Just a short hour drive north of Milwaukee, Sheboygan offers Great Lake living with small town charm. Take a weekend getaway to discover Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Here is an itinerary to help get your planning started.
Friday Evening:
Check into the Blue Harbor Resort located in the Harbor Center area of the town and on the shores of Lake Michigan. Blue Harbor Resort offers beautiful views of the lake and has something for everyone to enjoy. At the resort there is a spa for people who want a relaxing weekend, shops and restaurants in walking distance and a waterpark for families.
Once you are settled in, head across the Sheboygan River to The Duke of Devon. The English pub-style restaurant’s cozy and warm atmosphere transports you to Britain with a long list of European beers, unique cocktails, delicious Bloody Mary’s and English food. Located at the Historic Riverfront, The Duke of Devon has an outdoor patio that looks over the river.
Once you are finished with your meal, stop by the old-fashioned South Pier Ice Cream Parlor and stroll along the south pier out to the lighthouse. On a clear night, take in a beautiful sunset above Lake Michigan.
Saturday Morning:
Wake up Saturday morning and get ready for a full day! Start the day by eating breakfast at Field to Fork, downtown Sheboygan. From hearty breakfast dishes to an array of delicious bakery items, Field to Fork has something all breakfast lovers will enjoy, served all day long. I highly recommend the coconut macaroons. I can not leave Sheboygan without stopping and getting one (or two) of the flavorful treats with a cup of fair-trade coffee to go.
Next, go to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. This art museum is a gem, featuring art exhibits, dance performances, music and theater. The arts center’s main focus is contemporary American art, featuring the work of new artists, folk traditions and new genre art. Admission for the museum is free; however, donations are appreciated.
Saturday Afternoon:
For Lunch head over to Faye’s Pizza, which has been serving pizza to Sheboygan since 1957. Faye’s serves classic pizza that is bursting with flavor, using local produce, Wisconsin cheese and fresh meat from local favorite, Miesfeld’s Meat Market. They don’t cut out the good stuff that makes pizza great.
Don’t leave the Bratwurst Capital of the World without obtaining some of its namesake. Head to Miesfeld’s Meat Market for a true Wisconsin experience and to pick up some brats. Miesfeld’s has been family-owned and operated since 1941.
Once you are full, spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. North Beach includes fishing piers and a lakefront trail, to walk along near the shoreline. You can find many surfers trying to catch waves at North Beach. Sheboygan has been referred to as “Malibu of the Midwest” by many surfers, with prime surfing season being between August and April. Want to give surfing a try? Check out surf gear and paddle boards at EOS: Paddle, Surf, Explore.
Saturday Evening:
After your afternoon relaxing at the beach, dine at Trattoria Stefano (reservations highly recommended). This upscale, authentic Italian restaurant was recently listed on Milwaukee Magazine‘s Reader’s Choice Awards (results coming in our September, 2017, issue!) for one of the best out of town restaurants. Food at Trattoria Stefano is fresh and elegantly prepared, and the restaurant atmosphere is classic and warm.
End your day right and head over to the 3 Sheeps Brewing taproom, which has arguably one of the best atmospheres in the city. Here, choose from 17 different brews on tap and relax with friends while playing classic and new board games on cool tables refurbished from old bleachers. The service is friendly and staff can recommend brews or offer flights for those who’d rather taste-test. There are also taproom-only brews, so don’t leave without a full growler! The taproom is open until 11 p.m. on Saturdays.
Sunday:
On your last day in Sheboygan, start by eating breakfast at the Weather Center Cafe. Grab a cup of joe or a specialty coffee drink like the Rob Machado. It is an elevated caramel macchiato with cocoa, caramel sauce, vanilla and honey. Delicious. Enjoy your breakfast on the river boardwalk right outside the cafe.
Before heading out of town, go to Terry Andrae State Park on the south end of Sheboygan. There, enjoy the beautiful sand dunes along Lake Michigan, or just take a drive through and admire the tall pines. Terry Andrae is one of the few remaining natural preserves along Lake Michigan for the public to enjoy, and it’s the perfect way to end your weekend.
