Will be visiting family in Waukesha WI. Any fun places to go to in the area?

I just saw your message. I wish I would have seen it way earlier. I would have been glad to help you out since I've lived here all my life. Hope you had a nice trip. If you see this, let me know.

Katie and other Wisconsiners...

I will be attending a wedding in Milwaukee/Waukesha area next week -- can you recommend any good local restaurants? I heard Weissgerbers Gasthaus is good (but EXPENSIVE). Any other good local German sausage and beer places?

Also, on a cold January weekend, would you recommend a trip to any of these: the Mitchell Park Conservatory Horticultural Domes, the Milwaukee Public Museum of Nat. History, or the Miller Brewery? Any or all? Anyplace else interesting or unusual. Old World Wisconsin is closed in January -- that sounds like it would have been very interesting.

Thanks for any help.

Rick in Maryland

I live in Chicago, but have been a frequent visitor to Milwaukee. All of the above can be reccomended. Also, don't miss the Milwaukee Art Museum, with their stunning new wing (which looks like a wing, among other things). For breakfast, try Alterra Coffee just north of the museum in an old waterworks plant. You can enjoy a tasty continental breakfast with great views of the lake.

www.alterracoffee.com

In Waukesha, there's a wonderful Mexican restaurant in the old train depot just south of downtown. It's La Estacion at 319 Williams. For upscale shopping, head to Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa. Also, you can't leave Milwaukee without trying a custard.

Try Kopps.com.

There are several locations around the city, and they also have great burgers. There's one in Waukesha, which is next to a local produce/wine/cheese market. You can pick up a bag of curds and some sausage. Have a great time. Milwaukee is an awesome city.

Thanks for all those great suggestions!

I am now thinking of flying in on a Friday afternoon, spending Friday afternoon/night in Milwaukee, and Saturday morning and afternoon there, before going out to Waukesha (30 mins).

Any kitschy "cheese factory" or other type places in Milwaukee (or Waukesha areas)? Someone told me about the Mars Cheese Castle, but it looked like it was 45 mins south of Milwaukee (too far).

Thanks again!!

Rick in Maryland

Rick, good plan! Way more to do in Milwaukee than Waukesha. Speaking as a 25 yr resident of Milwaukee, yes, the Cheese Castle is a bit far out of your way, and no "cheese outlet" closer to where you will be has any "kitsch value" to it, at least that I can think of. If for some reason you DO end up there, take home some of the 9 year old cheddar.

If you like good beer, try a Lakefront Brewery tour (just North of downtown along the river), or tour the Sprecher brewery in near-North suburb Glendale (right down the street from a location of Kopp's frozen custard). These are microbreweries that, while unimpressive size-wise (especially compared to Miller), more than make up for it with superior product and enthusiastic hosts.

I would definitely recommend the art museum over the museum of natural history as the art museum has developed into an exceptional institution whereas the natural history museum is somewhat dated. A word of caution: the art musuem is biased toward modern art, which is not everyone's thing.

Karl Ratzsch's (downtown)is a good local German (i.e. beer and sausage available) restaurant in Milwaukee, but it's not cheap either (nor outrageous). Mader's is similar but cheaper and not as good. As for more unusual restaurants, there are Serbian venues Old Town Gourmet and Three Brothers. Good stuff, not commonly found and not for everyone, but if you like German fare you'd probably appreciate it.

Thanks svicious22 (did you used to like punk rock?)

I think my plan will be:

Friday afternoon: Arrive at General Mitchell Airport around 12:00 noon.

Visit the Mitchell Park Domes, maybe take a walk along the Waterfront.

Hotel: Best Western Inn Towne Hotel at N 3rd & West Wisconsin (across from the Grand Avenue Mall - is this OK for $50/night. Just staying one night.)


Friday evening: Karl Ratzsch's (or Maders) for late dinner.

Saturday: quick visit to the Modern Art Museum, and a tour of Sprecher Brewery (plus custard at Kopps).

Saturday night: Wedding in Waukesha

Sunday morning: Natural History Museum (or Indian Casino).

General Mitchell Airport by 1:30pm.

Thanks for all the help.

Couple of remaining items:

1. Breakfast recommendations near downtown? [Alterra Coffee cafe was previously suggested.]

2. Friday night place to go after dinner?

3. Sunday morning brunch/lunch place before I go to the Airport?


Thanks you all, you are great. I love these travel boards (I planned my whole trip to Greece in late May with the help of the folks in the Greece section).

Rick in Maryland
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Rick,
I'm in Kenosha, where the Cheese Castle is! The cheese castle is right off of I-94 and would be less than 30 minutes south of the airport, probably about 20 minutes. You could also head down to Hwy 50 and go to the Brat Stop for a brat and some beer. I'm not familiar with the Best Western, but I know people use Priceline to get some of the nicer hotels for about the same amount. Check www.biddingfortravel.com

Since you'll be in Waukesha you could stop at Brennan's (on Bluemound Rd.) for cheese. They have a nice variety--also carry homemade sausage. Only place I've found for potato sausage. There is a Kopps Custard shop in the same parking lot. I understand that Sendik's on Capital Dr. also has a good cheese selection. For dinner--I like Bartalotta's in Wauwatosa or Eddie Martini's also in Wauwatosa. Both are on the pricy side but well worth it. Bartalotta's also has an East side location and Mr. B's in Waukesha. You can check their menu's on-line. Plan on about $30 for an entree.

