I woke up today a go-kart virgin.
In my 24 years of life, I've neither ridden in nor driven a go-kart, and I was hoping to change that today.
However, after today's second failed attempt to go-kart in Milwaukee (the first was in June), I will go to bed tonight still a go-kart virgin. Who knows? Maybe I'll die as one. It's very possible.
Today was a fantastic, warm spring day. Dave and I toyed with the idea of going to the Milwaukee Public Museum, but decided it was too nice of a day to spend indoors. I am a Public Museum virgin too though, so that's definitely on the top of our rainy-day agenda. (Yes, no go-karts and no field trips to the Museum – what the heck kind of childhood did I have?)
I remembered seeing a family fun park on Layton Avenue a few times, and I was sure they had go-karts there, so early this afternoon we went to the River Falls Family Fun Center. I was psyched to drive a go-kart for the first time ever, and maybe take a few swings in the batting cages, too. We got there, got out of the car, and headed toward the park. Then Dave stopped, pointed at the sign and said in an exasperated voice "They have pedal carts here, not go-karts!"
Oops.
We knew pedal carts wouldn't provide the thrill we were hoping for, and the batting cages looked pretty crowded, so we got back in the car and left.
We then came to the realization that go-karts simply don't exist in Milwaukee. I suppose they're more of a touristy thing to do, and Milwaukee isn't exactly a tourist town. I guess I'll have to make it a point to get behind the wheel of one next time I visit Wisconsin Dells.
Anyway, driving back into the city, I said we should stop into the Milwaukee Public Market since we hadn't been there since its grand opening back in October. Being able to see it without hundreds of people inside was great – it's just a beautiful place!
Far fewer people were there this time, obviously, but there were still plenty of shoppers. I noticed a few additions from when we'd been there last, including a wine vendor and a gourmet candy and chocolate vendor, and also The Spice House.
Walking through the market is a delight to the nose, the ears and the eyes. The smells change from fresh seafood to warm bread, ripe produce to blooming flowers, gourmet coffee to delectable chocolate. And everything is so colorful and delicious-looking; it's easy to just wander around and around, eyeing and touching and smelling everything.
There was a guy with a harmonica and a guitar playing and singing upstairs in the seating area, so even the sound of the market was more pleasant than that of your normal shopping experience.
I often say – much to Dave's annoyance – "let's pretend we're in – " and then name some far-off place, and today I mentioned Europe. Browsing through the different stands, it's very easy to forget you're in Milwaukee.
On our way out, we couldn't resist the seafood-on-a-stick we saw at the fish stand. We got a teriyaki-flavored smoked salmon ($3.95) and a shrimp skewer (only $2.50!) and sat at a table outside the market and ate them. They were awesome! Dave ate most of the salmon and I ate four of the five giant shrimp. It was definitely our first seafood-on-a-stick, and it was a delicious little snack.
After making a quick stop home, we drove down to the lakefront to enjoy the last of the afternoon sunshine. We spread out a blanket and spent a little more than an hour down there, watching the tons of people going by, reading our respective books for awhile, and playing a mean game of catch.
As always, it was a delightful Sunday. Even if I didn't get to ride in a go-kart.
Haha, you'll get to ride a go-kart eventually... But yes, it's very weird that you haven't ridin in one.. and not having been to the Public Museum. Our museum is great! The exhibits are way outdated and haven't been changed since I was a kid decades ago but there's the butterfly wing now and the bugs alive exhibit.. which are always fun things to see/do. You definitely seem like the kind of person who'd like to let a butterfly land on them.
Posted by: Mark | May 08, 2006 at 09:56 AM
It would be pretty sad to die a virgin.
Posted by: Andre | May 08, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Those Salmon-on-a-stick things rock! We were there yesterday and had the Cajun flavored version. I tried their "salmon jerky" which was good, too.
The public market is a great stop in Milwaukee. We particularly enjoy sampling the different vendors' delicacies and have discovered more great cheeses, chocolates, etc. from there.
Posted by: Brian | May 08, 2006 at 11:00 AM
Yeah, I think you have to go all the way to the Dells for Go Karts and, in my opinion, they're kind of scary there. People get all "Indy 500" about it and try to bump you and, well, I'm just too much of a chicken. But that's the Taj Mahal of Go Karts - Big Chief.
Hubby and I just went to the Public Museum on Sunday to see the Vatican exhibit, which I found fascinating! I recommend to get the audio tour and/or definitely talk to the docents - they're incredibly knowledgeable and can tell you great stories about things like Liturgical Drinking Straws. I'm Catholic and I had never heard of those. Gotta get me some!
I'm a Public Market virgin and must get there, especially now that I know they have Seafood on a Stick!
Hi from Tosa! *waves*
Posted by: Karen | May 09, 2006 at 09:26 PM
First time poster, long time reader. I agree that you will have to go west a hour or so to ride outdoor go - karts. Though in West Bend at Stocky's Fast Track they have an indoor track. The cars are electric and they claim that the acceleration is better than the gas powered ones. Haven't personally been there, but have been trying to for a while.
Posted by: Tom | May 13, 2006 at 04:39 AM
Thanks for the info. Tom! I'll have to look into that place ...
Glad you decided to leave a comment - thanks for reading! :)
Posted by: Erin | May 13, 2006 at 09:43 AM