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!
Sadly I will be missing Summerfest, but I will be home to enjoy Festa Italiana! (It's my FAVORITE of all the festivals -- great food, great fireworks, great music, and every year without fail I run into someone I'm related to down there...) Plus I'm really excited to be in Brew City during State Fair this year. I'll also be going to Lollapalooza in Chicago for some kickass concerts (with a crazy group of people, don't know if you know them, Karen......)
I've never been kayaking down the Milwaukee River -- could you give a little more information about that? That sounds like a really good time.
Gathering on the Green (in Mequon) is a really fun time. I used to work for one of the arts organizations that gives performances there, and the festival is a good mix of food, music, and atmosphere.
Posted by: Kristin | June 23, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Karen, it sounds like you'll have a busy summer. I look forward to hearing about all that's on your agenda!
Posted by: Amanda | June 24, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Milwaukee is great in the summer!
I'm excited for the ethnic festivals. I went to Polish fest last weekend and had a blast.
Posted by: SuzieQ | June 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Hey Kristin-
Kayaking down the Milwaukee River is a blast! It gives you a really cool perspective of the Riverwalk and the cityscape too.
Laacke and Joys on Water Street rents kayaks for $20 and you get it for an hour and a half. The kayaks are up for grabs to anyone, but they tend to go pretty quickly, so I'd recommend calling ahead and reserving one before you head out. (There are also other places to rent kayaks. So, that's something to keep in mind as well.)
Perhaps this is something we could do while you're in town...? Let me know!
Posted by: Karen | June 30, 2008 at 12:28 PM