11 Ways to Relax In Wauwatosa This Holiday Season

Discover Wauwatosa

Sometimes, a gentle reminder to take a step back and care for ourselves is the gift we need during the holiday season. Whether your holidays are packed with traveling or hosting loved ones, setting time aside to unwind and relax between the buzz of festive fun activities is the perfect reset.

Discover ways to take care of yourself throughout the holiday season with these can’t-miss things to do and places to go in Wauwatosa.

1. Sample local cheeses at The Village Cheese Shop

Personally, we feel most relaxed when surrounded by cheese. The Village Cheese Shop is a small, woman-owned business located in — you guessed it — The Village! This Tosa gem offers the best artisan and farmstead cheeses from producers in the region, country, and Europe.

2. Get a manicure at Willow Nail Salon

The best form of self-care is treating yourself to a spa service. Founded by two best friends, Willow Nail Salon offers manicures, pedicures, and more in their adorable space. Take advantage of high-end experiences at affordable prices to get you prepped and pampered for the holidays.

3. Find your ‘om’ at Tosa Yoga Center

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Move your body, free your mind”? Check out Tosa Yoga Center, a boutique fitness class where you can get active in a group setting. With a variety of classes to choose from, there’s something for every skill level.

4. Find a book from The Little Read Book Store

For the bookworms who find solace cozied up with a book in hand, The Little Read Book Store in Tosa Village is just the place for you. Grab best sellers, hot new books, and books about the local area from this adorable bookshop.

5. Grab a coffee and pastries from Vendetta Coffee Bar

Also located in Tosa Village, Vendetta Coffee Bar is a cozy coffee shop that pays homage to the traditional coffee houses found in cities across Italy.

Get the true Italian cafe experience by ordering an espresso “to stand,” or choose a pastry (or two!) and soak in the cozy vibes from a seat within the café.

6. Discover Wauwatosa’s parks and trails

Sometimes a breath of fresh air is the perfect remedy for being indoors a little too long during the holiday season. From Jacobus Park Nature Trail and Oak Leaf Trail to Currie Park (a great spot for dogs, too!), Wauwatosa’s parks and trails can serve as your great escape.

7. Work remotely from Ally’s Powerhouse Café

Complete with a welcoming atmosphere within a charming rustic space, Ally’s Powerhouse Café offers fresh and flavorful food that’s perfect for a quick bite or day of working remotely. Pair a soup, salad, wrap, or sandwich with a beverage from their wine, beer, and specialty cocktails menu — you deserve it.

8. Paint a masterpiece at Arté Wine and Painting Studio

Whether you’re in it for the wine or for the painting, Arté Wine and Painting Studio is the ultimate activity to do by yourself or with a friend.

Located in Tosa Village, sign up for any of their instructor-led classes or paint your own masterpiece in an open canvas painting session.

9. Treat yourself to a stay at a Wauwatosa-area hotel

A vacation (or staycation!) at any of our Wauwatosa-area hotels is relaxation at its finest. From cozy accommodations to exciting on-site dining options, book your stay for some much-needed R&R.

10. Try a cooking class at Troquet

Sometimes cooking is the ultimate relaxation technique and, at Troquet, you’ll be cooking up a storm with classes from experienced Chicago and New York chefs Sandra Holl and Josh Johnson. Sign up for classes in trades such as pastry, chocolate, culinary, cheese making, and more.

11. Wander through Milwaukee County Zoo

Step into a winter wonderland when you visit Milwaukee County Zoo’s Wild Lights. The zoo transforms into an illuminated destination with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights. Be sure to grab your tickets ahead of time here.

Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa.

Header image courtesy of Vendetta Coffee Bar (IG).