A Little Time and a Keyboard: History, Creativity, Local Businesses and Nature Spark a Fabulous Janesville, Wisconsin Getaway

History, Creativity, Local Businesses and Nature Spark a Fabulous Janesville, Wisconsin Getaway

Saturday, September 18, 2021

History, Creativity, Local Businesses  and Nature Spark a Fabulous   Janesville, Wisconsin Getaway

A Relaxing Getaway to Janesville, Wisconsin Leaves Us Inspired by Art, History, Nature and Local Businesses

**Disclosure: Thank you to Janesville  Area Convention &Visitors Bureau for hosting and accommodating my visit so I can bring this series to my audience. Opinions are 100% my own.

While relishing a getaway exploring Art Infusion in Janesville, Wisconsin, my husband and I appreciated a weekend full of art, history, nature and unique local businesses. Take a little adventure with me through our spectacular weekend unwinding and see why Janesville is perfect for a getaway:



Creativity Blossoms in Janesville during Art Infusion

Throughout the weekend, we explored emerging art during Art Infusion. The annual event fuses together the live creation of new public murals, a chalk art contest, a variety of meet-the-artist events, live music events and more. We love that Art Infusion incorporates both artist experiences only available throughout the week-long event as well as new murals providing visitors with creative inspiration all year round! 

We were awed by the chalk art pieces showing the creativity of so many talented artists during Art Infusion in Janesville, Wisconsin!
We were awed by the chalk art pieces showing the creativity of so many talented artists!

During the weekend, we strolled through downtown pausing to see artists in motion creating their chalk art pieces. We enjoyed seeing pieces develop right in front of us. We saw some of the pieces being created from the first chalk strokes blossoming into incredible designs over the weekend.

Love the motion in the Dance Mural by Ruben Aguirre.
Love the motion in the Dance Mural by Ruben Aguirre.

Mural spotting truly crafts a fun adventure all year round no matter the weather! In fact, it is kind of neat to see murals with different types of lighting. With five new murals, Janesville has even more art to discover on visits throughout the year. Sculptures, historic markers, architecture and more add to interesting expeditions in all seasons!

Exploring Janesville History at the Lincoln Tallman House and Rock County Historical Society

We traveled back in time with a tour of the extraordinary Lincoln Tallman House. The Italianate home should not be missed during a trip to Janesville not only for its history but for its breathtaking elegance as well. Additionally, we wandered the exhibits of the museum of the Rock County Historical Society containing captivating displays enhanced by collection discoveries made during the stay-at-home period of the pandemic. Today, visitors benefit from a refreshed array of museum collection items that were re-discovered. Additionally, community members donated pieces that further enhanced exhibits with new Janesville artifacts and memorabilia. 

Fascinating tour of the Lincoln Tallman House and Rock County Historical Society.
Fascinating tour of the Lincoln Tallman House and Rock County Historical Society.


Flavorful Janesville

A sampling of tasty tidbits from Janesville including a salmon salad from Whisky Ranch, the Craft Burger from drafthouse and decadent truffle from The Sugar Exchange!
A sampling of tasty tidbits from Janesville including a salmon salad from Whisky Ranch, the Craft Burger from drafthouse and decadent truffle from The Sugar Exchange!

During our stay, we enjoyed some really tasty tidbits. Janesville has a fantastic food scene with flavors that will appeal to everyone! After visiting Whiskey Ranch for the first time, we cannot believe that we have missed it on previous visits to Janesville. Delicious! We ate at the drafthouse for the second time and once again it hit the mark. We also loved sweets from The Sugar Exchange -- a dreamy refuge for those of us with a sweet tooth! We made additional discoveries and will share more in a future post.

Celebrating the Rock River

The Blain Gilbertson Family Heritage Bridge adds an elegant arch over the Rock River.
The Blain Gilbertson Family Heritage Bridge adds an elegant arch over the Rock River.

The Rock River gently courses through Janesville adding graceful beauty as well as a focal point for the community. During every visit to Janesville, we carve out ample time for meandering along the Rock River soaking in the scene. The new Town Square has further enhanced life on the river including a floating dock, a variety of inviting seating options, the picturesque Blain Gilbertson  Family Heritage Bridge, a firepit, The Bubbler interactive sculpture and more. The recreational area flows perfectly into any visit to Janesville while exploring local businesses and eateries. 

Chilling walking along the Rock River in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Chilling walking along the Rock River in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Forest Bathing on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail Starting at Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum

The southernmost segment of the remarkable Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds through Janesville. We have hiked several segments of the trail in Janesville and experienced a new one on our recent getaway. The Arbor Ridge Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail guided us through the Robert O. Cook Memorial Arboretum. We enjoyed a mostly natural trail which was rocky in spots. We truly loved ravine views and being wrapped inside the forest.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds through the 


Restful and Romantic Getaway at Guardian Angel Bed and Breakfast

Guardian Angel Bed and Breakfast owner Carol is very sweet and accommodating. She provided us with quite a wealth of information about the history of the home we were lodging at. I was totally charmed by her knowledge about the Victorian era and the artifacts she displays throughout the home. Additionally, gardens and joyful cherubs added special jubilance to the home. Staying in the lovely 1871 Italianate home, we were swept away for an evening -- everything a getaway is about!

A stay at Guardian Angel Bed and Breakfast sweeps you away with a lovely, romantic spot for recharging.
A stay at Guardian Angel Bed and Breakfast sweeps you away with
a lovely, romantic spot for recharging.

Starting off the day in the comfy environs of a bed and breakfast really helps ease into your getaway adventure. After our evening repose, Carol prepared for us a lovely breakfast readying us for our day of exploration. Being able to just sit back and enjoy breakfast at a gentle pace continued our weekend of slowing down and enjoying the treasures of Janesville.

Delightful fresh Belgian waffles topped with syrup, berries, whipped cream and powdered sugar at Guardian Angel Bed and Breakfast. Yum!
Delightful fresh Belgian waffles topped with syrup, berries, whipped cream and powdered sugar. Yum!

Follow Along for More About Our Janesville Discoveries!

I hope that you enjoyed this roundup of our wonderful finds during our latest getaway to one of our favorite cities: Janesville, Wisconsin! I will be sharing more of these spots in-depth, so follow along and see why you should adventure to Janesville soon!

Other spots to explore in Janesville:

History, Creativity, Local Businesses  and Nature Spark a Fabulous   Janesville, Wisconsin Getaway


1 comment

  1. Thank you for choosing Janesville Wisconsin. We all love it here and are so pleased when someone, like you, see it and share it too! Your writing is beautiful.

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