I decided my first post should be about things to do in Eau Claire specifically a weekend in Eau Claire, WI because that is where I spent 4 years while in college and was the first place I really explored after living in Stevens Point for 18 years of my life.

Traveling can sometimes be daunting, especially if you have never done it before. If you are like me- I never grew up in a family that took big family trips- so when I started to travel it was something way out of my comfort zone.

Again, if you are like me- you have a travel bug and want to get more into it- which may be why you are reading this blog! Welcome- we cannot wait to help you travel and explore your passions.

Eau Claire is a town of roughly 68,886 people- so is much larger than Stevens Point. If you are just starting to travel and live in Wisconsin- this is the perfect way to get away and let go of your stress.

Eau Claire, being a city, has so much to offer whether you are looking for cute hotels for a staycation or a night out, you will be sure to find something you will love to do!

Going to school in Eau Claire I got to experience a lot of different aspects of what the city can provide- and am excited to share it with you! Below you will find an interactive itinerary I would say- as I explain why you should go to each place within the itinerary.

In this particular post- I am catering to a Summer get-away in Eau Claire, WI. If I get enough interest- I would love to write about a Winter get-away!

Thursday:

Check into hotel room and get ready for activities

To get the full Eau Claire “experience” in my opinion you will want to stay downtown at either the Lismore hotel or the Oxbow hotel. Each very cute and I have stayed at both. Staying downtown will allow you easy access to many restaurants, activities, and beautiful views.

The Lismore will give you a more upscale feel with a restaurant and rooftop bar attached. The rooms are very comfortable with decorations on the walls that look like newspaper- very unique!

 The Oxbow will give you a more indie feel with record players in the room and options for you to choose records in the lobby of the hotel. (I loved this!) The Oxbow also has a restaurant and outdoor seating for the bar area attached. The rooms are very unique with local art on the wall and snack options in the room (for your purchase.)

Walk to Phoenix Park for Music in the Park fun!

Almost every Thursday night starting at 6:00 PM in the Summer, Eau Claire has music in Phoenix Park! They have a variety of bands and people tend to bring a blanket or chairs and indulge in the food trucks that are there! Also represented are other local places around Eau Claire area that tend to give away free prizes! It is a great way to spend a Summer evening outside by the river!

Below you will find a fun picture that I took while bubbles were floating around from other people. Had to capture a fun moment while listening to some great music!

After Music in the park head back to the hotel and enjoy some drinks either on the roof top (the Lismore) or on the patio area by fireplaces (the Oxbow).

Friday:

 Breakfast at the Nucleus

The Nucleus is one of my favorite spots for breakfast. It is right on Water Street- a fun strip that has bars and some cute stores. If you are looking for a quirky place to go for a yummy breakfast- I highly recommend this place. I love the vibes that this restaurant gives, and the service is always spot on. Between their omelets, crepes, French toast, and delicious drink options like mimosas- you will not be disappointed.

* I personally LOVE their crepes and suggest maybe splitting two breakfast entrees with whomever you may be traveling with to try all the delicious options! *

Below you will find a picture of one of their lemon crepes! I decided to get this for just me (too good to share sometimes.) 😊

Walk downtown Eau Claire and check out the shops

After your breakfast, head downtown to check out the local shops! I found it to be one of my favorite passing times to go downtown because there are so many unique places to find some fun gifts or souvenirs for your time in Eau Claire. Some of my favorite shops include the following:

• Local Store- the Local Store is probably my #1 favorite store downtown. It has so many fun gifts for anyone that is visiting or passionate about Eau Claire. Between their eccentric mugs, posters, or fun snack options- it’s a must go to.

Revival Records- If you are a record nerd- this is the place for you. Between the musty smell of records or the abundance amounts of choices to choose from- this is a store you could probably roam through for hours. They have newer artists and older ones too- you will have to check it out for yourself to see how fun it is to browse their stock! (If you are staying at the Oxbow you could even get some records and make memories listening to them the day of purchase!)

Tangled up in Hue- This store is very quirky with all of their cute jewelry, glasses, soap or clothes. If you are looking for a boutique to shop at- this is a must. They support artists- and currently support over 100 artists in their store (I think that is pretty awesome!) So go support some artists in the Eau Claire area and get lost looking at all of the fun things this store has to offer.

Of course, you do not need to only go to these stores- check out all of the other fun stores downtown Eau Claire has to offer!

Eat ice cream at Ramones

Now I don’t know about you- but after shopping I can get a little hungry. If you are not ready for lunch yet (the nucleus can fill you up) head over to Ramones ice cream parlor for AMAZING ice cream. This is my favorite sweet spot in Eau Claire to cool down.

Some distinctive aspects of this ice cream shop that makes me love it- they make their own homemade waffle cones, and all of their tips goes towards a charity at the end of the month! Not only are you getting a great ice cream cone- but supporting a great cause!

Below you will find a picture of their ice cream in front of a beautiful mural across the street from Ramones! (this picture is from the winter- but you get the idea!)

