Monday, July 01, 2013

Milwaukee Stops

A friend said she was going to Milwaukee for 5 weeks. Given that I grew up there, I figured maybe I still knew a few places, so I checked them out, as much as possible. So...from my memory....the best places in Milwaukee.

Kopp’s Frozen Custard http://www.kopps.com/ several locations. When in Milwaukee, you MUST try frozen custard SOMEPLACE, and there are several chains in town.
Gille’s Frozen Custard http://www.gillesfrozencustard.com/ information on the website. One of the other good frozen custard joints in town.
Take in a Brewers game at Miller Park http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/mil/ballpark/index.jsp nothing like baseball, if you’re so inclined.
Milwaukee Public Museum http://www.mpm.edu/?gclid=CP279Z76jrgCFbE-MgodwnkARg a really good science and arts museum located downtown.
Milwaukee County Zoo http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/ Not the same since the long-ago demise of Samson, the Lowland Gorilla, but still fun.
George Webb’s Restaurants, all over  town http://www.georgewebb.com/ diners like you grew up with. The burgers are amazing.
Villa  Terrace http://www.cavtmuseums.org/ One of the more amazing and beautiful houses you will ever see, now a museum and sometime theater in the summer. Also an astonishing view of Lake Michigan off the rear terrace.
Milwaukee County War Memorial Center http://www.warmemorialcenter.org/ also near the lakefront, an absolutely beautiful place. A definite must-see.
Harley-Davidson Museum http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/HD_Museum/museum.html the factory used to be not too far from where I lived as a child, but they have since moved operations to other places. The museum is the best Harley stop in Milwaukee.
Miller Brewery Tour http://www.millercoors.com/Brewery-Tours/Milwaukee-Brewery-Tour.aspx another icon of a trip to Milwaukee, and a staple of my father’s itinerary for out-of-towners for ages.
The Safe House http://www.safe-house.com/ an icon of Milwaukee bars. Make sure you know the password. And don’t be fooled by outward appearances.
Usinger’s http://www.usinger.com/ In my opinion, you simply could not go to Milwaukee without going to Usinger’s for some of the finest sausage you will ever taste. A spot perhaps best saved for the end of the trip, when you can get some bratwurst to take home, or they ship anywhere in the country.
Old Town or Three Brothers Serbian Restauranthttp://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60097-d471739-Reviews-Old_Town_Serbian_Gourmet_House-Milwaukee_Wisconsin.html  https://plus.google.com/111882515297477978806/about?gl=us&hl=en yet another foodie stop not to be missed. They probably have stuffed cabbage and it is wonderful.
Mitchell Park Conservatory (the Three Domes) http://county.milwaukee.gov/MitchellParkConserva10116.htm if you’re into flora at all, the Domes are the most amazing sight you will ever see. Plants from every corner of the world, all in their own natural environments. Stunning.
The Marcus Center http://www.marcuscenter.org/ formerly known as the Performing Arts Center, The Marcus Center is the Home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and great live theater. Another Milwaukee landmark.
WHERE TO STAY, IF YOU HAVEN’T DECIDED; THE MARC PLAZA http://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/hilton-milwaukee-city-center/history.php A stunning Milwaukee hotel, full of history.
WHERE TO SHOP; THE GRAND AVENUEhttp://www.grandavenueshops.com/ Right in downtown Milwaukee, one of the most beautiful malls you will ever find yourself in, I promise. Mayfair Mall is kind of a drive (in Wauwatosa,) but it was our mall of choice when I was growing up. One of the first shopping malls ever built, formerly open-air, and may still have ice skating, but I don’t know. http://www.mayfairmall.com/

THE FOLLOWING IS A MAYBE; GO IF YOU THINK YOU CAN LIVE WITH THE SMELL. THE TANNERY DISTRICT. http://www.december.com/places/mke/album/galluntannery.html Word from the web information is that this is now a historical district, so I could be wrong. Check with a local before proceeding.

Also, if you happen to be driving on the freeway, and roll by the Red Star Yeast plant.....roll up your windows. FAST!

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