Top five things to see and do in Milwaukee, USA - In the land of Beer and Brats...
Top five things to see and do in Milwaukee, USA
Milwaukee is a city known for Beer, Brats, and plentiful supply of both. But, upon closer examination, one will find that Milwaukee is a place with a great history, new sights, exciting festivals, and, of course, delicious beer.
The Milwaukee Art Museum
Start your tour of the city by visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum built on the lakefront. The original building was built after World War II, but the most impressive part of this building is the new addition. It was the first building built in the US by the renowned Spanish Architect, Santiago Calatrava. The bright white wings of the building stand out against the sky and the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan. The most impressive part about this building is that the wings open and close, reflecting whether the museum itself is opened or closed. When closed, the building resembles a sailboat and, when open, the wings remind one of a beautiful seabird soaring out to sea. The view from inside is just as spectacular, and to enhance this view are beautiful sculptures and breathtaking art exhibits. It’s clear why this building is a source of pride for Milwaukee, and well worth a visit. For more information visit: http://www.mam.org
Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds
From the art museum, it’s a short walk south (about a block) to the Maier Festival Grounds where Summerfest, touted as the world’s largest music festival, is located. This eleven-day festival takes place around the last week of June and the first week of July. With eleven stages scattered around the grounds, there is a type of music playing at all times that should satisfy anyone’s tastes. There are also activities for kids and every type of food stand imaginable to satiate even the hungriest of appetites. Some of the favorite Summerfest treats are: the fried eggplant strips from the Venice Club, the cheeseburgers at Major Goolsby’s, fresh roasted corn-on-the-cob from Robbie’s Corn, or anywhere at the International Food Gardens. Of course, in true Wisconsin style, all of this should be washed down with an icy cold beer which can be easily found one of the plentiful beerstands around the park. Most are Miller, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend a little more and enjoy some of the delicious Milwaukee micro-brews. If you’re not there during that time, the grounds are still host to many concerts an ethnic festivals including Polish fest, Festa Italiana, Irish Fest, African World Festival and many more. All of these have delicious food to match the theme.
Custard
What would a trip to Milwaukee be without trying some of the cities famous treat? Frozen custard is made all around the country, but probably no city is as proud of their custard as Milwaukee. There are several famous and delicious custard stands around the city. Check out one, or check out them all! Gilles’ claim to fame is that they are “Milwaukee’s oldest custard stand” and arguably the best. Located on West Bluemound Road, they are in the original stand, which is definitely a Milwaukee icon. Kopp’s Frozen Custard has three locations around the city: Glendale, Brookfield, and Greenfield. For directions and to find out their flavor of the day visit: http://www.kopps.com/. And, if hungry for a little more than custard, they have delicious butter burgers as well.
Third Ward
The historic Third Ward is a must-do for anyone’s trip to Milwaukee. This is an area of town that was the warehouse and manufacturing center of Milwaukee around the turn of the century. The 19th century that is. It has since gone through many transformations, the most recent of which has turned it into a hip area of town with many boutique shops, delicious restaurants, art galleries, theaters, and the Public Market. Strolling around this part of town is a great way to spend the afternoon, stopping into the Public Market for a snack and working around the shops until happy hour time where a refreshment by the river is definitely in order. Try the Milwaukee Ale house for a great selection of appetizers and drinks where you can sit outside (weather allowing) and watch the passerby on the riverwalk. The Third Ward is a great way to spend the afternoon in Milwaukee.
Brewer’s Game
And what would a trip to Milwaukee be without a visit to the new Miller Stadium to see the Milwaukee Brewers battle the evil (insert team name here). The new Miller Stadium is equipped with a mechanical sliding roof, so the games are playable no matter the weather. It’s a great place to tailgate (before or after the game!), but if you don’t feel like going through all the trouble, TGI Fridays is open before the game starts for snacks and to watch batting practice. There are also some great concession stands in the park and for some real Wisconsin favorites try the cheese curds and the brats. Both fantastic, especially at the ball park. For a souvenir, try the cheesy waffle-fries which are served in a plastic brewers hat. And, as is common throughout Milwaukee, the beer is plentiful and they serve a variety of beer that includes, but is not limited to, Miller Products. Take me out to the ball game…
