The Harley-Davidson Museum of Milwaukee
Having opened to the public on July 12, 2008, on a 20-acre site in the Menomonee Valley, the Harley-Davidson Museum has become a huge success. It was built in an historically industrial area of Milwaukee, as the site was formerly used by the Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Lakeshore Sand Company, and Morton Salt. A 1.2 meter layer of imported soil was added to combat the contaminated soil. New vegetation was planted to restore the landscape to its riparian state.
In late February 2006, designs for the museum were unveiled, having been created by James Biber, a partner at Pentagram, his team, and Michael Zweck-Bonner, an associate at Pentagram. Abbott Miller, a partner at Pentagram, designed the museum's permanent exhibitions, and the firm had designed the museum over a period of eight years. On June 1, 2006, Harley-Davidson began the construction of the $75 million complex with a groundbreaking ceremony that included legendary Harley-Davidson dirt track motorcycle racer, Scott Parker, breaking ground by doing a burnout with a Harley-Davidson XL883R Sportster, instead of with the traditional golden shovel. The site includes parking spaces for 1,000 motorcycles and 500 cars. The Museum's facade also features a 17-foot (5.2 m) tall, steel Harley-Davidson sign.
Today, there are more than 450 motorcycles and artifacts at the museum, dating back to Serial Number One, the oldest-known Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Stories of extraordinary products, people, history, and Harley-Davidson culture, can be explored here. The world-class museum space and outlying buildings, situated on the Milwaukee riverfront, also has great views of the city skyline. You can also have your own piece of memorabilia, as the Harley-Davidson Museum gift shop sells plenty of H-D inspired items. There's also the Harley-Davidson -themed eatery - MOTOR . Museum admission isn't required to eat there, so if you're just looking for somewhere interesting to hang out and have a good lunch, why not give it a try.
The museum itself is packed with great Harley-Davidson motors, memorabilia, and historical archives, including the unique 'Experience Gallery'. For some of you, this is the moment you've been waiting for, as you can climb on board one of the many motorcycles that inhabit the gallery. Chosen for their diverse scale, the bikes in this gallery are here for you to sit on, touch, and admire. And while sitting in the saddle of one of these legendary rides, enjoy a video that allows you to experience the great roads of America and the camaraderie of riding that is at the heart of the Harley-Davidson experience. While you’re there, take a seat on one of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles and get a photo!
At the time of this writing, the entrance cost is just $20 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $10 for children (free for under five), which gives great value for the money and a memorable day out for anyone including families, not just those who have a particular interest in Harley-Davidson or motor history.
Showing posts with label Milwaukee Attractions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Milwaukee Attractions. Show all posts
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum was chartered in 1882 and opened to the public in 1884; it is a not-for-profit organization operated by the Milwaukee Public Museum, Inc. There are three floors of exhibits and the first IMAX Theater in Wisconsin. Admission is free to residents of Milwaukee County on the first Thursday of every month and to Milwaukee County jurors at all times.
There are Ancient Egyptian mummies, recreated streets of Old Milwaukee, classic Mediterranean villages, exotic and intriguing Pacific Islands, and the Sense of Wonder exhibit, which highlights what Victorian museums were like, celebrating the oddity of species and showcasing a humpback whale skeleton. The planetarium is the largest and most modern in Wisconsin, filling the Dome Theater with animations and projections and immersing guests in the wonders of the universe.
From hundreds of positive reviews on tripadvisor.com, here are a few which help give you an idea: "Awesome place to spend all day or at minimum, several hours! Great Cafe, snacks, elevators for convenience, and friendly, helpful staff.", "Don't miss visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum. We could have set aside more time as it is almost impossible to see all there is to see in just a few hours. There is a new exhibit entitled Crossroads of Civilization which deals with ancient times in the east and Mediterranean areas of the world. The Streets of Old Milwaukee which I remember visiting as a child was closed for renovation, but there was so much to see. What a great learning experience!"
The good news is that The Streets of Old Milwaukee experience is soon reopening (December 2015), and should be better than ever. It will include new storefronts and businesses and reflect cultural and economic changes of the post-Industrial era. The museum hopes to create a "heightened sensory experience" that includes hands-on displays, hidden "secrets," the ability to eavesdrop on conversations from the past and even smells. A new life-size streetcar will carry visitors into the exhibit and help you travel back in time.
There are also many efforts to make the museum more accessible for everybody. Dawn Koceja, who heads the museum's accessibility efforts, explains that innovations aimed at the visually impaired grew out of a collaboration between the museum and ABLE, who provide audio and Braille transcription services to 2,000 people in southeastern Wisconsin. ABLE have helped to "change the whole mind-set of the museum" which has led to more hands-on experiences for visitors. As a result of that collaboration, the museum has committed at least $100,000 to accessibility enhancements this year alone, and Koceja will also be reaching out to other groups in the coming years.
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum was chartered in 1882 and opened to the public in 1884; it is a not-for-profit organization operated by the Milwaukee Public Museum, Inc. There are three floors of exhibits and the first IMAX Theater in Wisconsin. Admission is free to residents of Milwaukee County on the first Thursday of every month and to Milwaukee County jurors at all times.
