Here’s How We Spent 48-Hours Exploring Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The place can you discover allure, luxurious, wonderful meals and sports activities champions multi function metropolis? Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after all. Residence to the 2021 NBA champs, the Bucks, you possibly can all the time discover one thing to do right here, regardless of your curiosity.

We not too long ago pulled up in MKE for a fast, however much-needed getaway. Whereas our time was brief, we received a sampling of what the world has to supply.

So, whether or not you’re brief on time or on the lookout for a brand new weekend getaway, we’ve curated this insider information on how one can take advantage of your go to. From dozens of murals to a bustling meals scene and extra—right here’s how we spent 48-hours in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The place to Keep

Like most metropolitan cities, you’ll wish to keep in a centrally positioned space. Milwaukee’s downtown space is extraordinarily walkable, with many outlets, eating places and resorts simply steps away. For our journey, we selected the historic Pfister Resort.

This iconic landmark is paying homage to the structure of old-world Europe with the right mix of contemporary luxurious. While you stroll into the foyer, remember to lookup to soak up the ceiling’s portray, which has similarities to Michelangelo’s work within the Sistine Chapel. 

Past the art work, the rooms will make you’re feeling like royalty. With marble accents within the bogs to plush bedding, it’s a keep match for a king or queen.

Day 1

Morning: In the event you’re like us, espresso is vital to getting probably the most out of our day. Head downstairs to the Café on the Pfister in your caffeine repair and a freshly baked-in-house pastry. For one thing slightly extra hearty, we recommend testing Mi Casa Su Cafe, a Black-owned eatery within the Halyard neighborhood. Professional Tip: the shrimp and grits are sometimes raved about, however the omelets actually stole the present.

After breakfast at Mi Casa, stroll only a few steps down the block to spend a while at Honeybee Sage Wellness & Apothecary. This distinctive store—additionally Black woman-owned—provides dozens of tea blends, zero proof cocktails and extra. We had been actually blown away on the store’s capacity to take non-alcoholic drinks and recreate them into a few of our favourite boozy drinks. Standouts had been: the Wisconsin New Original, the Day Dreamer, and the Blooming Cactus.

Afternoon: To stroll off our breakfast, we selected to discover Milwaukee by way of its murals. One frequent artist that we discovered was Mauricio Ramirez. A local of the town, his work might be discovered gracing buildings and partitions throughout. One of many can’t miss items is his ode to NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo (pictured above). As one of many star gamers for the Bucks, this bigger than life portray permits basketball followers to rise up shut with the participant in a novel method. 

For lunch, we headed to a different Black-owned spot, Twisted Crops. Whereas we aren’t at present vegans, this plant-based eatery definitely might persuade us to be. We ordered the Up in Smoke burger with a facet of fries and a strawberry milkshake. Let’s simply say, we’d have included the picture, however we had been too targeted on having fun with each chew.

Night: Head again to the Pfister to loosen up for a couple of and to benefit from the views out of your room earlier than the solar units. Relying on the time of 12 months that you just go to, you possibly can tackle a Bucks recreation at Fiserv Discussion board to spherical out your day. The state-of-the-art enviornment has loads of meals choices for all appetites, and the newly opened DAOU Lounge, a non-public lounge that includes a number of varietals from the DAOU Household Estates vineyard.

If basketball isn’t occurring at the moment, head only a few blocks away out of your lodge for dinner at Lupi & Iris. This James Beard nominated institution options upscale French and Italian delicacies. We went with the Branzino Barigoule—a sea bass dish— in addition to a facet of the Linguine al Limone. 

Day 2

Morning: We began the day with slightly self-care. Only a brief elevator journey away, we discovered ourselves checking into our appointment on the Nicely Spa and Salon within the Pfister. Since we had been getting a service very first thing that morning, we held off on breakfast, particularly because the spa provides an assortment of espresso, tea, and even mimosas. 

For our remedy, we went with the mud wrap. The esthetician began by dry brushing our whole physique earlier than making use of the self-heating mud throughout. After letting the mud sit for a couple of, to essentially work its magic, we jumped within the ensuite bathe to rinse all of it off. The service completed with a calming physique butter software. After the remedy, we spent a couple of minutes within the spa’s quiet space, sipping on champagne.

Whereas our spa remedy left us tremendous relaxed, we knew there was nonetheless a lot to be explored round Milwaukee.

To get a greater glimpse of the wealthy Black historical past present in Milwaukee, we knew we couldn’t miss America’s Black Holocaust Museum. This highly effective historic establishment was created by Mr. James Cameron, a Black man who skilled the traumas related to residing in America throughout a few of our nation’s darkest eras. Whereas the knowledge might be arduous to reread or watch, it’s definitely much-needed—not only for Black folks, however for all to see what our ancestors confronted and endured over a whole bunch of years.

Afternoon: The subsequent cease on our journey led us to the Milwaukee Artwork Museum. After all, the artwork is inside, however additionally, you will be blown away by the constructing’s exterior as effectively—at the least we had been. Inside, there are greater than 25,000 items to soak up. You may actually spend a full day right here, so take your time. Standout displays for us had been: Native America: In Translations, which explored indigenous historical past and tradition from a up to date lens. We additionally loved Brooklyn-based artist Derrick Adams’ exhibition, On Website: Derrick Adams, which is a multimedia expertise that reframes historic Black narratives.

After working up an urge for food from our hours on the museum, we hopped in an Uber to seize lunch on the Milwaukee Public Market. At first look, you’ll be overwhelmed by all of the choices accessible. However, we recommend doing a full lap to get have a look at what all is there earlier than making your lunch choice. And, when you nonetheless want a suggestion, Pat’s Rib Place was the place we landed. 

Night: As your getaway involves an finish, use the night to discover extra of the lodge. On the twenty third flooring of the Pfister, you’ll discover Blu—a swanky cocktail lounge boasting a number of the finest views of Lake Michigan. In the event you occur to be on the town on a Friday or Saturday, you’ll additionally be capable to take within the sounds of the dwell musician that night. 

Our time in Milwaukee was fast, however there isn’t a restrict on the enjoyable available on this metropolis. Whether or not you’re on the town for a weekend, or are serious about a week-long getaway, you’ll discover infinite methods to maintain you and your crew entertained. Make journey planning simple with the town’s customer’s bureau at visitmilwaukee.org.