Play in the City

Milwaukee Intermodal Station

The M-Change construction offers improvements for people who drive their own cars to work, but those who prefer buses and trains for their commute shouldn’t worry, they won’t be left behind.

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station, downtown’s new Amtrak train and bus station, had its grand opening yesterday. According to WISN sources, guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony included the project designer, Milwaukee government officials – Governor Jim Doyle and Mayor Tom Barrett to name a few – and everyday passengers who were commuting to work or heading back home from the holiday weekend, and some locals who just wanted to catch a glimpse into the new station.

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited about this. After looking at the photos in the Journal Sentinel yesterday, the $16.9 million project has clearly transformed the former Amtrak station into a new and improved facility.

I wasn’t there for the grand opening, but I took a detour on my way home from work last night and drove past the new building on St. Paul Ave. I can’t believe how different it looks! Check out these photos and see it for yourself if you haven’t already. It’s pretty cool, don't you think?

The new Intermodal Station has definitely updated the former 42-year-old Amtrak Station with a modernized exterior and remodeled waiting room that’s made of a contemporary, three-story steel and glass galleria, which I think is reminiscent of the clean openness of the Calatrava. Plus, the hub now serves Greyhound buses as well as Amtrak’s Milwaukee-to-Chicago line and long-distance Empire Builder Line that goes to the Twin Cities and Green Bay.

The remodeling has received a lot of hype, but I think it’s well deserved. I’ve taken the Amtrak multiple times prior to the renovation and was a little embarrassed by its unwelcoming appearance. It was an unacceptably unpleasant way to enter the city, with a dim and depressing interior virtually devoid of windows, natural light and charm of any sort. All the old station offered was a single entry train depot and worn-out seats in a dismal waiting room with a couple vending machines that provided stale bags of Cheetos for travelers – there wasn’t much to brag about.

Now, the station is being hailed as a new hub with multiple transportation options: passenger rail, intercity and regional bus connections, and taxi and limousine services; plus new features including office and retail spaces, and food services. Milwaukee finally has a more dignified place to wait for a train, but there’s still room for more expansion.

As of now, the improvements haven’t touched the platform, so the boarding process will remain as uninviting as ever. Was this really overlooked? Perhaps there are plans to revamp the dingy, unattractive depot in the future. I certainly hope so at least – I wouldn’t want visitors passing through the city and leaving with such a misguided first impression of Milwaukee.

But for the most part, the thousands of Amtrak passengers who come through Milwaukee for business or pleasure each year will find the station to be a unique and inviting place to catch a bus or train. At last, the city has a facility that is more welcoming to travelers and more representative of Milwaukee. The renovation is a big step in keeping up with the city’s constant evolution.

Besides the current changes, there’s potential for additional transportation means and citywide or regional connections. I read an article this morning about possible plans for the Intermodal Station. The author is hopeful that someday transportation will be available so that people can take a commuter train from their home in Kenosha and hop a streetcar to their job downtown. Future plans may even speak of high-speed trains that could whisk people away to a relative’s home in Oshkosh for the holidays as well.

While the new Milwaukee Intermodal Station does indeed boost the city’s image and encourages progress, I’m confident that there’s more that can and will be done in the future. This is a great start!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

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Milwaukee Intermodal Station
433 West St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!

Just now, snow has begun to gently fall outside, adding to the inch we got last night. If you were on the road at that time, I hope you drove safely. It has been years since the first snow of the season landed on the eve of Thanksgiving. The fresh snow really sets the mood for the start of the holidays.

I'm spending the next two days at my parent's house in West Bend. I can smell the turkey cooking in the oven as I watch the Packers vs. the Lions with my brother and dad. I love Thanksgiving Day football and it’s even better since the Packers are playing today! At the moment, the Packers are leading 17-9 at the start of the third quarter. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they hold on for the win – 10 and 1 would be fantastic!

The only thing that could make this day any better would be a full belly – my stomach is growling! But, we won't be eating until after the Packers game of course. And besides a plate of my mom's sweet potato casserole, it'd also be nice to have Eric here. Instead, I’m making a three and a half hour drive to a town outside of Peoria, Illinois on Saturday morning to close out the weekend with Eric and his folks. I’m really excited because I haven't seen them since this trip in August!

