Positive News, Stories, & Janesville Buzz Polls

Get ready to indulge in the best of downtown Janesville’s culinary scene during the highly anticipated Downtown Restaurant Week, set to take place from January 14 to 17, 2024. This exciting event, organized by Downtown Janesville Inc. in partnership with the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Business Improvement District, is an opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant food offerings at exclusive prices.Downtown Janesville Restaurant Week will showcase a variety of local restaurants, each offering unique menus that highlight their distinctive flavors and dining styles. Participating venues include popular spots like Drathouse, Genisa Wine Bar, Sandwich Bar, Sandee’s Thai Fusion, Bodacious Shops of Block 42, O’Riley & Conway’s, Franklin Street Tavern, The Looking Glass, and Whiskey Ranch.During the event, diners will have the chance to enjoy special two-course lunch options and/or three-course dinner menus. A number of restaurants will extend their Restaurant Week specials through the weekend, providing even more opportunities to savor the diverse dishes on offer. Menus for the event will be announced in early January, and visitors are encouraged to check with individual restaurants for the most up-to-date information on offerings.“Downtown Restaurant Week is a fantastic way for both residents and visitors to experience the incredible range of cuisine in our downtown area,” said Elaina Szyjewski, Managing Director of Downtown Janesville Inc. “It’s an event that brings the community together to celebrate local flavor, whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new.”For those eager to join in the festivities, early reservations are encouraged. With participating restaurants offering exclusive menus and a chance to support local businesses, Downtown Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious meals and explore new dining spots in Janesville.For more details or to make a reservation, visit downtownjanesville.com or contact Downtown Janesville Inc. at info@downtownjanesville.com.Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and join in the celebration of Janesville’s thriving restaurant scene this January!

This holiday season, Janesville’s downtown district is serving up a festive way to celebrate Wisconsin’s iconic Old Fashioned cocktail while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. Downtown Janesville Inc. is partnering with local bars and restaurants to host the Downtown Old Fashioned Christmas, a month-long event that aims to raise funds for holiday decorations throughout the downtown area. The celebration will run from December 6 through December 31, 2024.For just $10, visitors can purchase a special punch card at any participating location. Each time you order a unique Old Fashioned at one of the event’s featured bars or restaurants, you'll receive a punch on your card. The more locations you visit, the more chances you have to win exciting prizes, including a grand prize raffle basket valued at over $200.The festive punch card encourages participants to experience a variety of local interpretations of the Old Fashioned cocktail, with each business offering its own spin on this beloved Wisconsin classic. As you taste your way through the downtown area, be sure to vote for your favorite drinks in categories like "Best Theme," "Favorite Overall," and "Most Unique."Once your punch card is complete, simply turn it in to any participating bar or restaurant to be entered into the grand prize drawing. The grand prize includes two VIP tickets to Flannelfest, a local music and food event, along with exclusive Flannelfest swag, local products, and other goodies. Raffle winners will be drawn and contacted in January.Participating locations in the Downtown Old Fashioned Christmas event include Lark, Sandwich Bar, Drafthouse, The Looking Glass, O’Riley & Conway’s, Genisa Wine Bar, Sandee’s Thai Fusion, Whiskey Ranch, and Wiggy’s Saloon.While the punch card provides access to the raffle, please note that the cost of the cocktails themselves is not included. So, not only will you be treating yourself to some of the best Old Fashioned drinks in town, but you’ll also be helping fund the beautiful holiday decorations that bring warmth and cheer to the downtown area.This spirited event is a perfect opportunity to explore Janesville’s vibrant downtown, enjoy delicious cocktails, and give back to the community. Whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to stop by and join in on the holiday fun!For more information, including details on how to purchase punch cards or a list of participating businesses, visit downtownjanesville.com or email info@downtownjanesville.com.

