Although it may not look that way, Spring Break is here for many school districts and it’s slowly but surely starting to feel that way, too. If your family is looking for some things to do around the North Shore this week, here are some local chamber members to support and explore!
Learn
Celebrating 250 years of defending America’s Freedom, venture into Downtown Milwaukee and explore the many levels and exhibits honoring those who served and gave their lives for the different war eras of America. The building itself is a work of art, having been designed and finished by the same architect Eero Saarinen, who completed the St. Louis Gateway Arch. The building is also a functioning office! The War Memorial Center is open daily and free to explore, but be prepared to pay for metered or structured parking.
Fresh off a Wisconsin Governor’s Tourism Service Excellence Award, Schlitz Audubon features six miles of hiking trails, art galleries, wildlife attractions including reptiles, amphibians, and raptors, and more to explore. The week of spring break boasts a Full Moon Hike for the night owls, a Tai Chi Exercise and a Raptor Saturday, but is open every other day for self-guided adventures. You can even peruse shore and look for beach glass!
Located on Brown Deer, Lynden Sculpture Garden boasts a collection of dozens of sculptures by artists from around the world. Walk the yards and explore the different materials used, along with the art exhibits on the inside. Lynden Sculpture Garden offers free admission and parking, and ask more about their programming and summer camps while you are there!
Create
Located in Bayshore, Vibez offers painting for all ages and all skill levels. From newbies to seasoned artists, you can take creative control with a blank canvas, or follow along with a guided template. All required materials are provided (including the fun). If you’re seeking an adults-only, ladies night, or corporate team building, anything can be accommodated. If you’re particularly proud of your work, inquire about how to exhibit or sell your work at the space and be a featured artist.
If your creative juices weren’t already flowing, skip across the Bayshore plaza to Hawaii Fluid Art and put paint on some new material like glass, metal, boards, and even work with resin! Hawaii Fluid Art offers 90-minute classes for all ages and all class sizes including solo, groups, families, and couples. Make tumblers, wine classes, put patches on hats, cutting boards, and other beautiful masterpieces with vibrant, tropical colors that bring the spring vibe right into your home.
Experience
Milwaukee Pretzel Company Factory Tour
If you’ve been to any festival or sports game within 5 miles of Milwaukee, you’ve maybe had a soft pretzel courtesy of MKE Pretzel Company. But do you know how they’re actually made? Matt and Katie Wessel, owners of Milwaukee Pretzel Company, spent years abroad in Germany learning about the perfect Bavarian pretzel and were making them right out of their home for years before their exponential growth. Rooted in their community values and philanthropy, they open their factory doors every Thursday and Friday for public tours (April is Soft Pretzel Month… Stay tuned for a special feature and interview on this tour!!).
Step aside, Charles. E. Cheddar. The food and arcade world needs an upgrade and sometimes, a day trip to Dave & Busters is just needed for the soul. Power cards for kids, a full bar for parents, and just in time for March Madness, it’s the best time for everyone to be entertained. With half priced games on Wednesday, happy hours and other specials, the savings are worth the extra 10 minutes on the highway. If they still have the massive Fruit Ninja, please let me know, asking for a friend.
The North Shore’s newest live music and entertainment venue continues to make waves, and the week of spring break is no different. Featuring artists like Steely Dead, Not Quite Brothers, and an 18+ Bad Bunny Night, the Argo is also open to the public for happy hours and fish fry. No tickets are required to enjoy an elevated cocktail, dinner, or ½ off bottle of wine Wednesday. Feeling fancy is free!
Milwaukee’s North Shore bodes plenty to do and despite the forecast, we hope you get out and about this week!
Author: Gwen (Membership & Outreach Manager for NSCC