Big Weekend in Waukesha

August is just a few short days away and with the start of the month comes a big weekend in Waukesha.

Friday Night Live takes over downtown on Friday night. I have only made it out to one of these so far this year, but I'm planning to change that now that my schedule is a bit more open. The music I heard the last time at a few stages was very enjoyable and the community has so many talented musicians. I really like Friday Night Live and seeing all the businesses open and busy with customers milling around and purchasing gifts.

Saturday starts off with the Waukesha Farmers' Market. Though I haven't made it to many of these this year, from what I saw at a roadside stand, this is going to be a good weekend to attend the event. The stand by Christina's on Summit Ave/Hwy 18 looked freshly stocked with gorgeous tomatoes, squash, and corn. I hope to swing by this week and get some before the weekend. But I also plan to check out the market. I love this time of year. My yard doesn't allow for me to grow any plants due to the lack of sun exposure, so I can't wait to pick up some locally grown fresh fruits and veggies to have at my house. Time to start researching some new yummy recipes to try!

I have also started training for a half marathon. I don't have a half in mind that I want to participate in, but I have had the goal that I will run a half marathon by the time I'm 35. No time like the present to begin training! Part of training involves eating right and getting proper nutrition. So the farmers markets and I will be really good friends for the next few months!

Also, this weekend is Shrek the Musical at the Waukesha Civic Theatre. The musical has a short run, July 31 - Aug 9, but is sure to be entertaining.My guy and I are attending the 7:30 show on Friday night. Maybe I can convince him to get a appetizer at Meli beforehand :)

I am getting very close to my 400th blog post. With that post I will have a great new feature that I will be sharing with my fans and I'm sure you will enjoy it. I'm finalizing a few details but I hope to share it with you in a week or so! Stay Tuned and hope to see you out in Waukesha!

Spring in Waukesha

Spring has officially sprung in Waukesha and even though the Mega Weekend has passed, there are so many great things to look forward to in the coming weeks and months in Waukesha.

 

I'm very excited for the Farmer's Market. Although I wasn't able to attend it this weekend, I drove by on my way out of town and saw that it was hopping with people. It looked like there were a lot more booths and booths closer to Barstow than before. The area where the Salvation Army/Antique store resided that is now a grassy area had booths which is new for this year.

I will be out of town next weekend too, but hope to attend the following weekend.

High Roller Fun Rentals is now open later in the evenings at Frame Park. Rent a fun bike or boat and enjoy some time at the Fox River. I plan to do this with my guy and his girls this summer. Not sure which one we will do, I'll leave that up to the girls, but it's going to be a blast.

I also look forward to returning to both Crush Wine Bar and Two Brothers Wines. Crush is having some tastings that interest me in the near future and I hope to help bottle some with with the brothers. I had such a great time at both places. Check out my experience on the VisitWaukesha.org blog.

I also need to introduce my guy to the rooftop of People's Park. He is a fan of their fish fry so I think a Friday night on the roof is in our near future!

Friday Night Live doesn't start until June and I'm curious how it's going to work with the road construction this year. But it's a great event to attend with friends and family and get them to downtown Waukesha and listen to some tunes while we wander from shop to shop.

I see a new popcorn store is opening on Main Street in June. Seeing as Poppin' on Broadway is going through a transition, I'm excited to see what this new place will offer. Hopefully Poppin reopens soon as I just love the Broadway mix and my dad wants me to pick up some cheddar caramel corn for him. The new website looks great!

Waterski shows start up later this month--Badgerland on the Fox River and Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club on Pewaukee Lake. I think this is another great event to take my guy and his girls to.

Classic Car Shows on Wednesday nights at the Gasthaus look to be a big hit. I could hear the music from my backyard last year but never made it over for a show.

I'm sure I will get great use out of my State Park permit and head to Lapham and a few other parks this summer. Lapham has great trails for walking and running and the tower always has great views!

Summertime in Waukesha

So, so, so much to do in Waukesha this (and every) summer. I can't wait to take it all in.

Here is just a sprinkling of events that I can think of to kick off your summer.

Waukesha Friday Night Live - Every Friday from June thru October the streets of downtown Waukesha becomes a festival of fun with the streets closed down and many stages of music set up. See great local acts, check out the shops and enjoy yourself while meeting up with thousands of other Waukesha friends.

Waukesha Farmer's Market - Since 2008, I have seen this steadily grow in size and variety of vendors. It is now over 100 vendors with all sorts of things - plants, veggies, candles, woodwork, jewelry, meat, popcorn, flowers and much, much more. Every Saturday morning from May - October you can find Riverfront Plaza shut down between Broadway & Barstow and full of lively vendors.

Carl Zach Cycling Classic - Watched this for the first time last year and it was exciting. How these folks can stay on those skinny tires around the tight turns of downtown Waukesha at the speed they are going, completely boggles my mind and gives more props to them from me!

Gibson Guitar Town & Murals - Walk through the historic downtown area and you can't help but see murals everywhere! Many of them relate to music and Les Paul (The Wizard of Waukesha) that started three years ago as part of Waukesha being designated a Gibson Guitar Town. But a few other businesses have other murals as well - Waukesha Tattoo Company, Bernie's Tap Room (inside), Couri Insurance and Discount Liquor. 

Outdoor Dining -
     People's Park roof is a popular stop with great views of the city.

     Sprizzo's artistic outdoor area is a nice place to take in the sites of the streets.

     Magellan's retracting windows to open up the whole bar to the outdoors is awesome.

     Bosco's back patio is covered from the elements, has lawn games and big TVs to take in the games.

     Sloppy Joe's offers outdoor games like hula hoop and bean bag toss to those walking by.

     Divino Gelato has nice benches and a few tables to enjoy the downtown with a sweet treat.

     Jackson's & Bernie's have a few tables available to enjoy dinner at on the sidewalk.

     The Steaming Cup has a lot of tables to take in your morning or afternoon coffee.

     Just outside of downtown on Grand is La Estacion with excellent Mexican cuisine and a gorgeous stone patio.

If I missed any more, I apologize!

There is plenty more planned for downtown this summer, including more live music throughout the week and weekends, parades, events, charity run/walks....you name it....Waukesha has it going on. Hope you can come down and check it out soon!