This holiday season, Janesville is making it easier than ever to support local businesses and enjoy the festive spirit with the return of its free Holiday Trolley rides. As part of the city’s new “Shop, Dine & Make Merry” promotion, residents and visitors can hop aboard the trolley to explore downtown shops, restaurants, and seasonal attractions—without the hassle of parking or navigating busy streets.The trolley service will run every weekend through December, providing a fun and convenient way to shop, dine, and experience Janesville’s holiday charm. With free rides from 1 PM to 8 PM on select days, the trolley offers visitors a chance to explore the best of what the city has to offer this holiday season.Convenient Stops, Festive FunThe Holiday Trolley will make several stops throughout Janesville, allowing passengers to easily access key shopping, dining, and cultural destinations. Popular stops include the Rotary Botanical Gardens, home to the spectacular Holiday Light Show; the Rock County Historical Society, which is hosting its annual Holiday Tree Show; and three downtown locations: Main and Court Streets, Milwaukee and Main Streets, and Milwaukee and Jackson Streets.For those looking to make the most of their trip, the trolley will also be running during the city’s highly anticipated Jolly Jingle weekend. This three-day celebration from December 6–8 features more than 30 holiday events, including the festive holiday light parade, fireworks, and a community tree lighting. On Jolly Jingle weekend, the trolley will have extended hours on December 6, from 4–9 PM, and December 7, from 1–4 PM, making it easy to hop on and off while enjoying all the holiday festivities.Local Shopping and Dining Made EasyWith the trolley’s convenient route, visitors can explore Janesville’s vibrant local shopping scene. From unique gifts at local boutiques to art galleries showcasing one-of-a-kind works, there’s something for everyone. Many retailers will have extended hours, offering plenty of opportunities to find the perfect holiday presents. For a complete list of nearly 60 locally-owned shops, visit Uniquely Local Shopping in Janesville.In addition to shopping, Janesville is also home to cozy dining spots perfect for a holiday meal or drink. Whether you’re in the mood for a festive cocktail, a warm winter dessert, or a traditional holiday feast, the city’s restaurants offer a wide variety of options to satisfy every taste.No Parking, No ProblemThe Holiday Trolley makes it easy for families, friends, and visitors to enjoy everything Janesville has to offer without worrying about parking or driving in winter weather. The free trolley rides provide a comfortable, stress-free way to visit all the top holiday destinations, from shopping centers and restaurants to the city’s renowned seasonal light displays. For those wishing to extend their visit, Janesville’s cozy hotels and bed-and-breakfasts provide the perfect place to relax and recharge before hopping back on the trolley to explore more.This promotion is made possible by the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (JACVB) in partnership with the Rock County Historical Society, Downtown Janesville, Inc., and Rotary Botanical Gardens.A Season to Celebrate LocalWhether you're looking to cross off items on your holiday shopping list, enjoy some local cuisine, or take in the festive decorations around town, the free Holiday Trolley is the perfect way to experience the best of Janesville this season. So leave the car behind and make the most of your holiday outing with a ride on the Trolley—it’s the easiest way to shop, dine, and make merry in Janesville!For more information on trolley schedules, stops, and holiday events, visit www.janesvillecvb.com.

For this month's poll, we want to know what your favorite local tattoo parlor is! If we missed any be sure to let us know and we'll add them to the poll!

