Welcome to Stateline Buzz! Your Guide for Things to Do in Beloit WI

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and everyone’s got that one side dish they look forward to more than the turkey itself. Personally, I think the sides are what make the whole meal — that perfect bite of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy can’t be beat.So I’m curious — what’s your go-to Thanksgiving side dish? Is it Grandma’s green bean casserole, the sweet potatoes covered in marshmallows, or maybe something totally unique to your family table?Cast your vote in the poll below 👇 and let’s see which side dish wins the Stateline’s heart this year.

There’s big news in the Stateline youth athletics world. Kids Spot in Roscoe just announced that they’re officially bringing Wight Tumble Academy and J and J Dance and Tumbling into their organization. If you’ve been around youth gymnastics, tumbling, or dance in our area, you already know these two programs have been shaping young athletes for decades.Kids Spot shared that this move is all about giving families more access to high level coaching, more classes, and more opportunities. They’re keeping a focus on what each program is already known for, while also expanding what’s available through their Roscoe and Pecatonica locations.The team at Kids Spot is welcoming all the athletes, coaches, and families from both programs. They’re keeping current staff in place and making sure athletes don’t miss a beat during the transition. Wight Tumble Academy will merge into Kids Spot’s Roscoe facilities, and the Pecatonica training space will continue operating for current students.Wight Tumble Academy has been a trusted name since 2002, led by coach Terry Wight and known for producing state and national champions. J and J Dance and Tumbling, which started back in 1958, has built generations of confident, skilled young athletes through its supportive coaching approach.Kids Spot itself has grown since opening in 2004, offering everything from gymnastics and tumbling to dance, cheer, and trampoline. This expansion strengthens their commitment to creating a fun, active, and encouraging space for kids to grow.It’s a big moment for the local sports community, and a promising one for families who want more options without losing the heart of the programs they love.

There are a lot of places to grab a treat around here, but Flying Pig is one of my absolute favorites, especially when I am craving their snickerdoodle cookie. I get one every time I go because it is that good. Soft, buttery, with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, it is the kind of cookie that makes you smile with the first bite.One of my favorite tricks is picking up the day-old half-price cookies. I am not above eating a one-day-old cookie. To me, it just proves that Flying Pig bakes fresh cookies every single day, and even the leftovers are still amazing.Flying Pig offers more than just cookies. They have popcorn, ice cream, shakes, coffee, shaved ice, bubble tea, and candy. There is always something new to try or an old favorite to enjoy.The last time I visited, I did exactly what I always do. I grabbed a snickerdoodle and picked up a couple of day-old cookies to take home. I may have also checked out their popcorn flavors for later. There is something about the place that makes you slow down and just enjoy the moment.I keep going back for the consistency of their treats, the value, the variety, and the personality of the shop. Flying Pig is not just a sweet spot; it is a place that makes you feel happy every time you walk in.

In the center of downtown Rockton sits Fibs, a bar and restaurant that has become a familiar stop for anyone who enjoys classic comfort food and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. It is the kind of place where you can settle in for a full meal with friends or simply swing by for a quick bite and a cold drink. Over the years it has earned a reputation for generous portions, friendly service, and that lived-in charm only a local establishment can offer.Fibs keeps its menu rooted in the staples people return for again and again. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and hearty plates fill the lineup, along with crowd-pleasing starters like cheese curds, pretzel bites, and their well-liked fried pickles. A traditional Friday fish fry continues to draw regulars from the Stateline area, and the kitchen mixes in daily specials that give frequent visitors something new to try. Portions lean big, the atmosphere stays easygoing, and nothing feels overly complicated.The bar side of Fibs offers a solid selection of draft beer, cocktails, and simple drinks made well. It is as common to see families enjoying a weeknight dinner as it is to see people gathering after work or settling in to watch a game. The restaurant also maintains an upstairs event space, which has become a go-to for private gatherings, celebrations, and community functions.During a recent visit, a cold draft beer and an order of hand-battered fried pickles made for the perfect quick stop. Lightly crispy, warm, and full of flavor, they were paired with a beer poured just right — the kind of small, simple experience that reminds you why local places matter.Fibs remains steady in what it does best: offering a welcoming room, familiar food done well, and a comfortable place to unwind in the heart of Rockton. Whether you are stopping in for a full dinner or just grabbing a snack and a drink, it continues to be one of those reliable hometown spots that never tries to be anything other than what it is — and that is exactly why people keep coming back.

