Stocker - Kenosha, WI

Kenosha’s origin began in the early 19th century when settlers from New York arrived to the area. Its location on the Great Lakes lead to the town's rise as an important port city. Kenosha's location between the two large urban centers of Chicago and Milwaukee, has lead to its growth as a "bedroom community” for commuting residents.

Tourism provides for a major industry in Kenosha, attracting visitors to the town's beaches and beautiful downtown harbor. Kenosha has a public museum system that includes the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, the Kenosha Civil War Museum and the Kenosha Public Museum, which also features a collection of fine art. For live theater, the Lakeside Players hosts seasonal productions at the Rhode Center for the Arts.

Taste of Wisconsin commences every year in downtown Kenosha. This free annual festival showcases food and beverages from Wisconsin’s best vendors as well as live music and activities for kids.

While there are several options for fast food in Stocker, a higher concentration of restaurants and nightspots can be found in downtown Kenosha. Franks Diner serves classic breakfasts and a good cup of coffee to help residents kick start their day. Frank’s is known throughout the county for their “garbage plates,” which start off with eggs mixed with hash browns, onions and green peppers; then offers choices of meat, cheese and jalepenos. Franks also serves a lunch menu of burgers, meatloaf and shepherd’s pie.

For a trip to Ireland, figuratively speaking, residents head to Ashling on the Lough. Ashling houses a restaurant and Irish pub, but you don’t have to be Irish to appreciate either. The small but tasty dinner menu includes a Doolan chicken served with chunky pineapple glaze and an island salad made with arugula, toasted almonds and shredded coconut. Coconut and pineapple are island foods after all — just maybe not the Emerald Isle. Of course, Guinness can be found on tap and goes into many different drink combinations, such as the classic Black & Tan — Guinness and Harp — and the Black Vanilla Bean — Guinness and Smirnoff Vanilla.

The Rustic Road Brewing Company claims distinction as a nano-brewery — one size smaller than a microbrewery. The pub specializes in small batches of craft beer. Locals head here to enjoy the always-changing beer menus of porters, stouts and pale ales. Patrons can talk beer with the brewers as they enjoy their latest creations and listen to live music every Saturday night.

For something decidedly downscale, Ron’s Place serves traditional American pub food of burgers, rings and fries, while delivering a classic dive bar feel complete with cheap beer and good cocktails.

Rail service provides a convenient way for commuters to travel to work in Chicago. Amtrak runs the Hiawatha Line 7 times a day between Milwaukee and Chicago with a stop in Kenosha. Chicago’s Metra line also runs daily service to the city. Kenosha features an electric street car system that runs a loop from the Metra station to downtown. Eight city-run bus routes also serve the area.

Uber ride sharing has not arrived in Kenosha, but several options for taxi service exist. It’s best to call for cab rather than flag one down on the street. Free public parking is available in Stocker and throughout the residential streets of the city, but attention should be paid to signs that may restrict parking during certain times. Stocker remains quite walkable and very bike friendly. The Kenosha County Bike trail runs from the city down to the Illinois border and north towards Racine. For travel north to Milwaukee or south to Chicago, residents of Stocker can access Interstate 94 just west of the neighborhood.

For exercise and sports options in Stocker, the 52 acres of Charles Nash Park features four baseball diamonds, a soccer field and horseshoe pits. The large playground area makes both kids and parents happy when spending time at the park, which is free and open to the public. Kenoha’s HarborPark is the jewel of the city and provides access to many activities, events and views of the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. The annual HarborPark Jazz and Blues Festival commences here every August.

The 8 miles of the Kenosha County Trail provides exercise options of running, biking, hiking, roller blading, or cross country skiing. For off-leash dog exercise, Stocker residents bring their pets to Carlisle Family Dog Park located in Petrifying Springs Park. Day or yearly passes can be purchased.

The cost of living in Stocker is the same as the rest of the city, which lies below both the state and national average. A ride on a city bus costs $1.75 for adults, $1.25 for students and $.85 for seniors and the disabled. A ride on the city’s electric trolley costs $1 for adults and $.50 for children. The median rent of a one bedroom apartment is $675, and the price of gas falls nearly 10 percent below the national average. A bottle of beer at a local pub costs about $3.25, with a bottle of import priced at about $5.

For the closest shopping center, residents of Stocker need only travel north to Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets in Racine. With dozens of choices in retail shopping, you'll find something for everyone: Adidas and Converse stores for shoes; Causal Male XL and Brooks Brothers for men's clothing; and Lane Bryant and Dress Barn for women’s clothing and accessories. Closer to home in Stocker, earthier residents appreciate the jewelry, crystals, and incense on sale at Peacetree Originals. Artists love Artworks for their selection of supplies and framing services. Musicians in Stocker hit up Music Center, Inc when in need of a new guitar, amp or drum set. The store carries over 300 hundred brands and performs repair services as well.

If Wisconsin is known for only three things, it's cheese, beer and brats, which makes a stop at Mars Cheese Castle an important destination for both residents and visitors. A good selection of Wisconsin cheese, beer, and meat are on hand.

Pick n Save and Piggly Wiggly both give residents of Stocker the opportunity to purchase groceries and everyday household goods, but a trip farther west to the employee-owned Woodman’s Food Market offers even more savings. Closer to home, GFS Marketplace has a wide range of bulk brands and products.

For a variety of seasonal locally grown produce, including herbs and flowers, Kenosha HarborMarket delivers. Located downtown in Kenosha HarborPark, the outdoor market operates Saturdays from May to October with an indoor market in operation from October to December.