Your MKE Staycations Guide
There’s no need to book a plane ticket or plan a road trip to enjoy time off. Here are just a few ways to spend a long weekend without traveling far.
ENJOY A MEAL AT...
The Lowlands Group Restaurants
From Centraal Grand Café & Tappery to Café Hollander, Café Benelux, and Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club, each Lowlands restaurant brings together the best of European cafe culture and Midwestern hospitality. Think hearty comfort food, world-class bier lists, and that unmistakable feeling of gezellig – a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes every visit feel like home. Whether you’re brunching, lingering over a Belgian tripel, or catching up with friends on a long staycation weekend, you’ll find connection, comfort, and craft in every corner. lowlandsgroup.com
GAME AT...
Potawatomi Casino Hotel
A visit to Potawatomi offers nearly 3,000 slot machines, myriad live table games including blackjack, roulette and craps, a lively poker room, bingo and the new Sportsbook with dozens of live betting opportunities. You can hang out for one afternoon, or turn it into a long weekend, with a stay in one of its luxurious hotel guest suites. potawatomi.com
PHOTO:
The Milwaukee Art Museum
CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN ...
Downtown Milwaukee
Milwaukee is dazzling any time of year, but Downtown really goes all out during the holiday season. Throughout December, the Downtown BID hosts the Holiday Lights Festival, stringing the city with more than a half-million bulbs. Explore Downtown’s ornament trail, with over 20 larger-than-life ornaments painted by local and regional artists, or hop on the Jingle Bus tour, a 40-minute narrated look at the festive decor, running Fridays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m., Dec. 5-28. milwaukeedowntown.com
RELAX AND EXPLORE AT
The Iron Horse Hotel
This hotel’s industrial-inspired rooms are full of personality. You can spend an entire day just in the Iron Horse, from the hotel’s spa to dinner and drinks at Ash, the on-site restaurant which recently won a Wine Spectator award. And you’ll also want to check out the nearby sites and attractions, including Great Lakes Distillery, Zócalo Food Park, the boutique shops of the Third Ward and more. theironhorsehotel.com
REV THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS AT...
The Harley-Davidson Museum
Explore over 100 years of legendary motorcycles and history of the iconic brand at this worldclass museum, which shifts into the season with festive weekend activities this month. Saturday brings family-friendly doings in the Harley-Davidson Museum galleries (Dec. 6, 13, 20), while Sunday Breakfasts with Santa are planned for Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Need to treat yourself after the holidays? Score big during the Factory Outlet Sale (Dec. 26-28). bit.ly/harleymus
APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY AT…
The Milwaukee Art Museum
Perhaps Milwaukee’s most iconic landmark, the Milwaukee Art Museum offers visitors a world-class collection right on the Downtown shore of Lake Michigan. Peruse four floors of the museum’s permanent collection and make sure to check out “The Bradley Collection of Modern Art: A Bold Vision for Milwaukee,” an exhibition on view through Jan. 19, to learn about Milwaukee’s art history, culture and legacy. mam.org
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Downtown Milwaukee
the highlights of the season
Brighten your spirits with more than a half million holiday lights, charming interactive displays, and a ho-ho-host of festive events. Stroll through the sparkling scenery at four Downtown parks. Then take a guided tour of all the festival highlights aboard the Jingle Bus. It runs Fridays through Sundays. Book your tour online today!
CHECK OUT THE EAST SIDE FROM…
The Plaza Hotel
A charming East Side mainstay, The Plaza Hotel Milwaukee is your staycation headquarters. Sink into refreshed, apartment-style accommodations that mix boutique European charm with a neighborhood atmosphere. While you’re there, enjoy breakfast at the beloved Café at the Plaza, explore Downtown, visit nearby museums, and enjoy all of Milwaukee’s entertainment – just steps away. plazahotelmilwaukee.com
TAKE OFF AT…
The EAA Museum
For more than 70 years, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has been one of the foremost resources for aviation enthusiasts around the world – and its museum is right here in Wisconsin. The EAA Aviation Museum, located just an hour and a half north of Milwaukee in Oshkosh, showcases more than 200 historic aircraft, 20,000 artifacts and hands-on exhibits, as well as the Eagle Hangar dedicated to the memory of those who served. The museum also offers educational programs, group tours, a boutique and more. eaa.org
ENJOY A LUXURIOUS NIGHT AT
Kinn Guesthouse
This boutique combines the amenities of a hotel with the cozy feeling of a home. Each floor has a fully furnished chef’s kitchen, along with stylish rooms and a community space. With a prime location Downtown, Kinn Guesthouse is a chance both to get out and explore or stay in and relax. kinnguesthouse.com
DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT…
Bronzeville Center for the Arts
If you’re looking to make an impact with your holiday gift-buying this season, check out the shop at Gallery 507, part of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts. The gift shop has a variety of homemade artisanal gifts, crafted by both local artists and makers from all over the world. Shop a selection of candles, accessories, home goods, art and more – all while supporting the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, which opened earlier this year. bcamke.org ◆
When your favorite concert or heated rivalry brings you downtown, the charm and comfort of the Plaza Hotel Milwaukee is your home base and a getaway all at once. Our convenient parking, apartment-style rooms, and central East Side location make us the perfect landing spot after a night of Milwaukee entertainment. And don’t forget to stay for breakfast!
Kinn Guesthouse
