Play in the City

Last Call.

Over time I've learned that all good things come to an end.

I was informed last week that VISIT Milwaukee has decided to stop all blogging and direct that energy toward a video blog. The goal of the vblog is to demonstrate the things that Milwaukee can offer meeting attendees while representing the free spirit and unconventional attitude of Milwaukee’s culture.

As this is the case, this will be my final post for Play in the City.

A lot went on behind the scenes and I’m extremely thankful for the personal relationships I’ve established with outsiders, locals, fellow bloggers and city businesses via email and comments within this short year.

It has been an exciting experience and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to write for VISIT Milwaukee and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished with the site. In only a little over one year after taking the helm, readership has increased by over half, escalating hits from an average of about 200 to nearly 500 clicks per day!

I really love Milwaukee, I feel it’s still an underrated and unacknowledged city and I’m not quite ready to stop telling people about it. While I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to see where the next few years will take PITC, I’ve decided to try to keep the momentum going by starting a new blog, Between the Bars.

So, to all of my loyal readers and friends, thank you. It has been a great journey – albeit far too short. Please remember to stop by my new blog and say hello.

Thanks again, Milwaukee!

Hog Heaven

Harley-Davidson is one of Milwaukee’s iconic companies.

Since 1903, the H-D headquarters have been located in Milwaukee. It’s only natural that Milwaukee would host Harley-Davidson’s first and only comprehensive museum. Sure, this isn’t a novel idea, but it definitely is about time.

After two years in the making, the Harley-Davidson Museum finally opened its doors to the public last weekend. The two story building is chock full of 105 years of H-D history and pays homage to the extraordinary people, culture and famous products that turned the company into the icon it is today.

The Harley-Davidson Museum is built on a 20-acre reclaimed industrial site in the Menomonee Valley that up until now used to be a barren brown field. Its unique, urban design reflects Milwaukee’s industrial past and Harley-Davidson’s history of manufacturing.

Yesterday, Eric and I drove to the site and came up to three buildings that, because of their architecture with cross-bracing girders, columns and frames composed of galvanized steel, resembled the layout of a small group of factories. Along with the tons of steel, there was a lot of black and orange paint (the Harley colors) and plenty of brick. Still, the place isn’t too themed or too contrived – it’s genuine and distinctively Harley-Davidson.

We followed a mob of motorcyclists along the broad, orange asphalt roads leading us closer and closer to this extraordinary neighborhood within the city. We were then directed by a man waving an orange flag toward rows of free parking at the back of the museum that’s sectioned off just for cars. We parked near one of the giant orange hoppers that are original to the site and were coincidentally previously painted orange.

We headed to the building with the enormous solid steel, four-sided Harley-Davidson logo suspended in its open tower. Nearly one month ago, I purchased advanced tickets online to check out the new museum on Saturday – I figured there would be a high demand to see it on opening weekend. We arrived at the museum only five minutes before our scheduled time at noon. Even though they only let a select amount of people in every 15 minutes, it was still quite crowded.

On our way toward the entrance, Eric stopped to ogle the assortment of motorcycles parked “Sturgis style” (one motorcycle on each curb and two parked in the center) in the thousands of spots lining the crossroads of Fifth and Canal Streets. Although the museum obviously targets motorcyclists, it still resonates well with Harley fans, riders and those new to the H-D brand and culture.

Blogger's Choice Awards

A loyal Play in the City reader and blogger friend nominated me for the Blogger's Choice Awards.

To be honest, I don't really know what that means. BUT! I think it's pretty sweet anyway.

I'm not expecting to get 944 votes like the most popular nominee; in fact, I'd be quite okay with five. So, if you feel inclined, just click on the following icons to cast your ballot for Play in the City.

I'd be grateful.

A Photographer. Me?

Several months ago I was contacted via email by several people that were part of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, a.k.a. Friends of the Domes, and those who were working to build a new and improved website for the Milwaukee gem, its members and potential visitors.

Apparently, they read my post about my trip to the Domes back in November and were impressed with the way I photographed the exotic plants and vibrant flowers found in each Dome (YAY!). Thus, they asked if I would allow them to use several of my images for their future website. Naturally, I was thrilled and without hesitation, I hooked them up!