Kerry has become one of the most influential names in the world of taste and nutrition, but its story begins far from Wisconsin. The company was founded in 1972 in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland. At that time, it was a joint venture between the Irish government and local dairy cooperatives. The goal was simple but forward-thinking. They wanted to upcycle raw milk into higher-value dairy ingredients that could bring new economic opportunities to local farmers. What started as a practical solution for rural communities evolved into something much larger.Today, that original mindset of creating value through innovation is the foundation of Kerry’s global vision. The company aims to be its customers' most valued partner in creating a world of sustainable nutrition. Kerry’s focus is not only on taste, performance, and consistency, but on doing all of that in a way that is better for people, better for the planet, and better for the communities around them.As a global leader with revenue in the billions, Kerry has built its mission around ambitious targets. They are working to provide sustainable nutrition options to more than two billion people by the end of 2030. They also have major climate goals, including cutting operational emissions by more than half by 2030 on the path toward net zero. This combination of innovation and impact is what separates Kerry from so many others in the food science and ingredient world.A Strategic Move to North AmericaKerry expanded into the United States in 1987 after acquiring Beatreme Foods in Wisconsin. Choosing Wisconsin as the home for its North American operations was a calculated and thoughtful decision. The state has a long history as the dairy capital of the country, and its location provides easy access to major hubs like Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. Wisconsin offered not just convenience, but alignment with the company’s dairy-based heritage and long-term vision.The Beloit Kerry Innovation Center opened in 2009 and remains the centerpiece of the company’s North American presence. The campus spans 260,000 square feet and sits on 129 acres. The building is designed for collaboration and problem-solving. Inside, the halls are filled with chefs, food scientists, flavorists, sensory experts, marketers, and business leaders who work side by side with customers to test ideas, refine recipes, and bring new solutions to life.The facility is equipped with test kitchens, food science labs, collaboration rooms, and even a pilot manufacturing plant where teams can produce small-scale versions of new products before they ever hit the market. It blends creativity, science, and technology in a way that brings new food and beverage concepts to life faster and more reliably than traditional development models.The Innovation Center is also built with employee wellness in mind. There is a full cafe, coffee stations on every floor, a gym, outdoor seating areas, and modern meeting spaces designed to encourage teamwork. It is very much a place where ideas are meant to move freely.What Kerry Does and Why It MattersKerry’s work reaches far beyond what most people see on the surface. Every day, more than one billion consumers around the globe enjoy products that include Kerry’s ingredients or technologies. These range from flavor systems and seasonings to nutritional enhancements and functional ingredients used in everything from beverages to snacks to specialized nutrition products.Their goal is not only to make food taste better, but to make it feel better and function better for consumers. That can include improving flavor, enhancing nutrition, lowering sugar or salt levels, supporting clean label solutions, and helping brands create items that are both enjoyable and sustainable.The company’s scientific approach is grounded in consumer data and sensory research. They study how people taste, what they crave, how flavors interact, and where businesses can improve products without losing what people love. This is where the Beloit Innovation Center plays a major role. It acts as a collaborative meeting space where global brands come to ideate, test, refine, and perfect new recipes and formulas.A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Sensory TestingDuring my visit, I had a chance to see that process up close. To give me a real feel for how their internal teams evaluate flavor accuracy, balance, and consumer perception, they set up a tasting test.They handed me Skittles with no color cues at all and asked me to guess the flavor. They also passed along a set of chips, some with light salt and some without, and challenged me to spot the difference. What seems simple becomes surprisingly tricky once you remove visual cues. It showed me how much our senses influence each other, and how detailed and precise their testing needs to be.This kind of sensory work helps Kerry guide businesses when they want to adjust a recipe, improve taste, or create a healthier version of an existing product. They rely on honest, unbiased feedback to help companies understand how real consumers respond when they cannot depend on packaging or color to influence their expectations. It was a fun challenge, but also an eye-opening experience that gave me a much deeper appreciation for how seriously they take the science of taste.Kerry’s Local and Global ImpactWhat stands out the most is how connected Kerry remains to its roots. Even as a global powerhouse, the company still operates with a community-focused mindset. The Beloit campus is a perfect example of that. It brings high-skill jobs to the Stateline area, supports local education and workforce initiatives, and maintains strong relationships with regional partners.At the same time, Kerry’s work affects consumers all over the world. Their products are part of everyday snacks, drinks, meals, and health items. Whether someone is grabbing a flavored sparkling water, enjoying a protein bar, or using a nutrition supplement, there is a good chance Kerry played a role in how that product tastes or performs.Their commitment to sustainability and nutrition is shaping the future of food. As businesses look for ways to reduce environmental impact, cut waste, and create healthier products, Kerry is helping them find solutions that are both responsible and enjoyable.A Look AheadMy visit to the Kerry Innovation Center in Beloit was more than a tour. It was a look into the future of how food and drink products are made. The blend of science, creativity, and collaboration happening inside that building is something everyone in the community should be proud of.Kerry continues to push boundaries in sustainable nutrition, and they are doing it with a global perspective while staying grounded right here in the Stateline area. From their roots in Ireland to their innovation in Beloit, they are proving that better taste and better nutrition can move forward together.

