Play in the City

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!

Denis Sullivan Homecoming Gala

Under a sunny sky filled with fluffy, regal clouds, they sailed along the Gulf Stream near Florida. It was the same course as last year so the scent of fresh salt water and the warm tropical breeze evoked a familiarity among most of the crew. As the schooner cut through the rough Gulf waters, waves hammered against the gangway of the ship and rolled over the deck, tossing mist into the humid air, which generally acted as a better air conditioner than the ones the crew left back home in Milwaukee.

It was a glorious day, one that reminded them of why they truly love the open sea and sailing upon it. By midnight, though, the weather turned ferocious, kicking up eight-foot waves that engulfed the schooner and began to submerge its wooden deck. It’s hard to believe that only a few hours before, the deck provided a place for students to relax or study the ocean, or learn how to help set the sails, coil the lines and steer the ship.

At that moment, however, no one was relaxing – the ship was sinking! Without hesitation, the schooner’s brave crew worked with conviction, hand pumping the six feet of water on deck as other shipmates successfully rescued three men whose boat had been swallowed by waves and dark waters. Later, this night went down in history as the vessel’s most exciting journey.

This was an actual account from Captain Hugh Covert of the S/V Denis Sullivan that I read at ExpressMilwaukee.com. Sure, I dramatized it a bit, but clearly sailing the open sea isn’t a walk in the park – it definitely is an adventure! That’s why after hearing a thrilling story like that, I was even more eager to see the Great Lakes schooner up close and in person at Discovery World.

A few Saturdays ago, on a day reminiscent of that winter voyage along the Gulf Stream, I joined thousands of excited people at Discovery World to celebrate the Denis Sullivan’s official arrival at its summer port at Pier Wisconsin. The homecoming had the prospect of being a grandiose gala; unfortunately, it was forced to end abruptly due to inclement weather.

Eric and I arrived exactly at 3 p.m., parked in Discovery World’s underground garage and signed in at a long table centered on the lengthy promenade. Here we were given a wrist band for access to all of Discovery World, along with a food voucher, and then we aimlessly wandered around not really knowing what was in store for us.

You Say Tomato, I Say Farmers Market!

I love farmers markets.

From perusing the vast selection of fresh fruits and organic veggies to taking in the incredible aroma of the various seasonal flowers and pungent herbs, farmers markets are a great alternative to supermarket shopping.

Actually, beginning last summer, I started taking full advantage of the East Town Market and The East Side Open Market almost every Saturday. They are close to my apartment and offer a great variety of produce.

While I’m usually an avid market shopper anyway, there’s another reason to shop there right now: for salmonella-free tomatoes. I’m serious!

Seventeen states including Wisconsin, Illinois, Virginia, Texas, California, and so on, have experienced salmonella outbreaks linked to three types of raw tomatoes – red plum, red Roma and round red tomatoes – and the list of supermarkets and restaurants yanking those varieties off the shelves and menus keeps growing.

Come to think of it, I went to Qdoba the other day and was shocked that they didn’t have any salsa for my nachos. It later donned on me that it was due to the tomato scare.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said to news sources that since mid-April, 167 people have been infected with salmonella of the same “genetic fingerprint” and at least 23 of those people have been hospitalized, and one person has died.

To be safe, the FDA suggests avoiding tomatoes unless they were grown in unaffected states. Additionally, cherry tomatoes and grapes tomatoes, homegrown tomatoes or those sold with the vine still attached are likely not the source of the salmonella outbreak. So, besides those tomatoes grown in your backyard, another place to get some red and raw tomatoes that aren't tainted is at your neighborhood’s farmers market.

Now everyone should be more inclined to visit their local farmers market, no? Not only will you find a fresh, organic and appetizing assortment of fruits and vegetables, you’ll be able to pick up tomatoes of the non-salmonella variety.

Open for the summer and always close to home, the markets give local farmers the chance to display their goods, while giving residents the chance to socialize and browse the homegrown produce lining the aisles in an open-air and inviting setting.

I did a little research online and found a list of Wisconsin farmers markets. I encourage you to take the time to find one in your vicinity. Let’s not fear the tomato anymore!

Jazz in the Park Returns!

Jazz in the Park returns for its 18th season TONIGHT!

Pack your pic-a-nic basket with dinner and your favorite bottle of wine and, for tonight at least, a poncho, and head to East Town.

On Thursday evenings from early June until late September, Cathedral Square comes alive with people swarming the park and covering it with picnic blankets and folding chairs, even spilling over into the streets, across the streets and practically on each other’s laps just to enjoy a summer night filled with live music and, perhaps, a delicious glass of vino.

