Visiting Stevens Point for the U.S. Senior Open? Check out these local hotspots from our readers

Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal
·4 min read

STEVENS POINT – What should visitors check out while they’re in Stevens Point for the U.S. Senior Open?

The Stevens Point Journal asked its readers what local gems they’d recommend visitors see and do while they’re in the area. From beer and wine to local shops and nature, residents shared what visitors need to fill out their itineraries between rounds of golf.

Here’s what readers had to say.

Stevens Point coffee shops

A black coffee from Emy J's in Stevens Point.
A black coffee from Emy J's in Stevens Point.

Let’s start out with some caffeine. Readers said Emy J’s Coffeehouse was a must-stop for visitors. The coffee shop has its original location at 1009 First St. in Stevens Point and recently opened its Coffee Vault at 31 Park Ridge Drive in Park Ridge.

The Stevens Point Journal also asked readers last year for their favorite coffee orders at their favorite shops.

Here are some more local favorite coffee houses.

Places to eat in Stevens Point

A Yew Nork sandwich from The Main Grain Bakery & Eatery in Stevens Point.
A Yew Nork sandwich from The Main Grain Bakery & Eatery in Stevens Point.

Another local favorite readers suggested is Main Grain Bakery & Eatery, near Emy J's at 1009 First St., Site B in Stevens Point. The shop offers breads, cakes, cheesecakes and more baked goods, and it offers a lunch menu.

In the Stevens Point Journal's Best of Portage County results for 2023, residents voted for a few more of their favorite restaurants. Here are more local favorites under the "All-Around Restaurant" category:

Local beer and wine

The Stevens Point Brewery is located at 2617 Water St. in Stevens Point.
The Stevens Point Brewery is located at 2617 Water St. in Stevens Point.

Breweries and wineries were also a popular recommendation. Readers told the Stevens Point Journal they would suggest to anyone visiting the area to do a brewery tour or just spend time enjoying some locally-made beer or wine. Some readers suggested a tasting tour for visitors. Here's what they recommended:

Local stores

Residents also suggested visitors check out some local stores while they're in town to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Recommendations included the Wisconsin Wool Exchange, near Emy J's and Main Grain Bakery & Eatery at 1009 First St. in Stevens Point, The Holly Shoppe at 1519 Water St. in Stevens Point and Guild Designs at 1040 Main St. in Stevens Point.

Shoppers can find a variety of unique and locally-made gifts at Agora Makers Market in Stevens Point.
Shoppers can find a variety of unique and locally-made gifts at Agora Makers Market in Stevens Point.

Last fall, the Stevens Point Journal asked readers to share their favorite local shops for holiday gifts. Here are some recommendations they had.

Trails and parks around Stevens Point

People Kayak along the Little Plover River at Iverson Park in Stevens Point.
People Kayak along the Little Plover River at Iverson Park in Stevens Point.

Readers also shared how to spend some time outside in nature throughout Stevens Point. Recommendations included the Green Circle Trail and Schmeeckle Reserve at 2419 North Point Drive in Stevens Point. The parking lot for both will be closed during the U.S. Senior Open, but the restrooms, picnic shelter and visitor center will remain open. Visitors will need to park somewhere else in the city and walk or bike to the trail.

Residents also highlighted parks like Iverson Park at 4601 State 66, Bukolt Park at 100 Bukolt Ave., and Pfiffner Pioneer Park at 1100 Crosby Ave., where Riverfront Rendezvous will be held the same weekend as the U.S. Senior Open.

The ultimate guide

Looking for more ideas? The Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau put together a guide for visitors who will be in central Wisconsin for the first time during the U.S. Senior Open. The organization's guide, available online at www.stevenspointarea.com/visiting-the-us-senior-open, includes tips for spectators, where to stay and eat, deals, things to do, navigating the area and what type of weather to expect.

More: 'It's great for the economy': Stevens Point businesses prepare to host visitors during U.S. Senior Open

More: Arnold Palmer, Brett Favre and the Mona Lisa: 41 years of golf history at SentryWorld in Stevens Point

Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: U.S. Senior Open 2023 visitor guide, from restaurants to nature trails