Downtown Janesville's beloved Flannelfest will be making its return on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, marking the sixth year of this popular winter festival. Presented by Blain's Farm & Fleet, Flannelfest promises another action-packed day filled with craft beer tastings, games, live entertainment, and Wisconsin-themed fun.Tickets for the event go on sale at a special discount on Black Friday, November 29th. Visitors can snag tickets at the lowest price through December 8th by purchasing online at www.janesvilleflannelfest.com.Flannelfest will feature over 100 beers from some of Wisconsin's best craft breweries, with an exciting home brew competition sponsored by The Looking Glass. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of brews and vote for their favorite.The event isn’t just about beer—there’s plenty of entertainment for everyone. Guests can participate in games like the Lazy Man Run, corn hole, axe throwing, giant pong, hammerschlagen, a derby race, and jousting. For a truly unique experience, live chainsaw artists will also showcase their talents throughout the day.Food trucks and local vendors will be on hand, offering a selection of delicious food and merchandise to purchase.VIP Experience and Ticket OptionsFlannelfest offers a limited number of VIP tickets, providing exclusive perks such as access to a special VIP area at The Venue, a delicious lunch served from 12:00-1:30 PM, a unique VIP brew, live music, and a commemorative souvenir. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy beer tastings, games, a pretzel necklace-making station, and a Flannelfest beer mug and lanyard. VIP tickets are available for $90, and general admission tickets are priced at $45. After December 8th, ticket prices will increase.A Weekend of Fun in Downtown JanesvilleIn addition to the festivities at Flannelfest, several downtown businesses will host their own special events over the weekend, offering more ways to enjoy the season. Special room rates will be available at local hotels for those traveling to Janesville for the event. For more details on the weekend’s schedule and hotel accommodations, visit the Flannelfest website.“We’re excited to welcome back Flannelfest for its sixth year,” said Elaina Szyjewski, Managing Director of Downtown Janesville, Inc. “The event has become a major attraction, bringing people not only from Janesville but from all over Wisconsin. It’s a perfect way to embrace the winter season with friends, enjoy local craft beer, and have fun with unique games and activities.”Flannelfest is a key fundraiser for Downtown Janesville, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the local downtown community.For more information, including ticket purchases and event details, visit www.janesvilleflannelfest.com or email info@downtownjanesville.com.

Hey guys I’m back with a food review of some local eats in the Janesville area! Today I’m at the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 downtown. This is a great spot to visit, they have a coffee house, an olive oil shop, and a salad bar/restaurant all connected in one block of buildings.Today I was at The Bodacious Brew, their coffee house and got a tasty drink and some lunch! I got an iced Match Latte with oat milk, and it hit the spot. I usually make my own Match so I would consider myself picky, but Bodacious never seems to disappoint.For lunch I had their Avocado Toast. This was 2 slices of multigrain bread with avocado, roasted chic peas, pickled red onion, thinly sliced radish, cilantro, and olive oil. I’m always a sucker for any kind of avocado toast, this one was interesting as it had a kick to it. The combination of cilantro, radish, and pickled onion made it a little spicy. It paired nicely with the creamy coolness of the avocado and chic peas. Overall, would recommend giving it a try!I also sat and worked in their upstairs lounge for a few hours and it’s really a great environment to sit and get some work done. If you haven’t made it out to this Bodacious block, be sure to stop in next time you’re downtown!

Hey folks, today we’re getting into a bit of Janesville History and talking about breweries! More specifically the historic Northside Brewery along Rock River. KYLIE BALK-YAATENEN/KBALKYAATENEN@APG-SW.COMThere were many breweries in Janesville from the mid 19th century to probation including the Eagle Brewery, the Jacob Singer Brewery, the Todd and Company Brewery, and the Hodson Brewery. The Hodson Brewery was the first in Janesville but shortly burned down after being struck by lightening. However, the most long lived and successful brewery in Janesville was the City Brewery built around 1855, it was called Buob and Brother from 1874-1880 and is now referred to as the Northside Brewery. This was the largest lager beer producer in Janesville at the time. The brothers that owned it, John and Michael Buob made 3,000 barrels of beer every year. They did end up selling the brewery in 1882 to Gezelschap and Knipp to start a new brewery on the Southside, know as the Buob Brothers South Side Brewery or the M. Buob Brewing Company. They operated until 1906, producing 5,000 barrels of beer each year. They sold to the Croak Brewing Company where they continued to make beer until 1920. After prohibition ended, the brewery was renamed to the Bower City Brewing Company, producing 7,000 barrels a year. However, this was not enough to keep up with competition and the brewery officially closed in 1939. KYLIE BALK-YAATENEN/KBALKYAATENEN@APG-SW.COMSo, what came to be of this historic City Brewery? The Rock County Historical Society and beer historian Robert Bier (above) started an excavation of the old brewery cite in 2015. You can still see the outlines of the building and barrel and machinery stains. Sitting vacant, the building was overgrown and degraded by nature and time and was eventually torn down in the 1940s. They’ve come across artifacts from the brewery such as machine parts, beer bottles, caps, and labels, barrel parts, and rat traps. RCHBBS FacebookThe goal is to recreate the building using as much of the original materials they have and turn it into an educational museum about Janesville’s brewing history. You can currently go there and read informational signs and scan QR codes to learn more about the brewery’s history and see the outline volunteers have restored of the original building. Definitely go check out this fascinating piece of our town’s history! You can also follow the Rock County's Historic Breweries, Bars, and Saloons-RCHBBS Facebook page for updates!Sources: https://www.gazettextra.com/news/local/beer-story-1850s-northside-brewery-re-emerging-along-the-rock-river-in-janesville/article_359153ee-786a-11ef-b5d5-47e2d1df9787.htmlhttps://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AG45BY7CJ4YZKS8B/full/AVXJ6XQ5XLXPY79Ehttps://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AG45BY7CJ4YZKS8B/full/AEC3CFBCAEWZZJ8Rhttps://www.facebook.com/janesvillebreweriesHuge thank you to Mary at the Hedberg Public Library for gathering these resources!