There are Ancient Egyptian mummies, recreated streets of Old Milwaukee, classic Mediterranean villages, exotic and intriguing Pacific Islands, and the Sense of Wonder exhibit, which highlights what Victorian museums were like, celebrating the oddity of species and showcasing a humpback whale skeleton. The planetarium is the largest and most modern in Wisconsin, filling the Dome Theater with animations and projections and immersing guests in the wonders of the universe.
From hundreds of positive reviews on tripadvisor.com, here are a few which help give you an idea: "Awesome place to spend all day or at minimum, several hours! Great Cafe, snacks, elevators for convenience, and friendly, helpful staff.", "Don't miss visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum. We could have set aside more time as it is almost impossible to see all there is to see in just a few hours. There is a new exhibit entitled Crossroads of Civilization which deals with ancient times in the east and Mediterranean areas of the world. The Streets of Old Milwaukee which I remember visiting as a child was closed for renovation, but there was so much to see. What a great learning experience!"
The good news is that The Streets of Old Milwaukee experience is soon reopening (December 2015), and should be better than ever. It will include new storefronts and businesses and reflect cultural and economic changes of the post-Industrial era. The museum hopes to create a "heightened sensory experience" that includes hands-on displays, hidden "secrets," the ability to eavesdrop on conversations from the past and even smells. A new life-size streetcar will carry visitors into the exhibit and help you travel back in time.
There are also many efforts to make the museum more accessible for everybody. Dawn Koceja, who heads the museum's accessibility efforts, explains that innovations aimed at the visually impaired grew out of a collaboration between the museum and ABLE, who provide audio and Braille transcription services to 2,000 people in southeastern Wisconsin. ABLE have helped to "change the whole mind-set of the museum" which has led to more hands-on experiences for visitors. As a result of that collaboration, the museum has committed at least $100,000 to accessibility enhancements this year alone, and Koceja will also be reaching out to other groups in the coming years.
Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum collects and preserves art, presenting it to the community as a vital source of inspiration and education. From its roots in Milwaukee’s first art gallery in 1888, the Museum has grown today to be an icon for Milwaukee and a resource for the entire state, with 30,000 works of art and 400,000+ visitors a year. The 341,000-square-foot Museum includes the War Memorial Center (1957) designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Kahler Building (1975) by David Kahler, and the Quadracci Pavilion (2001) created by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Central to the Museum’s mission is its role as a premier educational resource, with educational programs that are among the largest in the nation, involving classes, tours, and a full calendar of events for all ages.
With excellent ratings and reviews, it's generally agreed that this museum is very much worth a visit. On tripadvisor.com, for example, here are a few comments which are typical of many: "This is always an interesting place to visit. The museum itself is amazing to behold from the inside and outside"; "The Quadracci Pavilion by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, alone is worth the visit. The building is breath taking and could easily be the most memorable object that you'll see here"; "The Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-see when visiting Milwaukee. Even if you don't have time (or interest) in seeing the actual exhibits, you must come inside the building to see the unique architecture and views of the lake. However, there is a nice collection and traveling exhibits, so I definitely recommend sticking around." The positive sentiment is overwhelming for the Milwaukee Art Museum, and for good reason.
Four floors of over forty galleries of art are rotated regularly with works from antiquity to the present in the Museum’s far-reaching Collection. Included in the Collection are 15th– to 20th–century European and 17th– to 20th–century American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, decorative arts, photographs, and folk and self-taught art. Among the best in the nation are the Museum’s holding of American decorative arts, German Expressionism, folk and Haitian art, and American art after 1960. The Museum also holds one of the largest collections of works by Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keeffe. Important artists represented include Nardo di Cione, Francisco de Zurbarán, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Winslow Homer, Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, Jóan Miro, Mark Rothko, Robert Gober, and Andy Warhol.
With various traveling exhibits and events which also come and go, there's always a good reason to visit this fine Milwaukee attraction time after time. If you are an art lover then make sure you have a whole day, as there is so much that will take your interest here.
The Milwaukee Art Museum collects and preserves art, presenting it to the community as a vital source of inspiration and education. From its roots in Milwaukee’s first art gallery in 1888, the Museum has grown today to be an icon for Milwaukee and a resource for the entire state, with 30,000 works of art and 400,000+ visitors a year. The 341,000-square-foot Museum includes the War Memorial Center (1957) designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Kahler Building (1975) by David Kahler, and the Quadracci Pavilion (2001) created by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Central to the Museum’s mission is its role as a premier educational resource, with educational programs that are among the largest in the nation, involving classes, tours, and a full calendar of events for all ages.
With excellent ratings and reviews, it's generally agreed that this museum is very much worth a visit. On tripadvisor.com, for example, here are a few comments which are typical of many: "This is always an interesting place to visit. The museum itself is amazing to behold from the inside and outside"; "The Quadracci Pavilion by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, alone is worth the visit. The building is breath taking and could easily be the most memorable object that you'll see here"; "The Milwaukee Art Museum is a must-see when visiting Milwaukee. Even if you don't have time (or interest) in seeing the actual exhibits, you must come inside the building to see the unique architecture and views of the lake. However, there is a nice collection and traveling exhibits, so I definitely recommend sticking around." The positive sentiment is overwhelming for the Milwaukee Art Museum, and for good reason.