I hope you are with your loved ones right now celebrating and enjoying delicious food and fond memories and budding hopes.

Oh! The Packers just scored another touchdown! 24-9. I need to get back to the game, guys!

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

The Sports Fanatic's Paradise

Packers, Brewers and Bucks games just got more exciting!

Fanatics Sports Central is the new upscale sports bar boasting stadium seating, an X-box tournament room and private booths.

I hate when sports bars are marketed as a “guys paradise.” Maybe statistically sports bars attract more men verses women, but I still get a little offended. I am a woman AND I am a sports fan. I can get down and dirty with the guys, drink beer with the best of them and rattle off just as many sports stats as my bearded comrades. Because I don’t fit the description of the stereotypical woman, I wonder why sports bars can’t be a place for the “sports enthusiast” and not just for the guys...

A month ago Fanatics opened its doors in the Third Ward and with it, opened the gates to a sports fan’s heaven. As I found out after my first visit, there’s definitely a little something for everyone, yes, even for the “typical” woman.

It’s a place where you can go to watch the game on a bunch of TVs, plus explore the many different avenues that’ll keep you busy all night long. For instance, during halftime, you can play a game on their X-box, challenge a friend to pool or darts, or fiddle with an online game. There’s even talk that Fanatics will host leagues, which will include darts, foosball and even Madden and Halo!

As I scanned the bar I was in awe of the many luminous high-definition TV screens and my jaw dropped as I realized the 42 HDTVs were dominated by a 150-inch marvel that can display nine games at once - or just one game, really, really big. And to make everyone happy, it’s flanked by six more screens so that, as on Sunday, the Packers vs. Panthers game could be shown at a theatrical scale while the other NFL games went on around it. I was totally overwhelmed!

Greeting Cards at Broadway Paper

Despite the increasing costs of cards and postage, holiday greetings still flood post offices every year at this time. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.9 billion greeting cards are sent to friends and loved ones every year for the holidays, making Christmas the largest card-sending occasion in the United States. (The second largest is Valentine’s Day with approximately 192 million cards given, according to Hallmark.)

I read an interesting article that reported 64% of people send traditional Christmas cards via snail mail and spend untold hours choosing, signing and addressing each card as opposed to the 16% who just send them via e-mail. I’m curious as to how many people actually burn the midnight oil creating original and personalized greetings to mail.

I love the idea of Christmas in the sense of family and friends and being reminded of them, but sometimes it seems like it has lost its sincerity. Instead of receiving homemade cards or ones that obviously took time to personalize, I often get greetings that are just stamped with a signature. Every year I either make cards in Photoshop or at least write a letter and send it with a card – even if it’s time consuming. And this year, I decided to make my Christmas cards the old fashioned way with colorful paper, a little glue and some creativity.

Saturday after Milwaukee’s Holiday Parade, I spent nearly four hours at Broadway Paper for a holiday greeting card, tag and invitation workshop.

My mom and I signed up together and met there at noon. Even though the two of us combined would be an unstoppable craft-making machine, we both wanted ideas to spruce-up our gifts and cards this year; plus it was a good reason to spend an entire afternoon together.

Here Comes Santa Claus...

Under dreary November skies thousands of people jammed the city for the 81st annual Milwaukee Holiday Parade as it weaved its way through downtown on Saturday morning.

According to the local forecast, the weather was supposed to hold steady at 40 degrees throughout the morning, but as we later found out, the blustery wind and constant sleet made it feel more like a frigid thirty. Needless to say, I was really glad I brought along my hat and mittens just in case!

With winter-like temperatures, parade-watchers huddled together under warm blankets and tried to keep toasty by sipping hot chocolate or coffee from local vendors. At the same time, others managed to ignore the cold and had a good time singing and dancing in the streets. I was among those in a huddle, but when I’d occasionally bounce to the beat of the marching bands, I actually felt a little warmer.

All in all, the weather wasn’t much of a deterrence or disappointment if you keep in mind that it was a holiday parade and the seasonable weather helped to welcome the festivities. Plus, we all know that by the time Christmas rolls around, the weather will become significantly colder – this is only the beginning! Regardless, the Holiday Parade went on to delight an estimated 50 to 100 thousand people, according to the Journal Sentinel, with over 2-dozen marching bands, a brigade of floats, Macy’s Parade-style helium balloons and, of course, Santa Claus himself.

