as the room's scenarios and puzzles change fairly regularly. You'll be part of a group of 7 to figure out the room's puzzles and escape. Recommended for ages 13 and up to get the full experience. Booking at least a day in advance is required and can be done via their website or by phone. Takes about 60 minutes.
The Aquatic Center
Consists of a wading pool, play structure, a climbing wall, water slides, and a lap pool. Youth may be required to take a swim test to gain access to certain pools.
Nine Juan Juan Tacos
Food truck with friendly and welcoming owner and staff. The menu is limited: there are a few selections of meat, you decide if you want it American or Authentic style, and whether it will be a taco, burrito, or chimichanga. Occasionally there are tamales available in limited quantities. The salsa and chips are made to order.
Korean fusion food. Service can be very slow. There's usually only two people working: a waitress and a chef (usually the owner). Expect to spend at least a half hour waiting for food. It is absolutely worth the wait, however.
Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. There is a selection of gluten-free items that actually taste good. The interior is tiny with very little seating.
A non-franchise fast casual restaurant/café that serves south-east Wisconsin comfort food such as soups, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. In addition to the large dining area, there is outdoor seating and an enclosed patio that they open the windows to during warm weather.
An upscale supper club that features a long wine list. It has been open since 1954 and is situated right on Lake Michigan. It's best known for steak and seafood.
Serves Mexican food with an American hipster twist. They serve great margaritas. This place is always very busy. There are no reservations, but you can call ahead to reserve your place in line. If you aren't there when they call your name, someone else will get your table.
Tiny and cramped, this small place serves Pakistani style dishes. The mutton is fantastic. It's best to order takeout. Only bar seating available. Food is served cafeteria style: you approach the counter and then point at the food you would like to eat. Combinations are offered of various meats and side dishes. Very friendly staff will assist in providing a sample of any dish you would like to try before you eat.
A burger joint that has been in business since the 1920s. The interior is decorated with kewpee dolls from across the decades and the dining area has a retro feel. Everything is cash only. There is limited unmetered parking, so bring change.
Serves Spanish tapas and has a bar. The dishes are slightly smaller than sharing size but you are encouraged to purchase several so everyone gets a taste. The interior isn't quite "date worthy": it's a bit old and seems unkempt, the walls are a bright orange, and there's a large piece of cloth that covers the front of the restaurant to prevent the draft from seeping in. The food is really delicious and has combinations of flavors that would be quite unusual for palates accustomed to American fare.
A casual Italian restaurant the serves pizza and pasta. The atmosphere is welcoming. This place has been in business for many years and is very consistent in the quality of their menu items.
This Thai restaurant has an excellent lunch menu. Their quick service makes them popular around lunch time for business folk. The hot Thai green tea is fantastic on a cold winter's day. The Volcano chicken and green curry are two dishes popular with the locals. Spiciness of meals can be adjusted according to taste. Please note that the spiciness seems to be increased on an exponential and not linear scale like most restaurant's star systems work. They have a cozy, clean, café inspired atmosphere. All parking is metered, so remember to bring change.
Arandas
Located in a rougher part of town and in a very worn building, this taqueria serves some of the very best and authentic Mexican food. There is limited parking on the side of the building but most people park on the street.
Offers some of the best Midwestern-style thin crust pizza in southeastern Wisconsin. Wells Bros. was named one of the top ten pizzerias in the United States in a book written by two food critics. It is also the oldest standing pizzeria in Racine.
Racine-style deep dish pizza and more traditional Italian fare.
Drinks and entertainment and soul food.
Bar and live music venue.
This Tudor style house was built in 1915 and has 6 rooms. Lochnaiar means "on the water" in Gaelic and the building sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Free WIFI and breakfast included. Pets permitted with an upcharge.
Harborside.
Offers an eclectic mix of fashion and décor from around the world.
A bead and jewelry store.
Gallery sells glass works from local artists ranging from beautiful ornaments to sculptures and vases. You can also watch as people make glass creations. Offers introductory glass workshops for beginners priced around $65. Classes fill quickly and may need a reservation months in advance.
By plane
Racine has a small city airport, and is close to Milwaukee Mitchell International and Chicago O'Hare.
By train
By car
Most parking on the main streets, especially in the downtown area, are metered.
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Milwaukee · International · MKE
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