Four floors of over forty galleries of art are rotated regularly with works from antiquity to the present in the Museum’s far-reaching Collection. Included in the Collection are 15th– to 20th–century European and 17th– to 20th–century American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, decorative arts, photographs, and folk and self-taught art. Among the best in the nation are the Museum’s holding of American decorative arts, German Expressionism, folk and Haitian art, and American art after 1960. The Museum also holds one of the largest collections of works by Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keeffe. Important artists represented include Nardo di Cione, Francisco de Zurbarán, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Winslow Homer, Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, Jóan Miro, Mark Rothko, Robert Gober, and Andy Warhol.
With various traveling exhibits and events which also come and go, there's always a good reason to visit this fine Milwaukee attraction time after time. If you are an art lover then make sure you have a whole day, as there is so much that will take your interest here.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Concert and Theatre Venues in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a great town for local music. From hot indie acts at the revamped Pabst Theater, to classical favorites performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts, those looking for live music have a full roster of events to choose from on any given night of the week. This list takes a look at some of the larger venues in the Milwaukee area for live music.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater 108 E Wells St Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 224-9490 www.milwaukeerep.com
Milwaukee Theatre 400 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 (800) 464-3031 www.milwaukeetheatre.com
African-American Children's Theatre 325 W Walnut St Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414) 461-5771 www.aact.us
Alchemist Theatre 2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 426-4169 www.thealchemisttheatre.com
Northern Lights Theater 1721 W. Canal Street Milwaukee, WI 53233 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 847-7922 www.paysbig.com
Fireside Dinner Theatre 1131 Janesville Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0007 Region: Outlying Phone: (920) 563-9505 www.firesidetheatre.com
Milwaukee Theatre 500 W. Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 908-6000 www.milwaukeetheatre.com
Avalon Atmospheric Theater & Lounge 2473 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 Region: South/Airport Phone: (414) 539-6678 www.timescinema.com
Bavarian Soccer Club 700 W. Lexington Boulevard Glendale, WI 53217 Region: Northeast Phone: (414) 462-9147 www.bavariansoccerclub.com
Bel Canto Chorus 158 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 481-8801 www.belcanto.org
Cedarburg Cultural Center W62 N546 Washington Avenue Cedarburg, WI 53012 Region: Outlying Phone: (262) 375-3676 www.cedarburgculturalcenter.org
Danceworks, Inc. 1661 N. Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 277-8480 www.danceworksmke.org
David Barnett Gallery 1024 E. State Street at Prospect Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 271-5058 www.davidbarnettgallery.com
Festival City Symphony Pabst Theater 144 E. Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 365-8861 www.festivalcitysymphony.org
First Stage Offices 325 W. Walnut Street Milwaukee, WI 53212 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 267-2929 www.firststage.org
Florentine Opera Company 930 E. Burleigh Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 291-5700 www.florentineopera.org
In Tandem Theatre, Inc. Tenth Street Theatre 628 N. Tenth Street Milwaukee, WI 53233 Region: Downtown Phone:(414) 271-1371 www.intandemtheatre.org
John Michael Kohler Arts Center 608 New York Avenue P. O. Box 489 Sheboygan, WI 53082 Region: Outlying Phone: (920) 458-6144 Phone: (414) 271-1371 www.jmkac.org
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts 929 N. Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 273-7121 www.marcuscenter.org
Milwaukee Ballet 504 W. National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53204 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 902-2103 www.milwaukeeballet.org
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Broadway Theatre Center 158 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: 414/291-7800 www.milwaukeechambertheatre.com
Milwaukee Public Theatre 626 E. Kilbourn Avenue Suite 802 Milwaukee, WI 53202-3237 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 347-1685 www.milwaukeepublictheatre.org
Milwaukee Repertory Theater 108 E Wells St Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 224-9490 www.milwaukeerep.com
Milwaukee Theatre 400 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 (800) 464-3031 www.milwaukeetheatre.com
African-American Children's Theatre 325 W Walnut St Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414) 461-5771 www.aact.us
Alchemist Theatre 2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 426-4169 www.thealchemisttheatre.com
Northern Lights Theater 1721 W. Canal Street Milwaukee, WI 53233 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 847-7922 www.paysbig.com
Fireside Dinner Theatre 1131 Janesville Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0007 Region: Outlying Phone: (920) 563-9505 www.firesidetheatre.com
Milwaukee Theatre 500 W. Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 908-6000 www.milwaukeetheatre.com
Avalon Atmospheric Theater & Lounge 2473 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 Region: South/Airport Phone: (414) 539-6678 www.timescinema.com
Bavarian Soccer Club 700 W. Lexington Boulevard Glendale, WI 53217 Region: Northeast Phone: (414) 462-9147 www.bavariansoccerclub.com
Bel Canto Chorus 158 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 481-8801 www.belcanto.org
