Everything that we set out to do as a TR family doesn’t result in astounding success with high fives all around. A few of our adventures fall just short of the mark, and some others are utter failures. But we never give up. We have found that if you don’t allow yourself to take some risk, you won’t reap as many rewards. And one point of heading out on a jaunt is to spend time together- we can always find a way to pull some fun out of any experience!
We recently headed out to the town of Racine, WI. We had read that their local art museum (RAM) was hosting a fairytale inspired exhibit. And then we discovered that Racine has a small Heritage Museum that is free to visit. Sounded like a great combination for a day trip!
But it didn’t quite work out that way…
After paying to gain admittance, we found RAM was smaller than we had hoped and the fairytale exhibit was a bit esoteric for our kids. But we had a great time when we discovered an unexpected display on pop-up books- including some titles we all recognized. We also enjoyed an avant garde clothing display, where everything was made from recycled food containers (like juice boxes and sugar packets that were sewn together.)
Nonetheless, we didn’t spend a tremendous amount of time at RAM and headed up the street to the Heritage Museum. This museum also not very big, nor particularly geared for kiddoes. It didn’t take us long to cruise through their exhibits. Soon enough we found ourselves back on the sidewalks of Racine.
But our eyes are always open for an unexpected treat, and our family is accustomed to the fact that not every jaunt is going to knock it out of the park. When we head out to an unknown place, we tell the kids quite clearly: “We don’t know what to expect. We’ve never been here before.”
Knowing our proximity to the Lake Michigan shoreline, we looked for a chance to continue exploring Racine in that direction. We found a parking spot near a marina and walked along the pier for a bit. We also stumbled upon a little memorial to the Underground Railroad.
Recharged with some fresh air, we headed for the S.C. Johnson Company factory. An architecturally unique building, designed in part by Frank Lloyd Wright, it seemed like a fun place to visit. But it was not to be– tours are permitted only when scheduled in advance and are talking tours aimed at adults only.
Ah well.
We decided that it was time for lunch, knowing that some food would help everyone refocus. We found a fantastic meal at Z’s and finished up our trip to Racine.
By keeping our spirits up, and our eyes open, we were able to take aways some good memories of Racine. When our research turns up some more places to check out in that town, we’ll head back. And if it doesn’t work out– we’ll still find a way to make it a worth while trip.