Who says you need a long trip to escape? My husband and I love our "mini-vacays," short drives to nearby cities that help us reconnect and recharge. This time, our little getaway was right in our own city, Kenosha, Wisconsin, and it was the perfect night out! So, whether you live here, are visiting, or passing through, come join us on a night out in Kenosha!
Itinerary:
Stop One: A Culinary Surprise at Tuscany Bistro
We had our first meal at Tuscany Bistro Bar & Grill, and it definitely won't be our last! Tucked away in a quiet strip mall off the interstate, this spot is a true hidden gem. The interior feels upscale yet inviting, with warm lighting, comfortable leather benches, and cozy tables. The atmosphere was just right for a romantic evening.
We highly recommend the fried ravioli! It was the perfect amount of cheese, making it a must-try. My husband loved the spicy kick in the mussels, and my chicken marsala was perfectly juicy with the best sweet marsala sauce. We're already planning our next visit to try more of their delicious dishes! My eye is already on the carbonara or the lasagna. Yum!
Stop Two: Painting the Town
Next on our itinerary was painting at Pinot's Palette. If you're thinking you don't have an artistic bone in your body, trust me, I felt the same way! It was definitely a trust the process moment for me, but with the step-by-step tutorial from the teacher, it showed me that anyone can paint – even me!
And if you get thirsty, there's a bar with fun seasonal drinks, wine, beer, and more. I really liked the Caramel Apple Sangria! Plus, you take your art home the same night, so you don't have to worry about coming back to pick it up if you're just passing through.
Final Stop for the night: Cozy Hotel Stay
After a fun evening, we checked into the Hampton Inn & Suites. We were immediately greeted by friendly staff and noticed the cozy hangout spots, a snack bar, and the sign for the pool.
We headed straight to our spacious, clean room and then went to check out the pool. After a relaxing dip, we slept on a bed that felt like a cloud. It was so comfy! The cleanliness of the room was so appreciated (and if you couldn’t tell, cleanliness is really important to me). In the morning, we enjoyed the complimentary continental breakfast with a great variety of eggs, waffles, potatoes, and a wide selection of juices and coffee creamers (my favorite was the hazelnut creamer).
One More Stop: Anytime is a Good Time for Dessert
The next day - being too full from dinner - we opted for an afternoon treat at The Peach Cobbler Factory. We picked up our son from a sleepover to join us on this sweet mission, knowing he wouldn’t want to miss out. Walking in was a treat for the senses; the smell alone was worth the trip (they need to make this scent into a candle). The staff was super helpful in guiding us through their extensive menu. We ultimately chose the classic peach cobbler, a fully loaded chocolate chip brownie, and a dulce de leche churro stix masterpiece. They had games at each table, and we chose to play a few rounds of Connect Four while we waited. Every bite was amazing, and we’re already planning our next visit to try their caramel cold brew (yes, they have coffee too) and my mom’s favorite dessert, banana pudding.
Check out more of Visit Kenosha’s blog posts, socials, and website for additional great places to visit in Kenosha!