Jazz in the Park is my new favorite outdoor music series. There’s just something about it. Possibly my favorite aspect about Jazz in the Park – besides the fact that it’s FREE – is its location. There’s a makeshift stage setup right smack in the middle of the city in a lush and beautiful park that provides an incredibly serene oasis from the bustling city. Even though you’re still amid the buildings downtown, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell once you get lost in the night’s smooth melodies.

Jazz in the Park features a wide variety of acts spanning Milwaukee, the region and across the nation. All season-long attendees will hear a variety of jazz music ranging from straight ahead jazz mixed with some Latin sounds, to contemporary and acid jazz, to everything in between.

I went for my first time last year and now I’m anticipating this season’s lineup – Blue Number Nine on June 19, Back Alley Band on August 14, and Big O and the Nite Owls Showband on September 11, to name a few.

For a look at the complete Jazz in the Park schedule, click here.

If you haven’t gone yet, I highly recommend that you check it out this year. Bring a date, bring a friend, bring your cat... I guarantee you’ll have a great time!

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Jazz in the Park
Cathedral Square Park
E Wells Street & N Jefferson Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202 
Thursday evenings from June 5 through September 25
Starts at 6 p.m.
FREE

Earth Day at the Urban Ecology Center

With the plethora of Earth Day events taking place lasts weekend, I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate Mother Earth than at the Urban Ecology Center (UEC).

The neighborhood-based, non-profit community center is located in Milwaukee’s historic Riverside Park. The center is dedicated to educating locals about the environment by offering multifaceted outdoor recreation, environmental resources, and science and ecological schooling.

The day was calling for rain, but around noon the skies were still pretty clear, so Eric and I rushed to get to the UEC to partake in their Earth Day festivities before the rain had a chance to spoil the day.

We found parking along Locust Street near the entrance to Riverside Park. This niche of the East Side once was a little ragged and the park was pretty underused and overgrown, but that afternoon you wouldn’t have been able to tell. Although there were marks of graffiti left on some picnic tables, the swing sets and jungle gyms were alive with kids.

As Eric and I strolled along the sidewalk and into the park, we began to get a little confused about where all of the alleged Earth Day events were taking place. We were in the right place at the right time, but aside from the kids on the playground, no one was around. That is, until we came upon a handsome, four-story, metal-sided timber building abuzz with face-painted children competing in a bean bag toss and making crafts at tables along the sidewalk outside.

Most environmental education centers have been set in the country, usually in a nature preserve surrounded by bountiful and vigorous wildlife habitats in order to better connect with nature. However, the UEC is an exception as it’s located in a dense city neighborhood amid several acres of once-decrepit parkland.

We followed the path around the building and past a stunning 40-foot climbing wall where brave kids and adults scaled its vertical course. We wound around a rainwater-retention pond and a garage built of salvaged brick, and then we found the main entrance.

Through the front door we entered straight into the main hall where we were warmly welcomed by a lady at a table who provided us with a schedule that was jam-packed with crafts, classes, demonstrations, music and so on.

Finally Spring!

…And we're getting six to eight inches of snow tomorrow. Yuck!

Clearly, my exclamation of delight over springtime was a little premature. But what do you expect? After a long and taxing winter, I think all of us are anxious for a change, not to mention sunnier days – I know it will help me get out of this rut and maybe get some color back into my pasty skin.

As expected, warmer temperatures will eventually come to southeastern Wisconsin and regardless of the amount of snow that will pileup tomorrow, we can bet our boots that it’ll quickly melt – there’s always a silver lining, you see.

Even though the last four months were brutal with endless snow and bitter cold temperatures, I’m glad I took advantage of the winter wonderland by cross-country skiing and tobogganing instead of hiding underneath my covers.

Looking back all the way to December, I had a fabulous first-time visit to the u-cut tree farm and a blast celebrating Christmas and New Years. I also got to check out Body Worlds, take part in my first non-job interview, and test my swing dancing abilities. Now that I think of it, it was a great winter, probably the best I’ve experience in years!

By now I think it’s safe to say that we're all ready to move on, though. With the spring thaw, the vivacious sounds of Milwaukeeans emerging from hibernation will resonate off the buildings and echo down the streets. It’s no surprise considering Milwaukee offers locals and visitors a plethora of fun things to do, especially as the weather heats up.

One of my favorite things about living downtown is how the city comes to life in full force on beautiful days. Every picnic table, grassy patch, or bar patio becomes occupied by sunglasses or Brewers cap-wearing locals ready to bask in the city and Mother Nature’s splendor.

