In October, we spent a fine autumn weekend in Milwaukee. I know what you’re thinking, Milwaukee, Wisconsin may not sound like the ideal spot for a weekend getaway, but you will just have to trust me.
Milwaukee is a city chock full of history, with unique architecture, lots of festivals, and an energetic downtown. It is a city of lakeshore beaches, rivers fit for paddling, and trails meant for hiking, biking, and dog walking. It is also worth noting that Milwaukee is the place where a few household names got their start – Harley-Davidson, Pabst, and Miller, to name a few.
Our weekend in the Brew City started out as cloudy and overcast, and almost immediately turned into a rainy, soupy mess. Even so, we had a great time. From experience, if you can have a good time somewhere even in inclement weather, it’s a worthwhile place to visit.
One look at the weather forecast confirmed that we should spend the first part of our trip doing outside stuff – so we spent some time along Lake Michigan and explored downtown, particularly the Historic Third Ward which is home to the Milwaukee Public Market.
We spent all of our Saturday morning at the Milwaukee Art Museum. If you ever make it to Milwaukee, you must visit the art museum. The building itself is a work of art. I mean, look at this. Be still my heart.
Beyond those windows is a churning, choppy Lake Michigan shrouded in fog and mist. While I’m sure the view is stunning on a sunny, blue sky kind of day, I much prefer the brooding, dramatic look of the lake like this.
And like this…
Hours slipped through our fingers here. First we started with a special exhibit on the architecture and designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, then we moved on through the museum’s other, just-as-worthy permanent exhibits.
Later in the day we traded in the art gallery for pitchers of PBR. We met up with friends who live nearby and played a round of mini pin bowling at Koz’s Mini Bowl. Not familiar with mini bowling? Neither were we. Think regular bowling but with shorter lanes and with short, stout pins. The bowling ball is about the size of a bocce ball.
The rain let up just in time for our flight home. No matter, we spent a full and fun weekend exploring a new place and I can’t wait to go back.
Where has your curiosity taken you recently? What new or rediscovered places have you explored? How do you like to spend rainy, autumn weekends?