Milwaukee Magazine | Insider's Guide: Oak Creek

INSIDER’S GUIDE

Oak Creek

Let's Get Reasons to (Re-) Love Oak Acquainted! p. 78 Creek p. 80

Plan Your Perfect Saturday p. 82

Where to Go and Who to Know p. 84

Sponsored by Oak Creek

City Guide 2019

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Insider’s Guide: Oak Creek SPONSORED

Oak Creek Farmers Market Weekend grocery shopping is a blast, with stalls selling produce, cheeses, meats, flowers and honey, accompanied by live music.

Saturdays June 1 through Oct. 19 (no market July 13), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Drexel Town Square

Beer Gardens Harkening back to Wisconsin’s German heritage, the Oak Creek Beer Garden travels to two select parks this summer. Sip from 12 local beers on tap (lineup changes daily, from MobCraft to Broken Bat Brewing), with live music. Open Thursdays through Sundays only.

What’s Happening in Oak Creek

June 6-9 at Abendschein Park, 1311 E. Drexel Ave.; Aug. 8-11 at Lake Vista Park, 4001 E. Lakeside Ave.

CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW AND NOTABLE

Fourth of July Parade

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f you haven’t visited Oak Creek in a few years, it’s definitely time to go back. While the retail buzz centers on Swedish home-goods retailer IKEA (which opened last year), plenty of small businesses have popped up as well. Much of the activity is within the 85-acre Drexel Town Square, a walkable, mixed-use development at the intersection of South Howell Avenue and West Drexel Avenue (361 W. Town Square Way), where it’s just as easy to grab a taco as it is a new toy for your dog.

That kind of convenience has made the area a popular place to live.

“Drexel Town Square has become the central meeting place for friends and families to stop for a meal and enjoy community events,” says Kristin Craig, Oak Creek’s destination marketing specialist. “With the recent emergence of new events and developments, Oak Creek has a vivacity not found anywhere else.”

Beyond the town square, which also includes the library, city hall and civic center, Lake Vista Park (4001 Lake Vista Parkway) opened last year with walking trails. “Lake Vista also features an engaging playground designed for all ages,” says Craig, “and bluffs with views of Lake Michigan.”

Nature, shopping, restaurants, plus lots of new housing options – Oak Creek has it all. Use this guide to help you navigate this vibrant community.

– KRISTINE HANSEN

Bring your patriotism to the parade route to watch the marching bands and floats.

July 4, starting at 9 a.m. Go to visitoakcreek.com for the parade route.

TO DO Fireworks Head to Lake Vista Park to continue the celebration. At dusk, the sky will crackle with a fireworks show.

July 4, starting at dusk, Lake Vista Park

The Confluence The City of Oak Creek is partnering with NEWaukee to bring an art exhibition to the city’s newest park (Lake Vista Park). The exhibit features work by local artists, who were asked to create pieces that examine where they live with a critical eye.

July 20-Aug. 10; kickoff event 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 20, Lake Vista Park

Fall Festival If fall is your favorite season, mark your calendar for this annual fest. Held indoors and out – Halloween costumes encouraged – family-friendly activities include pumpkin painting and hayrides.

Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Drexel Town Square

 For more things to do in Oak Creek, go to visitoakcreek.com.

Dog Days at Drexel Don’t make Fido stay home!

At this event, dogs dive off docks while owners listen to live music and peruse wares from 40 pet-related vendors. July 12, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and July 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Drexel Town Square

IMAGES: LESLIE FLYNN/ CITY OF OAK CREEK (SQUARE AND OPENING IMAGE ON PREVIOUS PAGE); GETTY IMAGES (DOG)

THINGS

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IMAGES: LESLIE FLYNN/ CITY OF OAK CREEK (SQUARE AND OPENING IMAGE ON PREVIOUS PAGE); GETTY IMAGES (DOG)

everyone deserves a pizza the action 7 974 S . M A I N S T. , OA K C R E E K , W I 5 3 1 5 4 | 41 4 - 8 5 6 -1 0 0 0 MILWAUKEE | WAUWATOSA | OAK CREEK WWW.PIZZAMANWI.COM

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Insider’s Guide: Oak Creek SPONSORED

Gina Goodwin, vice president, Burke Properties/Forge and Flare Apartments

Don’t Miss: Farmers Market “If you didn’t have the opportunity to visit the farmers market last year, it’s an absolute must for Saturday mornings starting June 1.”

