Your MKE Staycations Guide
There’s no need to travel far for your next vacation! These local destinations offer culture, fun, pampering and more.
Board & Brush
Take a break from the holiday bustle to enjoy a creative, cozy evening at this DIY creative studio. With multiple Southeastern Wisconsin locations, including Elm Grove, Oak Creek and Hartford, Board & Brush provides drinks, music and instruction at its many workshops. Sign up for a Pick-Your-Project class – create a wooden sign, tray, coat rack and more to give to a loved one (or keep!). You can also book a private event for coworkers, extended family or friends. Find the full lineup of workshops on the website for each studio location: boardandbrush. com/elmgrove, boardandbrush.com/oakcreek, and boardandbrush.com/hartford
Cedarburg
Each year, Cedarburg’s charming downtown brings the spirit of the holidays to life. Every Friday through Dec. 20, local shops and restaurants celebrate the season with later hours, hundreds of festive luminaries throughout the scenic historic district, free carriage rides, and Festive Friday Eves at The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement, a free, family-friendly event with live music, shopping, wine sampling, and more. Located only a half hour north of Milwaukee, Cedarburg is a great destination to shop, stay and explore. cedarburg.org
Experimental Aircraft Association Museum
Over 70 years, the Experimental Aircraft Association has become one of the foremost resources for aviation enthusiasts around the world – and its museum is right here in Wisconsin. Oshkosh’s EAA museum showcases over 200 historic aircraft, including a hall of honor dedicated to the memory of those who served valiantly, 20,000 artifacts, and hands-on exhibits, flight simulators and the KidVenture Gallery for interactive fun. eaa.org/eaa-museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum
This world-class museum showcases over a century of iconic motorcycles and memorabilia, from rare models to
interactive exhibits – all an integral part of American history. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about H-D’s one-of-a-kind legacy, with stories from riders and motorcycle experts. While you’re on the 20-acre campus, grab souvenirs at the Harley-Davidson Shop and H-D Factory Outlet, and a bite at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant. h-dmuseum.com
Milwaukee Art Museum
The iconic Milwaukee Art Museum on the shore of Lake Michigan is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings – and it houses a remarkable collection. Explore four floors of art from diverse times and places. Plan a quiet afternoon visit or check out one of the Museum’s many events, such as Thursday Nights at MAM, a pay-what-you-wish event where you can explore galleries, sip cocktails, and enjoy live music. The Museum is currently exhibiting “Robert Longo: The Acceleration of History,” an exhibition of drawings, sculptures, and videos by the internationally acclaimed artist. mam.org
The Pfister Hotel
The historic Pfister Hotel goes all-out for the holidays, with floor-toceiling seasonal decor. In the heart of Downtown, a stay at the newly renovated hotel offers quick access to holiday markets, ice skating and the lights at nearby Cathedral Square Park. Warm up with a drink in the decked-out lobby bar or enjoy panoramic views at Blu, the cocktail lounge on the 23rd floor. Winding down with a service at the WELL Spa + Salon caps off a rewarding staycation weekend. thepfisterhotel.com
The Plaza Hotel
A jewel of Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, The Plaza Hotel is a boutique European-style hotel in a 1920s art deco style. Start your staycation with a delicious breakfast at the classic counter of the first floor’s Cafe at the Plaza. Afterward, you’re only a walk away from nearby sites like the Milwaukee Art Museum, Juneau Park, the RiverWalk and more. plazahotelmilwaukee.com
Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Great for a group, couple or a solo staycation, Potawatomi Casino Hotel has dozens of table games, thousands of slots and more, along with live entertainment, and a wide lineup of restaurants, including Rock & Brews and Dream Dance Steakhouse. Swing by the casino’s sportsbook and poker room, both of which opened earlier this year. The sportsbook features an over 2,000-square-foot screen that can broadcast up to 30 sporting events at once – bowl game heaven! After a day of gaming, relax at the hotel with panoramic views of the city. paysbig.com ◆
EAA Museum
Board & Brush
