We rode some. We drank some…read more We rode some more. We drank some more. This is the furthest I've ever ridden to get drunk on my bike. 36 miles this year, down from 42 the previous two years. Mark Ketterhagen is the visionist behind Tour de Milwaukee. He started this as a loosely organized bike tour around Milwaukee three years ago. For the past two years, Mark has donated 100% of the proceeds to PEARLS for teen girls, an organization that helps young girls from disadvantaged upbringings get a head-start in the right direction. Starting and ending at Estabrook Biergarten, a group of about 25 intrepid bikers rode off three years ago in search of unknown dive bars and townie taverns you probably have never heard of. Facing sleet, wind, and driving rain, we were rewarded with cheap drinks and new friends. Now in it's third year, it is beginning to take on a life of its own. We had about 75 riders this year! The course this year took us to the south side where we were treated to brats and beers at Ben's Cyclery thanks to Ben's and MKE Brewing! After hitting the new stretches of the Menomonee River Trail, we enjoyed stops at Gators Pub by the airport and Bert's in St. Francis, both friendly family run townie taverns that I highly suggest you stop at. Mark does a great job planning out easy routes that take you through hidden parts of our city. Although most of it is on city streets, none of the streets are main thoroughfares. None of these riders are hardcore, just normal folk looking to have a good time. What does it says that I have finished first for the last two years? I ain't no Greg LeMond! As long as you are up for the distance and your liver can handle it, you need to put this on your list of annual rides. Hope to see you out there next year!!

Looking forward to the Tour de MKE to make a comeback after a one year hiatus. Fun ride throughout…read morethe city with dive bars galore. Raise money for a good cause, too. Bring your friends!

What's not to love about a bunch of over priced drinks, food and free music?!…read more The crowds can be torturous in the bottlenecked areas, something summerfest needs to work out. I'm pretty disgusted that this year they won't fill the beers to the top because apparently some lower line is "12 oz". I am still paying the price of a 6-pack for one beer, do we really need to get that technical??? While the new BMO stage is very nice, I don't understand the complications and severe lack of communication on how to get "tickets" at a FREE stage! The best job at summerfest, and a great spot to stop for awhile, is at the mechanic bull. Who wouldn't love to throw dumb kids and over-sized wanna be cowboys off of a fake bull all day?! Don't know what happened early in the fest, but that thing was tore up and missing its horns, lol. I Iove summerfest buy don't agree with some of the changes they are making. We spend an obscene amount of money and deal with a lot of crap from other fest-goers, why intensify it for us? Ever heard of "Customers First" summerfest slumlords? Okay, maybe that was too much. I'm just really pissed about the extra ounce or two of beer and serving me unfilled cups. If that ain't a reason to sneak in booze.... Parents! Take yo kids home after dark when all the drunkies surface!!! Fav food: Venice Club eggplant strips! Ask for lemon and an extra cup of marinara if you're "saucy" like me ;) Personally, I can only handle the crowd and drunks by doing as the Romans do. So, if you get irritated with those like people mentioned, please plan your trip via DD, taxi (leave early), bus, etc. It's a BUSY BUSY place and an interesting to people watch!

Great time, once again. Stevie Wonder was the feature the night I went...amazing show! All of the…read moreperformers were great. Among them were Third Eye Blind, Sheika E, Buddy Guy, local performers that are making a name for themselves, and other up and coming artists. There are so many acts going on on different stages all at once, its impossible to catch everything. There are many options for food. Various ethnic cuisine, fresh fruits, etc. One of the food items I got was a bacon bottom pizza...no bread, just bacon, weaved at the bottom of the pizza. It was good. Great music, good food, drinks, and lots of people.

My wife and I hired the North Coast Orchestra to play our wedding reception. We worked with Matt of…read moreNorth Coast Management. The work we did with Matt before the event made the reception go off without a hitch. Matt helped us with logistics related to the evening schedule, and his advice was great. We had about 120 people at our reception, and virtually every single guest came up to us and said we had an amazing band. North Coast Orchestra kept the energy level sky high and the dance floor crowded, with guests of all ages. The band's catalog was huge, ranging from old standards to current radio hits. Their sets were also long. They only took 2 short breaks over the course of 4 hours post-dinner. They were outstanding. If you're looking for a band for a wedding reception, or any big event, you will not be disappointed by North Coast Orchestra, or with working with Matt. Strongly recommend!

