Fireworks!

What is more American than firecrackers for the 4^th of July? Satisfy your pyrotechnic leanings at Extreme Fireworks Caledonia, Wisconsin in Racine county. Xtreme Fireworks is just a few miles south of Milwaukee county, next to I-94 just north of the Hwy K exit #329. It is just 15 minutes north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Much like the Little Rascals, finding fireworks was a major pursuit for my friends and I as a child.

Things like sparklers and smoke bombs and other benign fireworks could be found in stores around the 4^th of July, but the real stuff was hard to find. For my friend, firecrackers were what he desired and he would spend the 2 weeks after the 4^th looking along the side of the road for any firecrackers that had not exploded. My personal obsession was bottle rockets and moon travelers. We often bought or traded for anything we could find. I think I still have a few lady fingers in a drawer from those days.

In some areas, you could find a firework stand the last couple weeks before July 4^th.

Occasionally, these roadside firework stands had larger fountains and ground displays. I would spend all I had, even though they never had things like Roman candles or bottle rockets.

Nowadays, you can go to places like Xtreme Fireworks in Caledonia, WI and get nearly anything you want.

Firecrackers, bottle rockets, and even sparklers for those that do not like loud noises. They have aerial display fireworks larger than I would have dreamed of when I was a kid. Rockets of all kinds as well as ground displays. You name it, Extreme Fireworks probably has fireworks at least close to it. They have the name brand fireworks too, like Black Cat firecrackers, my friend's favorite firecracker.

Xtreme Fireworks Racine, Wisconsin has special assortments also.

You can save quite a bit on your fireworks displays by buying one of these assortments. They have many different types including a family assortment that is mostly fountains, sparklers and other 4^th of July classics like snakes fireworks, snappers, and that old mammoth smoke. Other assortments offer fireworks packages with aerial displays that will win the block war. You can also get free fireworks for buying a certain amount of fireworks or other specials.

Xtreme Fireworks has a catalog.

In the catalog you will find the latest deals and assortments. Call or visit their Website.

Extreme Fireworks Caledonia, WI Phone number:

• 1-888-887-2264 (1-888-887-BANG)

Address for Extreme Fireworks:

• 2720 West 5 Mile Road
• Caledonia, Wisconsin 53108-9706

Xtreme Fireworks Hours:

• Everyday 9am-9pm
• June 25^th – July 4^th 8am-Midnight

Map to Extreme Fireworks Racine Wisconsin

View Larger Map

Xtreme Fireworks Website:

• xfireworks.com

If you like candy and jelly beans in particular, the Jelly Belly tour is a fun tour for nearly any age.

The Jelly Belly Center is just a few minutes east of the Prime Outlets Mall Pleasant Prairie. Just a bit north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border. It is a great option to give the kids a break from shopping at the mall. Or, you can do some jelly bean shopping in the store.

The Jelly Belly tour takes about 35 minutes.

You ride a train for the entire tour so anyone can take the tour. The only hard part will be standing in line to get on the tour. Everyone is given a paper hat before taking the tour due to FDA regulations. The warehouse the tour takes place in contains over a billion jelly beans.

The tour is primarily a train ride around the huge jelly bean warehouse.

The train driver gives a live commentary as you stop at various places along the tour. There are videos showing the different parts of jelly bean making. Making a jelly bean takes several days and the tour covers all the steps. There are also examples of older outdated equipment along the way showing how jelly beans have been made in the past.

The Jelly Belly Candy Company is has a long family history.

Started in 1869 by Gustav and Albert Goelitz, the Jelly Belly company still has family members in the corporation and the making of jelly beans. The Jelly Belly Center has many photographs showing the history of the company.

Don't miss the jelly bean art.

There are many large images created entirely out of jelly beans. Some of them contain thousands of jelly beans. These huge images are along the tour and in the tour center.

There is a section about Ronald Reagan in the Jelly Belly store.

Ronald Reagan's mention of jelly beans really helped the Jelly Belly company take off. While it had been doing good before, the introduction to the press by Ronald Reagan vastly increased exposure and the company has expanded greatly since.

The tour ends at the Jelly Belly Factory Store.

All the different flavors of gourmet jelly bean are available. You can also try samples. The Jelly Bell factory store also has candy that did not make standards in shape for sale at a discount. This is a Jelly Bean lovers heaven. You also get a free bag of Jelly Belly jelly beans for taking the tour.

Don't forget to learn what the most favorite flavor of Jelly Belly jelly beans is.

It has changed over the years a bit. I was surprised.

The tour runs all seven days a week.

9am – 4pm. The tour and store are closed on some holidays. You can call the tour phone number to check if there are any changes.

