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Jeannine Sherman
VISIT Milwaukee
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jsherman@milwaukee.org

NINE MILWAUKEE MUST-DO'S FOR YOUR BUCKET LIST
Wings, Hogs, Electric Guitars, Art, Craft Beer and More

MILWAUKEE – June 5, 2013 – Capturing the spirit of Milwaukee can be tough when time is limited with so much to do and see. Here are some suggestions from block-buster attractions to trendy neighborhoods to visit on your trip to Brew City.

Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee is the only city in the world where the city icon – the Milwaukee Art Museum – literally opens its “wings” to welcome all. Designed by star international architect Santiago Calatrava, this striking architectural beauty features a “wing-like” sunscreen with a span equaling that of a Boeing 747 that can be raised or lowered. Inside you'll find an extensive collection of American and European works, German Expressionist pieces, decorative arts, folk art, a Haitian art collection and one of the world's largest Georgia O'Keefe collections.

Harley-Davidson Museum
Unleash your inner rebel at the Harley-Davidson Museum. From the first Harley ever produced in 1903 through a priceless display of 450 bikes including one owned by Elvis Presley, the museum chronicles the history of an American legend and its role in pop culture. Hop on one of the bikes in the virtual ride room at the end of the tour for a great photo op! Stop at Motor Bar & Restaurant for Route 66-inspired foods like chili and barbecued ribs and don't forget to cruise through the gift shop for a souvenir.

Discovery World
From high-tech displays to fresh and saltwater aquariums, to the dock of Wisconsin's official tall ship, it's maritime heritage meets 21st century cool at Discovery World. Explore interactive science, industry and entrepreneurship exhibits to start, but insiders know that you can also play guitar along with a virtual Les Paul, lie on a bed of nails, take a virtual walk through the universe and pet the sharks in the Aquarium!

Milwaukee Public Museum
What was it like to walk along the narrow, cobble-stoned streets of Milwaukee at the turn of the last century? The Milwaukee Public Museum's “Streets of Old Milwaukee” transports you back to a time of gas lit walkways where you can peer into the vintage shops and homes of another era. Go on to explore a Costa Rican rainforest, a year-round live butterfly garden and see the world's largest dinosaur skull in a colossal dinosaur diorama.

Milwaukee County Zoo
Where better to take the family for an unforgettable visit than the nationally recognized Milwaukee County Zoo? More than 2,200 animals, from bonobos to polar bears, and big cats to giraffes, are housed on 23 acres of natural habitats. Kids love the zoo train, and the new Sky Trail® Wisconsin Adventure Zone challenges all ages to try out the 500-ft zip line, climbing wall and ropes course.

Potawatomi Bingo Casino
It's game on at Potawatomi Bingo Casino for the excitement of more than 3,100 slot machines, 100 table games and an expanded, off-track betting room. Treat yourself to one of the many culinary options, including the AAA 4-Diamond Dream Dance Steak restaurant, and enjoy a show at the intimate, club-like atmosphere of the Northern Lights Theater.

Neighborhoods
Discover the Historic Third Ward on foot! The revitalization of this turn-of-the-century warehouse and manufacturing district has earned it comparisons to New York's trendy SoHo neighborhood. This six-square-block area located directly south of downtown contains the city's highest concentration of art galleries, as well as theaters and a selection of exclusive boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants, nightlife and the Milwaukee Public Market. 

From the Third Ward stroll along the RiverWalk to Old World Third Street, a historic landmark zone where Milwaukee's German heritage is brought to life in the detailed facades of the 19th-century, European–style buildings lining this cobblestone street. Shopping at legendary Usinger's Sausage, Wisconsin Cheese Mart and The Spice House is a feast for all senses. Stop at Mader's, where famous German dishes have satisfied hungry patrons for more than 100 years, or grab a “brat & a beer” at a neighborhood pub.

Formerly an old Italian neighborhood and then the hippie haven of the 60's, Brady Street today is a walk-around neighborhood with a diverse citizenry known for historic architecture, a wide variety of specialty shops and boutiques, great Milwaukee bars and coffee shops, a hardware store, a firehouse, churches and galleries. Authentic Italian family businesses – Glorioso's Italian Groceries and Sciortino's Bakery have been serving East Side residents for decades. As Oscar Wilde remarked when visiting the neighborhood early in the century, "If what you want isn't on Brady Street, you probably don't need it."

Brewery / Distillery Tours
Whether you're up for “Miller time” or micro-brews, Milwaukee's entertaining brewery tours make for a fun afternoon. Stop by Sprecher Brewing, Lakefront Brewery (rated in the top four in the nation per TripAdvisor), Milwaukee Brewing Company or MillerCoors to sample the beers that make Milwaukee famous these days.Joining the ranks of brewery tours is Great Lakes Distillery,Wisconsin's first small batch distillery anda national award winner for gins, vodkas and spirits.

RiverWalk & “Bronze Fonz”
Milwaukee's RiverWalk extends for more than 12 city blocks, linking the city's downtown district with the Historic Third Ward. You'll see a variety of permanent and temporary public art displays along this scenic promenade of restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops.  At the southeast corner of Wells Street and the RiverWalk, be sure to stop for a thumbs-up photo with the “Bronze Fonz” – a life-sized statue of Henry Winkler's iconic character “Fonzie” from the Milwaukee-based “Happy Days” TV show.

VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, and convention and meeting planners, both nationally and internationally. VISIT Milwaukee has approximately 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Total business sales related to tourism amounted to $4.25 billion in Greater Milwaukee in 2012and supported more than 48,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs.  For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.

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