Gail Varhula, Connect Cell, a U.S. Cellular authorized agent

Don’t Miss: Pineapple Cafe “Start with the French toast dipped in cornflakes and cinnamon sugar and stay for tacos, especially on Taco Tuesday and Thursday. The wraps are awesome, too.”

Mike Doney, Pizza Man’s director of marketing and creative

Why I Love Oak Creek

Don’t Miss: Forest Hill Memorial Park “Quiet and peaceful, this is a hidden gem. Walk the grounds, then have a seat, close your eyes and clear your mind.”

Matt Roman Lopez, BelAir Cantina’s director of operations

Christopher Lentz, American Family Insurance agent

Naomi Prusinski, Roots Salon co-owner

Don’t Miss: Free bands at Oak Creek Community Center in the summer “I love the incredible sense of community in Oak Creek.

Everyone is so involved.”

Don’t Miss: The Confluence “What I love about Oak Creek is the network of small businesses. Be sure to check out The Confluence hosted by NEWaukee.

Or, visit (fellow agent) Marybeth (Pfeffer’s) favorite place, Bender Park!”

Don’t Miss: Drexel Town Square “There are many events throughout the summer to keep you and your family entertained!”

Grab a Bite!

Pizza Man, 7974 S. Main St. With its “In crust we trust” mantra, this East Side mainstay and its 21 specialty pizzas opened in Oak Creek in 2016.

Erv’s Mug, 130 W. Ryan Rd. Erv’s serves craft beer and pub fare with a twist, like pork chops with cranapple jalapeno chutney.

BelAir Cantina, 410 W. Town Square Way Find street-style tacos, of course, but also fried plantains and ceviche.

Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Trattoria Di Carlo, 8469 S. Howell Ave. A 2,000-bottle wine cellar and customizeyour-own pizzas are just some of what make this place special.

IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES (FARMERS MARKET, GUITAR, PAINTING, PIZZA, BEER, WINE), OAK CREEK BUSINESS WEBSITES; LESLIE FLYNN/ CITY OF OAK CREEK (SQUARE)

Don’t Miss: Valentine Coffee’s café “When you need to jump-start your morning, or afternoon, the coffee is some of the best you’ll have anywhere.”

Kelvin Schroeder, owner of Kelvin Schroeder Jewelers

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IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES (FARMERS MARKET, GUITAR, PAINTING, PIZZA, BEER, WINE), OAK CREEK BUSINESS WEBSITES; LESLIE FLYNN/ CITY OF OAK CREEK (SQUARE)

More than 180,000 members strong and growing. Educators is for people wanting to learn how to get the most from life. If you live and work in Wisconsin, we’re here for you.

Achieving more together.

262.886.5900 | ecu.com

City Guide 2019

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Insider’s Guide: Oak Creek SPONSORED

PLAN THE PERFECT SATURDAY Eat, drink and shop your way through a perfectly planned day in Oak Creek.

By Kristine Hansen

2 ENJOY THE OUTDOORS Bliss out in green space – either Lake Vista Park, with its bird watching, walking trails and Lake Michigan views; or Abendschein Park, targeting soft-adventure fans with disc golf and a skate park. Does cycling bring you joy? Bike along the Oak Creek portion of the 125-mile-long Oak Leaf Trail. You can also hang out on the beach without leaving town, thanks to Bender Park’s beachfront perch, where Ryan Road meets Lake Michigan.

3 LUNCH AT WATER STREET BREWERY Enjoy a light lunch – with beer, natch – such as a Southwest chicken wrap, fish tacos or short-rib ramen beneath vintage beer signs hung from the ceiling at Water Street Brewery, 140 W. Town Square Way. 4 LOCAL SHOPPING Explore what local retailers have to offer at arts-oriented spots like Board & Brush, 8880 S. Howell Ave. (where you can do some crafting with the help of expert

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coaches), or Krickette’s, 640 E. Ryan Rd. (where you’ll find unique home and garden items).

