Today marks 414 Day – otherwise known as an excellent excuse to talk about our true first love: Milwaukee. (Honestly, just about anything or everything is a great excuse to brag about Brew City.) To celebrate our city, we came up with 414 reasons why we love it here. It was even easier than we thought. In no particular order:
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The recombobulation area at the airport
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The chaser – because of course we serve a bonus beer with our alcohol
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The awesome DJ Shawna
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Urban spelunking through all the history, obvious and hiding in plain sight, across the city
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We love to rescue dogs and treat them like family
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Cranky Al’s donuts – just ask Alton Brown!
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The lack of pretense
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Driving thru Miller Valley
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Kopps burgers, grilled cheese and, of course, custard
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Milwaukee Public Market’s variety
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Bob Uecker, the voice of baseball in Brew City
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Everything about and at Sherman Phoenix
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Human pinsetters at Koz’s Mini Bowl
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Urban Beets’ smoothies
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Works burrito from Beans and Barley
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Stone Creek’s scones
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The 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks
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Real Chili’s lunch counter
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Breakfast at Blue’s Egg (no matter the wait time)
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Fiserv Forum, which feels shiny and new yet now like home – especially when it's filled with cheering fans
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Midnight Madness at Marquette
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Purple Door’s whiskey ice cream
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Kids’ (and adults’) photos on the Milwaukee County Zoo train
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How easy it is to get to Chicago (if you need to get away, for some reason)
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Conejito’s chicken mole
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Our cool, easy-to-dial area code
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Rueben rolls at O’Lydia’s
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September’s weather – "Milwaukee’s new summer month"
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Katie Rose from Goodkind
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Victory Gardens Initiative commitment to urban gardening
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Learning to ride a Harley Davidson – or riding on the back of one
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Hooligan’s patio for lunch on a warm day
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The lake’s colors – and they are different every day
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Fr. Tim Kitzke of Three Holy Women parish
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Autographed photos of Packers at The Bungalow
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The affordability of The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
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These coffee shops
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The sound of ringing bells on paleta carts
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The innovative elevators in the CityCenter
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Old Blatz signs outside of bars like Uptowner
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Milwaukee themed loca-mojis and gifs
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The swanky decor at Five O’clock Steakhouse
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"I Closed Wolski’s" bumper stickers
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The Waxwing
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The Boat House
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Bras hanging from the ceiling at Holler House
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Brussel sprouts at Swinging Door
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Walking around at Seven Bridges
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Peanut carriers at AJ Bombers
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Magnificent European Copper Beech tree in South Shore Park
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The Riverwest house with cars planted in the front yard
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Soup on a bitterly cold Brew City day
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Judge Derek Mosley
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View from Blu in The Pfister Hotel
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Usinger’s fresh liver sausage
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Boulevards on Newberry Boulevard
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Janitor statue at Milwaukee Art Museum
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Friday 80s Night at Mad Planet
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Black Sheep’s wine dispensers
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Safe House password
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The still-feels-new East Side Library
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Walker’s Point mural on South Second Street
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Press waffles
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The Summerfest splash pad. Actually, everything about the Big Gig
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Vintage finds at BC Modern
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Fuel Cafe on Fifth Street
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That we're the hometown of Oscar winner John Ridley and cinematic icon Gene Wilder
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It's Small-waukee: Everyone knows everyone here
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Day drinking wine at the Public Market
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Vintage "I’m Hooked on Oriental Drugs" T-shirts
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Our uber Midwest accent
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Mark Waldoch’s voice
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Walking around the pond at Kosciuszko Park
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Elsa’s burgers
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Milwaukee Tool’s logo
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Wednesday night bingo at Hamburger Mary’s
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Fishing in Lincoln Park
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Fresh peppercorns from Penzey’s Spices
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El Rey’s lemon chips
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The timelessness of the Violent Femmes’ first album
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Roverwest in Riverwest
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Memories of The Purple House
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The yellow giraffe sculpture on Lincoln Memorial Drive
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Paddleboats on the lagoon at Veteran’s Park
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Soul Boxer's bourbon old fashioned
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Locust Street Festival Beer Run
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The brand new 3rd Street Market Hall
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Sitting on the rocks during lakefront festivals
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Phoritos from Bamboo
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The Milverine
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Rollerskating at Rollero
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The piano man in the Pfister Lobby Lounge
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Taco Moto's corn cup
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Spoken word performances by Kavon Cortez Jones
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Brainbusters at Bryant’s
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Our abundance of hoppy and historic brewery tours
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Jukebox at Mamie’s
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The legendary, late Dick Bacon
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The Villa Terrace
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The throwback movie selections at The Times Cinema
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Even when the weather's cold, we look beautiful
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These 34 things about Giannis – though we could keep going well beyond 34
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A good clean shave from groom or Stag
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The bar at Harbor House
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The good folks and great music at Radio Milwaukee
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The Domes – especially the "behind the scenes" story
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Colectivo’s Blue Heeler blend
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"Rock ‘N Roll Pizza Party" by Tigernite
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Swinging in Milwaukee parks
