Caledonia - Racine, WI

In 1832, current day Caledonia was little more than a trading post owned by Jacques and Louis Vieau. They traded with Potowatomi Indians and later with white settlers. Caledonia was established as a township in 1842 whereupon funds for a school and better infrastructure were raised.

The township of Caledonia experienced a Bohemian explosion in the last half of the 19th century. A notable immigrant, Jan Novak, purchased 40 acres of shoreline for her clay pottery. The Bohemians built a cemetery, developed the land and built a schoolhouse on Highway 31 and Five Mile Road. The same schoolhouse exists today and operates as a museum for area children.

The Bohemian Schoolhouse can be toured between April and October by appointment only. Call the Racine Heritage Museum for tours and more information.

The majority of Caledonia restaurants can be found along Highway 32, known locally as Douglas Avenue. Pizza and Steak houses, Asian cuisine, Mexican fare and American hometown cooking can all be found in Caledonia. Several bars can also be found along Douglas Avenue and County G just east of I-94. Thirsty patrons should know that some Caledonia establishments only accept cash but provide ATMs. Bars generally keep hours ending around 10 p.m. on weekdays and 2 or 3 a.m. on weekends.

Sebastian's Fine Food & Spirits updates its menu with the changing seasons, so patrons can find something fresh year round. Come in on a Friday night for the special three-course dinner that's tender on the wallet. Try an assortment of small plates, or feast on a generous entree. Try the satay and grilled kale and dried cherries. You can't go wrong with a bone-in strip or duck breast. Be sure to ask for patio seating on balmy summer nights.

Look no further for a royal meal; DeRango "The Pizza King" and Steakhouse exists to serve a hungry public. Derango has been a Caledonia favorite since 1953. Find homemade pizzas and the best in steak and cocktails anytime between lunch and late night. We recommend the House Pizza for large parties or an entree of slow-roasted prime rib. If you're stuck at home, call in for delivery of any menu item.

Residents looking for a good time after hours can find several establishments on highway 32, but a real Caledonia jewel awaits just off County V and County G on the west side of town. The Depot serves fried fish on the weekends with all the trimmings and delivers it with a smile. Drink draft beers, or knock the table with a few shots well past midnight without any fear of calling in the tab. The Depot is reasonably priced and friendly to all.

The people of Caledonia depend heavily on their personal vehicles to deliver them to work and to run errands around town. I-94 borders the western edge of town and provides service ramps at 7 Mile Road, County G and Northwestern Avenue. Highway 32, on the east side of town, happens to be Caledonia's busiest road and provides residents access to the primary commercial zones. State highways 31 and 38 also serve residents traveling south toward Racine or north to Oak Creek and South Milwaukee.

The Belle Urban System connects Caledonians with four bus routes in downtown Caledonia and Highway 32. Adult fares are $2, and student fares are $1.50. Alternatively, day passes can be purchased for $4. Amtrak passes through Caledonia and stops in nearby Sturtevant.

Caledonia doesn't have any taxi services, but neighboring Racine is home to two taxi companies. Residents can call Racine Taxi or Designated Driver LLC for taxi rides or for airport transportation. Finding an Uber option in Caledonia will be a hit and miss, but a passenger's chances are better when downtown or closer to Racine.

Parking in Caledonia is never a hassle. Commercial establishments allow for multiple parking spaces that are free for all customers. Caledonia streets do not provide special bike lanes, but many roads feature wide shoulders, and city streets are lined with sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The 223-acre Cliffside Park is a popular destination for campers and casual visitors hoping to relax. Campers can reserve one of 92 campsites, and those looking for a one-day stay can take advantage of bike trails, softball fields, tennis and basketball courts or the large pavilion. Cliffside Park borders Lake Michigan, making it an excellent destination on hot summer days. The park is free to enter. Camping sites are $23 per night plus a nonrefundable $12 fee. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed.

For annual festivals, visit neighboring Racine, home to the annual Great Lakes Brew Fest and the ever popular Greek Fest. A YMCA can also be found in Racine as can the exercise-centric Humble Park and Tyler-Domer Community Center.

For a safe, stable and affordable village, look no further than Caledonia. The cost of living in Caledonia is 2 percent higher than Milwaukee. Village residents can pursue a comfortable living in a rural or urban environment, and getting to the center of town never takes more than 15 minutes.

Median rent in Caledonia is $662, and a bus ticket costs no more than $2. The cost of gasoline is 3 percent lower than the national average. Expect to top off a cold draft beer for $4.

Shopping centers dot the landscape across Douglass Avenue, or what's also known as highway 32. For the best coffee in town, skip Starbucks and visit the one-of-a-kind Mocha Lisa on 4 1/2 Mile Road. Sit with a hot cup of South American java and a baked treat, or carry home a 1-pound bag of whole bean coffee. This high-end boutique sells whole bean coffee starting at $13.50 per pound.

Brossman's Meats, a family-owned tradition, has brought specialty cuts of meats and cheeses to Caledonia for more than 30 years. This high-end specialty store advertises seasonal specials and pig roasts from 20 pounds and up. Brossman's on Highway 31 will fill up your outdoor freezer and keep your kitchen stocked for weeks at a time.

The Great Lakes Winter Farmers' Market is unique to the area. While most markets close, the Great Lakes Winter Farmer's Market is open for business. Shoppers will find holiday-themed dolls, gifts and other collectibles during the closing months of the year. After the new year, customers can expect to find apparel, healthy produce and garden care products.

St. Andrew Community Farmers' Market, in conjunction with St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, is proud to present its best produce between the months of May and October. Stop by for potted perennials, garden vegetables and a pleasant visit with friends and strangers.

Visit Pick 'n Save on Douglass and 4 Mile Road for an excellent place to stock up on groceries, splurge on liquor and find a baked good. Pick 'n Save grocery stores provide customers with quality meats, produce and custom designed cakes.