Explore Milwaukee

[explore-mke]

Mckinley Beach - Milwaukee (more photos)

Although not Milwaukee counties largest beach or for that matters its best beach, Mckinley Beach is a bit more quiet than some of the others and closer to the Eastside and Easttown. Well worth spending some time here if you want to avoid the crowds at more popular beaches.

[coffee-culture]

Valentine Coffee Roasters - UPDATE POST (more photos)

It has been almost two years since I blogged about Valentine Coffee, so it is long past time for an update post. This coffee roaster has expanded rapidly, moving from a 12 kg Diedrich inferred roaster to a 25 kg machine, using both as a vital part of their roasting production. They have also greatly improved their decor, taking is from a minimalist approach to something with a bit more personality that feels a bit more like a jazz club. 

Even after sampling a much lager selection of espresso blends in the Midwest, I consider their Espresso Dolce blend to be my second favorite espresso blend after Metropolis Coffee’s Red Line Espresso. Valentine Coffee’s honey-processed Costa Rica: Finca Santa Elena Miel is also one of the best single origins I have had in Milwaukee. Over all, I consider Valentine to be among the top three roasters in Milwaukee, along with Anodyne and Hawthorne coffee roasters.

[explore-mke]

Milwaukee River Greenway (more photos)

This is an extensive area of green natural area on the Milwaukee River. There are some 28 miles of hiking, biking trails and 6 miles of water trail, and a number of city parks. Picking up where the urban riverwalk ends, the greenway starts near the river and Humbot Ave and goes all the way to Good Hope Rd. There are a number of Ecologically minded organizations devoted to protecting this greenway, as well as making it accessable for recreation (Milwaukee River Greenway Coalition). 

[explore-mke]

Milwaukee Center (more photos)

Here are a few photos of the Milwaukee Center on the river.

[coffee-culture]

Bella Caffe - Coffeehouse (more photos)

Discovered this nice little coffeehouse in Milwaukee’s historic 3rd-Ward that been there for 15 years. The pull there shots on a LM Linea espresso machine and grinding with a LM Swift. They brew with both Valentine and Anodyne Coffee, offering a full espresso bar menu.

Most of Bella Caffe’s food is supplies by the Soup Market, so their sandwiches, soups, and desserts are amazing as well. The decor follows a classic Italian caffe theme, with seating that is comfortable and the views of the 3rd-ward street are fantastic

This is a wonderful cafe to stop in at if your in the area for a better than Starbucks coffee experience or breakfast or lunch. The 15 and Green bus lines run near it, as well the new MKE Street Car,

[explore-mke]

Milwaukee Intermodal Station - Amtrak (more photos)

Here are a few photos of renovated Amtrak train station in Milwaukee. While the seating area was competed in 2007, the area for boarding the trains just a few weeks ago with tracks for five trains.. There is a nice little cafe and gift shop, as well as a larger vending machine area and free WiFi to serve passengers. Greyhound also has a regional hub here with ten slots of buses.

[explore-mke]

The North End - Milwaukee (more photos)

Here are some photos I took of the North End project and around the area. Included are photos of the construction of the 4th phase of the project, as well as photos of the project from the opposite side of the Milwaukee River. This is an exciting project that has opened up an area near downtown that was neglected for year. In addition, there are some exciting project west of it on the other side of the river, as well as south of it near where the new Bucks Arena is being built.

[explore-mke]

River House Apartments - Construction Project (more photos)

[explore-mke]

Riverwest Garden Market (more photos) 

This was the second week that the farmers market in Riverwest was open. Although this is a smaller market, there is a good mix of fresh produce, art, and crafts. This market is a wonderful asset to the neighborhood.

[explore-mke]

Just Love the view from the outdoor seating at Alderaan Coffee. What  great place to enjoy a cup of coffee and spend time with friends. Check out the streetscope I make from this spot.

[coffee-culture]

Kickapoo Coffee - 3rd-Ward MKE (more photos)

This is the first of Kickapoo Coffee’s locations in Milwaukee. Aside from Alderaan Coffee, this is the only other coffeehouse where single origin espresso is pulled in MKE. Using a LM Linea PB which is capable of temperature and pressure profiling, for best results with SO Espresso. The brastias seem knowable about coffee and brewing technology, as well as exhibit superior behind the bar techniques for pulling great coffee. This is one of the few truly 3rd-Wave coffeehouses in the area.

The minimalist vintage industrial decor theme of this 3rd-Ward location fits well with the renovated warehouse and Milwaukee School of Art and Design (MIAD) which surround the coffeehouse.  Being close to the center of the neighborhood, they are close to the riverwalk and the many nice cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and other fine shops that the 3rd-Ward offers. This Kickapoo is also just blocks from the Green bus line and the future Street Car, which makes easy to get to for those who live and work in the city center.

Along with Aleraan Coffee and Anodyne (Walker’s Point), this 3rd-Ward Kickapoo Coffee make up my top three coffeehouses in Milwaukee.

[explore-mke]

Boerner Botanical Gardens (more photos)

A visit to the Boerner Botanical Gardens is a wonderful summertime activity.  Besides just strolling through the garden, there is also a nice cafe and gift shop, as well as many activities and events for all ages.

[explore-mke]

Beerline Cafe - Riverwest (more photos)

So nice to see Beerline Cafe (original post) with all of their outdoor seating set up. Such a nice place to enjoy a vegan lunch, a coffee, or local craft beer. Celebrate our warm months by visiting this wonderful near the Milwaukee River in the Riverwest neighborhood. 

[explore-mke]

Tory Folliard Gallery - 3rd-Ward (more photos)

This month the Tory Folliard Gallery in the 3rd-Ward is featuring works by Craig Blietz and Mark Chatterley.

[explore-mke]

Arts & Rivers Contest 2016 - Milwaukee Riverkeeper (more photos)

Tuesday, June 7 – Saturday, June 11, 2016 Celebrate the beauty of our waterways. Visit the Tory Folliard Gallery to view submissions from local artists expressing how they connect to our local rivers.

[explore-mke]

River House Apartments - Construction (more photos)

The first of the four buildings in this project is now topped off at 6 floors, with the second building starting the 3rd floor.

[explore-mke]

Barrels And Beer Rain Barrel Workshop (more photos)

There was a bit of creativity taking place by the Milwaukee River today with people painting rain barrels. The event was sponsored by Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Lakefront Brewery. Many of the participants were putting a lot of working into painting their barrels. Good to see Milwaukee organizations promoting wise use of our natural resources.