Holiday Lights Kick-off TONIGHT!

It’s finally beginning to feel like November after a string of 60 degree days. And the temperature shift couldn’t have come at a better time as Milwaukee kicks off the holidays with some very merry events this week.

To signal the start of the season, last night was the official Christmas Tree Lighting at Red Arrow Park. This is the city’s oldest holiday tradition and is always the outset of a week filled with holiday celebrations.

If you couldn’t make it downtown for the tree lighting last night, make sure to get to the Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off, Festival of Trees Lighting Ceremony or the 81st Annual Holiday Parade.

Unfortunately, I can’t make it to the first couple of events, but I’ll definitely wake bright and early to be among the crowd at the city’s Holiday Parade this Saturday.

Tonight, though, is the city’s largest holiday lights kick-off beginning at 5 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park. According to OnMilwaukee, it begins with live holiday music and a repertoire of festive acts and appearances by local celebrities (I heard that new Milwaukee Buck Yi Jianlian will help with the festivities). Plus everyone, even adults, will be anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus who will be there with bells on of course!

Then around 6:00, it will be time to flip the switch on the city’s décor and light up the downtown parks and streets. And if you thought it couldn’t get any better, the commencement is said to be topped off by a brilliant fireworks display. There will also be free hot chocolate and coffee to keep everyone toasty, as well as, cookies and special goodies for the kids.

Lakefront Brewery Fish & Beer

There's no better way to celebrate a southeastern Wisconsin tradition like the Friday night fish fry than pairing it with another Milwaukee favorite...

Beer.

That’s right. You won’t find many local fish fry lovers who aren’t indulging in a brewski or two, simply because it’s what we do here. And to detest a great beer is sacrilegious if you live in Milwaukee; we are Brew City, people. Thus, it’s no wonder why the Lakefront Brewery tour and fish fry is such a popular event as it attracts droves of locals and visitors to its home along the Milwaukee River every Friday night.

Seriously, Lakefront Brewery fills up very fast for such an occasion. It’s probably because it boasts the best fish fry in southeastern Wisconsin hands down – the only thing that could possibly make it better would be if it was all-you-can-eat!

The Lakefront Brewery is a Milwaukee landmark, just like Miller and Sprecher. Even with only 20 years under their belt, Lakefront already has a rich history involving local taverns, city preservations, unique tours, family style dining and most importantly, award winning brews.

Lakefront Brewery makes some of my favorite beers – Cattail, ESB, Eastside and Pumpkin Spice – and has an exceptional tour, which is why I chose it as the place to host my birthday celebration this year.

Shopaholics, Get Ready!

Shopping in Milwaukee just got better with the addition of two nationally known retail stores set to open this winter.

Online stores are my preferred means of shopping mostly because I despise the mall and its crowds and I just don’t see the point of wasting time window shopping since whatever my heart desires is just a click away on the web. But with two new stores – Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie – moving into the neighborhood, I might change my ways and bear the crowds and lines and press my nose against their windows.

Right now, there’s only a sign and some funky wallpaper up at 1937 E. Kenilworth Place, but next month Urban Outfitters will beckon college students from all over southeastern Wisconsin, and just in time for the holidays.

Anyone who has been to college or knows someone who was or is in college has heard of Urban Outfitters simply because college students make up a large share of the store’s customer base. And since Urban’s new location is only one mile south of UW-Milwaukee’s main campus and is in a building that’s part of UWM’s student housing, it’s a prime spot.

Concert Preview: November '07

With winter upon us, there’s no better way to spend a cold winter night than curled up in front of a fire. On the other hand, a hot, sweaty concert hall has nearly the same appeal… at least to me.

Even though the warm weather has passed and the summer concert season has ended, the Milwaukee music scene won't be hibernating this winter. Actually, as you’ll notice, there are a bunch of great shows coming to town in the next couple of months that will wrap you up in their warm blanket of rock ‘n’ roll rhythms, hot bass lines and heavy drum thumps.