Hey Janesville, I hope you’re hungry because today I’m reviewing O'Riley & Conway's Irish Pub on W Milwaukee St! This is a homey pub that offers a large beer and scotch selection along with traditional pub fare and Irish specialties. They have live music every week and two bars! This place was very cozy with festive lights and rich dark wood decor.I had the Limerick Chicken Sandwich which had a massive chicken breast, a slab of bacon, Wisconsin pepper jack cheese, a herb aioli sauce all on a brioche bun. I also had a heaping side of sweet potato fries. This sandwich was delicious and definitely lasted me a couple meals. The sweet potato fries were on point and devoured very fast. Jake had a Stout along with the Glasgow BLT which consisted of apple bacon, lettuce, tomato, and herb aioli on 9 grain wheat toast. I can't attest to the flavor myself but he had no leftovers and it looked amazing!If you're looking for some local Irish eats be sure to check them out, that's the buzz!

For this month's poll we want to know what your favorite local breakfast spot is! Cast your vote and let us know! If we missed your favorite spot, let us know and we'll add them to the poll!

Hey guys, I’m back with another article on the public art of Janesville! This week we’re talking about the history behind the “Black Hawk” mural downtown by Brooklyn artist Jeff Henriquez. Henriquez has done other notable works around town such as the “In History We Trust” mural. He painted this mural in only 10 days with spray paint. This mural depicts Sauk leader Chief Black Hawk. This was Janesville’s first major artistic tribute to Native Americans. Henriquez had to gather many drawings, paintings, and sculptures of Black Hawk to base this mural off of as there are no real photographs of him. As you can see in the mural Black Hawk is dressed in traditional red cloth and wears a bead and porcupine quill necklace and feather headdress. On the headdress there are two eagle feathers blowing in the wind. On Black Hawk’s left is a great white buffalo. They are known as a good omen as they are extremely rare. Henriquez wanted Blackhawk to proudly look over Janesville’s main street with wisdom “while basking in the glory of the beautiful planes and mountains that belong to him and his people.” The mural was revealed with a Native American ceremony consisting of singing and drumming in 2019. If you want to learn more about Jeff Henriquez go visit the links below but also be sure to take a moment to appreciate this mural next time you’re in town!Artist's website: www.jeffhenriquez.comArtist's Instagram: instagram.com/jeffhenriquezart

Hey folks, I’m back with another piece on Janesville’s rich art history. Today we’re talking about “The Adventurer” Mural covering the Harris Ace Hardware building downtown. It was created during 2021 Art Infusion by David Mark Zimmerman, Milwaukee graphic designer and illustrator who often explores movement, vibrancy, humor, and curiosity in his works. He is also known as Bigshot Robot. This is a huge mural; you can see it from all the way across the river. It being next to the river and bus stations aids in its symbolism of finding adventure in our town but also getting lost on purpose according to Zimmerman. This represents the spirit of the indigenous people who lived in Janesville as well. As Zimmerman dug into Janesville’s history, he said he was “fascinated how the river played such an important part in creating meeting places and connecting paths and trading posts that grew into towns and flourished,” So, he created the explorer seeking their path and purpose to honor our ancestors adventuring spirit. If you want to learn more about David Mark Zimmerman, you can check out his social media and website linked below. Also linked is a recording of Zimmerman reflecting on the piece!website: www.bigshot-robot.comInstagram: instagram.com/bigshotrobotFacebook: facebook.com/BigshotRobotZimmerman speaking on the piece: https://files.idss.com/public/C225/d5c8e37e-6e87-4e97-8c72-a6e92831457e.mp3

