Beloit is the perfect weekend getaway from Chicago that offers a charming small-town vibe, with tons of outdoor activities along with some of the best food you will ever try. With one million tourists visiting Beloit annually, you know there is plenty to do and it will keep you entertained.
Where to Stay?
Hotel Goodwin is one of the newer hotels in downtown Beloit which offers lots of accommodations. Downstairs, you will find Velvet Buffalo, which is one of the best Italian restaurants you will dine in. Upstairs, you will find a very chic rooftop which serves lots of yummy cocktails with views overlooking downtown. Make sure to stop by here for fireworks, it’s the best view in the whole town! Whether you are looking to just relax or be close to all Beloit has to offer, staying at Goodwin is the best choice!
Where to Eat?
Now comes the best part: the dining options! Beloit has plenty of them, so you won’t go hungry. We were pleasantly surprised by the variety of options, and also how delicious everything was.
Velvet Buffalo- Conveniently located within the hotel, so as soon as you check in, make sure to grab dinner here. You will be greeted by modern yet rustic charm along with the best craft dishes. They have a seasonal menu which keeps its patrons on its toes. Kam and I had Arctic Char en Papillote and Barbeque short ribs, and both options were delightful!
Beloit Club- Another bonus point of staying at Goodwin is that you get passes to Beloit Club! Here you have one day access to an amazing restaurant, pool, and a golf course. Breakfast here was phenomenal; highly recommend their Orange French Toast, yum!
Rock Bar & Grill- If you have been following us for a bit you know we are always on a lookout for some wings, and boy this place did not disappoint! We enjoyed our lunch and beer with views overlooking the Rock River. They also have volleyball courts and a tiki-bar, so there is plenty to enjoy.
Liberty House Grill- Now, if you are looking just to grab drinks or have a great dinner, or both: this is the place to be! Their whiskey & wine cellar is the perfect quaint vibe for some drinks and food, while upstairs is more open and serves their deliciousness out on the patio. Whatever you order here, you will not be disappointed. If you are up for a little adventure, make sure to ask for their margarita flight!
Where to Grab Drinks?
Beloit has so many options when it comes to finding a spot to grab some drinks. Regardless of if you are looking for a happy hour, more of a low-key vibe, or something more upbeat with great views, Beloit has it all.
DC Estate Winery- When visiting, you will be welcomed by a gorgeous outdoor pavilion with a lake, lots of outdoor seating, and a serene atmosphere. We were lucky enough to receive a tour here, and it’s amazing how far this place has grown in the last few years. Whether you are looking for a get-together with friends or just wanting to relax with couple of wine glasses, this is the place to be.
Rooftop at Goodwin – As mentioned earlier, this rooftop is located on top of Hotel Goodwin which overlooks downtown Beloit. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space here, so you will not feel cramped like you may at another rooftop hotel. If there is a baseball night game when you are visiting, make sure to be here for the fireworks: it’s the best spot in the whole town!
5 Bar – Located just down the street from the hotel, this quirky bar made our stay here that much better. Upon entering, you feel like you are suddenly at a friend’s house with lots of eccentric décor and drinks. So, grab a drink and make yourself comfy! Also, if you are lucky, you will meet Lady (owner’s Corgi).
What to do?
Family vacation, couple’s getaway or weekend with friends? Doesn’t matter! Beloit has it all and will keep anyone entertained regardless of what you are looking for.
WM Day Spa- The perfect place if you need a bit of time to unwind and relax with a massage or even a facial. This spa has it all and the staff here is amazing and super attentive.
Sky Carp Baseball Game – Who would have thought Beloit has their own baseball team? Well they do, and watching them play at their stadium was such a great time! Given it is a brand new stadium which offers some of the best gourmet food, you will have the best time with your loved ones.
Farmer’s Market – I absolutely love going to farmer’s markets, so we were pleasantly surprised to find out these are hosted every Saturday during summer. There were lots of various vendors, so no wonder it was packed!
Big Hill Park- If you are looking to get away from the city a bit and go hiking or grab a grill and barbecue some grub, Big Hill Park is the place to visit. Offering 190 acres of nature and several trails, you can easily spend a day here while being active outdoors.
Beloit trails – If you are up for some exploring make sure to download one of Beloit’s passport trails and hit the ground! There is an art trail, taco trail (OMG!), craft beer trail, and café trail. Upon completion, you can even collect a prize!
Beloit being only a quick 90-minute drive from Chicago, is the perfect weekend trip for those wanting to escape the big city vibes and explore something different. This quick guide should make your trip easier and better. We hope you have the best time visiting Beloit!
XoXo
Adri & Kam