The site is now finished and as it turns out, all of my photos were used! Just head over here to check out the new website and have a look at my photos!

About 99 to 95 percent of the pictures found in the Show Dome, Arid Dome, Tropical Dome and Outdoor galleries online were from my camera! I must say, it's pretty cool to see my work on display somewhere other than Play in the City. I hope they keep them up for a long time!

South Shore Frolics

Milwaukee has been dubbed the “City of Festivals.” However, I’ve noticed that even though we have such a celebrated nickname, many of Milwaukee’s festivals have become homogenous.

Formerly known as the “South Shore Water Frolics,” this three-day festival is one of the oldest festivals in the city of Milwaukee and, unlike many, it still embraces the same simplicity, charm and character as it did years ago.

On Sunday afternoon Eric and I spent a little over an hour perusing the South Shore Frolics festival offerings that spanned several blocks in the quaint neighborhood of Bay View.

Located in the picturesque South Shore Park, the 59th annual South Shore Frolics boasts typical Milwaukee festival entertainment – food, beer, live music, fireworks, people watching – paired with classic, hometown charisma that’s expressed through the yearly Friday Fish Fry, movie on the beach, kid’s games, and one of the city’s best parades.

The afternoon was beautiful as we drove the 15 minutes from my place on the East Side to Bay View with the windows down in my new car. We easily found street parking and made our way toward the blaring live music and droves of people.

I was surprised at first by the crowd that afternoon, but then it donned on me that perhaps attendance didn’t suffer here like at Summerfest – which they blame on the tough economy – because this family-friendly festival is FREE!

Eric and I strolled along the beautiful tree-lined paths that were scatter with food vendors and children’s games. I caught myself laughing at the kids beaming each other square in the head with enormous water balloons. They reminded me of when my older brother used to ambush my sister and me while we played outside as kids.

I digress.

Our first stop was the 10th Annual Classic Car Show where we inspected the Novas and Chevelles with glossy paint jobs and their hoods popped. Many of the car owners were spending the late afternoon tailgating, grilling up brats and cracking cans of beer as locals peered through the windows of their four-wheeled babies and gushed over their hefty engines.

Decisions, Decisions.

Milwaukee comes to life every summer, offering a wealth of things to do. In fact, there’s so much going on this weekend that I'm finding it difficult to pick and choose.

With Milwaukee's summer festival season still moving in full force, this weekend brings Bastille Days, Gathering on the Green, Greek Fest and South Shore Frolics – all great events. Additionally, after a long and anticipated wait the Harley-Davidson Museum finally opens to the public while the Brewers head into the All-Star break with a three-game series against Cincinnati. Plus, there are a number of farmers markets that I’d like to check out this weekend as well.

What’s a blogger to do? I’ll let you know what I decide.

Have a fun weekend!

Fireworks Light Up the Lakefront

One of the highlights of summer for me is Fourth of July weekend.

Yep, it’s great to have an extended weekend, but what makes the holiday extra special are the blazing fireworks that light up the pitch-black sky on July 3.

Each year Milwaukeeans are dazzled by a spectacular Independence Day celebration that’s performed one day early by Bartolotta Fireworks Company and hosted by US Bank.

Milwaukee’s US Bank fireworks show was an honored tradition for my family and I until my parents moved north to West Bend. But this year, after a four-year hiatus, I decided to relive one of my favorite pastimes.

I took the day off of work to head to Lake Michigan’s lakefront and I met up with my friend Lizzie at her place near Brady Street to gather up some last odds and ends. We figured that since we were the only two who could get out of work, we’d secure a spot early in Veterans Park and hold down the fort until the rest of our friends could get there.

See, you’d be crazy to assume that you can show up at 6 p.m. and score a place to watch the show. Already by 4 p.m. Veterans Park was brimming with thousands of families and friends, locals and visitors who were grilling out, picnicking or just relaxing as they anticipated the night’s spectacular.

