One Great Weekend: What to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee brings to mind images of beer barons and motorcycles, the Fonz and a couple of girls named Laverne and Shirley just looking to do it their way. This city on the shore of Lake Michigan is shedding its industrial image and showing its creative side. Milwaukee has always been a city of makers, only now instead of leather and car parts you’ll find craft breweries and independent boutiques while a new crop of innovative chefs is out to prove that Wisconsin’s culinary scene is more than just brats and cheese curds(though you should most definitely get your fill of both while in town). This city is forging a new path but stays true to its roots,here are my recommendations for what to do in Milwaukee.

Do

Historic Third Ward/Milwaukee Public Market

The Third Ward is home to Milwaukee’s trendy Arts and Fashion District. Located just south of downtown among the rows of renovated warehouses you’ll find a growing number of independent galleries, boutiques and chef-driven restaurants showing off Milwaukee’s creative spirit. Make sure you check out the Milwaukee Public Market, a European style food hall offering everything from wine and artisanal cheeses to homestyle baked goods and fresh seafood.

Brady Street 

The eclectic Brady Street neighborhood was traditionally home to Sicilian and Polish immigrants and later a haven to hippies and artists in the 70s.  Learn about the history of this vibrant neighborhood on a walking tour with Milwaukee Food and City Tours, where you can sample goodies such as cannoli from a traditional Sicilian bakery and a local beer at one of Milwaukee’s oldest taverns.

Milwaukee Art Museum

With its white wings providing a striking contrast to the deep blues of Lake Michigan the Milwaukee Art Museum stands as both an architectural and a cultural icon for the city. One of the country’s premier art institutions, the Milwaukee Art Museum welcomes art lovers  who come to view the museum’s collection; which includes over 30,000 pieces including works from Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keefe.

Kayak

With a location on Lake Michigan and three rivers that call this city home, one of the best ways to explore Milwaukee is from the water. Go on an urban kayaking adventure with a rental from Milwaukee Kayak Company for a river’s eye view of the city. You’re sure to work up a thirst paddling so be sure to dock your kayak at…..

Lakefront Brewery

Long home to some of America’s brewing goliaths, it’s no secret that Milwaukee is a beer town. These days the best brews are coming from smaller craft breweries and Lakefront Brewery offers up one of the best beer tours in the country. Taste Lakefront’s latest offerings (the organic Belgian White was my personal favorite) while getting an entertaining behind the scenes look at how beer is made.

Summerfest/Festivals

Wisconsin winters can be pretty brutal so during the summer the people of Milwaukee will find any reason to celebrate; From film and music to a variety of cultural festivals there is something going on every week of the summer . Locals and in-the-know visitors will tell you the best time to visit Milwaukee is during Summerfest; the biggest music festival in the US with over 800 artists performing on the shores of Lake Michigan over 2 weeks every June and July. Check out headliners including Paul McCartney and Blake Shelton or discover a new favorite among one of the many indie groups performing at Summerfest’s 13 stages.

Harley-Davidson Museum

A visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum is a rite of passage for any motorcycle enthusiast but was just as fascinating for a non-biker like me. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of motorcycles showing off the history and culture of this American icon.

Eat

Colectivo Coffee

Beer isn’t the only brew you’ll find in town, Colectivo Coffee Roasters have been roasting coffee by hand since 1993. Stop by their Lakefront location, housed in the historic Milwaukee River River Flushing Station, for one of their signature sandwiches (can you really go wrong with an avocado BLT? I think not), all day-breakfast and of course, hand-crafted coffee drinks.

Milwaukee Brat House

There is absolutely no better place in the country to eat a brat than Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Brat House serves some of the best in the city. Get a traditional brat, served in a pretzel roll and best eaten with a drizzle of spicy mustard or German style piled high with sauerkraut and sauteed onions, along with some fried curds and a glass of New Glarus Spotted Cow Ale. That my friends, is Milwaukee on a plate.

Wolf Peach

Located in the Brewer’s Hill neighborhood, Wolf Peach offers up a modern take on rustic European fare. With locally sourced ingredients (often from their own onsite garden as well as nearby Wisconsin purveyors), a 6,000 pound wood burning oven and some of the most creative cocktails in the city, Wolf Peach is a must for any visiting foodie.

Benelux

Whether you come for Belgian waffles and bloody Marys at brunch or moules-frites washed down with a Belgian ale Cafe Benelux has you covered. Head for the rooftop patio at Cafe Benelux for Old World inspired cuisine and a brew from their extensive 40-page beer menu.

Stay

The Brewhouse Inn and Suites

Where to stay when visiting Brew City? Why in a renovated brewery of course. The Brewhouse Inn and Suites is situated in the old Pabst Brewery, at one time the biggest brewery in the US. The vibe here is one of steampunk meets industrial chic with a good dose of Midwest comfort.  A stained glass vestige of the patron saint of brewing overlooks the gleaming copper tanks of the second floor lounge while spacious guest rooms feature exposed brick walls and arched windows allowing for plenty of natural light.

Do you have any recommendations for visiting Milwaukee? Please share in the comments!

I was graciously hosted by Visit Milwaukee, but as always all opinions remain my own.