Beers, Bikes, Brats - Milwaukee Rules (no really)!

This was the surprise of the trip so far. Milwaukee! 

It was the highlight of our driving journey across the plains states to Illinois and back again. I could live in Milwaukee, **except for winter**. Who could not love a place where every major park, concert hall, or significant building is named after a beer brewing company. Within minutes of arriving downtown, I knew I was in love. 

Why you ask:

History

Since they don't really have earthquakes here, there are a ton of amazing buildings dating from the late 1800's and early 1900's. And the urban core is being revitalized right before your eyes. I love it! There are wide sidewalks and narrow streets. It is every progressive urban planner's dream - commercial/residential density and friendly streets for peds, bikes, and cars. They knew how to do it back then!

Food

And not just brats, though those were spectacular. We hit the Milwaukee Public Market each of the 4 days we were in town. TO DIE FOR! The market is like a not crowded, not expensive Ferry Building where people are very friendly and the food is great (the crowds and prices Ferry Building make me want to poke my own eyes out). There is a wine bar at the market called Thief Wine where Dave and I perfected something we like to call "Rosé All Day", all the while eating snacks from the local vendors.

Rosé All Day, Rosé All Day, Rosé All Day

There are also all manner of ethnically German, Serbian, Italian, and French restaurants, as well as some newbie eclectic mixes like my favorite Odd Duck. If you go to Milwaukee, eat there!!!!! There were less meals in 4 days than places I wanted to eat. My life is so hard.

Transit

Between the Bublr bike share, excellent bus system, and the River Walk, we didn't touch our car the entire 4-day trip. Thank you Google Maps because they give you a transit, walking, and bike option to get to your destination. It worked perfectly. I abhor driving - so I judge a city by how much I have to drive while I am visiting. Milwaukee gets five stars as far as I am concerned.




Baseball
First of all, there are free shuttles from the downtown bars to the Milwaukee Brewers baseball games. FREE - yes, I said FREE. OK you have to buy a $3 beer at the bar before you leave - yes, I said a $3 beer (nonexistent in the Bay Area)! And you can buy drinks from your driver to drink on the bus, just in case you get thirsty during the 10 minute drive to the park. Dave was in heaven. He took that (grainy) photo of the on-board price list because he didn't think anyone would believe him.

The game was good (though the Brewers lost). Miller stadium was the cleanest sports venue I have ever seen, weird. The crowds were super mellow and unpretentious, and the brats were fantastic!

Look how warm and happy they all are, probably a different picture in January.

What I am saying is that I would move here, **except for winter**. And as a lovely native of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin (Miss Leslie A.) told me, " It's not really winter. It's March, April, and May when there is still a chance of winter." Therefore, I don't think I will be moving anytime soon.

Alas, I will remain in California and just look for reasons to visit Wisconsin in the future so that I can eat my weight in brats again.