With summer right around the corner, people are beginning to plan their summer trips. Here are a few reasons why Milwaukee should be on everyone’s list for a summer escape.
- The city has a deep dedication to the arts and history. Like the first-of-its-kind Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel that broadly celebrates arts in its many forms (including an entire culinary experience) and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s new symphony center that was achieved by only completing a historic construction feat on a nearly 90-year-old theatre. I can’t forget to mention the iconic Pfister Hotel that continues to be the most lavish hotel of its time since it was opened in 1893 or the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and the beautiful art deco atmosphere it offers. I can’t forget to mention Sculpture Milwaukee, too. I got to stay at the Saint Kate last fall for a meeting of the Society of American Travel Writers and thought it was outstanding, with wonderful, local art all around and stylish rooms. I also loved the youthful feel at the Iron Horse Hotel, which is in the oh-so-cool Fifth Ward and just down the road from the terrific Harley Davidson Museum.
The lobby of the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. JIM BYERS PHOTO
- Known as the City of Festivals, Milwaukee hosts one of the world’s largest music festivals – Summerfest. In addition to many other cultural celebrations throughout the summer, like Irish Fest, Polish Fest, German Fest, Mexican Fiesta, the list goes on and on. A local fave is Bastille Days, which happens to be one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations.
- For those looking for hiking and other adventures, Milwaukee holds the state’s only urban state park – Lakeshore State Park. Built from a deep-tunnel excavation project that created a crescent island not far from downtown, the park has unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline. It also has over 22 acres of winding foot rails and rolling paths as well as a watercraft beach area. While not the typical hike, travelers can explore the city streets and see Sculpture Milwaukee’s outdoor exhibition of world-renowned sculptures that is open throughout the summer or enjoy the Milwaukee RiverWalk and its 3.1 miles through multiple neighborhoods. You can even kayak down the Milwaukee River on the urban water trail if you need to rest your feet. We had a fun bike ride through the parks along the Menomonee Valley on our trip last fall, then stopped at Third Space Brewing for some outstanding beers on the patio. I also highly recommend the Milwaukee Art Museum, which has stunning works on display and a brilliant design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
The Milwaukee Art Museum. JIM BYERS PHOTO
- Just this year, the city claimed nine James Beard semifinalists. Some of the categories Milwaukee’s chef were honored were Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Chef or Best Chef Midwest. Restaurants are also being recognized in the Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Hospitality and Outstanding Bar Program categories. I loved the food and craft cocktails at Movida, a tapas place at the Hotel Madrid in the Fifth Ward.
