Milwaukee Weekend Getaway + A Moving New Greenfield Village Experience

In this episode of Go See Do Explore, we’re recapping two recent close-to-home adventures: a Memorial Day weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a visit to the newly relocated Jackson Home at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan.

Milwaukee surprised us in the best way. It’s walkable, easy to enjoy over a long weekend, and full of good food, interesting architecture, river views, and low-pressure things to do. We stayed downtown at the Drury Plaza Hotel and discovered just how much value can come with a stay there, from hot breakfast to the evening “Kickback.” We also took an architecture walking tour, explored Third Street Food Hall, tried a Wisconsin old fashioned, went urban kayaking on the Milwaukee River, visited Milwaukee Public Market, had a big German dinner at Mader’s, and made the required stop at Mars Cheese Castle on the way home.

Then, during the wine break, we talk about one of our favorite warm-weather wines: Vinho Verde, including a very budget-friendly Aldi find.

We also share our experience visiting the Jackson Home at Greenfield Village before its public opening. Originally located in Selma, Alabama, the home of Dr. Sullivan and Mrs. Richie Jean Jackson served as an important planning and refuge space during the Civil Rights Movement, including during the Selma to Montgomery marches. The Henry Ford’s restoration brings the home back to its 1960s setting and creates a powerful, personal connection to a major moment in American history.

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In this episode:

• Why Milwaukee is worth considering for a relaxed weekend getaway
• What makes Drury Hotels a surprisingly good value
• A budget-friendly architecture walking tour in downtown Milwaukee
• Third Street Food Hall, Milwaukee Public Market, and casual food stops
• The Wisconsin supper club experience we’re still chasing
• Wisconsin old fashioneds: sweet, sour, or press
• Urban kayaking on the Milwaukee River
• Boone & Crockett, Mader’s, and Mars Cheese Castle
• Our house summer wine: Vinho Verde
• Visiting the Jackson Home at Greenfield Village
• How the home connects Selma, the Civil Rights Movement, and Michigan history
• Tips for reserving a timed entry and preparing for a summer visit

Places mentioned:

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
• Historic Milwaukee architecture tours
• The Pfister Hotel
• Milwaukee Art Museum
• Third Street Food Hall
• Discourse Coffee
• Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
• Brew City Kayak
• Milwaukee Public Market
• Penzeys Spices
• The Spice House
• Boone & Crockett
• Mader’s
• Mars Cheese Castle
• Greenfield Village
• Jackson Home