Hey Janesville, I’m back with my public art series, this week we’re featuring the “River of Life” mural on the River Street side of the Rock River Charter School. This 100-foot-long mural was painted in 2021 Art Infusion by Cuban-American visual artist from Miami, Ivan Roque. The background was painted with acrylic, and the foreground was painted with spray paint. Overall, it took him 7 days to complete. Roque says the piece is about “the journey we embark on in the pursuit of knowledge wisdom and open mindedness it takes to live a full life.” The flora and fauna in the piece represent this same theme, the owl represents wisdom, the butterflies represent freedom, and the otters represent playfulness and curiosity. Roque says all these traits play an important role in life. Roque uses vines in all his pieces to symbolize connection, along with the obstacles in life we face represented by the thorns that ultimately shape who we are. He wanted this piece to be a sort of stream of consciousness along the wall and also played with the fact that we have a river running through our city. I encourage you all to check out this mural and if you want to learn more about Ivan Roque you can check out the links below!Artist's website: www.ivanroque.comArtist's Instagram: instagram.com/ivanjroqueArtist's Facebook: facebook.com/ivanisforeverlostArtist speaking on the piece https://files.idss.com/public/C225/a7bc3cdb-ce56-4342-9aad-9905b1dd7bdd.m4a

Hello Janesville and welcome back to my public art blog series, this week we’re talking about the “Dancing on the Stars” mural downtown on the Performing Arts Center. The artist behind this mural is Ruben Aguirre, a Chicago based artist who specializes in the intersection of abstraction, formalism, graffiti, and muralism. He made the mural in 2021 Art Infusion. He draws inspiration from typography, geography, and the human body. He has had exhibits at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Hyde Park Art Center, and has a solo exhibit at The National Museum of Mexican Art coming up. He has done commission work for large corporations such as Google, Adidas, Linked IN, and Conde Nast to name a few.In this mural, Aguirre wanted to incorporate the Janesville flag, native plant life, and colors that were representative of the landscape. He created an abstract interpretation of the Janesville flag with a tree and 4 suns representing the tree and 4 stars on the flag. He wanted to have a unique interpretation, making the stars suns, as the sun is a star. He also incorporated exaggerated cattails and some other native plant life and painted the background blue to represent the river flowing through Janesville. As a nod to the Performing Arts Center, he added some ballerinas dancing.If you want to check out more of Aguirre’s work, you can visit his website or Instagram www.theshiftchange.com www.instagram.com/likes_1If you’d like to hear an interpretation of this piece in his own words, you can check it out here! https://files.idss.com/public/C225/d422668d-d640-4e47-88ab-32c861b56e98.m4aAnd of course, be sure to stop and check it out next time you’re downtown!