Sounds like your plans are coming together Rick. Not sure about the walk along the waterfront in January, alternatively if it's too cold maybe consider a drive along the lake going North along Lincoln Memorial/Lake Drive (the nice part of town)-- just head North from the art museum. This is actually a very convenient way to get to Kopp's/Sprecher. Follow the lake to Silver Spring drive and head East to Port Washington Rd, then South. Very easy.

I've stayed at that Best Western and it's not bad for the money, but it's not the greatest. Things are a little nicer on the other side of the river. (but what do you want for 50 bucks a night, right?) It is very centrally located and within walking distance of Mader's (very close) and Ratzsch's (a bit further).

As for breakfast, Trocadero is good (can get crowded)and would be a short drive North of downtown. I haven't been to Alterra personally but have heard good things. If you feel like slumming, hit the local greasy spoon "George Webb" and get a taste of real Milwaukee. (1 block North of your hotel). For more ideas or to validate your picks, check out http://www.onwisconsin.com/dining/ . If you go to Kopp's the burgers are good, not just the custard.

I am not sure what you'd like to do after dinner Friday, in Milwaukee your best option is generally the local bar. There are several going North from your hotel up to Mader's along Third St and there's a pedestrian bridge from Third St over to Water St and there's more over there. There's also a cluster of more upscale (or poseur, depending on how you look at it) places along Jefferson (just North and East of Ratzsch's). There are lots more but you've only got one night. For a good place right across the river from your hotel for a nightcap (if you like kitsch) go to The Safehouse (aka International Exports Limited) at 779 N Front. It's hard to find...make sure you put a quarter in the phone booth when you are ready to go.

Sviscious et al:

For Friday late lunch, I am going to Mader's for the brats lunch.

Friday afternoon, a walk or drive over by the Milwaukee Art Museum (with the wings).

I think I am going to go to THree Brothers Serbian on Friday night. Sounds interesting and different.

Also, for Friday night, Lucille's Dueling Pianos was noted as fun and wacky.

OK, was told by a native that I needed to go to Jo's Cafe on W. Silver Spring for breakfast on Saturday morning early, and to get the "hoffel poffel" scramble.

Then will probably go to the Domes mid-morning.

Definitely doing the Sprechers tour on Saturday noon or 1pm, followed by a burger/custard at the Kopps out in Brookfield on the way to Waukesha (with a stop next-door to Brennan's Country store.

On Sunday I will probably check out the Milwaukee Public History Museum or the Art Museum if I didn't get there on Friday.

Can you identify by street locations where the best place to walk along the River would be -- and/or, a walk in the Third Ward?

I also like to check out farmer's markets, but in January, this is usually not a great time to do that.

Any "ice sculptures or any other interesting midwest type stuff to see in Milwaukee in January?

Thanks again for all the help!

Rick in Maryland

For fun, I would second "The Safe House", it's a bar and restaurant and been in Milwaukee for many years. You have to know the password to get in, or you have to do a funny antic to get in. I would be happy to give you the password, it's..........no it's more fun without it.

Have FUN.

Rick, I'd stick along the river or lakefront rather than the Third Ward for a walk personally, but as I said before walking in January is a bit iffy in Milwaukee. Third Ward is OK but could be kind of desolate in winter. One thing to consider is that your Saturday schedule will have you all over the place. The domes are a ways away from all those other places--you might be able to squeeze them Friday afternoon (beware the construction traffic) and have a more leisurely Saturday.

Svicious --

Yes, don't want to be too spread out and crazy.

For a nice walk along the river, are we talking between Kilbourn Street and Clybourn Street, using "Riverwalk Way" ? Or is there a better area?

And if it were a nice day to see the lake, would you say Veterans Park/Art Museum area (E. Mason Street at the Lake)?

Thanks,

Rick in Maryland.

Hey, I was planning to go to 3 Brothers Serbian --- but several Milwaukee-area folks said I should also consider Old Town Serbian Gourmet Restaurant.

Any preferences?

Thanks!

Three Brothers was given 3 1/2 stars in the local paper. Old Town hasn't been reviewed recently.

The food is good at both; the atmosphere is nicer at Old Town.

I like Old Town a lot, can't go wrong there.

Riverwalk you describe is fine, although that's not much of a walk you are describing-you might be able to go further South than that. As for walking by the lake, you are correct. Another nice route is from North Ave watertower at North/Prospect North up Wahl Ave through Lake Park (1 mile). You could return along the lake/Lincoln Memorial Drive. I'd highly recommend this in summer, but in winter not so sure.

Sprecher Brewery is great. We came home with a couple cases of beer and soda. Be aware you should call ahead for reservations for their tour, and there is a small charge which gives you four beer coupons (unlimited soda) and a souvenir glass. I believe there are some tour discounts available, just ask when you call. It's a small and VERY friendly place.

If you're into NASCAR racing, the town of Cambridge -- between Milwaukee and Madison -- is home of 2003 NASCAR champion Matt Kenseth. The Kenseth family has a VERY nice museum building on 12/18 just west of Cambridge that features several race cars, trophies, unique memorabilia, and a retail store. Matt's grandma might just be working the desk when you're there! The museum is free, and kids really seem to enjoy it. www.mattkenseth.com for directions and hours.

- Rae