Anyone who knows me (or follows me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook), knows that I am crazy about Milwaukee. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to live in lots of beautiful places (Bermuda, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Telluride). There’s no place like home. And in my case, I’ve done some comparison “city” shopping. In Milwaukee, you can hop in your car, park at the stadium, walk to your section and be sitting in your seat, with a cold beer in your hand at Miller Park within 20 minutes from downtown. Unlike when I lived in LA, it took 20+ minutes just to pull into the parking lot.
Milwaukee’s got it going on. I love Milwaukee. Most people I know love Milwaukee, too. There’s so much to love about this city. But, for a moment, let’s talk about people who don’t like Milwaukee. They fall into two camps: 1) People who have never been to Milwaukee, and 2) People who never left. So, here’s your list of 7 Fun Things to Do and See in Milwaukee — so you won’t fall into the first camp.
1. Kopps
Ok, full disclosure. Kopps may be #1 on another list… It’s probably the #1 reason I live in Milwaukee. It’s difficult to describe it because when I tell visitors about Kopps and say “it’s frozen custard”, people usually react by scrunching up their nose and reply “you mean, like frozen pudding?”. Um. No. It’s better than what you’re thinking. Imagine the best, creamiest ice cream* you’ve ever had. Now multiply that by 10. Download the Kopps app or check online to see what the Flavor Of The Day (FOTD).
* Warning: After eating Kopps, you’ll be ruined. Häagen Daz and Ben & Jerry’s will never taste as good.
2. The Oriental Theatre
The Oriental is the crown jewel of Milwaukee. Some people say that’s the Art Museum (also on my list – see #7), but I don’t go to the Art Museum every other week. The Oriental is pure magic. It features ornate stained-glass chandeliers, enormous Buddhas, hand drawn murals, lions and elephants. The Oriental is Milwaukee’s movie palace showing great art films since 1927. If you have time to squeeze a movie in during your visit, try to go on a Friday or Saturday night at the 7PM show because you’re in for a special treat. Bill, the 80+ year old organist, plays the old timey organ for 30 minutes before the film previews begin. Sing along if you know the words to On Wisconsin or Roll Out the Barrel!
3. Holler House
Meet Marcy. Marcy runs the Holler House on the south side. The Holler House is a Milwaukee institution. It’s the oldest continuously operating bowling alley in the United States. History! There are so many warm, welcoming things about the Holler House which is why I’ve listed it here. The biggest reason I want people to experience Holler House is these real Milwaukee taverns (with 80+ year old owners) are disappearing. This is the real deal Milwaukee. This is not a hipster-afied version of a bar. And get this, if you want to bowl, Marcy arranges two neighborhood kids to set the pins. Let’s go bowling (Milwaukee style)!
4. Milwaukee Public Market
Located in the neighborhood just south of downtown (called the Third Ward), Milwaukee’s Public Market hosts beautiful historic buildings and an opportunity to shop local. Stop by St. Paul Fish Company for the $12 whole lobster meal. And for dessert, C.Adam’s Bakery makes these amazing homemade peanut butter cookies.
5. Sporting events: Brewers, Bucks, Packers, oh my!
Wisconsin is a sports-crazed state. Our beloved Green Bay Packers are America’s team. If you have time for a road trip, visit Green Bay (Packers – 120 miles north) or Madison (Badgers – 90 miles west). Local teams include the Brewers and the Bucks. But Milwaukee hosts other great MLB and NBA teams, too. You’ll likely sit a lot closer at Miller Park or BMO Bradley Center than you would in your hometown. During baseball season, tailgating is our thing, so be sure to arrive at Miller Park 2-4 hours early to grill your brats and drink your beer in the parking lot. You’re sure to make a few local friends.
6. Five Card Studs (not JUST for the ladies)
Do you like to have fun? Dig live music? Check out our best local cover band: The Five Card Studs. They play lots of different venues in Milwaukee every weekend (and week days during the summer). Front man, Cesar Palace takes us on a journey through time singing recognizable 60s & 70s AM Gold classics from artists such as Neil Diamond, Engelbert Humperdink, Tom Jones, Santana; soul classics from Al Green, Smokey Robinson, The Spinners, Wilson Pickett; one-hit wonders like Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl), Hooked On A Feeling, Green Eyed Lady, Hot Child In The City, and The Love Boat; disco hits by the Bee Gees, The Ohio Players, ELO… You get the idea.
7. The Art Museum
Imagine if the Jetsons and the Louvre had a baby. That’s our Milwaukee Art Museum. It’s a beautiful building with lots of places for arty selfies and any photo you snap in the building makes you look like a great photographer. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, be sure to leave time to walk along the bike path and take in the Milwaukee skyline. If you can, coordinate with Gallery Night which happens quarterly and keeps MAM open late night.
Upcoming Gallery Nights:
April 17 & 18, 2015
July 24 & 25, 2015
October 16 & 17, 2015
There are so many things to love about Milwaukee, but do these things first, then I’ll add more. We will never have as many hipster beards as Brooklyn. We don’t put a bird on it like Portland. Milwaukee is cool, because it’s authentically itself. It’s original. Milwaukee is Milwaukee. Hey! Speaking of cool… Did I mention the bronze statue of the Fonz?
There are 2 kinds of people who like Milwaukee: 1) People who have been to Milwaukee; and 2) People who will never leave.
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