I certainly plan to take advantage of the spring temperatures as soon as they arrive and play in the city as often as I can. Hiking through Lake Park, biking on the Oak Leaf Trail, window shopping along Brady Street or picnicking in Veteran’s Park are just some of my beloved springtime activities, that is, as long as I’m able to keep my allergies at bay.

Besides relaxing in the sun, I’m hoping to get my body toned for swimsuit season, which will creep up on us in no time. I’m looking to take dance lessons through Milwaukee Recreation – what do you think, Argentinean Tango or Salsa lessons? Or perhaps I should finally commit to a three-month jazz/modern class at Danceworks to get back to my roots as a dancer. Also, sand volleyball at The Tracks Tavern begins again in April. As reigning champions, I’m thrilled to play on two competitive teams this season!

Beyond burning calories, I’ll be participating in some activities at the Urban Ecology Center and will hopefully sign-up for summer sailing lessons and skydiving. I’m also going to finally take a trip to Discovery World and the William F. Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design, along with the new Sensory Overload exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Most of all, I’m keyed up for baseball season! My tickets already came in the mail, so I’m eager to tailgate and root for the home team. On a side note, I’m glad that Bill Hall moved infield. Last season was rough for him, but I think this change will instill the confidence he had before. (Billy Boy is my favorite Brewer. I don't care what you say.)

But, before Hall and the rest of the Brewers hit the field, I’m hoping to make it to an Admirals or Bonecrushers game – I’m not even going to discuss the Bucks though. Did you see Tuesday night’s abomination against the Heat? Ugh! Despite another disappointing NBA season, I have enough sports events to keep me thoroughly entertained until I’m completely enthralled with baseball once again.

As you can see I have a laundry list of things to do and I'm raring to go and delighted to share my adventures with all of you. There’s plenty to look forward to – blooming flowers, warmer days – so get out and enjoy the new season and the prospect of a fresh beginning.

Maybe I’ll see you around the city!

A Fun Polar Workout

After all of the snow we’ve had this winter, I think almost everyone is sick of it. But winter isn’t going anywhere, not yet at least. So you have a choice: you can either hide underneath your covers and wait for the snow to melt or you can accept Midwestern winters, after all you live in Wisconsin and maybe should learn to like it, right?

Last Saturday, Eric and I embraced the winter by going cross-country skiing despite our aggravation with the snow. It was one of those times when you have to take the “bad” with the good – not that snow is bad or anything. Whatever. You know what I mean...

On Saturday morning, we woke up to mild temperatures and the prospect of a day to capitalize on the massive amounts of snow outside. When we considered how this winter has been, we knew that we probably wouldn’t get a better weekend to traverse through such a winter wonderland. So, we seized the occasion and found that not only did our afternoon of skiing remind us of why we enjoy winter, but it was surprisingly a great workout!

I believe in the theory that if you can walk, you can ski – it’s like extended walking, but it’s much more taxing. In fact, even though it was only about 20 degrees outside, I couldn’t feel the cold – body heat from a grueling exercise is much more powerful than a blasting furnace, let me tell you. That’s why cross-country skiing is, in the opinion of many exercise physiologists and researches, the world’s best aerobic fitness activity – and by the way my legs feel today, I completely agree.

After a filling breakfast at the Original Pancake House, we gathered our hats, mittens, heavy coats and snow pants, and then drove to Les Moise in Whitefish Bay to rent the basic equipment: skis, poles, boots and bindings. All of the gear only cost us $12 each for two full days! I was surprised at how affordable it was. Once we filled out some short paperwork, a young man went to get our gear. Our skis were sized to us based on our weight – you get a longer ski if you’re heavier so that the weight is evenly distributed – and the poles were fit to our height by measuring them to our armpits.

Next, we paid and clumsily carried the equipment out to my car, and then made our way to Brown Deer Park. Finally, we were ready to hit the trails! Brown Deer Park and all of the Milwaukee County Parks allow free cross-country skiing whenever Mother Nature cooperates, so you are able to get a great workout whenever you want. Oh, and it’s incredibly fun too!

Tobogganing!

On Saturday we turned our attention to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to seek the opinion of that wise seer-of-the-future Punxsutawney Phil, the weather forecasting groundhog. For more than 120 years, Phil has been predicting the end of winter. This year, news came swiftly to Milwaukee that Phil saw his shadow, which means another six weeks of winter for all of us.

