A weekend in … Milwaukee
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
Visit Milwaukee one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Getting there: one-way rates from $99 during frequent sale periods; nonstop on AirTran or Delta.
Trip tips: Milwaukee's Grand Necklace of Parks offers 15,000 acres of recreational enjoyment (including five beaches) and is linked in a chain by the 108-mile Oak Leaf Trail for biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, running and walking. The best known of Milwaukee's many festivals take place on the beautiful lakefront at Maier Festival Park (200 N. Harbor Drive). German Fest, July 25-28, is the largest German celebration in North America. The Smithsonian Institution calls the city's Irish Fest, Aug. 15-18, "the largest and best Irish cultural event in North America." For more, visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
BUDGET
Stay: A "Snug" guest room at the County Clare Irish Inn has an interior design influenced by historical Irish inns and original artwork from Ireland. Wi-Fi, breakfast and parking are complimentary; $124.50. You'll find an award-winning restaurant and a lively pub with live music just downstairs. 1234 N. Astor St. 414-272-5273, www.countyclare-inn.com.
Eat: Savor a variety of tastes at the Milwaukee Public Market, one of America's best. This unique downtown food destination offers one-of-a-kind, high-quality selections of artisan and ethnic products, freshly prepared foods and shopping at independent merchants. 400 N. Water St. 414-336-1111, www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org. After the market, explore the surrounding Historic Third Ward neighborhood, home to the award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk and where numerous restaurants, theaters, galleries and boutiques are all in a historic warehouse setting. www.historicthirdward.org.
Experience: William S. Harley and the Davidson brothers created the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle in Milwaukee in 1903. The Harley-Davidson Museum offers a glimpse of American history and culture with interactive exhibits and more than 450 motorcycles and artifacts, dating back to Serial Number One, the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle. On-site are the Motor Bar & Restaurant, Cafe Racer, the Shop, and a 20-acre campus on the Milwaukee riverfront, with views of the city skyline; $18 ($4 additional for a 45-minute guided tour). 400 W. Canal St. 414-287-2789, www.harley-davidson.com.
MODERATE
Stay: Aloft Milwaukee is a new hotel featuring loft-inspired design with 9-foot ceilings, extra-large windows, a small refrigerator, oversize walk-in shower, in-room office, complimentary Wi-Fi and an entertainment center. The hotel, located on the Milwaukee River, features "touch and go" check-in kiosks, 24/7 pantry, pool table, games and TVs in the lobby, a lounge, a gym and an indoor pool. Rates from $189. 1230 Old World Third St., 414-226-0122, www.aloftmilwaukeedowntown.com.
Eat: Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro is in a historic pavilion on a bluff with spectacular views over Lake Michigan. French-inspired entrees $21-$35; lunch $14-$30. 3133 E. Newberry Blvd. 414-962-6300, http://lakeparkbistro.com.
Experience: Take a three-hour riding/walking tour past the stately mansions along Lake Michigan and stops that include the Milwaukee Art Museum, North Point Lighthouse, Miller Park, and samples of cheese and ice cream at the Clock Shadow Creamery and a beer or soda tasting at Lakefront Brewery. $38. 200 E. Wells St. (City Hall). 414-698-8058, www.untappedtour.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: Iron Horse Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel transformed from a 100-year-old warehouse, located at the crossroads of the city's historic Fifth Ward and Latin Quarter. The hotel (ranked No. 10 on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List of top U.S. hotels) features studio rooms with exposed brick and wood timbers, a sitting area, in-room dining table and views overlooking the Yard — an outdoor lounge and bar with comfy seating and a wood-burning brick pizza oven. Rates from $274. 500 W. Florida St. 1-888-543-4766, www.theironhorsehotel.com.
Eat: One of the most famous German restaurants in all of North America, Mader's, has been serving up sauerkraut, sauerbraten, schnitzel and more since 1902. Once a place serving simple food to brewery workers up the hill, today this local institution is filled with a $3 million collection of art, suits of medieval armor and antiques dating to the 14th century. Dinners from $28-$37; Sunday brunch $24. 1041 N. Old World Third St. 414-271-3377, www.madersrestaurant.com.
Experience: Take in Milwaukee's beautiful shoreline from Lake Michigan aboard the 38-foot Quinn Marie, a Catalina 380 sailing yacht. View the world-famous architecture of Calatrava's Burke Brise Soleil at the Art Museum, along with other cityscape landmarks. Passengers on the two-hour sunset sail, $49, are invited to bring snacks, beverages and tunes. McKinley Marina, Lagoon Drive. 414-687-3203, www.seadogsailingmilwaukee.com.
