10 Reasons to Visit the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville, Wisconsin

10 Reasons to Visit the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville, Wisconsin


**Disclosure: Thank you to Janesville CVB for hosting my family's visit to Janesville.

The Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville provide a unique and intriguing opportunity for exploring food while having fun. The cluster of experiences also add their own distinct vibrance to the community. I know we will be adding to this list on future explorations, but here are 10 reasons we loved the Bodacious Shops of Block 42:


1. Culinary Exploration: A variety of culinary adventures can be had under one roof with interconnected experiences. The advantage of this layout is that you enjoy multiple explorations in one convenient and inviting spot while exploring Bodacious Brew, Bodacious Olive and So Chopped!

2. Taste Bud Adventure at Bodacious Olive: Bodacious Olive was our first journey during our visit to the Bodacious Shops. The interior of Bodacious Olive looks elegant and a bit sophisticated, so you do feel like you are enjoying a special experience.

Enjoying sampling at Bodacious Olive.

We enjoyed sampling a wide variety of vinegars and olive oils. I was also pleased to see some of my favorites -- truffle oils and walnut oil. Additionally, Bodacious Olive is home to culinary gadgets and fun spices.

A variety of truffle and nut oils to tempt.

3. Quality loose leaf tea at Bodacious Brew: When traveling, I often have a difficult time finding quality loose leaf tea. Bodacious Brew not only had a lovely selection but prepared me a perfect cup of green tea for a little wake up in the morning. Bodacious Brew also has quality coffee, wine, pastries, breakfast bowls, charcuterie, wraps, quiche and much more. So much to try!

Sipping some lovely green tea!

4. Fresh Salads at So Chopped: Another challenge I often find on the road -- hearty meals that feature plenty of vegetables. Cue So Chopped! We were like kids in a candy store at So Chopped. While So Chopped features Signature Salads, you can also craft your own from a huge range of fresh ingredients. (When I say huge, I mean HUGE!) My daughter went for the Signature Caesar while my husband and I crafted our own. So Chopped also features sandwiches and wraps if you are not in the mood for salad. However, I can say that our salads were excellent quality and filling!

Caesar salad and two customized salads! Beautiful!

5. Community Events: I love when local  businesses become a community focal point and truly join  the fabric of the community. The Bodacious Shops hosts a variety of events including wine and cheese pairings, crafting events, cooking classes, yoga and more. So, keep your eye out if you are in the area!

6. Historic Building: The Bodacious Shops of Block 42 have found their home inside of a mid-1800 building. The brick building is beautiful and you can admire its history inside and out.

This lovely historic brick building is home to the Bodacious Shops!

7. Janesville Farmers Market: In the warmer months, the Janesville Farmers Market is held on the same street as the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 on Saturday mornings. Great opportunity to pick up some local produce for home and other locally made items on a visit to the Bodacious Shops!

8. Live Music on the Patio: During the warmer months the Bodacious Shops hosts entertainment on the patio. We were surprised by the size of the patio and that there even is a deck upstairs. It was a bit chilly for us to sit there during our visit but we have plans for another time!

What a patio!

9. Stunning views of the Rock River: The Bodacious Shops are so lucky to have a home right on the Rock River! You can enjoy window views, views from the patio and even a little walk along the river!

Lovely Rock River views from the Bodacious Shops!

10. Sweet Velvet Cake Company: The Bodacious Shops are neighbors to Sweet Velvet Cake Company which is an upscale bakery selling incredible cake, cupcake and macaroon temptations crafted by award winning baker Clarissa Taylor. We, of course, had to stop in for a visit. The cupcakes are heavily! Another neat aspect -- Clarissa's baking area is in plain sight, so you may just catch her working on a creation!

Enjoying delicious cupcakes at Sweet Velvet Cupcakes. Who could resist?

We had quite an adventure at the Bodacious Shops of Block 42! The Bodacious Shops truly have their own flair and personality, ready for a festive adventure for visitors. We experienced a little of everything but still have some more to explore, so I know that we will be back!