Hey Janesville, welcome back to my public art series! This week we're talking about a new and exciting sculpture on the southeast corner of River and Court Streets.Last Wednesday 9/25 the City of Janesville unveiled a brand-new public art installation entitled “Self-Worth” by local artist Richard Lazcano. The sculpture stands at 12 feet tall depicting a bicyclist taking a selfie to showcase a slice of daily life. You can actually interact with this piece as the tire pump of the bike acts as a selfie stand community members can use to take their own pictures!All parts of the sculpture are recycled bike parts donated by Brian and Ann Reece, The Bike Elves, and Michael's Cycles. The piece was commissioned by Lynn and John Westphal. Lynn says “We are lifelong bicyclists who have supported all types of local bicycling initiatives for many years.” They wanted to create a landmark that links the downtown area, the town square, the river, and the ice age trail to promote exploration and connection in our city.Artist Richard Lazcano is also known for his sculpture, Gloria the Eagle in the Janesville Town Square, shared his take on the piece, “The title represents a journey of self-discovery and confidence. Initially, I doubted my ability to complete such a monumental project, but through perseverance and creativity, I realized my potential. This sculpture stands as a reminder that we all have the strength and capability within us.”The unveiling ceremony featured remarks from the Westphals, Lazcano, and local officials. The project was made possible through the efforts of Mike Payne, Public Works Director; Emily Moccero, Engineering Department; Angus Young Associates; and J.P. Cullen, who completed the sitework and installation.So next time you’re in the area, I encourage you to check out this stunning new landmark!

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Hey Janesville, I hope you’re hungry because today I’m reviewing Sandwich Bar on South Main Street! They advertise that they make “life-altering sandwiches” and let me tell you they are not messing around. This was my first time visiting and my goodness I was not expecting how good this meal was. So let’s get into it!I had the Ooh La La sandwich for $13 consisting of roasted turkey, raspberry-basil aioli, arugula and balsamic on a croissant bun. I was expecting deli sliced turkey, but to my delight they had big, juicy slabs of turkey. The raspberry-basil aioli was such an interesting pairing for a turkey sandwich, but it worked extremely well – I think that was the highlight of the sandwich. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a croissant so overall 10/10 experience. Jake had the Jolene for $14 which had country fried chicken, pimento cheese, Alabama white sauce, and lettuce on a bun. I can’t personally attest to the flavor, but he looked extremely happy. Definitely trying that one next!The atmosphere and service were also great. I’d highly recommend stopping in!

Hey Janesville, I’m coming to you with another article in my public art series! This week we’re talking about the “In History We Trust” mural downtown on 101 E Milwaukee St! This piece was created in 2020 by featured art infusion artist Jeff Henriquez, an artist from New Jersey. He works with mediums including spray paint, pen, and ink and has a degree in painting from Bradford College.Henriquez says this piece was meant to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of women’s right to vote and represents the struggles and victories of colored women in America. There’s a lot of symbolism in this one, so let’s dive in!The piece features two women of color, the one on the left an African American women wearing a natural afro, a necklace with Harriet Tubman on it, and BLM stitched into her shirt collar. Wearing a natural afro was once seen as a rebellious act, so Henriquez wanted to represent that rebellion seen in the 60s in Western society. He added Harriet Tubman on her necklace to represent black freedom in America and the abolitionist efforts in Janesville including speakers Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln in 1859 and a documented Underground Railroad stop near Milton.He wanted to represent the past, present, and future in this piece, so he added the subtle detail of “BLM” stitched into her t-shirt collar to represent the current times and struggles of people of color. The colorful window to the left of her represents a critical tool used to help slaved people escape by sending signals of food and safety. This window can be seen from the Tillman House in Janesville. Behind this window is a sunrise to represent hopes for a brighter future of peace and equality for us all.The woman on the right is a Native American with a wolf and moon on her right shoulder as well as a small and large eagle feather to represent the unity in native tribes between youth and elders. The moon represents the 25,000 years indigenous people have been on this land and the wolf howling under it represents the strength she has for her pack.In the background are city lights to represent our modern era and the struggles people of color still face. The flowers at the bottom are wood violets, the Wisconsin state flower.If you want to learn more about Jeff, you can visit is website www.jeffhenriquez.com but be sure to take some time to appreciate the history and symbolism in this mural next time you’re downtown! (You can also hear Jeff speak on this mural in the source link below).Source: https://www.janesvillecvb.com/things_to_do/details/4720/247821/In_History_We_Trust_Mural'Photographer: Kim Hoholek