From McKinley Marina to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the entire lakefront looked like one enormous camp ground as hundreds of tents and campers scattered the once bare terrain. Many of these people camped out over night and declared their seats by roping off a large plot with police tape – that got a little ridiculous if you ask me.

Lizzie and I made a quick run to Pick ‘n Save to get a couple of snacks to munch on – fruits, veggies, chips – and some beer, and then picked up two #6 sandwiches at Jimmy John’s on Brady Street. We filled a couple of coolers and found several blankets, and then we made the short hike to Lake Michigan to stake out our spot.

'I Hart New York!'

If you’ve been to a Brewers home game lately, you probably have noticed all of the Miller Park staff wearing the “I Hart New York” T-shirts.

That’s because right fielder Corey Hart is in the running for the final National League spot in the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, and the team’s campaign is underway.

The good news is that reports on Wednesday night said that Hart was holding on to the lead in the Monster 2008 All-Star Final Vote.

Although, Hart is currently the frontman and online and text voting runs through 4 p.m. CT today, Hart still needs every vote he can get. According to the league, "David Wright of the Mets and Pat Burrell of the Phillies are mounting significant challenges.”

So what can we do to ensure his victory?

There are two ways for fans to vote for Hart – online by clicking here or via text messaging. To text in your vote, just send “N2” to 36197. (This might explain it better.) Of course, standard text messaging rates apply if you choose to use that form of balloting.

There’s no limit to the number of times you’re allowed to cast a vote either, so vote often!

In my opinion, Hart is the most well-rounded Brewer, but the most underrated as well. Brewers fans rallied to put Braun in the starting lineup for the All-Star Game, and now we need to rise up again to get Hart to New York. He deserves it!

Needless to say, I’ve been text messaging so much that my thumbs are sore. On my lunch breaks I’ve also been voting countless times. Undoubtedly, other Brewers fans are doing the same! Plus, at the game last night I had a change to vote again. The Brewers set up a polling station in the Associated Bank Kids Area at Miller Park for all four of their home games this week.

According to other news sources, Hart, Wright, Burrell, Aaron Rowand of the Giants and Carlos Lee of the Astros are the five National League players vying for the final spot on the All-Star team.

The winner will be announced on MLB.com shortly after balloting concludes this evening. Until then, keep voting for Hart!

FYI: I obviously didn't take the photo, but I don't know where it originally came from.

Strawberries Mean Summer in Cedarburg

I love the smells of summer. From freshly cut grass and warm rain to sunscreen and mosquito repellent, there’s nothing like a familiar scent to make you realize that summer is indeed here.

Perhaps this is why over 100,000 people make it a point to visit Cedarburg for its extremely popular Strawberry Festival each year – they long for the refreshing summertime fragrance and flavor of home-grown strawberries. After all, strawberries mean summertime here in Wisconsin.

This charming, free festival has been running for 23 consecutive years, providing not only succulent strawberries, but also a multiplicity of arts and crafts, music, food, and family entertainment that’s found in the heart of Cedarburg’s historic downtown district.

Cedarburg has always been one of my favorite getaways. The city’s downtown is beautifully preserved and the 100 or more buildings offer a wonderful array of specialty stores, restaurants, spas, museums and historic inns, not to mention, a packed calendar of festivals and events. It’s no wonder why this destination beckons me back at least a few times each year.

Last autumn, Eric and I went to Cedarburg’s Wine and Harvest Festival and as you can tell we had a blast! That’s why we both were enthusiastic about spending the day at the Strawberry Festival despite still being a little jet-lagged from our flight home the day before.

After zigzagging through the residential streets surrounding the festival area, we finally found parking on one of the side streets only a few blocks away from the barricaded main stretch. As we walked along the sidewalk, we noticed an ominous blanket of clouds rolling in our direction and over all of the tents and stands and stages making up the festival grounds.

“No, Mother Nature. You will NOT spoil another event!” I shouted as I pointed toward the sky.

No Summerfest

I didn’t go to Summerfest.

Truth be told, this is the first year I haven’t attended and for some reason I feel badly about it.