5 OF COURSE, IKEA Spend a few hours exploring the inspiring room tableaus at IKEA, 7500 S. Ikea Way, where it’s nearly impossible to leave without a shopping cart full of home items you can’t live without.

6 DREXEL TOWN SQUARE This great development, at 361 W. Town Square Way, offers plenty to do. Shop the farmers market (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), play on the splash pad, visit the library or enjoy one of many summer events, including the Summer Soulstice Festival, June 15, 4 to 11 p.m.

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7 TRY AN ESCAPE ROOM OR WIND DOWN AT A MOVIE The night is still young. Head over to City 13’s escape room, 6925 S. Sixth St., and spend some time plotting with your best buds on how to break out, or settle into a comfy lounge chair for the latest blockbuster at Marcus South Shore Cinema, 7261 S. 13th St. 8 LATE-NIGHT TREAT AT GEORGIE PORGIE’S What’s the best way to end a summer night in Wisconsin?

With frozen custard, of course! Head over to Georgie Porgie’s, 9555 S. Howell Ave. Pro tip: consult the flavor forecast on its website so you don’t miss your favorite.

IMAGES: MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS (OAK LEAF TRAIL); GETTY IMAGES; WATER STREET BREWERY (BEER SIGNS); FIRST WATCH; DREXEL TOWN SQUARE (SUMMER CONCERT); GEORGIE PORGIE’S

1 BREAKFAST AT FIRST WATCH CAFÉ Kick start the day in Drexel Town Square with bottomless cups of Valentine Coffee, then choose something healthy (avocado toast) or indulgent (“million dollar bacon”) from the menu at First Watch Café, a new breakfast spot.

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IMAGES: MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS (OAK LEAF TRAIL); GETTY IMAGES; WATER STREET BREWERY (BEER SIGNS); FIRST WATCH; DREXEL TOWN SQUARE (SUMMER CONCERT); GEORGIE PORGIE’S

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clentz@amfam.com · www.chrisjlentz.com City Guide 2019 83

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Insider’s Guide: Oak Creek SPONSORED

BANKING Educators Credit Union 150 W. Ryan Rd. 800-236-5898 ecu.com  A place for your money. ECU offers checking and savings accounts; home, auto and small business loans; and online business services.

BEAUTY Roots Salon 7959 S. Main St. 844-550-0761 myrootssalon.com  This full-service salon offers skin care, hair styling, waxing, manicures and eyelash extensions.

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CELLPHONE SERVICE Connect Cell A U.S. Cellular authorized agent 7848 S. Howell Ave. 414-856-9200 connectcell.com  Here’s where to sign up for U.S. Cellular service – or pick up your new phone or accessories.

JEWELRY Kelvin Schroeder Jewelers 7836 S. Howell Ave. 414-762-7111 ksjewelersoc.com  Looking for a piece of custom jewelry, diamond engagement ring or exotic gems? Check out this third-generation, full-service jeweler that’s been

family-owned and -operated since 1937.

LEGAL ADVICE Martin Law Office Kevin R. Martin 7280 S. 13th St. 414-856-2310 martin-law-office.com  These attorneys offer Oak Creek and Wisconsin compassionate, zealous, knowledgeable representation in the

MEDICAL Wisconsin Sinus and Snoring 8870 S. Mayhew Dr., Suite 300 262-652-2887 wisconsinsinusand snoring.com  Ear nose and throat specialist Dr. Hilel Swerdlin deals with all sorts of allergy, nasal and sinus problems, as well as sleep-related issues including snoring and sleep apnea.

REAL ESTATE Forge and Flare Apartments DTS Mixed Use LLC 7970 S. Main St. 414-914-2957 forgeandflare apartments.com

 Sign up for one of these luxury apartments at Drexel Town Square and help define the identity of Oak Creek’s new downtown.

RESTAURANTS Pizza Man 7974 S. Main St. 414-856-1000 pizzamanwi.com  The place to go for prime pie – not to mention cocktails, and a killer wine list.

BelAir Cantina 410 W. Town Square Way 414-215-7995 belaircantina.com  When you want a modern-day taste of Mexico – especially on $2 taco Tuesdays and Thursdays.

IMAGE: LESLIE FLYNN/ CITY OF OAK CREEK

OAK CREEK BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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