If we’re being honest, the idea of moving somewhere sight unseen is low-key horrifying to Chad and I (if stop and really think about it). As habitual long-term planners, it’s already enough of a challenge to uproot the life we’ve built in order to move from Colorado to Wisconsin in less than a month.
So, to ease our worries and learn a little more about our future home, Chad and I decided to hop on a plane and visit Milwaukee for an extended weekend. My parents were angels and watched Wally with zero notice, and we were able to get flights and a hotel without spending an arm and a leg. We also connected with our Milwaukee realtor, Ginger, who set us up with several house tours (and was kind enough to drive us around). We figured we might as well, right?
Flash forward a few days; we’ve officially walked all over downtown and the Historic Third Ward, flirted with freezing temperatures, eaten and drank to the max, and also put an offer on a house (which has been accepted!!!). Life comes at you fast, I guess.
Here are a few details of our trip.
Our Hotel
Tru by Hilton Downtown. A solid 3-star hotel. Nothing fancy (no pool), but it was modern, fun, cheap, and had a fantastic location for our walking purposes.
It was close to the downtown center, but we loved it best for its easy access to the Historic Third Ward, where we spent most of our time out and about.
Eating and drinking
- Milwaukee Public Market – we grabbed coffee from one of the many vendors in the market; I had a delightful honey bee latte
- Cubanitas – a delicious Cuban dinner. Highly recommend the empanadas
- The Wicked Hop – we truly acclimated ourselves to WI living with a Friday fish fry. Loved it!
- MKE Ale House – decent beer and amazing cheese curds at this river-side brewery
- Toast – the coolest, hippest brunch spot imaginable. Loved my corned beef hash!
- The Lucky Ginger – we both ordered pho, and it absolutely hit the spot on a cold evening
- 3rd Street Market Hall – drinks were a must at this bustling indoor marketplace of super cool vendors
- Lakefront Brewery – our new go-to, this beer hall had delicious beer and amazing appetizers. We hung out here for several hours before our flight out of town. It’ll be so close to our new apartment!
Activities
Activity-wise, we filled our time nicely between showings. We spent a good chunk of time walking from place to place, which was a really nice way to explore different areas within the city.
- Milwaukee Public Market
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Water Street
- Riverwalk
- 3rd Street Market Hall
Though our trip was quick, we fit in as much as possible. Unlike a vacation where you vow to return in an empty but passionate way, we *will* be back.
Soon, in fact! Under a month to go until our move. Thanks to this trip, we’re officially so, so excited.
Looks and sounds like a great city! Congrats on your new adventure; may the challenges be few and the memories be many!