Even though many people are probably getting sick of the ungodly amounts of snow we’ve dealt with all winter – the weatherman claims we’ve had about 72 inches amass this season – we have to remember that we live in Wisconsin and this is what winters are supposed to be like. I guess sometimes you just have to make the most of it, which is why Eric and I took advantage of the morning’s fresh coat of snow and the seemingly endless winter by going tobogganing at Whitnall Park.

The toboggan slide at Whitnall Park features two quarter-mile – 1,020 feet long – meticulously iced tracks with a total run of about 1,500 feet, described a FOX 6 reporter during a story aired on Friday.

On our way, Eric and I stopped at Stone Creek Coffee for our daily caffeine fix and we were given a special coupon in celebration of Groundhog Day. The voucher was good for either a 12-ounce white chocolate mocha if Phil sees his shadow or a 12-ounce vanilla bean Latte if Phil proclaims the coming of spring. Needless to say, we redeemed the coupons for two mochas to brace us for the snowy afternoon.

To our surprise, the day dawned the warmest temperature – 32 degrees – that we’ve experienced in the last two weeks, according to the forecast on the radio. It was actually quite beautiful as a soft snow fell throughout most of the day. And since it wasn’t freezing outside, it made for a comfortable afternoon as well; then again, I was dressed like Randy in A Christmas Story.

Once we found the Winter Sports Area hidden amid the trees in the enormous park, we put on our hats and donned our mittens and went to see what the toboggan experience was all about.

At the top of a huge sledding hill was a little shed swelling with toboggans in a variety of sizes. We paid $6.50 each for the hour and then towed our six-foot toboggan over to a line adjacent to the sledding hill where groups of snow bunnies waited anxiously for their turn down the toboggan slide.

Calling All Polar Bears!

Be ready to dip into near-freezing water at noon tomorrow to prove to yourself that you’re still alive… or to cure that New Year’s Eve hangover!

On New Year’s Day droves of crazy people will descend on Bradford Beach to partake in a long-standing Milwaukee tradition, the Polar Bear Plunge. All at once, brave locals will run like wild into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan and face near-hypothermic conditions.

Meanwhile, I’ll be sipping on a spicy Bloody Mary during a filling New Year’s Day brunch at the Olympia Resort, glad that I’m not participating in the Plunge. The thought alone makes me cringe, but perhaps if I’m coerced I’ll give in to the madness and join the Polar Bear Club next year.

Maybe.

For those of you keeping an open mind and considering making the leap this year, head over to this blog and get a taste of what’s in store for you. Or check out the video footage on YouTube from last year's Polar Bear Plunge – you may want to reconsider!

If any of you are planning to participate, please thaw out, and then share your experience with us!

Until then, happy 2008!

________________

Polar Bear Plunge
Bradford Beach, Milwaukee (Lincoln Memorial Drive and Bradford Ave.)
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 (New Year’s Day)
12 p.m.

The Spirit of Candy Cane Lane

For over 20 years, Candy Cane Lane has been a Milwaukee area tradition and one that my family took part in annually.

Bounded by Oklahoma and Montana Avenues and 92nd to 96th Street, Candy Cane Lane transforms the West Allis neighborhood into a Christmas wonderland beginning on December 1 and ending on December 28.

According to this article, it all started in 1984 when a group of neighbors got together to decorate their homes in honor of a neighborhood child who was diagnosed with cancer. Since then, it has developed into a beloved holiday tradition shared by families and friends from all over the Midwest and has grown into a huge benefit for the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc.).

This year was no different as families flocked to the 15-block area to take in the elaborate Christmas displays adorning many homes on Candy Cane Lane.

In 1985, my family moved to Milwaukee and readily adopted Candy Cane Lane as one of our favorite holiday traditions. Each following year, we’d bundle up after Christmas Eve mass, stop for hot cocoa at the local Super America and snake through the neighborhood. This was my family’s Christmas Eve ritual for years until my parents moved to West Bend and couldn’t make the trip this Christmas. Nevertheless, my sister and I were determined to keep the tradition alive, afterall, it's just not the holidays without a trip down Candy Cane Lane.

Eric, Terry and I piled into one car and made our way from the East Side to West Allis in about 15 minutes. We followed the same routine by stopping at the familiar gas station for warm and sweet beverages, and then merged with carloads of people along Candy Cane Lane's main stretch. Cars were bumper-to-bumper, which was characteristic for that time of night – most visitors set out to admire the lights between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Once we putted along for several minutes, we were stopped by a couple volunteers wearing Santa hats and generously passing out candy and accepting donations for the MACC Fund. Because of their work and the local charity, over the past 22 years Candy Cane Lane has raised $1.2 million to aid in cancer research and treatment for kids, according to the MACC Fund.