Weekend Getaway in Milwaukee: A Ladies’ Guide
As a culturally rich, midsized city (pop. 500,000), Milwaukee offers a perfect backdrop to soak up some culture while enjoying quality time with your favorite friends. Nestled alongside the Lake Michigan shoreline, this vibrant city boasts scenic hikes, exciting bicycle rides, and captivating neighborhoods filled with lively bars, delectable restaurants, indulgent spas, and energetic live-music venues. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party or simply a refreshing getaway, here’s your comprehensive guide tailored for ladies.
Friday: Arrival and Early Afternoon
Upon arrival, check into Milwaukee’s trendiest new accommodation: Kimpton’s Journeyman Hotel, located in the Third Ward. This dynamic neighborhood is often compared to New York City’s SoHo, thanks to its repurposed warehouses that now house chic apartments, boutique shops, trendy restaurants, charming cafes, and captivating art galleries. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during Gallery Night (the third Friday of January, April, July, and October), put on your heels and take advantage of the local art scene, offering live music and delightful wine and cheese samplings.
Whenever you visit, don’t miss Shoo for unique footwear, or drop by boutiques like Free Bird Style and Lela for stylish attire you won’t find anywhere else. For fun keepsakes, check out Broadway Paper, which offers charming greeting cards filled with witty, heartfelt messages—perfect for sending some love back home.
Friday: Late Afternoon and Evening
After gathering with your friends for a pre-dinner drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar, savor Milwaukee’s beloved culinary tradition: the fish fry. However, opt for a more upscale twist on this classic dish. A few blocks north, explore the lively scene on East North Avenue located on the East Side. For a nostalgic vibe, visit Vitucci’s Corner Lounge, a bar steeped in history from the 1930s, followed by live jazz at The Jazz Estate, renowned for crafting some of the finest classic cocktails in the city.
Saturday: Morning and Afternoon
No visit to Milwaukee is complete without experiencing the stunning lakefront, best enjoyed with a cappuccino or latte at Colectivo Coffee’s Lakefront café on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Here, enjoy freshly roasted coffee along with irresistible pastries, breakfast burritos, and satisfying sandwiches. Afterwards, consider a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or rent bikes at a nearby Bublr station to further explore the picturesque lakefront. If you’re there during the warmer months, the Tiki-hut bar opens at Bradford Beach, along with Northpoint Custard Stand—ensuring you don’t leave without sampling their famed custard!
Saturday: Late Afternoon and Evening
Milwaukee has a flourishing craft-beer scene steeped in rich history. Check out the latest tasting rooms and taprooms, such as City Lights Brewing Co., located in a beautifully preserved 1903 building, and Good City Brewing, which will feature a rooftop patio opening soon.
Following a laid-back dinner, elevate your evening dining experience at Tre Rivali inside the Journeyman Hotel. Run by “Top Chef” contestant Heather Terhune, this restaurant draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, serving delicious dishes such as charred octopus, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable options like a Wisconsin artisan cheese board or savory paella. To cap off your evening, head to Cuvee for a glass of Champagne before settling in for the night.
Sunday: Morning and Early Afternoon
Stroll over to the Milwaukee Public Market, a mini version of Seattle’s Pike Place Market, featuring a variety of local vendors including fishmongers, cheese specialists, chocolatiers, and a wine bar. Each friend can select something they enjoy, perhaps bringing it to Thief Wine which offers an impressive selection of wines by the glass. Alternatively, find a spot on the second-floor mezzanine which offers a wonderful view of the bustling market below. Don’t forget to browse through Milwaukee-themed souvenirs at Brew City Brand Apparel, known for their fun products adorning national retailers.
Before departing, indulge in luxurious spa treatments at Well Spa at The Pfister Hotel. Recognized as downtown Milwaukee’s most opulent spa, it features a Turkish hammam complete with a steam shower and clay applications, providing a rejuvenating conclusion to your weekend getaway.
