Cheaters getting it wrong. C’mon, people, it’s a RiverWALK, not a RiverKAYAK.
Previously on Midlife Crisis Crossover:
Each year from 2003 to 2013 my wife, my son, and your humble writer headed out on a long road trip to anywhere but here. Our 2014 road trip represented a milestone of sorts: our first vacation in over a decade without my son tagging along for the ride. At my wife’s prodding, I examined our vacation options and decided we ought to make this year a milestone in another way — our first sequel vacation. This year’s objective, then: a return to Wisconsin and Minnesota. In my mind, our 2006 road trip was a good start, but in some ways a surface-skimming of what each state has to offer. I wanted a do-over.
The Milwaukee Riverwalk winds through the center of their downtown and runs adjacent to restaurants, nightclubs, residences, and blue- and white-collar businesses alike. Our last two chapters spotlighted the artwork along either riverbank that lends this tourist stop some honorary museum cred. We conclude our Milwaukee Riverwalk trilogy with a look at other assorted sights along the path, a mix of modern touches and industrial chic.
We parked near a river-cruise company, but opted for the self-guided free exercise method, by which I mean we walked up a few blocks, then back a few blocks down the other side.
The water may not be the most naturally appealing color, but boating enthusiasts are undeterred and maintain a presence, as do large companies such as Wells Fargo, in the taller building at center.
The trail to adventure, meditation, sightseeing, or whatever else people do on Riverwalks. No itinerary, no pushy guides, no pressure, no rules, except laws.
Arches above us, pavement below.
Some nearby businesses go all-out with the aesthetic flourishes.
The largest art around: this fish-sculpture mural.
I failed to catch this building’s identity, but with architecture this stylized, it had to be something historical once. Am I close?
Modest clock tower is very modest, and proves not all constructs need be super-sized to catch our eye. Too bad the clock itself was off by a few hours.
To my wife’s chagrin, this archaic phone booth was exactly the right size on the inside.
Elves make themselves at home in the front window of Usingers Fine Sausage. Or maybe they’re gnomes. I don’t mean to be fantasy-racist, but a lot of wee folk look alike to me.
Milwaukee was not our final destination for Day One. Once we returned to the car, we found our way to I-94 and headed west out of town. On the way we drove past Miller Park, home field of their local sports team. I’m guessing, anyway. Sports aren’t my thing, but I’m 95% certain this wasn’t a local high school or department store.
Okay, I peeked: Miller Park is the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, who so far have only made it to the World Series once in their 45-year history, but Major League Baseball allows them to keep playing because they like how the team’s name implies beer.
To be continued!
[Link enclosed here to handy checklist for previous and future chapters, and for our complete road trip history to date. Thanks for reading!]
