Just returned from a nice long weekend trip to the Milwaukee area. Based on the help of folks on here, I had a wonderful time.

For anyone going to Milwaukee, here are a few things I would definitely consider as a must-do.


#1 Fun: Sprecher Beer Brewery (about 5 minutes north of town). Oh my god was this fun. I thought it would be a boring tour of a factory. WRONG! Jodene, a longtime worker at Sprecher, took us on a tour of everything, was hilarious, and finished up at the indoor Biergarten where you could sample 4 beers and unlimited sodas. Interesting fact that they don't use sugar in their sodas... all are sweetened using Wisconsin honey. My favorite: Special Amber. Info: http://www.sprecherbrewery.com/

#2 Fun: IMAX films at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Talk about a spectacular theater to see nature and adventure films. the 3-story domed screen was amazing, as was the sound and effects. We saw "Coral Reef" movie -- it was amazing - an ecological adventure to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and an ecological message about preserving them for the future. Althought the museum itself is open 9-5, the first floor with gift shop, snack bar, and IMAX theater is open later -- we went to the 7:30pm show, and there was hardly even a line. Admission to the IMAX is separate from the Museum, so if you have a little extra time in the evening, catch the movie before the night on the town. Info: http://www.mpm.edu click on IMAX.


Best German Food: Mader's Restaurant on Old World Third Street. I went to several German restaurants, and I would say Mader's was definitely the most authentic and interesting. It is in a place that looks like a Bavarian castle -- and the food and service is superb. I had a sampler plate of their top foods -- sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and more. Plan on this for your big dinner -- about $25/pp plus drinks at dinner, slightly less (but a more limited menu) at lunch. Could also be the place for a romantic dinner because of the ambience of the setting. Info: http://www.madersrestaurant.com

Not to Miss: The Spice House, in downtown, on Old World Third Street, is an amazing little shop -- looks like something from 1900. Talk about an amazing place -- especially for people who like to cook, and even for those who don't. As you walk in the door, the smell of all the spices in the air is amazing. Jars and jars and jars of different spices, spice blends, and cool stuff. And they let you sample anything to see if you like it. Right next door to Mader's Restaurant. Info: http://www.thespicehouse.com/info/about.php


Interesting: The Domes. Three big glass conical domes (like a conehead) housing the indoor botanical gardens of Milwaukee. Especially nice on a cold, frozen day. Nice little gift shop, interesting education center. You can spend an enjoyable hour here. Located on the west side of town, near Potawatomi Casiono. Info: http://www.countyparks.com/horticulture/domes/

Spectacular: The Milwaukee Art Museum over on the lakefront. We didn't get to go there, but we drove by it. Spectacular building in a beautiful setting. We'll do this next time. Info: http://www.mam.org/thebuilding/

Bar Fun: Lucille's Rocking Pianos. Great wild fun place. Go after about 9:30pm. Right on Old World Third Street, across from Maders. Info: http://www.digitalcity.com/milwaukee/bars/venue.adp?sbid=138010

BrewPub: We ate at the Water Street Brewery just north of downtown. Excellent place, good food, wide selection of beers. Info: http://waterstreetbrewery.com/home.htm


Excellent Serbian Food: Three Brothers Serbian Restaurant, on the southeast side of town. Excellent, family style. Great place, great food. you are made to feel welcome here. Dinner only. Info: http://www.onwisconsin.com/dining/dining.asp?id=2874

Fun Polish Food: Polonez Restaurant. We had some time to kill before our flight, so we went to this Polish restaurant out near the Airport on the south side of town (in Cudahay) that was recommended by friends. Excellent food, charming, friendly family staff. Sunday brunch, with full menu available also. Strolling costumed accordion player (enjoyable, not annoying). Info: http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com/dining/detail.html?dine_id=178


So-So: Potawatomi Bingo & Casino. A casino located in the seemy old slaughterhouse part of town. Parking is difficult, and the staff indifferent. The decoration of the main floor of the casino is very attractive, in a native American nature-theme. Other than that, it is just a small-size casino, and full of cigarette smoke (everywhere). The upstairs "non-smoking casino" is a joke, and the crowds lining up for bingo definitely a lower-class crowd, so watch your purse. If you have been to other casinos, or live near one, you may want to skip this. We didn't eat there, because there was too much cigarette smoke everywhere. Info: http://www.paysbig.com/

Excellent produce and meats and cheeses. Brennan's Country Market. About 20 miles west of Milwaukee in Brookeville/Waukesha (other locations, too). Excellent selection of pre-cut cheeses, sausages, and a stunning array of fruits and vegetables (even in mid-winter). Info: http://brennansmarket.com

Kopp's Custard. Excelllent. Right next door to Brennan's market in Brookefield/Waukesha., and two other locations. Info: http://kopps.com/flavors.htm

Two great diners to eat breakfast: Jo's Cafe (like the 1940's), and Miss Katie's Diner (like the 1960's). I recommend them both. Jo's, because it is real (try the hoppel poppel), and Miss Katies, because it is fun (and real). Jo's is on the north side of town (10 mins), Miss Katies on the west side of town (5 mins).
Info: http://www.epicurious.com/restaurants/best_eats/breakfast#joscafe
http://www.digitalcity.com/milwaukee/entertainment/venue.adp?vid=160097


See Lake Michigan: If you are going back to the Airport from downtown, consider taking I-794 to Rt-794 for some beautiful views of the Lakefront and Lake Michigan.

Milwaukee city downtown is small and walkable. We stayed at a sort of run-down Ramada Inn at 6th and Michigan Avenue (got it for $50/night on Hotwire.com). Advantage was free parking, convenient location. Rooms definitely nothing special, but adequate for $50.

Hope this helps some of you planning a trip to the Milwaukee area. I want to go back in the summer for one of their famous festivals down on the Lakefront.

Thanks to everyone who helped plan our trip.