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Our love of fish fry
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MPM’s European Village
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Tiny succulents from Mod Gen
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Frederick Olmsted’s Lake Park art
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Speed Queen’s pork shoulder
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Butter pecan custard at Leon’s
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The knives in the gift boxes at Usinger’s
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Our love of patios, whether at a bar, restaurant or even just at home
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Hartung Park’s pond
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Paul Cebar’s music
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Our many delicious pizza options
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The Pabst Mansion’s skylight
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The new Northwestern Mutual Commons tower
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Dusty road sundae at Gilles’
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Renaissance Books at the airport
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Rocket Baby brioche bread
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The shimmering star-filled ceiling in the main house of the Avalon Theater
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The renovated Marcus DeBack Playground
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The beautiful Old Soldiers Home buildings
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Nite Owl burgers
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Festa Italiana’s food (duh)
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YMCA’s Camp Minikani
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Frank Zeidler was our mayor
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Milwaukee Public Library’s online librarian chat service
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The view of the lake and Discovery World from Gallery K216 at Milwaukee Art Museum
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Maple bourbon wings at McGinn’s on Bluemound
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MKE Brewing Co.’s Hop Happy IPA
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Miller Bakery pretzel buns
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The mosaics in the Wells Building entry
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WMSE Radio Free Milwaukee
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Taking a sail on the The Denis Sullivan
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The Wauwatosa roll at Ginza Japanese
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Henry Koch architecture (City Hall, Pfister Hotel, Turner Hall, etc.)
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Tutu cookies at Sciortino’s Bakery
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The Oriental Theatre – and particularly the elephants
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This bucket list of 52 Milwaukee restaurants
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Boswell Book Company and the great books they have to offer
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The Big O burger at Oscar’s Pub and Grill
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The delicious wings at Neighborhood Draft
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Karl Kalich’s WPA sculptures at Parklawn
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Milwaukee County Zoo’s Aquatic and Reptile Center
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Not one, but TWO lion houses
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St. Joan of Arc Chapel at Marquette
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Biking the Hank Aaron State Trail
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The Bay View High School auditorium murals
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Frank Lloyd Wright system built homes on Burnham Street
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All of the cocktail finds at Bittercube Bar & Bazaar
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Wednesday wings at Club Garibaldi
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Old fashioneds at The Packing House
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Housemade cones at Oscar’s Frozen Custard
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Milwaukee's best bar burgers
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The cats at Downtown Books
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Jeremy Novy’s koi fish
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County Clare’s mashed potatoes
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When the real moon is over the Polish moon
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Burt's Liquors
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Watching future Nashville Predators stars at Milwaukee Admirals games
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Rush-Mor Records vinyl selection
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The old Bernie’s slide at Lakefront Brewery
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Mama Tried motorcycle festival
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OnMilwaukee April Fools edition
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Weekday day games at American Family Field
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The Ball and Glove logo aka the new logo
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All of our neighborhood ice rinks, making the best of our brutal winters
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Milwaukee's many marvelous "Hidden Gems"
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The Usinger’s Elves
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Milwaukee Pretzel Company pretzels
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Espresso shakes at Purple Door Ice Cream
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Deer District and all the excitement on that side of town
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The gorgeous new home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
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Brandy – and our legendary love of it
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Summer days lounging "on the beach" at Twisted Fisherman
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Memories of Oriental Drugs
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Cold brew from Pilcrow Coffee
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Fresh, squeaky, warm cheese curds from Clock Shadow Creamery
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Kettle Range Meats’ tomahawk steak
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Tasty sausages with wacky wrestling names at The Vanguard
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The whimsical patio at Odd Duck
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Cool finds at American Science & Surplus
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Bowling at Holler House
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Twisted Path dark rum
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Chef Adam Pawlak – not only his tasty restaurants in town but how he represented Milwaukee so well on "Hell's Kitchen"
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The Milwaukee Film Festival (this year's edition, less than a week away!)
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Sunday Funday’s at The Garage
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The cute little patio at Pourman’s
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Blueberry pancakes from Riverwest Co-op
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Honey bee latte from Anodyne Coffee
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TVs on Leff’s Lucky Town patio
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Cheese whips on a bloody Mary
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Milwaukee's other awesome historic East Side movie theater: The Downer
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The cozy warm weather escape that is Foundation Tiki Bar in Riverwest
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The rooftop lounge at The Rave
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The salted caramel pot de creme at Balzac
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414 hat from Too Much Rock For One Hand
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Carrot cake from Buckley’s
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A panini from Nessun Dorma
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Barnacle Bud’s patio
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The rooftop fires at The Outsider
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A hookah at Casablanca
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The popcorn at Wolski’s
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These amazing entrepreneurs of color
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The Estate’s vibe
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Corned beef hash at Benji’s
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St. Paul’s Fish Company’s lobster roll
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Indulgence Chocolatiers dark chocolate sea salt
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Great Lakes Distillery’s front patio
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Ringing out ahoya with an M-U rah rah at Golden Eagles games
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414 Day
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The Wisconsin Club
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Driving, walking or biking Canal Street to American Family Field
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The patio at The Plaza Hotel
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Cubanitas’ plantain chips
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Brews and views at City Lights Brewing Co.