Here’s a short list of my recommendations for November…

They Might Be Giants
Friday, November 9 at Turner Hall Ballroom

Gracing the newest venue in the Pabst Theater clan, Turner Hall, is the five piece band They Might Be Giants. Since their debut in 1982 as a duo, TMBG has developed a reputation as a “must see” live show. The band delivers a night of completely unadulterated fun as their short, odd songs engulf music venues with glorious melodies and quirky charm. Their nonsense syllables and silly ideas from their vast repertoire of catchy and witty songs will ensure you leave the show with bizarre childish anthems ringing in your ears and a warm, fuzzy feeling of child-like bliss.

SOLD OUT (sorry guys)
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Modest Mouse
Sunday, November 11 at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom

I was fortunate to see Modest Mouse in the heat of summer at Lollapalooza where they put on a flawless performance that blistered with energy. These guys won’t glass over their unflinching commitment to forge a unique and recognizable sound by way of throaty, lisping vocals and rolling, fluid bass lines and rigid, muscular drumming. Their melancholy mood and deep melodic maturity provides the perfect end-of-the-weekend show.

$32 General Admission
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Dropkick Murphys
Monday, November 12 at The Rave

"We know that we're just a buncha schmucks that can't play for shit and sure as hell can't sing, but for some reason, you guys show up and make this work." That's Ken "Reverend" Casey's tear jerking speech to the crowd midway through the Dropkick Murphys' new live album. And that's the Murphys in a nutshell. They are patriotic, fierce, drunk and loud, but to this band, the audience is always central to the music. Tireless gigging bagpipes, big gulps of Guinness and principled anthem-writing have turned the Dropkick Murphys into a voice of solidarity and opposition that unites rather than divides, and always fills venues.

$21.50 General Admission
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The Life and Times
Friday, November 16 at Hattrix (in Kenosha)

Composed of members from the former 90s band Shiner, Ring Cicada and Stella Link, these guys have seen fads and styles fade at about the same rate as cheap jeans. Together as The Life and Times however, they ignite a blend of scratchy, ragged bass lines, electric synthesized chords, and multi-layered guitars, which are consumed by pounding drum beats and produce a streamlined style that’s also constantly but effortlessly evolving. At one moment you think you’re in the mid-90s listening to sluggish alt-rock and the next you’re morphed into an indie-punk dance party circa 2003. And on top of that, Roger Waters inspired bass lines and Floydian tendencies keep you guessing what the band has in store for the rest of your musical journey.

$7 General Admission

As said, there are a lot more shows coming to Milwaukee in the next couple of months that will help you forget about the bitter cold outside. Check out the Rave or Pabst, Riverside and Turner Hall for more information.

FUEL Hits Cuvée

Last Thursday, FUEL was given exclusive access to the up-and-coming Milwaukee hot spot, Cuvée, a week prior to its big public opening.

Located on the top floor of a converted industrial building in the center of the artsy Third Ward, Cuvée is a loft-style champagne lounge and full-service bar with over 100 different varieties of sparking wine, which are available for take-out and table service.

In all honesty, I didn’t know a thing about FUEL until my friend of 12 years landed a gig as their member and events manager almost a year ago. Rose and I grew up in Brookfield together and got to know each other well over many years of playing high school and club volleyball.

These days, Rose gets to work with really hip 20-somethings as she sets up socials at new, trendy bars. And when FUEL became the new Young Professionals of Milwaukee back in February, Rose was part of its re-branding and reorganizing.

As I learned more about FUEL, I realized that its concept – to have a talent network for employees and individuals around Milwaukee – is a pretty solid idea. According to their website, FUEL is a membership comprised organization that leads the talent attraction and retention work of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). FUEL focuses on 4,500 growth-oriented individuals working in the Milwaukee area who are 21 and older and 56 employers of all types who are looking to attract a more diverse talent pool. I think it’s a great way to strengthen the Milwaukee regional business base by, as I presume it does, attracting and retaining jobs and the talent to fill them. And because FUEL attracts a crowd whose age ranges from 21 to 50, it’s a great way to meet people.

FUEL holds two events each month to showcase the Milwaukee region. “One gets us around town and is purely social and the other gives us access to something or someone of high regional interest like our upcoming Green Café Event at Manpower,” Rose explained.

I’m not a member of FUEL, which is okay since it’s not necessary if you want to attend their socials (but to reap the other benefits you have to be a member). So on Thursday night, I decided to check out what their socials are all about and to get a sneak peek into a new bar before it opens to the public; and of course to win a couple brownie points from Rose for attending.