I mean, not going to Summerfest is sacrilegious in the minds of some locals, and since I consider myself to be a "Milwaukee blogger", well, I probably should have made more of an effort to get to one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest. Now I have nothing interesting to write about (I kid, I kid).

Anyway, Scott kindly gave me two free Summerfest tickets, so I intended on going Wednesday night and then again on Sunday afternoon. Well, Wednesday night summoned torrential rain and, really, it wasn’t worth getting soaked, so I chalked that night up to a rainout and planned to make it up on Sunday. Then, Sunday rolled around and it was so gorgeous outside that I was forced to spend the entire afternoon poolside. I swam and got some sun...Man, it was terrible.

Naturally, I feel really, really awful about missing the "Big Gig" this year.

Did you have a chance to go? If so, feel free to share your adventures with all of us wayward readers in the comments section. I’d love to hear what you faithful Summerfest-goers did.

As for me, there’s always next year.

Happy Independence Day!

I love July 4th!

Sure, I enjoy having the day off of work and I adore a fantastic display of well orchestrated pyrotechnics, but I also try to keep in mind that July 4 is more than a fun holiday centered on fireworks, food and family and friends.

Of course, the Fourth of July is a commemoration of the founding of our nation and the struggles and achievements that came along with it.

So, let’s take a moment today to remember the events that shaped this annual celebration and the importance of Independence Day to our history and future as a nation.

With that, have a fun filled and eventful Fourth of July! 

Concert Preview: July '08

Here we are in the midst of Milwaukee’s summer concert season.

Yep, Summerfest is in full force now, but as it begins to wind down, don’t fret, this is the summer concert season, remember? So, there are plenty of shows coming to Milwaukee that will surely keep your inner groupie/rocker (which ever you prefer) content for at least the next month or so.

Stone Temple Pilots
Friday, July 4 at the Marcus Amphitheater during Summerfest

Touring all summer after a six-year hiatus, Stone Temple Pilots are back, bringing an unpredictable night of classic ‘90s grunge that’s sure to be interesting, at the very least.

I’ve heard many mixed reviews from flannel wearing fans regarding STP’s summer excursion, mostly due to the volatility of the band’s unique front man Scott Wieland. Weiland moved on after five years with Velvet Revolver to return to the band that launched him into the limelight and churned out hits like “Vaseline” and “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart,” which always evoke the unpleasant memories of my early teenage years...

Anyway.

STP are always cool and clad, but often amid some kind of moody meltdown or manic incoherence that’s a grisly testament to what comes from years of hard-core drug abuse. Regardless, STP are sure to provide past and faithful fans with thrills, not just pure nostalgia.

$20 to $45 Reserved Seating

______________________

The Roots
Friday, July 4 at the Miller Lite Oasis during Summerfest

Many fans would consider the Roots to be hip-hop’s best live band. But, I’d like to point out that while the Roots are deeply anchored in the fundamentals of hip-hop, soul and R&B, they are musicians above all else, and musicians in the hip-hop world – especially those with a heavy emphasis on rock ‘n’ roll – are a rarity.

All too often hip-hop artists are pigeonholed into being a few MCs with a DJ spinning beats. Not the Roots. They play all of their own instruments, including a tuba, flute, bongo, trombone, trumpet and sax. Such talents allow the Roots to create dense, powerful and dark sounds that swirl with polyphonic vocals and political intensity. These guys have obviously rejected all categorizing.

In fact, after seeing the Roots live several times, I’d even say that they dapple in the jam band genre, providing endless solos that seamlessly blend songs into one another. Of course, this is all found within the turntables-and-a-microphone world of hip-hop, again proving that you can’t classify the Roots.

Free with Summerfest admission

______________________

The Redwalls
Saturday, July 5 at U.S. Cellular Connection Stage during Summerfest

The Redwalls were just an unknown group from Illinois when I first saw them opening for Keane a few years ago. But once they took the stage, their guitar-driven, energetic rock ‘n’ roll became something familiar to me.

The Redwalls consist of four suit-wearing, smiling 20 somethings that all sing and share microphones and harmonies filled with quality ooos and ahhhs, come-ons and oh-yeahs. These guys seem to have ingested the Euro-pop of the past, and shat out the love child of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and The Kinks.

