GAZE. SAVOR. INDULGE

SHEBOYGAN AND KOHLER, just miles apart, are among Wisconsin’s most charming destinations. Sheboygan boasts a downtown waterfront and picturesque marina, and Kohler feels classic with its Old World meets Midwest architecture. Together they share bigger-city offerings fused with small-town charms.

One such “big city” feature is the area’s thriving arts scene. At Sheboygan’s John Michael Kohler Arts Center, you can enjoy contemporary gallery spaces and thought-provoking exhibitions like “Points of Departure,” which explores global interpretations of places—real or imagined—to escape. Frequent speaker events, live performances and workshops, such as the “Artists in the ARTery” series that hosts events with visiting artists, offer interactive experiences.

Just a short walk from the museum, artists from The Sheboygan Project have decorated downtown’s urban environment with breathtaking murals. If they leave you feeling inspired, wander into nearby Board & Brush to make your own rustic wooden sign or decorative piece, and enjoy a glass of wine while creating.

Shopping in the area is also inspired. Nest, an elegant home goods store, can help transform your house into a cozy haven just in time for winter. One block down the street you’ll also find Olivu 426, an oasis of all things for pampering, with unique finds like locally made soaps and perfumes, most crafted with olive oil. They might make you feel a little glam; the shop’s natural products were featured in 2016 MTV Movie Award swag bags for celebs. Kohler’s Shops at Woodlake offers a wide selection of high-end clothing stores, restaurants, chocolateries and other treasures. Tucked into the shops is Yoga on the Lake; stop there to recharge with daily classes in the tranquil lakeside studio.

The fantastic foodie scene offers plentiful variety. Sheboygan’s Field to Fork Café, a casual hub of local flavor, serves up fresh soups and salads. Next door, Il Ritrivo serves authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and vino. Nestled alongside the popular Hops Haven bar, 3 Sheep’s Brewing Company is a don’t-miss; sample over a dozen original beers in its taproom. If upscale is your preference, The American Club, Kohler’s AAA 5-diamond resort, features The Immigrant Restaurant, serving four-star American cuisine in elegance.

Of course one must sleep after a long day of dining, shopping and gallery going. The American Club offers luxury lodgings, and Inn on Woodlake provides an affordable boutique-style stay. You can also book a private lakeside villa at Sheboygan’s Blue Harbor Resort. With an in-house spa, restaurants, indoor water park (if your kids are in tow) and access and views of the Lake Michigan beachfront, you may have found all you need to see and do.