 |
| The Domes |
Some people told me that I was crazy to head to Milwaukee for a long weekend in the middle of January. But I wanted to spend time with one of my daughters, and Milwaukee is where she lives so off I went. I found many wonderful things to do in the cold weather.
The Domes - Mitchell Park Conservatory Garden
The first thing that my daughter and I did was to head to Mitchell Park for the Winter Farmer's Market at
The Domes. Looking like something out of a science fiction movie this indoor garden is comprised of three biomes - The Tropical Dome, The Desert Dome and the Show Dome.
 |
| Tropical Dome from the outside |
 |
| Entering the Domes |
 |
| Inside the Tropical Dome |
 |
| Your author enjoying warmth in January |
 |
| Inside the Desert Dome |
 |
| Birds of Paradise in the Desert Dome |
 |
| Model Train show in the Show Dome |
The Desert and Tropical Domes host many species of plant from around the world, representing those
ecological niches. The Show dome hosts special events and concerts. In January it was home to a giant model train exhibit.
On Saturdays The Domes hosts a wonderful farmers market hosting local farmers and food artisans.
The Domes also hosts many cultural events throughout the year.
The Milwaukee Public Market
For lunch we went to
Milwaukee Public Market.Opened in 2005 at the north edge of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, the Public Market is great place for an inexpensive lunch. Home to over 20 vendors of food and other sundries, all of the businesses are local and the food is fresh. I strongly recommend
The Green Kitchen. Fresh salads and smoothies, this is the place for a health conscious meal that tastes great.
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
After lunch is was off to the East Side for a visit to the
Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. The star of this museum is the villa itself. Built in 1924 for the family of Lloyd R. Smith founder of A.O. Smith Company. The villa sits on a hill overlooking Lake Michigan and comes complete with a formal garden.
 |
| Entrance Courtyard at Villa Terrace |
 |
| Looking out to Lake Michigan from Villa Terrace |
|
|
|
The museum houses a permanent collection of decorative art date back 200 years, and also hosts special exhibitions, films, concerts and is available for private events.
Milwaukee Hilton - City Center
If you have read my blog before, you know that I am not a traveler who frequents fancy hotels. But
Hotwire.com's blind reservation service came up with a $49/night deal at the
Hilton City Center. Even when you factor in the parking fee and tax it was still around $85/night. This hotel is an old gem that has been beautifully maintained.
 |
| Hilton Center City |
 |
| Lobby desk |
 |
| The Monarch Lounge |
 |
| Main Lobby |
 |
| Lower Lobby looking at The Cafe |
Toshi Ramen
What could be better for dinner after a winter's day in Milwaukee? Well soup, of course! So off we went to nearby town of Shorewood to enjoy a meal at
Toshi Ramen. Walking down the steps to the basement of a non-discrept building, you enter a space that is a tribute to the classic Godzilla movies. Toys, posters, even stickers on clipboards that when they bring you the check, the rubber suited moster is king here. Best of all, Tochi has the best ramen I have had outside of the west coast. The broth was excellent, and pork belly was perfectly cooked. The Pork Bun app is also excellent. Well worth the trip out from downtown.
Milwaukee in Winter? There are always fun things to do.