Cedarburg Cultural Center W62 N546 Washington Avenue Cedarburg, WI 53012 Region: Outlying Phone: (262) 375-3676 www.cedarburgculturalcenter.org
Danceworks, Inc. 1661 N. Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 277-8480 www.danceworksmke.org
David Barnett Gallery 1024 E. State Street at Prospect Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 271-5058 www.davidbarnettgallery.com
Festival City Symphony Pabst Theater 144 E. Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 365-8861 www.festivalcitysymphony.org
First Stage Offices 325 W. Walnut Street Milwaukee, WI 53212 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 267-2929 www.firststage.org
Florentine Opera Company 930 E. Burleigh Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 291-5700 www.florentineopera.org
In Tandem Theatre, Inc. Tenth Street Theatre 628 N. Tenth Street Milwaukee, WI 53233 Region: Downtown Phone:(414) 271-1371 www.intandemtheatre.org
John Michael Kohler Arts Center 608 New York Avenue P. O. Box 489 Sheboygan, WI 53082 Region: Outlying Phone: (920) 458-6144 Phone: (414) 271-1371 www.jmkac.org
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts 929 N. Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 273-7121 www.marcuscenter.org
Milwaukee Ballet 504 W. National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53204 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 902-2103 www.milwaukeeballet.org
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Broadway Theatre Center 158 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 Region: Downtown Phone: 414/291-7800 www.milwaukeechambertheatre.com
Milwaukee Public Theatre 626 E. Kilbourn Avenue Suite 802 Milwaukee, WI 53202-3237 Region: Downtown Phone: (414) 347-1685 www.milwaukeepublictheatre.org
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Milwaukee Attractions
Interesting and fun things to do and see around the Milwaukee area and surrounding communities this fall and winter
Whether you like to party or stroll along the river, Milwaukee is just the place for you. Much of the big city’s fame comes from its breweries, as it should, but that is far from all it has to offer. Events throughout the summer months have shifted Milwaukee’s identity to the "City of Festivals". That is largely due to one huge festival, Summerfest, which has been recognized as the World's Largest Music Festival by the Guinness Book of World Records since 1999. Outside of the music and beer, Milwaukee is also home to fantastic food, a richly diverse community, a vast number of great museums, and so much more. When setting off on your Milwaukee adventure, be sure to check out some of these places to see and things to do.
Henry Maier Festival Park
Often referred to as the Summerfest Grounds, this is where Summerfest and other festivals happen just about every weekend all summer long. Ethnic and cultural festivals comprise most of the events aside from Summerfest, and include Irish Fest, Pride Fest, Polish Fest, German Fest, Mexican Fiesta, and many, many more. Races and charity events are also common. The big concerts take place in the Marcus Amphitheater, which holds 23,000 people. The park sits on prime real estate being that it sits on the outskirts of the city and rests on the Milwaukee Bay, steps away from Lakeshore state park and the historic Third Ward. If you are in town during any prolonged intervals of sunshine, make your way over; there's sure to be a great event worth your precious leisure time.
Brew Pubs
I mentioned there is more to Milwaukee than its local beer scene. I wouldn't think of leaving out this formidable force, however. Local brewing is abound in this town, and the competition is fierce. There are plenty of different styles of pubs, as well as styles of brews around every corner, it seems, between Kilbourn Town and Juneau Town, along with a sporadic brewery or brewpub elsewhere around town. You can take tours of a lot of them, and most are cheap. These pubs won't be hard to find, but might make your hotel difficult to find afterwards, so take the necessary precautions and don't overdo it. It's hard to enjoy any city with a hangover.
Riverwalk
There are several miles of waterfront walkways that combine the thrill of being in a big city with the aesthetic advantage of having a central waterway. The project began in 1988 and is ever expanding to combine local business opportunities with the chance to get some recess for the residents and visitors to the city. The vendors along the way will offer plenty to snack on or to bring home as a souvenir or gift. A stroll on the Riverwalk is a great way to experience Milwaukee. Look for the Fonz statue along the way. If you spot it, make sure to say "HEEEY" for me.
Harley-Davidson Museum
The only one of its kind, be sure to check out this special attraction with a complete collection of the world famous bikes. Artifacts from the very first Harley motorcycle ever built to the concept bikes of the future are here, along with everything in between. You don't ride? No problem. Anyone can enjoy the museum with all that it has to offer. There are extremely well-put-together exhibits that are as artful as they are informative. There are interactive exhibits as well for all ages. Go for a loved one who has interest, and find yourself being drawn into the wonderful history of Harley-Davidson.
Basilica of St. Josaphat
There aren't many like this in the world. There certainly aren't many like it in the United States. A beautiful structure that was built for worship in 1901 can be visited today no matter your faith. Sporting one of the largest copper domes in the world, the structure has charming details top to bottom. Even if you have been to Europe and visited the basilicas there, you'll find that this one has some credibility and stature all its own. This is not the kind of place you can let your kids run around; you should either make it a quick destination with the younger ones, or you can leave the little ones with a sitter and enjoy a peaceful afternoon wandering around and through the Basilica.
