Making the Most of Milwaukee

Before I decided to intentionally explore Milwaukee, I really wouldn’t have thought to look for events and activities around the city to attend. That’s not to say that we never did anything, but activities were usually geared towards the kids, with friends, at familiar places.  Two weekends ago, I made my first real attempt at a solo Milwaukee experience. I tried to go to Art Day in the Third Ward, but I took more time looking for a parking space than anything else. When I finally parked, I realized I had no idea where to go to see the art. I never figured it out before I had to leave, so instead, I walked around for a bit, got a breakfast pie from Drift, and then went home.  Saturday morning while finalizing my grocery list, I decided to find something to do before my grocery run. On a calendar of events, I saw “Art in the Green at the Mitchell Park Domes,” and immediately knew that’s what I wanted to do.   I hadn’t been to the Domes in a couple years, and the last...

I had a plan for this "Milwaukee Project" and I am not sticking to it at all. In fact, I started five months earlier than I'd originally intended. You see, next fall my youngest will be going into school, and I will have a lot more time on my hands. My plan had been to visit different neighborhoods and see what each has to offer. I made a schedule of sorts, mapped out all sorts of cafes, shops, museums and other things to do and see. Beginning in September. But then I started to get a little excited. So I started an Instagram account, and changed this blog name. And all of a sudden I was committed, not to a project in several months, but right away. I had intended on doing the vast majority of my exploring alone. I knew it would be easier without kids. However, the two times I took my children on Milwaukee adventures, I enjoyed myself a lot more than I had anticipated. Holey Moley Donuts and a walk around the Historic Third Ward, and Press Waffles and a concert at An...

A few years ago, I met a young woman who had moved to Milwaukee from Florida. The first thing I said to her was, "what were you thinking?" As if that were a bad decision... She responded, "Milwaukee has a lot to offer." Why did I think that someone wouldn't want to live here? Why was I so quick to denigrate where I live? Sure, our winters linger on. And on. There are plenty of reasons to be cross and dwell on the negatives of this city. But I am choosing to keep a positive perspective. And honestly, it's not difficult. Milwaukee IS a great city. I am looking forward to getting out there and sharing my experiences with everyone! Oh, and one more thing. Look up. It's beautiful out there!

When did I start to love Milwaukee? When did it become my home? Suddenly and gradually. Perhaps it was when I met my husband On the corner of Farwell and Brady. Suddenly and gradually. Maybe it was during a Brewers' game. Or while enjoying views of the Lake. Suddenly and gradually. It could have been during Chill on the Hill. Or during my first meal at Odd Duck. Suddenly and gradually. Maybe when I could write it in my address. Or when my kids started school. S uddenly and gradually. As with most loves, i t  seems to have happened - inexplicably - suddenly and gradually. I love you, Milwaukee. Thanks for being home to me and my family. 

This post is just an FYI regarding the focus of my blog. As some of you know, this blog used to be called Making the Most of Everyday. It was a personal blog about my family, my experiences as a mom and wife; and more recently about an amazing trip I took with my husband to Ireland. Every post prior to this one is part of that personal blog. You are welcome to read, but bear in mind the content is not about Milwaukee. Now, my blog is called Making the Most of Milwaukee , and every blog post after this one will be specifically about my mission to explore and experience Brew City. Thanks for visiting, and I hope you stay for the journey!