Breakfast and Coffee: - Collectivo Coffee (Lakefront or Third Ward) (Natalie’s Favorite) - Toast - Sweet Diner Lunch and Dinner: - Onesto (Natalie’s Favorite) - Harbor House - Wicked Hop - Cafe Benelux - Screaming Tuna - Kopps Frozen Custard - Dandan - Odd Duck - Lake Park Bistro Bars: - Camp Third Ward (Natalie’s Favorite) - Deer Distract (Uncle Buck’s, Deer Camp) - Trinity Three Irish Pubs - Harp Irish Pub
Right in the Third Ward (~5 minutes from the Saint Kate) is the Milwaukee Public Market. Full of delicious food vendors. The grilled cheese from the sandwich shop is Natalie’s personal favorite. And of course, you can buy some Wisconsin cheese.
What would a trip to Wisconsin be without a brewery tour? The Miller tour covers the history of the brewery, including the old caves they used to chill the beer in. Very informative and fun tour! ~15 minutes from the Saint Kate.
Right on Lake Michigan, this interactive museum is fun for all ages. It had exhibits about various aquatic life in Lake Michigan, other aquariums, and loads of science inspired fun (including a flight simulator and a bed of nails!).
Summerfest is one of the largest music festivals in the world with over 800 acts across three weekends. During the wedding weekend, there will be performances Thursday (June 29) through Saturday (July 1, our wedding day). Check the website for tickets and lineup! The Summerfest grounds are located in the Third Ward ~10 minute drive from the hotel. Be sure to stop at the Saz’s Tent and get the trio platter! Fried cheese curds, mozzarella sticks, and fries!!
If the weather is nice, get outside and enjoy the views of Lake Michigan. Many out of town visitors are surprised we have beaches in Wisconsin and that Lake Michigan looks like an ocean!
Natalie’s favorite bar in Milwaukee is located in the Third Ward. Gives a glimpse into what “Up North” Wisconsin feels like. Order a Spotted Cow on draft for a special Wisconsin treat (you can only get this beer in Wisconsin and it is John’s favorite beer).
This is Natalie’s favorite coffee shop in Wisconsin. It is a local chain so there are a few in Milwaukee. Natalie’s favorite dish is the baked oatmeal and her favorite drink is an iced matcha latte with a pump of rose.
Roughly a one hour drive north of Milwaukee is the gorgeous town of Kohler, right on Lake Michigan. It is home to world renowned golf courses including Whistling Straights (which hosted the 2021 Ryder Cup and 2015 PGA Championship), Black Wolf Run (Irish and River Courses) and the Baths. If you decided to visit with the intent to play golf, we recommend you book your tee time at least six months in advance.
Located 45 minutes northwest of Milwaukee is Erin Hills. This is John’s favorite course he has ever played (and that is saying a lot because he has played a LOT of golf). Another world renowned golf course which hosted the US Open and other major events over the years. If you intend to play during your visit, we recommend you book your tee time at least six months before.
This hidden gem is the latest addition Wisconsin’s golf scene and by next summer there will be 3 course and a par 3 course. It is gives major summer camp vibes for the golf obsessed people! It is a 3 hour drive northwest of Milwaukee and is fairly remote, so if you decide to venture all the way there, we recommend staying the night. We also recommend you booking a tee time at least six months in advance.
Less than an hour’s drive northwest of downtown Milwaukee, secluded in the heart of Wisconsin’s picturesque Kettle Moraine Area, lies Washington County Golf Course. Designed by the renowned Arthur Hills. #1 municipal golf course in Wisconsin and #33 in the country! It is John’s favorite local course to play in Wisconsin, also right by Natalie’s Lake House on Big Cedar Lake. If you venture here, be sure to stop at Held’s on the drive. Best cheese shop around!