1. Visit Sheboygan
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last week I had the unexpected pleasure of visiting Sheboygan for the first time. I was supposed to cover the Ryder Cup, but my press pass was brutally denied and so I just ended up wandering the area, exploring different shops. I really enjoyed it. The pier area along the lake is especially nice. I’d recommend a coffee and pastry at the dockside Weather Center Cafe (809 Riverfront Dr.) and then practically next door, I enjoyed the Sconnie fries, frickles, carnivore pizza and peace cobbler at Parker John’s BBQ and Pizza (705 Riverfront Dr.). And just across the channel, South Pier Parlor (414 S. Pier Dr.) is serving up some tasty ice cream. All in all, Sheboygan is a real nice town not too far from here, and I’m certain to return soon.
2. Check Out the Evening Garden Market
ANN CHRISTENSON, SENIOR DINING EDITOR
We captured a bit of the magic of Alice’s Garden (2136 N. 21st St.) in our Best Of Milwaukee feature but you really need to experience it in person. While the Evening Garden Market was in swing on a recent Tuesday night, I walked around admiring the zinnias and towering sunflowers, basking in the warm late afternoon sun. It’s no surprise that “Regenerating Soil and Souls” is the garden’s mantra. There’s one more Tuesday evening market this month (Sept. 28) to explore the garden and support local businesses. Shop, roam the gorgeous grounds and make new friends.
3. Enjoy Milwaukee’s Coast
CHELSEA MAMEROW, ART DIRECTOR
Last week I returned from vacationing in California’s central coast – where I was lucky enough to grow up. There is little that competes with the beauty of that region. Staring out at the ocean my husband and I contemplated how rarely we take the time to enjoy our coast at home – along Lake Michigan. To combat the post-vacation blues we headed down to the shore’s of our Great Lake not once, but twice this past weekend. My kids loved climbing all over the rocks between Bradford and McKinley beaches. We packed a cooler of beverages, a couple of chairs and a blanket to spread out and spent a sunny afternoon staring out at the blue meets blue horizon. For lunch we grabbed burgers, fries and shakes from MooSa’s. All together a nice reminder to try vacationing at home as often as possible!
4. Try New Glarus’ New Doppelbock
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Traditional beer is New Glarus Brewing’s M.O., so it’s a bit surprising that the new seasonal release Gyrator is the 28-year-old brewery’s first doppelbock. Executing traditional styles well is also New Glarus’ M.O., so it’s no surprise that Gyrator is outstanding: malty and complex, swirling with rich raisin bread and toffee aromas and flavors. New Glarus does not list alcohol content on its beers, and Gyrator is such an easy-drinking doppel that it could be dangerous – especially because it’s sold in six-packs for the same price as Spotted Cow. (Gyrator’s ABV is listed at 6.9% on Untappd, but a source tells me it’s actually 7.2%.) Pair it with grilled steak or chicken and thank me later.
5. Plan Your Fall Foliage Road Trip
ALLISON GARCIA, DIGITAL EDITOR
My husband and I have a long-standing October tradition. Every year, we go on a road trip to a Wisconsin State Park to check out the fall colors. We’ve visited Devil’s Lake, Wyalusing and this autumn, it will be Peninsula in Door County. I highly recommend checking the Fall Color Report in your planning – this year we’ll hit peak a little later than usual.
