Visiting Milwaukee for Summerfest- Lodging, Dining options, getting around by bike, activities- July 2015

I came back recently visiting Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the first time. I got a taste of the humidity the last day but otherwise the weather was great. One of the main reasons to come to this very nice, underrated city was Summerfest (the world’s largest music festival encompassing almost 2 weeks with a one day break). Many headliners on over 10 stages including numerous activities, kid’s stuff, smaller intimate stages and tons of food/drink vendors. To give you an idea, The Rolling Stones kicked off the festival this year but there were countless high profile bands and performers. Some of my favorites included blues artist Kenny Wayne Sheppard, The Doobie Brothers, Smashmouth, Taylor Dayne and Sammy Hager to name a few. However, you will find some great acts that you have never heard of so plenty of fantastic music. All can be seen with the purchase of a reasonable day ticket of $10-20 depending on what time you enter. They have discounted packages and only the Marcus Theater is an extra cost for one headliner per night. The venue is right on the lake which makes a beautiful backdrop from some of the stages and a nice breeze if you ever get too hot. http://summerfest.com/

The one transportation company I recommend that has limos, shuttles, buses and more is Go Rite Way. They were very helpful picking up from the Milwaukee Airport for a ride to your hotel. http://www.goriteway.com/

My suggestion if you are in decent-good shape would be to rent a bicycle. So easy, convenient and great exercise. You pull up and park right outside the venue and can get around the city very easily. It will save you lots of money from the car rental, parking and time you don’t have to sit in traffic. Plus a great way to see the city. Head over to Milwaukee Bike and Skate to rent a bike for multiple days or just for a fun afternoon as they have plenty of different options. This place took my trip to another level with how great it was to ride around the city on bike. http://www.milwbikeskaterental.com/

Accommodations:

The Milwaukee downtown Hyatt offers fantastic service, nice accommodations and other great amenities. My stay was very pleasant and the location was convenient in the heart of the city. There are packages that provide breakfast from there restaurant and/ or from the regency club on the 18th floor. The room was very clean and the staff was super helpful. I would highly recommend staying here if you you visiting Milwaukee and want to be right in the middle of the city. Some of the hotel features included:

It was very close to summerfest and the beautiful lakefront located at 333 West Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, 53203 Phone # is 414 276 1234 www.milwaukee.hyatt.com

Schuster Mansion gave me another experience for a place to stay as it was located a bit out of the city in an urban residential area but still not too far to bike.

     

Laura Sue and Rick bought this Bed and Breakfast in 2008 and continue to remodel and make improvements for the enjoyment of guests. Rick was very welcoming and friendly as he also helps with the cooking. Laura Sue is more of the hands-on owner who is very passionate about her place. The Mansion was built in 1891. They have high tea 3 times a week in this beautiful Victorian style Mansion. There are 3 levels of service. #1 includes just a room with no breakfast. #2- includes Breakfast with no service. #3 is Full service with tour of the mansion, help with questions and information along with breakfast. For any breakfast package, you choose your time to eat the night before You can always leave a note to change your time. They offer concierge service with the full service package.

They also offer 3 choices of hot breakfast so depending how long you stay, you can have the same choice or try something new. Trip Advisor gives them a 90 % for 5 star reviews and a 4.7 overall review while they were voted #1 B & B in Milwaukee. They are putting in a new Victorian garden in the near future. Other amenities include Tvs, games, books and cards. They provide rides to airport, train or baseball stadium for reasonable fees. http://www.schustermansion.com/

A definite must is to check out the Milwaukee Kayak Company for a fantastic time on the Milwaukee river. Even if you are a beginner, they have tours and rentals every day. The day was perfect and I even stopped at Water Buffalo for a nice lunch right on the river while I docked my kayak. The owner Beth Handle is so hospitable and offers great tours and very affordable pricing to rent a kayak. You can see more on the website below but this was one of my highlights and not to miss.

http://milwaukeekayak.com/

Dining-

Meritage– The Chef-Owner Jan moved from the Southern California area and has always loved cooking. She opened up this restaurant up and loves what she does. You can tell by the food she serves and it was pretty crowded when I visited. Some great dishes she created were the eggplant fries, fried black pepper shrimp and fresh soups and salads to start. For entrees, she offers a wide selection of meat, poultry and fresh fish. I had one of the fish specials which was delicious and a side of their unique beet gnocchi. Jan gets her food from local farms and markets such as Maple Creek and Buffalo Farms to name a couple. The food and service were great so this is a must visit on your next visit to the city. http://www.meritage.us/

Bartolotta Restaurant options:

   

Lake park bistro– Wow, what a remarkable place and setting in the park. This quaint bistro featuring upscale French fare, an extensive wine list & Lake Michigan views. For example, appetizers they offer are from foie gras, escargot, mussels, tartares and cheeses. You will not have a dining experience quite like this so it is worth the visit for the beauty, service and food. Of course you have to order the French Onion Soup which is authentic. For main courses, some of the top choices are the Lamb Chops, Filet, Duck leg and breast and Herb marinated rotisserie Chicken.

   

However, the Loup de Mer Sea Bass is another great choice. But in the end, I had to try the true Dover Sole prepared and fileted tableside that comes with potatoes, french green beans and oyster mushrooms. They fly this fish in daily so if you are ever going to try it, this is the place. I was so full but ended with the cheese plate as that is how the French do it to help digest better. http://www.lakeparkbistro.com/

Harbor House– Elegant yet casual seafood restaurant located right on the lakefront. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was upscale but still relaxing. Start with one of their nice appetizers or soups such as the sauteed shrimp with white bean puree or clam chowder or crustacean bisque. They also have sandwiches and meats but the way to go is the seafood either the fresh fish or shellfish.

   

I had the fresh halibut which was very tasty with carrots, peas, potatoes and mushrooms in an herb broth. You cannot go wrong here. http://www.harborhousemke.com/

Northpoint Custard– This popular beach burger and custard place right on the lakefront is often packed. You wait in line to order and then pickup where you can dine on the tables outside. The burgers were excellent and the custard- a thicker ice cream that you can have on a cone or in a milkshake. http://www.northpointcustard.com/

   

4^th Base– This kind of whole in the wall bar type joint had some of the best food I had in all of Milwaukee. Don’t let the look or area fool you as the servers and bar staff are so down to earth and friendly while you watch sports on TV. They do not have a menu as you come in and order by looking what fresh fish and food they have in their case.

Everything looked fabulous but the King Crab legs were off the chart as well as some of the best seared Sea Scallops you will ever have. They have a nice choice of steaks, veggies and of course the freshest fish around. Trust me when I tell you that it doesn’t come across like a high end restaurant but this is the place to visit especially on your way to the baseball stadium as it is a few blocks away. Great place to have a drink and meet friends for a gourmet meal and you will not be disappointed. Say hi to Jamie the bartender and CJ the manager of this fabulous family run place. http://www.the4thbase.com/home

Milwaukee Food and City Tours- Wow how fun and a great idea. They have a variety of tours but the ones I went on were the Brady Street food tour stopping in a variety of fun establishments to sample pizzas, cheese, tacos desserts and more. The Bloody Mary Brunch tour is another fun way to spend the late morning/early afternoon and you don’t have to be a bloody Mary fan to go as food is served with the drinks and you can order a different drink so don’t let it discourage you from joining. http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/

I want to personally thank Kristin Settle (director of communications) who was one of the best PR people I have ever worked with for a travel feature with Visit Milwaukee. The site has many great ideas and information so check it out the next time you plan to visit Milwaukee. Don’t miss taking in a Brewers game if they are in town as the stadium is very cool.
visitmilwaukee.org