Safe House
It's no secret that this place is more for the novel experience than it is for the food. Not that the food is bad (far from it), but you won't run into Wolfgang Puck in the kitchen. You may, however, run into a list of other celebrities, as they are known for stopping in from time to time. The spy theme is fun for kids and adults alike. For the kids, there is plenty to look at and play with. For the grown-ups, there is a dance floor in the basement. There are a lot of surprises here, and I don't want to ruin them. I will say that you better know the password. So, go looking for some fun - you'll be sure to leave with a big smile.
Whether you like to party or stroll along the river, Milwaukee is just the place for you. Much of the big city’s fame comes from its breweries, as it should, but that is far from all it has to offer. Events throughout the summer months have shifted Milwaukee’s identity to the "City of Festivals". That is largely due to one huge festival, Summerfest, which has been recognized as the World's Largest Music Festival by the Guinness Book of World Records since 1999. Outside of the music and beer, Milwaukee is also home to fantastic food, a richly diverse community, a vast number of great museums, and so much more. When setting off on your Milwaukee adventure, be sure to check out some of these places to see and things to do.
Henry Maier Festival Park
Often referred to as the Summerfest Grounds, this is where Summerfest and other festivals happen just about every weekend all summer long. Ethnic and cultural festivals comprise most of the events aside from Summerfest, and include Irish Fest, Pride Fest, Polish Fest, German Fest, Mexican Fiesta, and many, many more. Races and charity events are also common. The big concerts take place in the Marcus Amphitheater, which holds 23,000 people. The park sits on prime real estate being that it sits on the outskirts of the city and rests on the Milwaukee Bay, steps away from Lakeshore state park and the historic Third Ward. If you are in town during any prolonged intervals of sunshine, make your way over; there's sure to be a great event worth your precious leisure time.
Brew Pubs
I mentioned there is more to Milwaukee than its local beer scene. I wouldn't think of leaving out this formidable force, however. Local brewing is abound in this town, and the competition is fierce. There are plenty of different styles of pubs, as well as styles of brews around every corner, it seems, between Kilbourn Town and Juneau Town, along with a sporadic brewery or brewpub elsewhere around town. You can take tours of a lot of them, and most are cheap. These pubs won't be hard to find, but might make your hotel difficult to find afterwards, so take the necessary precautions and don't overdo it. It's hard to enjoy any city with a hangover.
Riverwalk
There are several miles of waterfront walkways that combine the thrill of being in a big city with the aesthetic advantage of having a central waterway. The project began in 1988 and is ever expanding to combine local business opportunities with the chance to get some recess for the residents and visitors to the city. The vendors along the way will offer plenty to snack on or to bring home as a souvenir or gift. A stroll on the Riverwalk is a great way to experience Milwaukee. Look for the Fonz statue along the way. If you spot it, make sure to say "HEEEY" for me.
Harley-Davidson Museum
The only one of its kind, be sure to check out this special attraction with a complete collection of the world famous bikes. Artifacts from the very first Harley motorcycle ever built to the concept bikes of the future are here, along with everything in between. You don't ride? No problem. Anyone can enjoy the museum with all that it has to offer. There are extremely well-put-together exhibits that are as artful as they are informative. There are interactive exhibits as well for all ages. Go for a loved one who has interest, and find yourself being drawn into the wonderful history of Harley-Davidson.
Basilica of St. Josaphat
There aren't many like this in the world. There certainly aren't many like it in the United States. A beautiful structure that was built for worship in 1901 can be visited today no matter your faith. Sporting one of the largest copper domes in the world, the structure has charming details top to bottom. Even if you have been to Europe and visited the basilicas there, you'll find that this one has some credibility and stature all its own. This is not the kind of place you can let your kids run around; you should either make it a quick destination with the younger ones, or you can leave the little ones with a sitter and enjoy a peaceful afternoon wandering around and through the Basilica.
Safe House
It's no secret that this place is more for the novel experience than it is for the food. Not that the food is bad (far from it), but you won't run into Wolfgang Puck in the kitchen. You may, however, run into a list of other celebrities, as they are known for stopping in from time to time. The spy theme is fun for kids and adults alike. For the kids, there is plenty to look at and play with. For the grown-ups, there is a dance floor in the basement. There are a lot of surprises here, and I don't want to ruin them. I will say that you better know the password. So, go looking for some fun - you'll be sure to leave with a big smile.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Bay View Neighborhood Milwaukee
Things to see and do in Bay View
Bay View is a neighborhood right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan that was founded in 1867. It is a beautiful area with great views, and lots to do. Because its boundaries are quite imprecise, and have changed many times, many south-siders not technically in the neighborhood do still consider themselves as Bay View residents. Today, Bay View maintains its blue-collar feel, although properties along the lake run higher than in interior parts of the city. Despite its working class roots, you'll find that most parts of Bay View retain a high owner occupancy rate, and that the homes and properties are very well kept. Housing stock in the area varies from small cottages built by steel workers in the 1800s to Victorians and Milwaukee bungalows.