Jelly Belly Center Tour Information Phone Number:

• 1-866-868-7522

The address for the Jelly Belly Center:

• 10100 Jelly Belly Lane
• Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158

To get to the Jelly Belly Center Tour and Store from I-94.

Get off I-94 at exit 347. Go east on State Route 165 (also called Lakeview Parkway). The Jelly Bell Center (Jelly Belly Lane) is at the intersection with State Route 31 (Green Bay Road).

Map to Jelly Belly Candy Company in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin:

The Jelly Belly Website:

• JellyBelly.com

Hidden deep along the along the shores of Lake Michigan, Grant Park Beach is a treasure that is nearly undiscovered.

Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee is never crowded. Even if the parking lot were full, there is more than enough room for everyone. It is a large beach. You can walk north from Grant Park Beach and enjoy the shore nearly all the way to the Port of Milwaukee. It is easy to find a fairly secluded, yet sand spot to enjoy the lake.

The water temperature is usually too cold for much swimming.

While there is usually a few brave souls who will challenge the cold temperature and wade out a bit into Lake Michigan most come to enjoy the sun and sand. Swimming is best left for later in summer when Lake Michigan's water temperature has had a chance to warm up a bit. Even then, it is usually very cold. An eastern wind can make the water much warmer and much more enjoyable to swim and play in.

Lifeguards are no longer on duty at Milwaukee County Beaches.

You swim at your own risk. Make sure you keep an eye on children playing near the water. At one time, there were lifeguards and Grant Park Beach resembled a scene from Baywatch on summer morning with Lifeguards practicing drills.

Sunrise on Lake Michigan at Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee can be beautiful.

It is a great time to take a walk along the beach and enjoy the first light of day. Often, there is a fisherman on the jetty in the early morning. You may find yourself with the drive down to the beach closed if you come too early or during the winter months. You can still get access to the beach by parking at the South Milwaukee Yacht Club. There is a footbridge for pedestrian and bike traffic that will take you to the beach from there.

Occasionally, sunsets can be beautiful too.

While the sun setting in the west will be block by the high ridge that makes it a step hill down to the beach and shore along this section of Lake Michigan the Lake is still beautiful. After a storm near sunset cloud will often catch the orange glow of the sun and contrast with the blue of the water.

Grant Park Beach as several amenities.

There is a beach house for changing if you do not want to wear your swimsuit to the beach. There are usually concessions available during summer months. There is a full playground at the beach. There are some picnic tables available also. There is no longer boat ramp access at Grant Park Beach. The public boat launch was moved south to Bender Park in Oak Creek, leaving much more parking space for beach visitors.

Grant Park Beach is well hidden in Grant Park.

Grant Park itself can be hard to find as it is part of the Oak Creek Parkway and many signs refer to that instead of Grant Park. It is also surrounded by the City of South Milwaukee. Unlike much of the Lakefront to the north, no main roads are near the Lakefront at Grant Park Beach. Just park roads, although Lake Drive does boarder the northern part of Grant Park.

Grant Park Beach is a great place to take the kids on a hot afternoon.

No matter how hot, it is always more pleasant at the beach. The cool water usually provides just the right amount of cooling. If not a quick dip will rinse the sweat off for quite a while. You can enjoy the sun while the kids enjoy the water and sand.

Winter can also be an interesting time to visit.

The area is beautiful when there is a fresh snow. Ice along the lake can make it seem like a trip to the arctic.

Phone numbers for Grant Park Beach:

• For beach closings call the Pool Hotline 414-645-4806
• Milwaukee County Parks 414-257-7275

The address for Grant Park Beach is:

• 100 South Hawthorne Avenue
• South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172

Map to Grant Park Beach South Milwaukee, WI

Grant Park Beach related Websites:

• Milwaukee County Parks
• Beach Health Website

The Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie, WI is often referred to by Wisconsin residents as the Kenosha Mall or the Kenosha Outlet Mall.

The Prime Outlets Mall was the second outlet mall in the area. The origianl outlet mall was further north on I-94, but has since closed, leaving the Prime Outlets the main shopping attraction along I-94 in Kenosha County.

If you are coming north from Illinois, the Prime Outlets mall is at the first exit north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Take exit #347 east to the frontage road. It is about 45 minutes from Chicago, Illinois. It is about 25 minutes from Milwaukee. On any given day, you will see both Illinois and Wisconsin license plates about equally represented in the parking lots.

Why go to the Prime Outlets Mall?

Great outlet prices is one of the main attractions to the Pleasant Prairie Mall. You will find great shopping deals every day. Wide selection and name brands is another reason to go. All the most popular names in not only fashion, but housewares and even Sony electronics are represented.