Jai is the man!! Great artist with very clean lines and a great artistic imagination. You give him…read morethe idea of your tattoo and he tans with it. Professional and amazing artist. If you are looking for a clean and amazing Tattoo. Come see Jai.

I've attended three Marquette theatre productions at the Helfaer over the last 6 months and have…read morethoroughly enjoyed each production. I love the theater itself, it is small and intimate, not a bad seat in the house. As a grad student I pay the discounted student price: $10 for a professional quality show is a steal. Parking is on the street but even on busier Friday nights there have been spots available on Clybourn-free after 7pm. The Helfaer also hosts non Marquette productions throughout the year so I like to keep an eye on their box office webpage. Overall I find the Helfaer to be an enjoyable, approachable source of entertainment and culture!

Mom: "why is it called hovercraft?" Me: "you know, cuz…read moreits a craft fair." Mom: "but the hover part...whats that about." Me: "I think its just supposed to be catchy." In theory I love the concept. Local crafts with local food drink and an (awesome) DJ all conveniently located in one spot just before the holidays. In practice... Meh, sometimes I'm not feeling $75 earrings and cross-stitched....things. Mind you, there are some great deals here. There was a guy selling teas, oils, and $6 hand salve that made me regret my $8.99 purchase of Burt's bees hand salve earlier in the day. We also scored some great $10 soy candles and $6 artisan jam. But a lot of the stuff...I don't know, I think these are the sort of gifts that need the right buyer to come along (like "there's someone out there for everyone" romantically... yea, like that.) They moved to a different venue this year (pritzlaff building) but it was still a little hot and crowded in there. There's a $5 admission which seemed reasonable. The "dry good items" are handmade and unique, so if that's your jam, you'll probably like this place and should check it out. Me personally, I'm going to stick with just the Jam, and maybe some tea. Happy holidays!

If you A) like buying local, B) appreciate adorable things, C) aren't afraid of massive crowds, and…read moreD) have ever said "you know what I hate about shopping? Not enough booze!" -- well, Hovercraft is for you! The craftsters of Milwaukee took over Turner Hall for a wall to wall homemade extravaganza (craftstravaganza?). So much good stuff! From handprinted T-shirts to upcycled hoodies, original art and prints, profane pottery, natural beauty products, and more fabulous jewelry than you could possibly ever wear.... I'm lucky I got out of there with enough money to make it through the month. Plus one of my favorite local artists was doing custom sketches/paintings! Gifts for all price ranges, full bar available, and snacks and coffee were peddled as well. The cover was only $3, and the first 50 people got gift bags (hence the crazy line before opening). I'm not gonna lie, it was a mad house up in there; but with a little patience I was still able to view all the goods and pick up some nice things. Highly recommended! Parking was $5 in the Turner lot, but was full by noon!

Summer sounds is the ultimate outdoor summer, family appropriate experience. Giant field, a…read morestage, food trucks, and fun. Families start arriving around 5 and the opening music act goes from 630-730. The main act goes from 8-10. Families steak out a spot on the field, bring wine and cheese, kids run around and play on the playground and if the weather is nice it is a perfect evening. Go. Here. Now

I lived within a short bike-ride to this Friday music festival that takes place in a huge park in…read moreCedarburg for a couple of years. The Inner-Urban trail takes you almost all of the way up there yet you do have to hop onto some of the city roads. The park is right next to Silver Creek Brewer so it is nice to bring a growler to fill up before bringing it to the park. Summer Sounds brings good acts, is never too packed, and is really laid back. Over the last couple of years they have added food tents that include the Nines, a hotdog place, BBQ place, popcorn, beer/wine text, and a few others. There is plenty of bike parking. The street parking does get a little packed on these nights so be prepared for a few block walk.

Just saw Stomp again, but last time was many years ago. Loved the high energy combination of dance…read moreand acting with amazing permissions driving the show. And the theater is a great very...even from the upper balcony.