Captain Eber Brock Ward, of Michigan, opened his third rolling mill, The Milwaukee Iron Co., in Bay View in 1868. Within a year the village of Bay View sprung up as a company town around the steel mill. Cottages erected for mill workers became the center of the village. Many of these cottages are still occupied today and are a part of the diverse architecture of the Bay View neighborhood. With village incorporation in 1879, its rapid growth and demands for city services were so great that a vote was taken and the village was annexed to the city of Milwaukee in 1887, but Bay View's early days as a village helped create a degree of self-sufficiency for residents of today.
Bay View has many independently-owned museums, venues and businesses, so you can find a lot of unique culture and activities in the area. From dining to music venues, you can enjoy things in Bay View that you can't find anywhere else. There are plenty of historical sites such as the first Milwaukee-area railroad depot, which was established there. Another site of interest is the 25-story, 275-foot-high Bay View Terrace, which serves as the neighborhood's tallest building.
There are several campsites and fishing areas if you enjoy spending time outdoors. You can even take a guided fishing trip and find some the of best spots on the lake. Bay View also has great dining, and lots of choices for your family. You can choose from great sandwiches, pizza, fish, and coffee shops and get a taste of the local flavor. Bay View is a very friendly neighborhood, and will welcome you with open arms. Bay View boasts a stunning natural environment and rich Victorian history. Each summer, Bay View offers more than 50 concert experiences in a friendly community atmosphere. Also open to the public are recreational and cultural youth programs and water sports, including swimming and sailing instruction.
With the combination of interesting history and continuous cultural growth of Bay View, not to mention the obvious lakeside beauty, it is certainly one of the best days out in the Milwaukee area. You will find plenty to educate, inspire and entertain, whether you are alone, with friends or taking the family.
Bay View is a neighborhood right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan that was founded in 1867. It is a beautiful area with great views, and lots to do. Because its boundaries are quite imprecise, and have changed many times, many south-siders not technically in the neighborhood do still consider themselves as Bay View residents. Today, Bay View maintains its blue-collar feel, although properties along the lake run higher than in interior parts of the city. Despite its working class roots, you'll find that most parts of Bay View retain a high owner occupancy rate, and that the homes and properties are very well kept. Housing stock in the area varies from small cottages built by steel workers in the 1800s to Victorians and Milwaukee bungalows.
Captain Eber Brock Ward, of Michigan, opened his third rolling mill, The Milwaukee Iron Co., in Bay View in 1868. Within a year the village of Bay View sprung up as a company town around the steel mill. Cottages erected for mill workers became the center of the village. Many of these cottages are still occupied today and are a part of the diverse architecture of the Bay View neighborhood. With village incorporation in 1879, its rapid growth and demands for city services were so great that a vote was taken and the village was annexed to the city of Milwaukee in 1887, but Bay View's early days as a village helped create a degree of self-sufficiency for residents of today.
Bay View has many independently-owned museums, venues and businesses, so you can find a lot of unique culture and activities in the area. From dining to music venues, you can enjoy things in Bay View that you can't find anywhere else. There are plenty of historical sites such as the first Milwaukee-area railroad depot, which was established there. Another site of interest is the 25-story, 275-foot-high Bay View Terrace, which serves as the neighborhood's tallest building.
There are several campsites and fishing areas if you enjoy spending time outdoors. You can even take a guided fishing trip and find some the of best spots on the lake. Bay View also has great dining, and lots of choices for your family. You can choose from great sandwiches, pizza, fish, and coffee shops and get a taste of the local flavor. Bay View is a very friendly neighborhood, and will welcome you with open arms. Bay View boasts a stunning natural environment and rich Victorian history. Each summer, Bay View offers more than 50 concert experiences in a friendly community atmosphere. Also open to the public are recreational and cultural youth programs and water sports, including swimming and sailing instruction.
With the combination of interesting history and continuous cultural growth of Bay View, not to mention the obvious lakeside beauty, it is certainly one of the best days out in the Milwaukee area. You will find plenty to educate, inspire and entertain, whether you are alone, with friends or taking the family.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
The Milwaukee Area this Fall and Winter - Interesting and Fun!
The Milwaukee Area this Fall and Winter - Interesting and Fun!
You might be surprised to find out how much is going on in and around Milwaukee this fall and winter. Apart from fun events coming up, this area has much more than you might think in terms of history, culture and natural beauty. This combination of interesting and fun makes it a great destination for all kinds of people, from families and couples to individuals or groups of friends, no matter what age you may be or what interests you may have.
For the nature-oriented there's the beautiful Oak Leaf Trail, a hundred miles of paved paths, parkways and connecting streets to explore.
There's also the famous Lake Geneva resort, nestled on the northeastern shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin. This has been a resort community since just after the Civil War, when wealthy Chicago families discovered the site and began building summer homes there. Today, Lake Geneva is one of the Midwest's top getaway spots. The beautiful natural surroundings, laid-back attitude, lively downtown and understated opulence is just the beginning - it's the wide variety of events, expansive nature preserves, outstanding dining and lodging options, scenic walking and biking trails and top rated golf courses that attract countless guests. If you head further east you will find the Lake Michigan shoreline with several beach towns where you can enjoy great sand dunes, lighthouses, and a variety of water sports.
