When you get to college, people will constantly ask the same questions whenever first meeting someone. “What’s your major?’ “What year are you?” “Where are you from?” It’s a classic and easy way to talk to people in college and to get familiar with them. For example; Hello, my name is Megan. I am a double major in Public Relations and PE Sports and Fitness.

I am a freshman here at Carthage College and I am from Kenosha, Wisconsin. Whenever I tell the people I meet that I am from Kenosha I get loads of different reactions. The main one is normally surprised followed by a numerous amount of different questions about the town/what to do around here. When you go to college in the same town you grew up in, there are a ton of pros and cons.

Ultimately, I decided on coming here because the pros for me outweighed the cons. I would stay on campus so I could feel like I actually “went away.” I could double major and still have a possibility of graduating in 4 years. I could meet a ton of new people from different places yet still have my family close by when I need them. And even though the size was a lot different than Twin Cities, which I almost ended up going to, it really felt like the perfect size for me.

Since I receive so many questions about the town I am from and what there is to do here, I’ve decided to give my personal feedback on Kenosha. From food to entertainment and anything else your average town can consist of.

So since Kenosha has an insane amount of food options from the border to border of the town, I’ll start off with listing some of the best for all your cravings and desires:

For those who are looking for pizza and want to branch out of the boring and common pizza brands like Dominos or Papa Johns, try Kaisers, Slice of NY, Villa De Carlos, Valeos, Infusinos, Casa Capri, DeRangos, Tenutas, and a few others not mentioned. You’ll never run out of pizza or any italian in Kenosha and since we’re all here for a few years why not try something new? If you want italian food that isn’t a slice of pizza I highly recommend Tenuta’s, Infusino’s, or Villa De Carlos for any of your pasta needs.

For Mexican, even though I am not a huge Mexican food fan, there’s definitely plenty of it here. Check out La Fogata or Tacos El Ray for something close to campus and with a great atmosphere! Or hit up Tacos El Norte for the best horchata in the area.

Although Asian food isn’t easy to find in Kenosha, Hong Kong, China Wok, Oriental Inn, Ming Garden, or if you want to branch out of the Chinese take-out dishes, go to Honada for the best sushi or Sticky Rice in downtown Racine for the best Thai food!

Kenosha has more than enough coffee shops for one town. You can’t go downtown without checking out the Classic Common Grounds. It’s absolutely adorable for any first dates or study groups and it’s right along the lake! Also, check out The Buzz which has only been open for a few months now and is connected to Sazzy B’s. Their horchata latte is my fav (:

For Ice Cream you’ll have to go to the historic Orpheum Theatre downtown, where Scoops Ice Cream & Candy is located. They’ll never disappoint all your ice cream flavor desires and if you can’t get enough ice cream there then head a few minutes walk down to Sandy’s Poppers where they hold even more ice cream as well as plenty of popcorn flavors to choose from like your classic cheddar, caramel, or kettle corn, to white chocolate, green apple, cinnamon and sugar, and a ton more!

For breakfast, check out Franks Diner downtown, which is not only marked as a historical landmark, but it is also the oldest running car diner. They’re known around here for their “Garbage Plate” which is a lot better than it sounds! Otherwise The Coffee Pot downtown or Gateway Cafe on 30th have amazing breakfast options to choose from!

If you’re from the area or have been for a while now, then you’ll know the very real and intense rivalry between The Spot and Big Star. Both great drive-ins, one is a South-sider, the other a North-sider, try both and make your call. Personally, being a North-sider, I, without a doubt, go for the Big Star.

For those who are 21 and older and want a nice hang out place with some great food, then definitely go to Captain Mikes for great burgers and beer or Sazzy B’s for some live music, great food, and maybe a glass of wine.

Something most people enjoyed, growing up around here, were field trips to the Jelly Belly Factory, which—if you haven’t gone to—you must. But not without first enjoying the tour of the factory! Also, Kenosha is very well known for Trolley Dog hot dogs and Mars Cheese Castle for all of your Wisconsin dairy wants.

If you’re ever here in the summer and don’t believe Kenosha is filled with some of the best food around or don’t believe this town is obsessed with it, then you’ll definitely have to come check out the Taste of Wisconsin festival held at the end of July and first days of August. Just make sure to come with an empty stomach.

For entertainment and etc:

One thing that everyone, who grew up here, has gone to is the Kenosha Public Museum. Now, as adults, this place might not sound as interesting, the Museum holds a lot of really great exhibits year round and also holds mammoth bones that were found here in town. These bones also happen to make up the most complete structure of a mammoth ever found in North America. Now who wouldn’t want to see that!?

If you’re not into the cool art or fossils found in Wisconsin, once the sun starts shining in this town again it’s imperative that you check out the Kenosha Farmers Market which has a variety of options both food related and some really great crafts! Plus a lot of people bring their dogs to the market where I’ve seen some of the biggest and cutest dogs ever. What’s better than dogs, good vibes, food, and sunshine?

Downtown has been thriving for years and is filled with a great mix of historical design and modern appeal. Walking around the area is a great way to see all the history this town has and some of the great murals and sculptures made that lay around the town.

The Rhode, a performing arts theatre that has been alive for almost 100 years, is a great place in the area to see and learn not only a lot of the history of this town, but to get a great taste of the great talent we have in this town. If you’re looking for anymore live performance in the area, definitely go see any of Bradford High School’s or any other high school in town’s productions, the directors as well as the cast bring a lot to the stage with every show.

If you want to get some fishing in, downtown along the boardwalk is a really popular destination. Plus, if you’re there during sunrise or sunset, getting a picture of the lake and red lighthouse always make a great Facebook photo for your parents.

The lake is a great place to hang out when it’s warmer out whether you want to lie out in the sun or go on a picnic or take a few pictures with friends. Listening to the sound of the waves and finding sea glass along the shore will turn anyone’s mood around.

If you’re looking to get any shopping done in town, then definitely check out the Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie which holds about 90 designer and name brand stores that give out daily discounts so you don’t have to break your college budget.

Andrea’s has been running in Kenosha for over 100 years and for good reason. If you want to pick up your parents or friends a cute, one-of-a-kind gift then Andrea’s is the place! They’re also known for their fantastic chocolate candies and cigars.

One of my absolute favorite places in this town besides the downtown area, has got to be Petrifying Springs Park. Year round this area is gorgeous with it’s leaves changing color, trails to hike along, plenty of picture-worthy spots, fields to play on, a dog park, playgrounds to visit, and the hill on the golf course for sledding; this park holds a lot of options for anyone who visits. Even just walking around and taking in the beautiful scenery could make anyone realize how great this tiny town we live in really is.