Anything I "can't miss" in the few hours I'll be there? (Milwaukee: houses)

[s_mack]

Second time, but the first time I basically went to one mall and that was it. I'll be there on business but I'll have several free hours with the use of a car. What would you suggest are "must see" for the area?

I know basically nothing about the city. I'm from Canada and I'll be in Milwaukee for a few days in June, but most of that I'll be busy with work and driving to/from The Dells. Is the downtown particularly nice? Are there really cool shops somewhere? Is there a district I can't miss? A really special park? A hot dog vendor that I'll tell all my friends about?

I'm not Mr. Tourist. I like cities for what they offer that's unique or special, but not necessarily the kitschy stuff that's reserved for out-of-towners.

While I will have a car (rental from the airport), I'm not adverse to parking it and riding transit or walking.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[caieva]

I would go down to Bradford beach and spend a few hours walking and enjoying the area, and have ice-cream and burgers at the beach cafe. You can walk north from there up to UWM and around a few blocks of spectacular houses and south from there to the art museum with the world class Brise de Soleil which is a sight well worth seeing.

[almost3am]

Originally Posted by caieva

I would go down to Bradford beach and spend a few hours walking and enjoying the area, and have ice-cream and burgers at the beach cafe. You can walk north from there up to UWM and around a few blocks of spectacular houses and south from there to the art museum with the world class Brise de Soleil which is a sight well worth seeing.

Yeah, good idea. I also was thinking down by the lake, too. I liked walking up Water Tower Rd for views, then down Wahl Rd to see some of the homes.

The Harley Museum or Miller Brewing Tour are options, too

[s_mack]

Awesome! Sounds great, thank you.

[caieva]

and if you get there early get coffee/breakfast at the Alterra right across from the marina. It's the old pump house - very cool, very Milwaukee.