Country Village - Sheboygan, WI

The Country Village neighborhood takes its name from its luxurious 416 unit apartment community, built in 1991. Sheboygan's history spans centuries of New England immigration and lumber industries, while the latter part of the 20th century saw an influx of thousands of Hmong refugees seeking asylum in Sheboygan.

Locals can still discover contemporary remnants of this lumber-based past at the Sheboygan County Historical Society, and the Sheboygan Hmong Memorial pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Hmong people who fought with the U.S. in the Laotian Civil War.

Country Village does not have any museums of its own, but locals can travel into Sheboygan to experience world-class art at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center on New York Avenue. For a true Wisconsin experience, Country Village residents should check out the Johnsonville Brat Days for family fun and entertainment during the last days of July at Kiwanis Park.

As a development community on the outskirts of town, Country Village does not have its own restaurants within walking distance. A trip into Sheboygan, however, introduces residents to the massive array of high-end seafood restaurants near the Sheboygan Harbor Centre and the international cuisine selection located throughout the city.

Field to Fork comprises one of the most characteristic and innovative restaurants in the area, where lunch and dinner options consist of organic vegetables and sustainable meats plucked from nearby farms. This restaurant rests about 4 miles from Country Village, but menu favorites such as the bison burger and sweet potato fries or the fried cheese curds make the trip worth it.

For classic Wisconsin tastes a little closer to home, try heading eastward towards Majerle's Black River Grill off Evergreen Drive. Deep fried onion wings, chicken, fish or other foods define the menu at this rustic countryside diner, though the calorie-conscious can still enjoy several wraps and salads. When coming for dinner, locals recommend the liver and onions or the freshly caught lake perch.

Combining a sophisticated fine-dining experience with an affordable fare of Americana classics, Breaking Bread brings the ideal Sunday brunch atmosphere into an expansive, sunny banquet hall. Located two miles south of Country Village off County Road Ok South, this banquet hall remains as a community favorite for weddings or elegant parties. However, most visitors come to Breaking Bread for the weekly Sunday Brunch between 10 and 2.

The most noise that Country Village attracts comes from the sound of crickets or bullfrogs in the summertime, but that also means that Country Village somewhat lacks in terms of nightlife. A few roadside bars, such as the Handlebar Saloon, provide characteristic and pleasant scenes that include everyone from the spirited traveler to local sports enthusiasts. For a livelier scene with a younger crowd, head to the Sheboygan Harbor Centre or North 15th Street in the downtown area.

Country Village rests just outside the more populated areas of Sheboygan, and County Road Ok South brings residents into the city via South Business Drive. Therefore, when conducting most errands or getting into Sheboygan for some entertainment, residents do need a car. Driving is the most common way locals get around, and the average commute to the city center hovers around 15 minutes. For those longer trips, head south on County Road and take Weeden Creek Road westward to connect with I-43, which passes through Green Bay to the north and Milwaukee to the south.

An abundance of college-aged residents and young professionals means that some Country Village locals get around by bicycle or public transportation. Route 30 on the Shoreline Metro picks up riders along Thielman Drive and Weeden Creek Road before heading to Southtown Mall. County Road Ok South is slightly thin, and it does not include bike lanes, though a wide shoulder permits walking in the daytime. Residents should wear bright clothing or include a bicycle light when walking or biking into town at night. For an instant ride, make a reservation with All Star Taxi or Independent Cab. Ride sharing with services such as Uber is not available in the greater Sheboygan area.

Ranging from challenging hikes along rugged terrain to hanging out on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, Sheboygan County introduces Country Village residents to an abundant splendor of natural beauty and recreation. Also, locals in this neighborhood can first-hand experience the countryside right from their backyard, ideal for children who enjoy miles of open space.

Country Village may not have any of its own official parks, but residents only need to travel about 5 miles to the southwest to discover the Kohler-Andrae State Park. Famous for its aesthetic sand dunes and picturesque views of Lake Michigan, this state park features two miles of beach, hiking trails and even a campsite. Swimming, volleyball and fitness remain popular activities here. Visitors must have a state park vehicle sticker, which they can buy at the Department of Natural Resources field office at this park.

The Kohler-Andrae State Park can fill up during the summer months, and for peaceful strolls or jogs along well-cultivated trails, visit Lakeview Park off Lake Shore Drive. Optimist Park off Carmen Avenue includes an expansive playground and huge open spaces ideal for soccer or Frisbee. City ordinances allow dogs on-leash at all parks, but Country Village residents enjoy close vicinity to the ten-acre, fully-fenced Sheboygan Dog Park.

Kiwanis Park in the center of Sheboygan hosts the Johnsonville Brat Days, one of the most acclaimed events of the year. Held annually towards the end of July and beginning of August, this family festival brings the Sheboygan community together for music, contests and traditional Wisconsin eats. Admission to the festival remains free but make sure to sign up for The Brat Trot walk/run.

The cost of living in Country Village is slightly lower than the rest of the greater Sheboygan area, and about 9 percent lower than Wisconsin averages. Newcomers to the area should expect a median rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment to cost around $500 a month.

Traveling via Shoreline Metro costs $1.75 for a one-way ticket, though senior citizens and students can apply for discounts. The cost of gas hovers around 13 percent lower than national averages, and Country Village residents typically pay about $3.50 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

Country Village's outlying position means that residents must travel into the Sheboygan city center or along the Sheboygan Harbor Centre for some of the best boutique and specialty shopping in the greater Sheboygan area.

A little closer to home locals can mostly find chain department stores such as Walmart, the Home Depot and T.J. Maxx near the I-43 and Washington Avenue intersection. For a more convenient and expansive shopping experience, residents often travel 5 miles north to the Memorial Mall.

One of the most attractive shops for natural, healthy beauty products in Sheboygan is the Olivu 426 boutique, located on North 8th Street. Both locals and tourists alike rave for the selection of homemade and branded body lotions, lip balms, soaps and much more. Olivu 426 owner Caitlin remains pleasant and helpful, and she happily guides guests looking for specific scents and personalized care products. Don't find what you need? The Olivu 426 kitchen allows visitors to brew up their own body products using essential oils and ingredients.

Country Village residents never have to worry about their gardens and flowers, as the nearby Caan Floral & Greenhouses provides a wonderland of necessary outdoors and gardening supplies. From bird seed to outdoor grills, this department store encourages locals to spend more time outside.

Residents have several options when stocking up on standard groceries and kitchen supplies. The Walmart Supercenter near the intersection of I-43 and Washington Avenue rests as the most convenient supermarket, though locals can also take advantage of a Piggly Wiggly and a Pick 'n Save off South Business Drive to the north. For organic vegetables straight from the countryside as well as artisan cheeses and breads, visit the Sheboygan Farmers Market at Fountain Park. This market is open every Wednesday and Saturday between May and October.