Now Is the Time to Discover Milwaukee

PHOTO: Milwaukee is a city filled with nightlife. (photo via Flickr/Steve) 

Milwaukee is definitely making a name for itself these days and not just as the Wisconsin’s largest city. 

The city came in at number two on Conde Nast’s recent “6 U.S. Cities to Watch in 2017” list, recognized alongside other cool cities such as Indianapolis, Baltimore and St. Louis. 

So what makes Milwaukee shine? 

The city has a lot of attributes that people may not be familiar with, yet they contribute to not only a unique landscape but a thriving drinking and dining destination where a friendly, Midwestern atmosphere prevails.

A Scenic City on the Lake

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an international seaport (by way of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway). It’s a hub for manufacturing, but the city’s picturesque location makes Milwaukee a true standout. 

Perched on the shores of the lake and at the confluence of three rivers, Milwaukee is really a water city with many of the same features a seaside town would have, such as beaches and ecological diversity. This contributes to its culinary scene as well as its beauty.

Festival City

Milwaukee is proud to call itself the “City of Festivals” and with good reason. There are many large-scale celebrations within the city limits, including one of the largest Bastille Day celebrations in the U.S.

It’s also home to the largest annually held German festival. 

And then there’s Summerfest, one of the world’s biggest music events. It brings some of the biggest names in music to the city each summer. For this year’s 50th anniversary celebration, (June 28 to July 9), headliners include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chainsmokers, Luke Bryan, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, P!nk, Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival and more.

READ MORE: US Summer Music Festivals That Are Worth The Trip 

An Established Beer Culture

What goes well with a great festival? Great beer, of course.

Milwaukee certainly has an established beer culture. Visitors can take in the grand Pabst Mansion, former home of one of the city’s famous beer barons. Next, head to Best Place for a drink in the former Pabst headquarters or sample new craft brews at local pubs.

For those who really want to engage the beer scene, visitors can take advantage of a brewery tour with Untapped Tours.

A Cool Culinary Scene

Milwaukee isn’t just a headquarters for beer drinking. It has a thriving culinary scene as well.  

Dining standouts include Ardent, Wolf Peach, the Vanguard, and more.  Another highlight is the Milwaukee Public Market in the Historic Third Ward neighborhood. Here, visitors can discover 19 indie food vendors who offer local ethnic food, meats, cheeses and wines. 

Visitors can also take cooking classes or even rent out the entire space for an event or a party.