In and around Milwaukee you'll find music, museums, great dining, and festivals.
This November for example, there's the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival at Pere Marquette Park – a ceremonial switch-on with live music, holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa and a dynamic fireworks show.
In December at the Wisconsin State Fair Park there is the ice fishing and winter sports show, where you can shop row upon row of exhibits with products and services dedicated to the ice fishing and winter sports enthusiast. Also at the State Fair Park in December you can visit Wisconsin's largest boating exposition with over 300 boats from over 75 manufacturers on display.
For a great family day out in late February the Tripoli Shrine Circus returns to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena with the best circus performers in the world today. With amazing lighting and sound, human and animal performers bring you into the magical world of circus.
Going into 2016, there is the beautiful Winterfest at Boerner Botanical Gardens. You can take a guided walk through Boerner's forest with Mike Kreuser, Green Team sustainable landscape expert. Enjoy the learning experience further with winter-themed crafts and then warm up with hot dogs, chili, chips, and hot drinks.
If you like theatre, the professional Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson has a surefire formula, offering Broadway musicals and heartwarming Christmas shows. For visitors who enjoy a dip into the past, with occasional breaks for cappuccino and crepes, Cedarburg, just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, is practically perfect. There's an 1864 woolen mill at one end of the main street, now housing a winery and two dozen shops.
This gives you a snapshot of some of the things to be discovered. Rest assured that if you are in and around Milwaukee this fall and winter you will certainly find something to do, no matter what your interests!
You might be surprised to find out how much is going on in and around Milwaukee this fall and winter. Apart from fun events coming up, this area has much more than you might think in terms of history, culture and natural beauty. This combination of interesting and fun makes it a great destination for all kinds of people, from families and couples to individuals or groups of friends, no matter what age you may be or what interests you may have.
For the nature-oriented there's the beautiful Oak Leaf Trail, a hundred miles of paved paths, parkways and connecting streets to explore.
There's also the famous Lake Geneva resort, nestled on the northeastern shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin. This has been a resort community since just after the Civil War, when wealthy Chicago families discovered the site and began building summer homes there. Today, Lake Geneva is one of the Midwest's top getaway spots. The beautiful natural surroundings, laid-back attitude, lively downtown and understated opulence is just the beginning - it's the wide variety of events, expansive nature preserves, outstanding dining and lodging options, scenic walking and biking trails and top rated golf courses that attract countless guests. If you head further east you will find the Lake Michigan shoreline with several beach towns where you can enjoy great sand dunes, lighthouses, and a variety of water sports.
In and around Milwaukee you'll find music, museums, great dining, and festivals.
This November for example, there's the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival at Pere Marquette Park – a ceremonial switch-on with live music, holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa and a dynamic fireworks show.
In December at the Wisconsin State Fair Park there is the ice fishing and winter sports show, where you can shop row upon row of exhibits with products and services dedicated to the ice fishing and winter sports enthusiast. Also at the State Fair Park in December you can visit Wisconsin's largest boating exposition with over 300 boats from over 75 manufacturers on display.
For a great family day out in late February the Tripoli Shrine Circus returns to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena with the best circus performers in the world today. With amazing lighting and sound, human and animal performers bring you into the magical world of circus.
Going into 2016, there is the beautiful Winterfest at Boerner Botanical Gardens. You can take a guided walk through Boerner's forest with Mike Kreuser, Green Team sustainable landscape expert. Enjoy the learning experience further with winter-themed crafts and then warm up with hot dogs, chili, chips, and hot drinks.
If you like theatre, the professional Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson has a surefire formula, offering Broadway musicals and heartwarming Christmas shows. For visitors who enjoy a dip into the past, with occasional breaks for cappuccino and crepes, Cedarburg, just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, is practically perfect. There's an 1864 woolen mill at one end of the main street, now housing a winery and two dozen shops.
This gives you a snapshot of some of the things to be discovered. Rest assured that if you are in and around Milwaukee this fall and winter you will certainly find something to do, no matter what your interests!
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Grafton's 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest 2015
Get Festive at Grafton's 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest
If you're on the lookout for family-friendly activities this fall, be sure to mark your calendars for Grafton's 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest happening Saturday, October 17, 2015. The free festival is set to get underway at 7:30 a.m. rain or shine at downtown Grafton's Paramount Plaza, located at 1300 12th Avenue.
Though many parts of the festival will be ongoing throughout the day, an assortment of scheduled entertainment and activities have been lined up for this year's Pumpkin Fest. The festival's schedule can be seen below:
Entertainers from Kohl's Wild Theatre will also be onsite performing for the kids a conservation-themed live theatre act featuring drama, music, and puppetry. Kohl's Wild Theatre is a local venture, made possible through a partnership of Kohl's Cares, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
For more information about Grafton's 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest, please visit Celebrate Grafton's website at www.celebrategrafton.com/pumpkinfest.html or call 1-262-377-1650.