Some of the stores at the Prime Outlets Kensha mall are:

• Coach Factory
• Aeropostal
• Tommy Hilfiger
• United Colors of Benetton
• Nike
• adidas
• PacSun
• Old Navy
• IZOD
• Jones New York
• Jockey
• J.Crew
• Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store
• Banana Republic Factory Store
• Bass Outlet
• Sony
• Seiko The Company Store
• Tupperware
• Fossil
• The Hoover Company
• Sunglass Hut International
• Samsonite Company Stores
• Guess
• Gap

and many more.

The Prime Outlets Mall has grown over the years.

It has doubled from its original size. In fact, there is now Trolley service available to get around on weekends. There is also a separate Pavilion building where the food court is available.

Some nearby tourist attractions:

• Bristol Renaissance Faire
• Jelly Belly Center and factory
• The City of Kenosha, WI
• Lake Geneva, WI
• Six Flags Great America is a few minutes south on I-94.

Shopping hours:

• Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
• Sunday 10am-7pm

Hours may change.

Phone number for the Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie, WI

• 262-857-2101

Address for the Prime Outlets Kenosha

• 11211 120th Avenue
• Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158

Map to Prime Outlet at Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin

Website for Prime Outlets

• http://primeoutlets.com

This Wisconsin tourist information center at the first exit north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border. The I-94 exit is #347 at HWY 165 / Lakeview Parkway. It is on the East side of I-94. It is about 45 minutes from Chicago, Illinois.

If you are taking the Northbound #347 exit, on the ramp there is an entrance directly into the the Travel Center. Be careful as you leave the center, you will be mixing with I-94 traffic exiting the freeway on exit 347 even if you are not going back on I-94.

Also in the area there is a gas station and restaurant.

There is a hotel at the exit as well as the Prime Outlet mall. Plenty to do if you wish to take a few minutes off the road.

The center serves as both a rest area and a tourist information center.

The facilities are open 24hrs a day but if you want travel information from a person, the hours are 8am-4pm.

Inside, there is lots of information available to travelers.

There are brochures and map for tourist attractions all over the State of Wisconsin. During day hours, you can get additional help, information, and recommendations from the staff.

There are many attraction close to the visitor center including the Jelly Belly jelly bean factory tour. The Renaissance Fair medieval villiage is nearby. Six Flags Great America is a few minutes south of the Illinois border on I-94.

At the time of this post, there was a display for the Road America Elkhart Race Track in the visitor center. This included an actual car.

Outside you will find a second Welcome to Wisconsin sign.

There is a play area for children. There are picnic tables, some of which are covered so you can still picnic when the weather is not cooperating. There are no grills, but there are bins for used coals. There are plenty of garbage and recycle bins too.

Vending machines are available inside the visitor center.

The address for the Wisconsin Travel Information Center Kenosha is:

• 10519 120th Avenue
• Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158

Map to Wisconsin Travel Center Kenosha

Wisconsin welcomes you.

The welcome sign on I-94 follows the Wisconsin State Police weight station on I-94. It is just over the Wisconsin-Illinois border in Kenosha County, WI.

Wisconsin gets its name from an American Indian word for the wisconsin River.

Jean Nicolet and Father Jacques Marquette explored Wisconsin in 1673. The Native American guides called the Wisconsin River Miskonsing, Meskousing. The spelling of Wisconsin varied for many years until territorial legislators endorsed the current spelling.

The first exit after the Welcome sign will take you to the Kenosha Wisconsin State Travel Center.

You can get information on many popular Wisconsin attractions there. Many of which will be covered on this site eventually. The eastern I-94 frontage road can be taken south from the exit if you wish to get close to the sign. There is also a small motel just south of the sign on the frontage road.

Map to the Wisconsin Welcomes You sign.

Trattoria Di Carlo

Di Carlo's Pizza has become well known in the Milwaukee area for being one of the best places to eat. It certainly has great pizza, but that is not all. Di Carlo Pizza also has a large number of other Italian specialties. Steak and seafood are also on the menu.

The original Di Carlo Pizza was a very small building.

This meant a long waiting time for the few tables. It was worth the wait. Even to sit in the somewhat cramped dinning room.

They have expanded the building.

Now there is much more room. The parking lot is still usually full on many nights. There is also a separate entrance for carry out orders.

Prices are nice too.

Di Carlo's Specialty Pizzas range from $10.00 to $24.50 for the 18 inch "Everything but the kitchen sink." Most of the Specialties and entrees are in the $12-$20 range. There is also a children's menu. Di Carlo Pizza of Oak Creek also does catering.

Di Carlo's does both carry out and delivery.

