To most Chicagoans Kenosha’s identity seems inextricably linked to its two outsize discount outlet malls, which actually aren’t in Kenosha at all. The unincorporated areas near the malls have become a commuter-bedroom area, dismissed by one downtown merchant as “yuppie West Osha,” yet the city itself has a rich ethnic and architectural diversity.
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Farther up the highway more of what one mall manager described as “Wisconsin’s number-one attraction for out-of-state visitors” shimmers into view: the Factory Outlet Centre (I-94 at Highway 50, exit 344; 414-857-7961). Adjacent to the mall is Action Territory (414-857-7000), a “family fun park” with miniature golf, go-cart racing, and the like–a good place to dump the kids and spouse.
The Factory Outlet Centre is your basic mall-under-one-roof, with more than 100 stores jockeying for attention. Highlights include Sony, Eddie Bauer, Jockey, American Tourister, Corning/Revere, and Fuller Brush. Wisconsin’s sales tax is 5.5 percent, and some stores have Wednesday senior discounts.
Another interesting bed and breakfast is the Merry Yacht Inn (4815 Seventh Ave.; 414-654-9614), a converted firehouse guarded by a plastic dalmatian at its front window. Open only during the summer, it’s only a few blocks from the marina and downtown Kenosha.
Several antiques shops are also downtown, including A Miracle on 58th Street (706 58th St.; 414-652-3132), whose 101 booths resemble a good three-story flea market. The antiques and collectibles include a wide range of furniture, decorative accessories, and glassware. One corner is given over to a booth that’s like a prop museum, with cheap prices on coffee, milk, and candy packaging dating back to the teens. Prices are very reasonable; the stiffest are on the higher-end furniture.