What’s up Janesville, it’s Carly and I’m back with another food review this week! We visited Genisa Wine Bar located downtown in Janesville’s only historically preserved Italianate-style building on 11 N Main St.Although the outside of the building is historical, the inside is extremely modern and downright gorgeous. It took me a while to look around and fully ingest all of the details of my surroundings. We went around 3pm so only drinks and snack items were available, but this was more than enough to leave me satisfied with my experience. I ordered their Margherita Pizza consisting of delicious traditional red sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil cooked in a red Italian brick oven I could see from my table. Their Neo-Neapolitan dough is made with a living sourdough starter and takes about 3 days to prepare. It was extremely tasty and made for some good leftovers as well. We also got the Florentine Artichoke Dip made up of artichoke, kale, sarvecchio parmesan, and crostini. I’m a sucker for any artichoke dip so I of course loved this creamy appetizer. This was an overall lovely experience, the service was polite and timely, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was to die for. Next time you’re looking for some good Italian food, you know where to go!

Hey Janesville, welcome back to my public art series! This week I’ll be covering the “Rock Stars” mural that was on the former record store, The Exclusive Company, on Milton Avenue. The chain closed in 2021 with the death of their founder, James Giombetti. The mural has since been painted over, but it’s still a part of Janesville History!The wall has been repainted a few times, the first mural had colorful depictions of music legends David Bowie, Bob Marley, Janis Joplin, and Miles Davis. This mural faded with time and inclement weather, so The Exclusive Company decided to repaint it with a more diverse and modern variety of artists. They had 3 artists attempt to repaint the mural, the first two giving up before finishing. Finally, the third artist Mitchell Highnam, an employee at The Exclusive Company, completed the mural in 2016. The black and white mural included musicians such as Nas, Kurt Cobain, Billie Holiday, Prince, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan.I wish I could say go check it out, but unfortunately the music mural has gone along with it’s record store...should there be a 4th attempt?Until next time Janesville!Source: The Janesville Gazette

For this month's poll, we want to know what your favorite place is to grab a cup of joe? Let us know if we missed any and we'll add them!

Hope you’re hungry Janesville because we’re about to dive into a review of Sandee’s Thai Fusion, a popular downtown restaurant!Starting off right away, when we first walked into Sandee’s we were seriously transported to another world with the well-thought-out décor. It is stunning in there. The service was friendly, timely, and helpful. Our server had a lot of great recommendations with such a vast menu and the food came out really fast!Now I loveee Thai food so I would have enjoyed anything from the menu, so I went with a classic Pad Thia, and it did not disappoint. I’m also extremely happy to report that I successfully used chopsticks the entire meal! Sandee’s Pad Thai included rice noodles sautéed with eggs, scallions, onions, and carrots topped with bean sprouts and peanuts on the side. You also get to choose your protein, I went with chicken, but you can also get tofu, seafood, or extra veggies instead. Overall delicious meal that I would highly recommend. They DO NOT skimp on portion sizes either – I got a few meals out of this. Another thing I liked about this restaurant is you can pick the level of spiciness you want in your dish, so even if you have no tolerance for heat, you can still enjoy many menu items.The other dish we ordered was a recommendation from our server, the Pad Prik Pow. This included colorful peppers, carrots, onions and basil leaves in sweet chili paste sauce with your choice of protein. Jake went with chicken but as mentioned earlier, you can also get tofu, seafood, or extra veggies instead. This must have been a great recommendation because Jake did not go home with any leftovers!If you’re looking to get out and try a new restaurant, Sandee’s is a great option! Until next week Janesville 😊