But as their Myspace page states, “We never set out to reinvent the wheel.” All music is thievery in a sense, so even though their sound hearkens back to the early days of the British Invasion, they still prove capable of making a mark on the current rock scene by making familiar sounds their own.

Free with Summerfest admission

______________________

M. Ward
Saturday, July 19 at the Pabst Theater

Matt Ward’s live performance is described by one reviewer in two parts: One, his guitar seems to function as an extension of his physical body; two, M. Ward is capable of effectively transforming his entire audience into a personal and emotional instrument – they laugh, cry, and breathe as he would if he were living the songs instead of playing them.

This description imparts a much more accurate understanding of his uncanny command of the stage, which is likely made possible by his possession of such a deceptively inconspicuous live presence.

While M. Ward is possibly the most soulful white man on the planet, he is known to prioritize the attention of his viewers: music first, everything else second. M. Ward’s unassuming presence and stripped down set allows the audience to be completely captivated by the music. That’s mainly due to M. Ward’s comprehensive blend of folk and blues that spins a series of earnest, poetic tales of heartbreak, love and old friends, which are delivered with muffled tones and grit similar to that of Jeff Buckley and Tom Waits.

Evidently, witnessing M. Ward isn’t just listening to a man playing his list of songs, it’s surrendering your soul and exposing the core of your emotions to embody M. Ward, his life, passion and soul.

$15 General Admission

______________________

The Go! Team
Thursday, July 31 at Turner Hall Ballroom

I saw The Go! Team at Lollapalooza two years ago, and even though the sound was a little shoddy, the British group was an incredibly exciting live phenomenon.

I mean, in both sound and look, The Go! Team is the epitome of multi-culturalism. Diversity in gender and race is paired with a blend of various sounds ranging from 60s soul and 80s hip-hop to Brit-pop and 70s TV show themes, and all of these elements are meticulously fused by enticing moves.

As said, their exciting performance is made possible by melding a lively group to a sound that’s upbeat and jovial. The six-member group leaps about the stage in beautifully synchronized pandemonium, sending a wave of energy through the crowd. Naturally, this causes roughly 90% of the crowd to dance with total disregard, flailing arms and legs and grooving in a manner not seen since the days of Soul Train.

You see, their youthful energy translates well on stage, and there’s nothing immature about their musical prowess either – even if it often sounds like high-pitched hubbub from a series of high school cheerleading chants.

$18.50 General Admission

There are many more shows coming to Milwaukee this month, especially during the final days of Summerfest. For a complete list of the Summerfest lineup, head over here.

For other concert information, take a look at the Rave, the Pabst, Riverside and Turner Hall, or any of the venues listed to the left under “Rock Out.” Or if you’re inclined, leave your recommendations in the comments section.

Vote Braun for All-Star Game!

All-Star balloting ends tonight and our beloved left fielder Ryan Braun needs your vote now!

Don't care? Well, you should!

With Braun’s strong momentum, he’s come closer to closing the gap on a starting position in the 2008 All-Star Game, but it's down to the wire now.

According to the most recent results that were released on Monday, Braunie was fourth among National League outfielders with 1,751,058 votes and trailed Kosuke Fukudome of the Cubs by just 32,925.

Don’t you want to see the reigning National League Rookie of the Year starting in the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium? Fans can vote up to 25 times online through 10:59 p.m. CT TODAY. The top three outfielders will be named to the starting lineup for the July 15 Midsummer Classic.

To help get out the vote, the Brewers are offering fans the opportunity to win a private suite and 12 tickets for a Brewers game, which includes a special visit to the suite by hotties Ryan Braun and J.J. Hardy. You better believe that I’ve already cast my vote, yep, a bazillion times so far. Okay, so I’m a little obsessed...

But, to be eligible for the suite prize, fans must go to brewers.com and vote 25 times or more through the conclusion of the online voting process, which is today, folks! So vote! (But not more than me because I want to win. K?)

