Retirement offers the privilege of leisurely weekday excursions. My friend Sande and I were on the hunt for breakfast and paintable scenery - Sande is an accomplished artist, and as some of you may have read, I am new to watercolor art as part of my “Try things in retirement” plight. So this city girl drove out into western Kenosha County via Hwy 50. And I mean the real west, not Hwy H, but beyond The Interstate, past Hwy 45, even crossing Hwy 83! Sande has some County in her blood so she navigated. Wow, Kenosha County has a surprisingly varied landscape and geography! The drive was beautiful. I felt like a tourist on our scenic drive.
But first, Food! Bristol 45 Diner was all I’d heard it would be and all Sande promised, as she had dined there before. Easy drive, accessible parking, friendly staff, and a retro vibe that does not quit. It’s the kind of place that makes you smile just sitting there. Old 45s (aka records,)tv star photos from when tvs had dials, and antique car memorabilia decorate the walls. The red vinyl chairs and formica table tops scream grandma’s kitchen. Marilyn and Elvis (iykyk) greet you by the restrooms. It’s a blast from the past that makes your heart happy.
And the food will make your tummy happy. Sande ordered the Biscuits and Gravy. The half portion was more than she could eat. I had the New Mexico Omelette, spicy and tasty! The test of a real diner- the coffee was great - hot and plentiful. We both enjoyed our meal and were fortified for the adventure ahead.
We took a circuitous and beautiful drive along the Fox River and stumbled into Fox River Park despite all of the available technology. It was well worth it. We both like to paint and were looking for some inspiration. The park is beautiful and very well maintained. It is more forestry than the city parks- rich, green, dense woodlands. It was so quiet and peaceful. And it has so many amenities for all ages: disk golf, tubing, a baseball field, small boat launch, fishing spots, tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, picnic tables,trails, ample restrooms. There are even concrete outdoor chess tables near the river. We took some great photos (soon to be watercolor paintings) and will be back to celebrate the fall colors.
Fun fact: Fox River Park was originally built as a CCC project during the Depression. Sande’s dad worked for the CCC. History comes full circle.
Take a day to relax and enjoy the fantastic flavors and spectacular beauty in western Kenosha County. There’s so much more west of the I! Kenosha is a great place to live, work, play and retire!