Hey Janesville, welcome back to my public art series! This week I’ll be covering the “Waves of Giving” mural painted on the Post Office! This piece was painted in 2020 by Jaime Brown and Karim Jabbari. The two artists came from vastly different backgrounds, Jaime being a Wisconsin native, while Karim is from Tunisia, North Africa. Their different experiences led them to blend together artistic styles to create a unique composition.Jaime and Karim described the elements of the piece as such:"The arrows on the top represent the forward thinking of the city.The zigzags represent the river running through downtown.The diamonds on the right are a stalk of wheat, from its earlier days establishing itself as an agricultural community.The horizontal bars on the bottom are for the fallen tree trunks during the lumber/industrial part of the city.The vertical lines are the train tracks for when the city became connected by rail. (huge move for exportation of goods, obviously)And the two purple circles that intersect show a woman looking down and working on something. The small circle is her head, the big one is her body and the mango color is her face. She could be making a quilt, she could be making dinner. But generally speaking the woman is the heartbeat of the home. Those homes and families are the heartbeat of the community."If you want to check out some more of their art, visit www.jaimebrownart.com but, of course, I encourage you to go check out this mural in person next time you’re at the post office first!Source: Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hey Janesville! Welcome to my new public art blog series! I’m sure you’re all familiar with the numerous murals and sculptures around town, but do you know the history and artists behind them? If you’re curious, stick around! I’ll be covering different pieces for each article in this series…so, let’s get into it!This week we’re talking about Ronald Perry Wick’s 2010 vinyl printed “Heart of the City Outdoor Art Mural: Janesville Women’s History.” You can find this mural on the Rock County Courthouse on 51 S Main St. Four murals were created for the “Heart of the City Outdoor Campaign” to feature a time and industry that was important in the history of Janesville. This specific mural was focused on 1860-1890, a time when women’s contributions to the town started to become impactful and acknowledged. There are 6 key components to this piece that we’re going to dive into next.First up we have a woman and her daughter in the center of the mural representing early suffragists urging others to vote yes to votes for women.To the right is the Oaklawn Hospital representing Nellie Tallman. She’s remembered for making Janesville’s first hospital possible and successful through her work with the Janesville Associated Charities.Above the hospital is Rhoda Lavinia Goodell. In 1874 she became the very first woman lawyer in Wisconsin.Next to her is Angie King, the first woman popular election victor in Wisconsin and the third woman attorney in Wisconsin.On the bottom right are books representing the Janesville’s first public library that was established by…guess who…women! The Ladies afternoon club came together to establish this free public library.Lastly, The Janesville Cotton Manufacturing Company is depicted on the left side the mural along with 2 of their mill workers. Did you know two-thirds of the mill workers were women? Now you do!That’s all folks! If you want to learn more about Janesville’s rich art history, be sure to stay tuned for my upcoming pieces! Also, be sure to take some time to appreciate the foundational women of our town and go check out this mural at the Rock County Courthouse!Source: Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hello Janesville! I hope you’re hungry because we’re about to dive into a local gastropub, Drafthouse, located downtown at 101 E Milwaukee St Suite 101. Drafthouse emphasizes American culture through their food and spirits, as well as a strong sense of community both for their city and state.They have a selection of 24 beers on tap ALL from Wisconsin breweries as well as several community tables and an incredible view of downtown Janesville through their plethora of huge windows. Even better, you can sit at their patio and be right there in Janesville’s historical downtown. They even have special events such as wine tastings and live music!We visited Drafthouse this past week to check out some of their menu options so we could report back to you! We got the Seared Tuna Bowl and the Farmhouse Flatbread as our entrees – and they did not disappoint. The tuna bowl had sesame crusted ahi tuna, mango, cucumber, avocado, cilantro jasmine rice and sriracha aioli. The tuna was very fresh and the sear was perfect. The mix of sweet with the mango pieces, crunch from the cucumber, and spice of the aioli was a perfect combination. If you're looking for something that is filling, but doesn't leave you feeling heavy, this is certainly a dish to try.Next up, the flatbread was a flavorful experience with unique pizza toppings such as a parmesan cream sauce, five cheese blend, goat cheese, caramelized onions, sauteed spinach and some crispy bacon. I’ve certainly never had a pizza like this before – it felt decadent while still maintaining thefeel of an American classic.The service was friendly and efficient and don’t even get me started on atmosphere! They have a full wall covered in black and white prohibition era photography, modern yet homey furnishings, tons of windows and natural light, and a full, aesthetically set up bar. I also appreciated the price variation, ranging from super affordable entrees for a quick lunch, to some more upscale options for a fancy night out so everyone has an opportunity to dine on different budgets.Overall, we had a great time at this local pub, we hope to see you at Drafthouse soon!