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!

Our last day in Ireland September 25 We woke up early this morning, got our car by 8, and then started driving back to Dublin. The rental car was due at 2, and it would be at least a 3 hour drive. Plus we wanted to stop to eat on the way, of course. I don't remember the name of the cafe (or town for that matter) we stopped at, but here's a pic of my yummy brunch! Scrambled eggs and bacon on avocado sour dough toast, crisps, and salad We got to Dublin about 12:30, and pretty much went straight to our hotel - The Merrion Hotel. Right off the bat, I was very impressed with how courteous and professional everyone was. They helped us unload our bags onto a cart (we'd accumulated a few more things that needed to be packed and some of my travel cubes were not inside my backpack, so it took more hands to carry everything inside), and then I made myself comfortable out on the terrace while Justin took the car back to Budget. And he had to take a couple buses back to the ho...

Cork September 24 We packed up, checked out of the guesthouse, and started driving toward Cork. To my dismay, we did not immediately find a place to eat breakfast. I had wanted to stop at a place in Killarney that had been recommended to us, but Justin wanted to find something on the way to Cork. Let's just say I started to get pretty hangry. But at least the scenery was lovely, as usual! We finally found a diner to eat at. It seemed like it was popular with the locals, which was great. I got the mini Irish breakfast, and Justin got the full. For the first time I had an opportunity to try (Justin's) black pudding. I wasn't excited about trying it, since I know what it is, but I made myself sample a little bite. I was definitely underwhelmed.  After breakfast - or was it brunch? - we continued on to Cork. We found our bed and breakfast, which is located right on Oliver Plunkett Street. This is an award-winning street known for its "local character, comm...

Slea Head Loop and Killarney September 23 We met Pat's wife, Ann this morning. She's the kind of older woman who you just know was a knockout when she was younger. She was really sweet too. We had breakfast in the conservatory with some of the other guests. Everyone seemed relaxed, and there was some bits of conversation shared among us. The atmosphere was light and peaceful, even though the weather was not. For breakfast, I opted for smoked salmon and poached eggs. I wanted to get something that I wouldn't normally get back home. And I wasn't disappointed. We packed up our things, paid our bill, and headed toward Dingle town, so we could drive the Dingle peninsula, also known as Slea Head Loop. I had read some reviews to make sure it was still worth doing in the rain. It seemed that it would be. We followed the signs that took us west of Dingle. Since Slea Head Drive is barely more than a single lane, it is recommended that you drive the loop clockwise. That way...

Conor Pass and Dingle September 22 Justin and I had a delicious breakfast this morning. He had poached eggs, and I had pancakes. We didn't stay long, because we were anxious to drive Conor Pass, and get to Dingle. For those not familiar with it, Conor Pass, it is basically a beautiful, and potentially hazardous mountain road. The roads are twisty, and part of it is only one lane, so you need to be extra careful. Here's a pic that I found that gives a pretty good idea of what the road looks like. The weather was fantastic, the roads were good, and the traffic was relatively light. I admit that I wasn't 100% comfortable, so I preferred looking straight ahead more than looking out and down. Haha. It was a little easier when we pulled off into the two different lookout spots to take pics. Here are the shots I got. From Conor Pass, we drove past our our next bed and breakfast, which is located at the end of Conor Pass, and then into Dingle to...