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That pretty much any bar can be a Packers bar
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MKEBKE’s summer underwear bike rides
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The People’s Flag
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Paintings by Reginald Baylor
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Gallery night at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
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Cyclocross season
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Perusing Black Cat Alley
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The exploring the ever expanding Oak Leaf Trail
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We have a statue of The Crusher
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Getting enveloped in nature in the middle of the city on the Milwaukee River trails
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The helpful ‘tudes at Bliffert’s Hardware
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Milwaukee's first food hall: Crossroads Collective!
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The dogs at Art Bar
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Winter trips to the Mitchell Park Domes
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The beer garden at Third Space Brewing
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The view from the North Ave. Reservoir
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The lions at Lake Park
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The North Ave. Water Tower
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Driving north on the Hoan, particularly if speeding a lot
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Driving east up Water Tower Rd, particularly if speeding a little
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Maxing out the heat scale at ee-sane
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Telling people City Hall was the tallest habitable building in the U.S. when it opened
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The view of the river/city from the North Avenue and Locust Street bridges
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Floating at Float Milwaukee
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The famous racing sausages
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Eating basically anywhere in Silver City
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The hot deli at El Rey
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Tailgating at
Miller ParkAmerican Family Field -
How gorgeous the Milwaukee Art Museum is – and that's before you even go inside
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Winter trips to the Milwaukee County Zoo
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Our world-class ballet
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Plants that don’t belong, but survive because of said climate near the lake (e.g. the weeping beech near the North Ave. water tower has no business thriving here)
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Fests every weekend in the summer
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The view of Fiserv Forum from Glass + Griddle's rooftop patio
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Milk House at the state fair
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Hawaiian at Pizza Man
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Banana pudding dessert at Mr. Perkins
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The wings at Points East Pub
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Bartolotta Downtown Kitchen in US Bank Building
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Chicken noodle soup at George Webb’s
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So much frozen custard – yet somehow never enough either!
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Cafe Lulu’s Calabrese salad
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How much Milwaukee's dining scene has grown in the past decade
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The view when driving East on Wisconsin Avenue and The Calling is in front of the open wings of "the Calatrava"
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Happy hour at The Knick
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An Old Fashioned at Jamo’s on a cold, winter night
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The burgers from Merriment Social
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The Dogg Haus hotdogs
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The small kids park in the Historic Third Ward
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Bavette La Boucherie’s meat counter
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Snacking on a Saz’s sampler at Summerfest
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A Summer Shandy while the grill is heating up
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The drive-thru option at the Downtown Public Library
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The relish plate at Jackson’s Grill (which is hopefully coming back this year)
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Our constantly growing and changing craft brewing scene
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Atari at Koppa’s
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Watching the planes take off from Mitchell on Layton Ave.
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Free popcorn at Y-Not II
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"The Be A Maker Space" at Betty Brinn Museum
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The typewriter collection in the basement of the Milwaukee Public Museum
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Memories of the Grand Avenue Mall circa 1984
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The iconic John McGivern
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Expo Hall at Wisconsin State Park
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A table outside at Cafe Hollander on Downer
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A glass of rose at the back bar at Groppi’s
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Tomken’s fried chicken
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Chocolate cheese at Wisconsin Cheese Mart
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The sounds and smells of Mitchell Street on a warm day
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Food truck Fridays at Red Arrow Park
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Hot ham and rolls on Sundays from Grebe’s
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Pizza from Zaffiro’s
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Glo-Bowl at Bay View Bowl
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Music lessons from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
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Indian groceries from Best Foods
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Thrift shopping at Marlene’s
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Everything and anything with Milwaukee Makers Market
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Shank Hall shows
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Cathedral Square lights at Christmas time
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An Americano from Valentine Coffee
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Solomon Juneau’s "cabin" in Juneau Park
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Picnic at Lakeshore State Park
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Bocce at Lake Park
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The opulent Pabst Theater
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The sparkly public art at Discovery World
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How awesome you all looked in Deer District during the Bucks' run through the 2021 playoffs
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Milwaukee historian extraordinaire John Gurda
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Dead Man’s Carnival at Miramar
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The "Milwaukee: It’s Tits" poster
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True Skool Inc.
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Brewhaus Polka Kings accordion band at Lakefront Brewery fish fry
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The view of Downtown skyline when driving north over The Hoan Bridge
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Antiques on Pierce – all three floors!
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Day of the Dead parade in Walker’s Square
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Knight’s Bar at Mader’s
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The memories and feelings that Lake Michigan inspires
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Fried cheese curds from Who’s On Third
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The blue soda at Maria’s Pizza
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Watching soccer bright and early at The Highbury
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The wonderful users and readers of OnMilwaukee