Phone number for Di Carlo Pizza

• 414-768-0001

Address for Di Carlo Pizza

• 8469 South Howell Avenue
• Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154

Map to Di Carlo Pizza Oak Creek Wisconsin

Websites for Di Carlo Pizza

• Di Carlo Pizza
• Trattoria Di Carlo Catering

The Oak Creek Public Library opened in 1972. It has been serving the growing community of Oak Creek, Wisconsin since then.

The Oak Creek Library has much more than books.

Besides books, there are DVD's, CD's, video tapes, magazines and more. Recently, free Wi-Fi access was added in addition to the library computers with internet access.

The library is a department of the City of Oak Creek.

It is also a member of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. This means you can request many materials from other Milwaukee County libraries and pick them up at the Oak Creek Library. You can also use the Milwaukee County Federated Library System website to check your records and even pay fines for late returns.

The Oak Creek Public Library as two main sections.

The adult section. The children's section. The children's section is separated and contains books, videos, and DVD that would interest younger children. There is a book drop on the East side of the library for after hours returns.

Services available at the Oak Creek Library:

• Photocopier
• DVD player
• Meeting Rooms
• Internet Access
• Word Processing

Address for the City of Oak Creek Public Library

• 8620 South Howell Avenue
• Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154

Map to the Oak Creek, WI Public Library

Oak Creek Library Phone Number

• 414-764-4400

Oak Creek Library Websites

• Oak Creek Library
• Milwaukee County Federated Library System

The City of Oak Creek, Wisconsin is one of the southernmost suburbs in Milwaukee County. Its south border is next to Racine County, WI. Oak Creek is an incredibly fast growing city. Its population in 2004 was estimated at 31,029 but many homes have been built in just the last few years which will increase the population dramatically.

While growing, Oak Creek still has a rural aspect.

There are still farms in Oak Creek. There are also not only county parks but city parks.

The City of Oak Creek also proudly shows a "Tree City USA" flag from the National Arbor Day Foundation at the City Hall. Oak Creek has a boat ramp on the coast of Lake Michigan.

Some statistics for the City of Oak Creek, Wisconsin:

• Incorporated – 1955
• Population – 32,410
• Median Housing Value – $139,100
• Median Rent – $704
• Size – 28.4 square miles

Oak Creek has some great advantages.

It is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. It is only 70 miles from Chicago, Ill. Interstate I-94 passes through Oak Creek with several exits. Oak Creek has several industrial and commercial parks. Several large department stores have moved into Oak Creek, including Target and Kohl's.

Some important phone numbers for the City of Oak Creek:

• Emergency – 911
• Oak Creek Police Deparment (non emergency) – 414-762-8200
• Oak Creek Fire Department (non emergency) – 414-762-3036
• Oak Creek City Hall – 414-768-6500
• Oak Creek Public Library – 414-764-4400
• Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce – 414-768-5845

Address for the Oak Creek City Hall

• 8640 South Howell Avenue
• Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154

Map to Oak Creek, WI City Hall

City of Oak Creek Wisconsin Website:

• OakCreekWI.org

China Chef is a gem for South Milwaukee.

It may be one of the best Chinese restaurants in the state. The food is definitely above most Chinese restaurants including those in Chinatown Chicago, Ill. This is the first Chinese restaurant that my wife (who is Chinese) admitted the food was as good as hers.

Sherry and her husband Chef Wang provide a Chinese menu that is above most others.

Chef Wang was a professional chef in China. He also won a top 10 chef competition in China. The food demonstrates his ability. Their motto is "Let the food talk."

China Chef of South Milwaukee used to be named Great Shanghai.

The name was changed when they purchased their own building and move a few block to their present location on Milwaukee Avenue in South Milwaukee,

Wisconsin. They did a great job of decorating the new location. Bamboo plants are everywhere in the dining room.

The prices are very reasonable.

You will get your money's worth. You will also probably be taking some home as the plates are served full. The lunch buffet is also well priced.

I have been to Chinese restaurants where all the food tastes the same.

At China Chef, you will be able to taste the difference between Mongolian Beef and Hunan Beef. Both are delicious also. The appetizers are also wonderful.

Restaurant hours:

• Monday-Thursday 11:00am-9:30pm
• Friday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm
• Sunday 12:00 noon-9:00pm

Lunch Buffet Hours

• Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pm

Phone numbers for China Chef South Milwaukee, WI

• 414-764-1966
• 414-764-2148

Address for China Chef Chinese Restaurant

• 1224 Milwaukee Avenue
• South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172

Map for China Chef South Milwaukee, Wisconsn

China Chef has a Website that is currently under construction.

• smchinachef.com

Let the food talk at China Chef!