According to the official site of the Crew, several Brewers continue to rank among the leaders at their respective positions: First baseman Prince Fielder (fourth), second baseman Rickie Weeks (fifth), third baseman Bill Hall (fourth), catcher Jason Kendall (third) and outfielders Mike Cameron (14th) and Corey Hart (13th).

Now, it’s also important to note that if you mark your ballot for Hardy, Prince, Hart or any other All-Star favorite, you are entered into another sweepstakes – a chance to score tickets to the Brewers vs. the Reds at Miller Park in September. But, just like the other All-Star election ploy, you have to vote a key number of 25 times before tonight.

For more info, head over here. Remember, all entrants must be 21 or older to be eligible for the sweepstakes. Again, in case you just skimmed my post, everything I mentioned ends tonight just before 11 o'clock!

So do your favorite Brewer proud and be sure to head over to brewers.com and vote (often) TODAY!

FYI: I obviously didn't take the photo, but I don't know where it originally came from.

Back to the Grind

I’m back.

Actually, I got back from Los Angeles on Friday night and have since been poorly readjusting to the time change.

On a whole, the trip was good. The convention went well and work was cake and the last few days were superbly relaxed.

In between work, Eric and I had the nights to bum around the city with my coworkers. We explored downtown L.A., which to be honest, I wasn’t very fond of. Naturally, the city is centered on businesses, so most restaurants and bars closed by 11 p.m., so there was minimal nightlife in proximity to our hotel. I was also surprised by the distance between each bar or restaurant. Unlike Milwaukee where you simply walk across the street or next door to the next bar or eatery, in downtown L.A. you had to walk a couple of miles to and from each. No joke.

Downtown L.A. was quite dirty and smoggy too, especially in our hotel’s vicinity. That was a bit of a turnoff, but there were some aspects that were very interesting – in particular, the city’s diversity and history. We explored notable neighborhoods such as the fashion, jewelry and financial district. We also hiked several miles to the gaudy yet extraordinary Chinatown and ate some delicious dimsong (or something like that) followed by potent sake in Koreatown.

Additionally, my coworkers, Eric and I had the chance to eat at some fine restaurants like the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Wolfgang Puck Cafe along the Universal CityWalk. Unfortunately, on some nights when I worked late, we were forced to either order Pizza Hut to our hotel room or dine on appetizers at the hotel bar, which left much to be desired.

On our actual vacation, Eric and I explored Hollywood, which was awfully disappointing. While it was cool to see Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame and the Kodak Theatre, that part of Hollywood proved to just be a tourist trap where everyone was out to get a buck from unsuspecting sightseers. That didn't completely mar our visit, though.

Summerfest Stuff to Know & Do

For many locals Summerfest kick-starts summer in Milwaukee.

Have you been to Summerfest yet?

I still haven't had the chance to make it to the "Big Gig" this year, but I'm hoping to get there on Wednesday night.

Until then, I figured I would compile a list of things to do in case you haven't gone yet or are planning to go more than once.

Summerfest continues until July 6, so you still have time to experience the "World's Largest Music Festival" once, twice or eleven times!