Walk (or sit) around Phoenix Park during the day-

There is something to be said about the beauty of Phoenix park at all times of the day. While eating your ice cream head over to Phoenix park and walk around! There are some fun sculptures to look at- or just simply sit on one of the benches and enjoy the sunshine! On a Summer day this area is pretty “happening,” so take in the people watching while taking a break from walking around. 😊

Head back to hotel

I can empathize with you if after walking around for a couple of hours and sitting in the sun you are a bit sweaty! This is the time I would go back to the hotel and freshmen up (maybe take a short nap!) After freshening up, charging your phone, taking a nap, etc. it’s time for more activities!

Eau Claire Express Game (baseball- games typically begin at 6:30 PM)

You may not be a baseball junky but going to an Eau Claire Express Game is too much fun to miss. There is something to be said about a Summer evening in stands with the smell of popcorn and hotdogs! Speaking of that- make sure to take advantage of getting a beer and eating some stadium food while watching an engaging baseball game. Don’t leave too soon- at dusk they light fireworks off (this is the best part of the game!)

-After the game, feel free to walk around Carson park, sit at one of the benches and star gaze or head back to the hotel to relax after a fun full day in Eau Claire!-

Saturday:

Farmers market/breakfast

There is nothing like waking up on a Saturday morning and going to the farmers market for breakfast. Going until 1 PM this lively spot in Phoenix park will have you listening to great music, getting some sweet treats and seeing all of the fun art and produce that people sell! This was always my favorite spot to go on a Saturday morning- I would highly recommend making the stop before your days festivities.

Tubing down the river

Eau Claire is known for their tubing- so you cannot spend a weekend in Eau Claire without doing it! Whether you bring tubes from home or stop at Walmart to get some before heading down the river, you are going to want to spend an afternoon drinking a cold one while enjoying the ride down the river.

Pro tip- bring some string to tie your tubes together so you don’t move away from each other! Make sure to bring shoes for the walk back to your car/hotel!

To tube down the river you will start in Phoenix park and go all the way down the river past UWEC’s campus- follow the others and you will see when to get out!

Below is me tubing with a few of my friends! One of my favorite past times in the Summer.

Hotel break

After tubing down the river you are probably going to want to go back to the hotel to change and freshmen up- sometimes a nice shower after being sunkissed is just the right medicine. Take a shower, put some dry clothes on, and get ready for an epic night ahead of you!

Late lunch at the Livery

The livery is probably one of my favorite restaurants in Eau Claire. The rustic theme and food is what makes it an amazing spot for some late lunch on your Saturday afternoon. If you cannot choose what to eat- I highly suggest getting the Cowtown burger or the pork tacos- my mouth is currently watering just thinking about it!

I promise you will not be disappointed with this choice of restaurant. The drink choices are also fantastic- and I would recommend the Mojito if you are into that sort of drink. 😊

Brewery and Bar “crawl”

It’s time to get your drink on! There are so many breweries and bars in Eau Claire- you have to try a few before you leave town! Below you will find a list of three that I suggest you go to before the night is up.

• The Brewing Projekt- This brewery is one of the best I have been to. Between their amazing service, their awesome beer and the rooftop sitting area- I cross my heart that you are going to love this place. I highly suggest getting a flight of beers to try a few- and then maybe a few more beers after you know what you like! Sit upstairs on the roof and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Below you will find a picture of me on the rooftop of The Brewing Projekt! Such a fun environment!

• Lazy Monk Brewing- Across the street from The Brewing Projekt you will find Lazy Monk Brewing. This is a German influenced brewery and offers you pretzels while you sip on something strong. After sitting outside- enjoy this cozy brewery while having a few more delicious drinks.

• The Fire House Bar- There is a theme tonight- it is beer! The Fire House Bar has many beer options from around Wisconsin and is a fun place to be. So try a few beers, eat some popcorn and continue enjoying your night!

-The fun does not need to stop there- there are plenty of other bar options in the area but I thought I would share my top three. Always practice safe drinking- do not drive- and explore Eau Claire for your last night in the city!-

Sunday:

After checkout head over to the Altoona Family Restaurant for breakfast!

Although I have never been here personally (it is on my bucket list,) I have heard it is an amazing restaurant that gives you a homey feeling while eating an inexpensive breakfast! If you do go- feel free to let me know how it is, I would love to hear it!

Visit Leinenkugels

Before you leave the Eau Claire area make sure to go over to Chippewa Falls to check out the Leinie Lodge. They have tours going out daily that are super fun and engaging (sometimes you can win free stuff!) Before and after the tour they give you the opportunity to try beer samples, which is personally my favorite part. Their lodge is quite impressive on beautiful land- if you go make sure to drink a Summer Shandy in my honor and cheers to Summer!

I hope you enjoyed this reading and are already packing your bags. Eau Claire is one of those towns that will suck you up and let you experience life! It was my favorite town for 4 years and is still my go to vacation spot. Feel free to let me know about your experience if you do go! I would love to connect and talk about your travels as you go about what we call life. Enjoy a picture of an Eau claire Sunset below: