Bear with us while explain the concept for this series of articles: we take two seemingly Milwaukee icons, then pit them against each other in 10 categories. In each category, we'll assign them points, one through 10, then add them up and name the winner.

No, it's not scientific, but yes, it's fun. In the past, we compared the Pabst Theater vs. Pabst Beer, the Marcus Amphitheater vs. the Big Bang, even the Marquette Interchange vs. Bayshore.

But for this Face Off, we're getting a little philosophical. How does the great Milwaukee summer stack up against the blustery Milwaukee winter? The answer is probably what you'd expect ...

Affordability:

Milwaukee summer, 7
Being outside and enjoying warm, beautiful weather is free. You can tan on the beach, swim in Lake Michigan or play Frisbee in a park without spending a penny. But if your definition of Milwaukee's summer includes the phrase "the city of festivals," then you know that Summerfest, Festa, Polish Fest and all the biggies aren't as cheap as they used to be. Still, between weekly free music festivals and smallest community events, it shouldn't cost much to get the most out of summer.

Milwaukee winter, 6
If you're prepared to bear the cold, it's just about free. Sledding, ice skating on a frozen lake, making snowmen -- all that costs nothing. But dealing with the winter can get pricey. Snowblowers, salt for the sidewalk, winter tires for rear-wheel drive cars, and most importantly, heating your house -- the costs add up in a hurry.

Value to city:

Milwaukee summer, 10
Milwaukee's tourist industry would be nominal if it wasn't for our great summers. People come from miles away to enjoy the events that define our city.

Milwaukee winter, 1
This number would be much higher if we counted the rest of Wisconsin -- outside Milwaukee. You don't see a lot of snowmobiling, ice fishing or other winter tourism within our city limits.

Popularity:

Milwaukee summer, 9
Between Summerfest, Brewers games and State Fair, millions take advantage of Milwaukee's summers. Those who know about it (see below) love it, except for the humid, dog days of August.

Milwaukee winter, 1
You won't find many people who love a Milwaukee winter. Snow is pretty, but it gets old fast.

National name recognition:

Milwaukee summer, 2
Nationally, not all that many people know what a great summer Milwaukee has.

Milwaukee winter, 10
Conversely, everyone knows about our miserable, frigid winters. Go on vacation and tell someone you live in Milwaukee -- it's just seconds before they ask how you survive the grueling winter.

Design:

Milwaukee summer, 8
Credit this one to Mother Nature, but Milwaukee's northern climate makes for a lovely summer. The only knock is that it starts late -- usually after Memorial Day -- and seems to extend into October, cutting into our beautiful autumn.

Milwaukee winter, 2
Ugh. The early settlers of Milwaukee must've arrived in July and thought that first winter was just a fluke. By the second January, they were probably too beaten down and demoralized to leave. On the other hand, if you like snow, you've come to the right place.

Uniqueness:

Milwaukee summer, 5
With the exception of the southern states, Milwaukee's summer climate is pretty average for the United States. Hot and humid.

Milwaukee winter, 8
The winter, on the other hand, is pretty unique. Other than Minneapolis, Maine and Alaska, you won't find many more extreme winters.

Economic value:

Milwaukee summer, 10
Similar to its value to the city, Milwaukee rakes in the dough during the summer months. Festivals and Brewers games create a great tax base and provide lots of jobs. Milwaukee shines in the summer.

Milwaukee winter, 1
In the dead of winter, hotel occupancy is down, seasonal jobs go away, and unless you operate a snowplow or salt company or perhaps a Christmas tree farm, cold, gray days aren't bringing much moolah in.

Convenience factor:

Milwaukee summer, 10
Miles of easily accessible lakefront, sunny days, plenty of good parking still available ... pretty convenient.

Milwaukee winter, 1
Flu shots, unplowed streets, layers of ugly coats, drafty windows and ice dams aplenty ... pain in the butt.

History:

Milwaukee summer, 10
Not much you can say about the history of climates in Wisconsin. We assume they go back -- with some variations over time -- to the melting of the glaciers. Which was a pretty long time ago.

Milwaukee winter, 10
See above.

Quality of product:

Milwaukee summer, 9
Again, thanks Mother Nature. Gorgeous weather, nearby Lake Michigan and tons of stuff to do.

Milwaukee winter, 9
Like it or hate it, Milwaukee's winter is impressive. No question of what season it is. Frigid, icy and snowy, this loooong season doesn't leave anything on the table.

Total:
Milwaukee summer, 80
Milwaukee winter, 49

Winner: Milwaukee summer