1. Learn how to get in for free by clicking here
2. Print your Summerfest tickets from home with NO fees. Just click here.
3. Listen to the Emerging Artists Series every day from 3 to 8 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Connections Stage, and then vote for your favorite band
4. Take a shuttle from any of the park and ride locations
5. Two words: Fried. Cheese.
6. Get in for FREE on July 6 from noon until 3 p.m. for We Energies Free Day
7. People watch – Summerfest brings out EVERYONE
8. Listen to The Roots groove on the 4th
9. Be a VIP on the Captain’s Deck
10. Score a wristband for free lawn seats at the Marcus Amphitheater
11. Ride the Skyglider
12. Know what bands you want to see and where they are performing. Go from point A to Point B with a purpose.
13. Support local music every day at the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Garage
14. Watch a live newscast
15. If you live less than five miles away, walk to the gates
16. Bring ear plugs
17. Learn how Summerfest has gone green
18. Check out these emerging artists – Stunkenberg, People in Planes, American Taxi and Ra Ra Riot – sponsored by FM 102.1
19. Watch the BMX Stunt Team at the Sentry SportsZone 
20. Try gator on a stick at Crawdaddy’s
21. When it's über crowded, stroll the lake path
22. Find good parking in greater Downtown by heading over here
23. Have a martini at Jo Jo's Martini Lounge
24. Sample everything from Thai beef jerky to shish-ke-bob and sauerbraten sandwiches to tamales at the Ethnic Village
25. Wear really comfortable shoes that aren't open toe
26. Text a friend so that everyone can see your message on the Text-2-Screen at the U.S. Cellular Connections Stage
27. Buy a Summerfest T-shirt
28. Please, leave your babies at home, oh, and the enormous strollers. Thank you.
29. Chuckle at Comedy Sportz
30. See your favorite radio DJ broadcast live
31. Relax in the larger-than-life Legendary Leinenkugel’s Lounger
32. Be responsible
33. Tip the street performers
34. Braid a mullet
35. Ride your Hog and park for FREE
36. For a sugar high or head freeze eat a giant Hawaiian Shave Ice
37. Play hooky from work and get in for only $8 before 4 p.m.
38. Tee up three balls for $6 at the Hole-In-One sponsored by Grand Geneva Resort and Spa and win great prizes
39. Watch the water ski show
40. Dance on a picnic table
41. Pedal to the grounds, but remember to lock up your bicycle
42. Chase the kiddies on the jungle gyms and slides at the Children’s PlayZone
43. Learn about your favorite exotic animals at the Wild World of Animals
44. Gobble up Saz’s mozzarella marinara
45. Dress in layers. It might be hot during the day, but the lakefront gets quite chilly at night
46. Wear deodorant. For everybody’s sake!
47. Get away from the crowd and cool off at the same time in the Columbia St. Mary’s Cool Down Lounge
48. Kick back in a real leather seat found on one of Midwest Airlines Boeing 717s
49. Get lucky by playing free bingo at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage and Pavilion
50. Wear a big red smile – you know what I'm talkin' about.

Feel free to share your suggestions below and perhaps I'll add them to my list. Let's try to come up with 100 things!

Freaky Fast Sandwich Auction

Forget to pack food for Jazz in the Park this week.

Just before Jazz in the Park starts, Jimmy John's is hosting their Freaky Fast Sandwich Auction right there in Cathedral Square.

Head over to to the Kilbourn Avenue side of the park around 5:30 p.m. when fast-talking charity auctioneer Jim Miller will be auctioning off unique packages consisting of Jimmy John’s gourmet sandwiches paired with other themed prizes.

All of the money raised at the Jimmy John's Freaky Fast Sandwich Auction will be donated to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist's Open Door Cafe meal program, which provides food to the homeless Sunday through Friday, serving up to 250 people per day. So, not only will you get a "Turkey Tom" or "County Club" for dinner, hundreds of needy people will also have a good meal.

Make sure you get downtown quickly because Cathedral Square is bound to fill up with jazz-goers, plus this auction is so "freaky fast" that it'll be over by 6 p.m.

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Do you know what I just realized? I bet you can tell by the title...

Just one year ago this month, I took the helm of Play in the City!

It's hard to believe that I've already been blogging for an entire year and that I've surpassed my 200th post by now.

Boy, I guess time does fly when you're having fun!

Summer is Upon Us

It’s here. It’s finally here!

How I’ve yearned for longer days, the scents of cut grass and sunscreen, a body quenching dip in the pool, and a gooey s'more constructed over a campfire.

Summers in Milwaukee are especially treasured. Surviving nine months of harsh winter weather really makes locals appreciate the summer thaw much more, yes, even the humidity!

Thus, it’s no surprise that Milwaukee knows how to celebrate summertime. In fact, a multitude of festivals and seasonal events abound Milwaukee, making these three months some of my favorite times spent here.

