I’m not sure that there’s another Midwestern town that has fascinated me more than Beloit, Wisconsin. I grew up about 25 minutes from this city, but I have few memories of Beloit from my childhood–it just wasn’t a popular destination back then. Fast forward to today: it’s a completely different story. Beloit has undergone an awe-inspiring transformation, and that is exactly why I have chosen to discover (and rediscover) this vibrant little city in south-central Wisconsin.
For this visit though, I was in need of a little gal pal time. So I invited my best friend, Tanya, to join me for a girls’ weekend in Beloit. I even let my pup, Josie, partake in some of the fun, too!
After plenty of field research, here’s my ideal girls’ weekend travel guide to Beloit, Wisconsin. Let me know what you’d add to this list in the comments below!
Day 1
9 a.m. – To kick off your girls’ weekend, you’ve gotta immerse yourself in a Beloit favorite: the Beloit Farmer’s Market, held downtown from May through October. Recently named a Top 10 Farmers’ Market in the U.S., the Beloit Farmers’ Market offers an incredible array of fresh produce and artisanal products from over 130 vendors. It’s a lively atmosphere that really sets the tone for a delightful weekend ahead!
11 a.m. – I’d squeeze in some time to stroll through the campus at Beloit College. While you’re there, meander into the Wright Museum of Art (700 College St.). Housing an impressive collection of approximately 6,000 works, the museum boasts five gallery spaces and serves as a training ground for undergraduate students pursuing museum studies. (Shout out to Christa S. for the awesome tour!)
12 p.m. – Let’s make our way back downtown for a nice little lunch at Bushel & Peck’s (328 State St.), a beloved farm-to-table cafe inside a neighborhood market. Relish the ever-changing menu and shop the local goods while you await your meal.
1 p.m. – One of our favorite stops while we were in the Beloit area was the beautiful DC Estate Winery (8877 State Line Rd.), located just over the stateline in Illinois. First of all, Tanya and I couldn’t get over the grounds–it’s an absolutely stunning property. We also took a tour of the production facility, where we learned about the winemaking process, and of course we indulged in amazing vino and a fantastic little charcuterie board!
3 p.m. – Okay, another Beloit favorite of mine: Hotel Goodwin (500 Public Ave). This place is phenomenal with its vintage-chic, sophisticated rooms featuring tufted leather headboards and flat-screen TVs, minibars and Keurig coffee makers, plus turntables with record collections. I absolutely loved the glass-enclosed bathrooms with the rainfall shower. Take me (and Josie) back to Hotel Goodwin…(yes, they’re dog-friendly!)
4 p.m. – Tanya and I are famous for making time for a little retail therapy–so that is exactly what we did while in Beloit. I recommend stopping in at Bath & Body Fusion (430 E Grand Ave #104) for handcrafted bath and body products, Tin Dog Records (312 State St. Ste. B) for the vinyl enthusiast in all of us, Pizzazz (313 State St.) for women’s fashion, and Northwoods Premium Confections (314 State St) for delectable treats. (The gourmet popcorn = 🤤)
7 p.m. – Head back to Hotel Goodwin for a delightful Italian dinner at Velvet Buffalo on the first floor. Then, head up to The Rooftop for a cocktail with a view.
Day 2
9 a.m. – Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bagels & More (324 State St.), where freshly baked bagels and a variety of enticing toppings await. I ordered an everything bagel and a Lavender Lady. Both were amazing!
11 a.m. – Discover the Beloit & Beyond Outdoor Art Trail, a self-guided open-air gallery featuring over 20 stunning sculptures and artistic installations scattered throughout the city. Tanya and I took a leisurely walk along the trail and decided our personal favorites were: Confluence, Flame, Ken Hendricks Statue and The Workers.
1 p.m. – Our next stop is a Beloit favorite: Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar (430 E Grand Ave.), where mouthwatering burgers and a vibrant atmosphere combine for (arguably) Beloit’s most memorable lunch! Order a stuffed burger and fries with a cold local brew on tap.
3 p.m. – Located 6 miles west of Beloit, Beckman Mill (11600 S County Rd H) is a Instagram-worthy destination within the 50-acre Beckman Mill County Park. Here, you’ll find an authentically restored 1868 grist mill, a foot bridge, 1840s cooperage, and so much more. The park’s highlight is the Beckman Mill itself, which was originally constructed after the Civil War by millwright William Howe of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and was later acquired in 1882 by August Beckmann.
6 p.m. – For dinner, I highly recommend experiencing truk’t (443 E Grand Ave), a lively restaurant offering a fusion of Latin American and Asian flavors and more often than not, live music. Whether it’s the Peking duck taco, house-made corn tortillas or selection of over 100 global tequilas and whiskeys, truk’t doesn’t really do “conventional.” Tanya and I ordered the chips and queso, a few tacos (the pork belly was our favorite!) plus a pair of margaritas. ¡Delicioso!
9 p.m. – Okay, this place surprised me in the.👏 best.👏 way.👏 For after-dinner cocktails, you need to make a stop at 5BAR (530 E Grand Ave). We met the owner, Levi, who described his spot as “grandma’s house party.” And it just makes total sense. It’s hip, homey and dog-friendly. In fact, you’ll be greeted by Lady, the house Corgi. The ambience is amazing and the highly imaginative cocktails are to-die-for.
Beloit is brimming with cultural treasures, delectable dining options, and charming shops–it’s the perfect Midwestern weekend getaway, whether you’re a couple seeking a quick escape or a group of girlfriends in need of a let-your-hair-down reunion. This place has charmed me again and again.
I’d like to thank Tyechia Price and the Visit Beloit team for inviting me to explore your amazing city for the weekend!