Roscoe has a new breakfast and lunch spot that is already gaining attention. Sebastian’s Cafe officially opened its doors in late spring, bringing a warm, family-run restaurant to the former Crazy Llama Brewery building at 5312 Williams Drive. The cafe is owned by Ivan and Esmerelda Torres, who named the business after their young son, Sebastian. After spending years working in the restaurant industry, they decided it was time to build something of their own, focusing on comfort food, hospitality, and creating a place where the community feels at home.The opening included a ribbon-cutting with village officials, local leaders, and members of the Torres family. The celebration reflected what the cafe stands for at its core: family, community, and a personal approach to classic breakfast and lunch favorites.Sebastian’s Cafe serves breakfast and lunch every day from early morning through mid-afternoon. Their menu leans into familiar dishes made from scratch, including skillets, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, pancakes, homemade soups, and a range of daily lunch plates. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with a focus on simple meals done well at prices that stay within reach for everyday visitors.One of the standout items is the Roasted Apple Crunch Pancake. It features warm roasted apples, crunchy pecans, and a light touch of cinnamon served over fluffy pancakes. It is the kind of dish that brings a cozy, homemade feel to the table and has already become a favorite for many early guests.During my visit, I tried the Roasted Apple Crunch Pancake and can easily say it sits in the top three pancakes of my entire life. The texture, flavor, and warmth all came together perfectly. Paired with a fresh cup of coffee, it made for a morning that hit all the right notes.Sebastian’s Cafe brings a fresh energy to Roscoe. The space feels welcoming, the food carries a homemade comfort, and the owners have poured their genuine hearts into building a place that reflects who they are. With its family-first approach and emphasis on quality, Sebastian’s is poised to become a regular stop for locals looking for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy lunch spot.If you need a new go-to cafe in the Stateline area, Sebastian’s is absolutely worth checking out.

Tucked along East Grand Avenue sits a shop that has become a quiet favorite for collectors, jewelry lovers, and anyone who appreciates the stories objects carry. J and G’s Coins, Rings, and Things, owned by John and Gaia, offers a mix of expertise, curiosity, and old-fashioned customer connection that has helped them stand out in the Stateline community.The shop blends two worlds. On one side, it is a destination for serious coin collectors seeking rare, historic, or hard-to-find pieces. On the other hand, it is a warm and welcoming place to explore estate jewelry, gold and silver, vintage watches, and a variety of unique items that change almost daily. The inventory is constantly refreshed as John and Gaia buy, sell, trade, and appraise items sourced from the community and beyond.What makes the business compelling is the personal approach. John and Gaia are hands-on owners who take time to explain the value and background of the pieces they curate. Whether someone walks in with a box of old coins, a family heirloom, or a question about selling gold, the experience is anchored in honesty and knowledge. Customers often describe the shop as a place where they feel both informed and respected, which has helped build a loyal following.Their work is built around curiosity and passion. They enjoy the discovery process, from evaluating the authenticity of rare coins to finding beautiful jewelry that deserves a second life. Every item has a story, and they aim to preserve that while helping customers understand what makes each piece special. It is part history lesson, part treasure hunt, and part neighborhood business built on trust.J and G’s Coins, Rings, and Things continues to grow as more people rediscover the appeal of quality, craftsmanship, and meaningful keepsakes. Whether visitors arrive as collectors or simply wander in out of curiosity, many leave with something unexpected. It might be a coin with historical weight, a ring that catches the light perfectly, or a memory of a good conversation with owners who truly love what they do.For anyone exploring Beloit or looking for a reliable place to buy or sell valuables, J and G’s offers a steady presence downtown. It is a shop shaped by passion, guided by expertise, and rooted in a genuine appreciation for the stories people bring through the door.

At 408 E. Grand Avenue in Downtown Beloit, Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts stands out as a warm, creative hub for personalized and thoughtful presents. Owned by entrepreneur Nikkie Chadwick, the store blends the craftsmanship of custom apparel and engraving with a genuine hometown feel.While Walnut Creek originally grew out of a woodshop, over the years it has expanded into a multi‑business operation under Chadwick’s leadership. She now oversees not only the retail shop, but also award making, hardwood production, and promotional branding services. Her ability to build something from the ground up is reflected in the store’s inviting, hands‑on atmosphere.Inside the downtown storefront, customers find more than just retail inventory. The team specializes in screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, and laser engraving, transforming ordinary items into meaningful keepsakes. Whether someone wants a name on a hoodie, a photo on a pillow, or a heartfelt message etched into a cutting board, Walnut Creek delivers with creativity and care.As the holidays approach, this little shop becomes a destination for gifts that feel personal. The selection includes engraved cutting boards, personalized ornaments, full‑color pillows, and even fu,n ugly Christmas sweaters. In one tucked-away bonus room, seasonal shirts and limited-edition holiday items fill the shelves, making it perfect for discovering something unique.Walnut Creek also brings seasonally sweet offers. They host a “Pink Friday” sale with up to 20 percent off select items, and they celebrate Small Business Saturday by inviting the Beloit community downtown to shop, support, and share in the local spirit.More than just a store, Walnut Creek is deeply rooted in community. Chadwick’s team partners with schools, organizations, and local events to deliver custom apparel, fundraising gear, and recognition pieces. Their design process is hands‑on, and they welcome customers with rough sketches or ideas, helping bring each vision to life.Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts is a place where authenticity meets artistry. It’s not just about buying a giftit’s about creating something special, rooted in the Stateline community. Whether you want a thoughtful holiday treasure or a personalized piece made just for you, this downtown Beloit gem is worth a stop.