If you're on the lookout for family-friendly activities this fall, be sure to mark your calendars for Grafton's 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest happening Saturday, October 17, 2015. The free festival is set to get underway at 7:30 a.m. rain or shine at downtown Grafton's Paramount Plaza, located at 1300 12th Avenue.
Though many parts of the festival will be ongoing throughout the day, an assortment of scheduled entertainment and activities have been lined up for this year's Pumpkin Fest. The festival's schedule can be seen below:
- 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Lion's Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast
- 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt
- 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. – Ronald McDonald Show
- 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Food, Drinks, and Karaoke
- 6:00 p.m. – Pumpkin Lighting
- 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Adult Entertainment
Entertainers from Kohl's Wild Theatre will also be onsite performing for the kids a conservation-themed live theatre act featuring drama, music, and puppetry. Kohl's Wild Theatre is a local venture, made possible through a partnership of Kohl's Cares, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
For more information about Grafton's 8th Annual Pumpkin Fest, please visit Celebrate Grafton's website at www.celebrategrafton.com/pumpkinfest.html or call 1-262-377-1650.
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival 2015
Don't Miss the 2015 Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and Kick-Off Extravaganza
Returning for its 17th year in 2015, the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival will once again illuminate downtown Milwaukee with thousands of decorative lights and animated displays. In all, the popular attraction is expected to light up the city with over 500,000 lights, including displays in Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street), Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue), and Zeidler Union Square (301 W. Michigan Street). The light show kicks off Thursday, November 19th and runs through Sunday, December 27th.
The free Kick-Off Extravaganza on November 19th will begin at 6 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park with live music and other holiday festivities, including the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a 6:30 p.m. fireworks show, and a visit from Santa. Guests can also enjoy free hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies, plus a free ride on the Jingle Bus to take in the area's sights.
The Jingle Bus, which for the remainder of the festival costs just $1 per rider, hosts a 40-minute narrated tour of the city's most spectacular displays. Tours run Thursday through Sunday for the duration of the festival, departing from the Warming House at The Shops of Grand Avenue (275 W. Wisconsin Avenue) between 6:00 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. Please note that the Jingle Bus will not be offering tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.
For those of you who'd like a unique keepsake of the festival, be sure to pick up a Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival ornament. Each year a new ornament is released celebrating one of Milwaukee's iconic downtown landmarks. Ornaments from this and previous festivals can be ordered online at www.milwaukeedowntown.com/store or in select area shops while supplies last.
For more information about this year's Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and its Kick-Off Extravaganza, please visit Milwaukee Downtown's website at http://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/about-us/special-events/milwaukee-holiday-lights-festival.
Returning for its 17th year in 2015, the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival will once again illuminate downtown Milwaukee with thousands of decorative lights and animated displays. In all, the popular attraction is expected to light up the city with over 500,000 lights, including displays in Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street), Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue), and Zeidler Union Square (301 W. Michigan Street). The light show kicks off Thursday, November 19th and runs through Sunday, December 27th.
The free Kick-Off Extravaganza on November 19th will begin at 6 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park with live music and other holiday festivities, including the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a 6:30 p.m. fireworks show, and a visit from Santa. Guests can also enjoy free hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies, plus a free ride on the Jingle Bus to take in the area's sights.
The Jingle Bus, which for the remainder of the festival costs just $1 per rider, hosts a 40-minute narrated tour of the city's most spectacular displays. Tours run Thursday through Sunday for the duration of the festival, departing from the Warming House at The Shops of Grand Avenue (275 W. Wisconsin Avenue) between 6:00 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. Please note that the Jingle Bus will not be offering tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.
For those of you who'd like a unique keepsake of the festival, be sure to pick up a Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival ornament. Each year a new ornament is released celebrating one of Milwaukee's iconic downtown landmarks. Ornaments from this and previous festivals can be ordered online at www.milwaukeedowntown.com/store or in select area shops while supplies last.
For more information about this year's Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and its Kick-Off Extravaganza, please visit Milwaukee Downtown's website at http://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/about-us/special-events/milwaukee-holiday-lights-festival.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Half-Off Tickets to See "The Tavern" This Weekend
For those interested, The Waukesha Civic Theatre is featuring a valuable coupon on The Cash Coupon Web site that is good for half-priced tickets to see this weekend's opening performances of the play, "The Tavern".
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Doors Open Milwaukee
This weekend, September 24th and 25th, tours are taking place at a number of historically, architecturally, and culturally -relevant buildings and sites throughout Milwaukee.
Billed as "Doors Open Milwaukee", and presented by Historic Milwaukee Inc., the tours are happening all weekend.
Visit this site for more information on locations and hours: http://www.doorsopenmilwaukee.org/buildings .
Billed as "Doors Open Milwaukee", and presented by Historic Milwaukee Inc., the tours are happening all weekend.
Visit this site for more information on locations and hours: http://www.doorsopenmilwaukee.org/buildings .
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