This summer I have a plethora of activities on the agenda that include:

• Kayaking down the Milwaukee River
• Skydiving for the first time
• Cherry picking at the Apple Holler
• Touring the new Harley-Davidson Museum on opening weekend
• Celebrating the arts at Gathering on the Green
• Watching a great lineup of movies – The Wizard of Oz, the Muppets Take Manhattan, the Goonies – under the star at Pere Marquette Park during River Flicks
• Fishing in McKinley Marina or in Veterans Park Lagoon

Plus, there are many events to partake in like Cedarburg’s 23rd Annual Strawberry Festival, Harley’s 105th Anniversary Celebration, numerous ethnic festivals and, of course, the long awaited Summerfest and Wisconsin State Fair.

Additionally, I have a handful of weddings to attend and mini trips to take. I’ll be heading to the Dells to race down water slides, Missouri to send time in the Ozarks with Eric’s family, and again, to Chicago for another year of Lollapalooza.

Do you have any big plans for the summer? If so, please feel free to share them in the comments section.

Whatever you have planned, whether it’s swimming, camping, fishing or traveling, make sure you cherish the summer because before you know it, the leaves will be falling and we’ll be back to wearing sweaters and scarves. Ick!

Heading Westward

I’m just about done packing. FINALLY!

Tomorrow I’m hopping on a plane at Mitchell International Airport and flying West to California for a business convention, and then for a few vacation days filled with much needed R&R. I have a feeling that this is going to be a really great trip!

Sure, I’ll be working Sunday through Tuesday, but the rest of the time will be spent relaxing and having fun around Los Angeles with Eric – like I said, he’s flying down with me for the week. After the convention, Eric and I will be able to hit the beach and have fun at Universal Studios Hollywood and along the CityWalk. We also have plans to check out Hollywood and the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater, you know, all of the touristy things that make for great photo ops.

I'll be back home in Milwaukee by next weekend, but I'll try to check in every once in a while from my hotel or maybe while I'm on the beach... Well, probably not from the beach 'cause that's strictly dedicated to swimming and sunbathing! Regardless, I hope you stop back while I'm gone.

In the meantime be sure to check out three of my favorite summertime events – Polish Fest, Lakefront Festival of Arts and the Summer Soulstice on the East Side – happening this weekend. I’m a little bummed that I’ll miss the chance to see Local H rock out right in my backyard, but I’ll get over it. Yep, just did. I’m going on vacation, baby!

Have a great week, everyone! I’ll share some photos from my trip when I return.

Swig

Living in Milwaukee for several years, I’ve learned that there are many diverse neighborhoods within the city that have their own distinct personalities and help make up Milwaukee’s overall character.

Naturally, for a newcomer it could be a struggle to find the right niche. That’s why when Swig originally opened on Water Street, Milwaukee’s biggest bar district, its martini lounge meets small plate dining concept didn’t exactly appeal to the beer bingeing, college-age bar hoppers who patronize that area. Knowing the restaurant/lounge wasn’t as well served on Water Street as it could be elsewhere, Swig closed its Water Street location last summer after 30 months of undesirably slow business.

Swig wasn’t forever gone, though. When Sauce closed after eight years of food service, the opportunity to move into its Third Ward location finally arrived. At last, Swig reopened this spring at 217 N. Broadway, which instantly became a perfect fit, combining elegant cuisine and creative cocktails with swanky lounge grandiosity.

After noticing that Swig had moved, I was determined to check out the new space. Conveniently, I could still partake in Downtown Dining Week, which provided a great opportunity to try another new restaurant. So, that Wednesday night, I eagerly met Rose at Swig’s Third Ward location for dinner and drinks.

Finding parking in the Third Ward is always tricky, but eventually a spot opened on Broadway and I marched over to the restaurant. Inside I was greeted by two very chirpy hostesses. They took my name and indicated that there would be a 30-minute wait, so they gave me one of those vibrating gadgets to hold onto. I was a little vexed by the wait, mostly just because I was starving. I guess I figured that because it was Wednesday night, we wouldn’t have to make reservations because it wouldn’t be especially busy. But, apparently Downtown Dining Week was successful in attracting droves of patrons interested in checking out the place for the first time. Go figure.

With the buzzer in hand, I slid into one of the tall, plush cushioned benches adjacent to the bar and thought about ordering a cocktail. Instead, I decided to wait for Rose and just scanned the scene.