Welcome

Welcome to our wedding website!  Feel free to click on the links in order to find more information about the ceremony, our wedding party, and hotel accommodations.  For our out-of-town guests, we've also hand-picked several places to visit and things to do while in Milwaukee!  In addition, we have a photo album showing the places we've visited and our favorite things to do together (they aren't all selfies of us, we promise!).  As our planning continues, we will be providing regular updates on this site, so please check back often as we add more details about our wedding and photos of our smiling faces!

~ Kim and Joel

Our Story

Love at First Sight

Let's see, where do we start?  Well, we weren't high school sweethearts nor long-time friends who realized they were harboring feelings for each other.  We actually found each other on the internet of all places - eHarmony to be exact.  Yep, we were matched on those famous twenty-nine dimensions of compatibility that you hear about on the commercials.  

Kim broke the ice, and we emailed for a few weeks before agreeing to meet for drinks at a wine bar in the Falls (Angelo's Cafe Vino).  

The sparks were immediate that night - both to us and those around us - as the acoustic guitar player/singer, bartender, and a few other patrons all commented on how we were "such a cute couple."  We spent many hours talking and laughing while enjoying a few libations. 

The best first date either of us has ever had!   

First Kiss

Her Side:
On our second date, Joel suggested checking out some of the holiday lights downtown (super romantic and thoughtful as I LOVE Christmas lights!).  I made dinner for us at my place and then we hit the town.  We first went to the Miller Brewery for their Festival of Lights (awesome) and then drove downtown to wander through some of the parks to view the lights.  We started at Pere Marquette Park - and it was perfect - a light dusting of snow, not a single soul around, and Christmas lights everywhere.  We wandered on to the gazebo area, paused, and it was practically a scene from a sappy romantic movie.  When he paused, I totally thought "this is it, the perfect first kiss moment!"  But instead, he said "it's pretty cold out here, let's go get a beer."  Yup.  Mr. Romance.....  :)  Guess I just had to wait a little bit longer for that first kiss.

His Side:
Well I'm sorry I disappointed by not taking the opportunity in such a romantic setting... ;)  After the park, we ended up at the Old German Beer Hall where we enjoyed a few beers while listening to a band play German music - everything from polka to Rammstein - and making friends with some parents who were in town for their kids' sports tournament.  It was a little loud in the bar, but we still had a great time together - although I couldn't get Kim to polka with me.  After a few hours, we decided to bid the bar farewell and headed back to Kim's apartment.  After escorting her upstairs, I thanked her for a great dinner (steak.. mmm!) and a great night out.  It was then that our lips met for the first time... the first of many (more) romantic kisses. 

Moving In... and Out... and In

We moved in together in August 2012.  After looking at apartments and houses for rent around the Greater Milwaukee area, we decided to stay in the same apartment complex in West Allis where Kim was already living.  Her old apartment had a fantastic orange wall in the living room and we decided to copy this in the new apartment (along with painting a few others).

On Labor Day weekend, we bought our paint - blue for the bedroom, green for the entryway, and orange for the living room.  We came home after dinner and I (Joel) immediately got to work taping off the trim in the entry/hallway.  Being a perfectionist, I also wanted to tape around the sprinkler head that was on one of the walls.  Well I had trouble with this process and accidentally bumped the sprinkler head while trying to get the tape underneath its collar.  The sprinkler (just the one, thank goodness) went off and immediately started spraying 30-40 gallons of water per minute into our apartment.  The ensuing flood left 1-2" of water in our kitchen and soaked almost all of the carpet in our entire apartment.  The tenants below us (we're on the 4th floor) also experienced the flood since the water had to go somewhere.  The fire department finally plugged the sprinkler after approximately 40 minutes (it took them a long time to figure out how to accomplish this).  Needless to say, we had to move into a hotel in the immediate aftermath.  As you can imagine, I was pretty distraught over having flooded our apartment a mere couple of weeks after having moved in.  But Kim tried her best to keep me from freaking out about it, while she handled things with insurance - but that's a whole other tale.

We "moved out" that night into a hotel - then moved into a different temp apartment a week later.  A week turned into weeks which turned into months, and Halloween weekend we were finally able to return home!  Living in limbo for 8 1/2 weeks was tough, and it was definitely hard seeing a light at the end of the tunnel at times.  We're not allowed to do any painting now (that's a shocker) and we definitely feel this experience made us a stronger couple.  Somehow we found ways to brighten the mood, make each other laugh, and make each day easier than the one before!

Will You?

Well as you can imagine, after going through all of that nonsense with the flood and not killing each other, Kim and I both knew that we had something special.  We had talked about engagement, but due to our financial uncertainty that followed the flood, our engagement plans always seemed to involve the relatively distant future.  However, I (Joel) knew I was lucky to have found someone as strong and loving as Kim.  So in October I started looking at rings and fell in love with a ring at Kessler’s.  As luck would have it, a different ring style caught my eye and I knew that it was the one I wanted Kim to wear for the rest of her life.  I selected the diamond and the plans were in motion!

Her birthday was only a few days away and I decided that was the perfect time to pop the question.  I wanted to propose under the disguise of her birthday gift.  So I decided to wrap the ring box inside of a box – inside of another box – inside of yet another box (you get the idea).  But, that wasn’t quite special enough for the most important moment of our lives.  I wrote a poem to Kim – telling her all of the reasons why I fell in love with her – all of the reasons why she makes me a better person – and all of the reasons why I want to spend the rest of my life with her.  I separated the poem into four note cards and placed one note card into each box.  

When it came time for Kim to open her birthday gift, she opened note card #1, said “Aww, you’re sweet”, and then gave me a small kiss.  She opened the box to discover another note card and another box.  Each box she opened provided another “aww” and another kiss.  Nope folks, she was not catching on.  When the final box was opened, I slyly picked up the ring box as she was reading the final note card and got down on one knee.  It took a few seconds for Kim to register what exactly was happening (there was a chain of “Wait, what?  Are you serious?  Holy Crap!  Seriously?  Holy Crap!”).  After a few seconds when she finally realized that I was still on one knee, the ring was still in the box, and she still had not said “yes,” she smiled really big and said “YES!”

Please note that all times below are tentatively scheduled.  We will update as soon as times are finalized!

Ceremony

The ceremony will take place at the South Garden located immediately outside of Coast.
Approximate time: 4:00pm - 4:45pm

Cocktails & Jazz

Immediately following the ceremony (and weather permitting), cocktails will be served on Coast's outdoor patio.  The Jeannine Rivers Group will be performing jazz songs for your listening enjoyment.
Approximate time: 4:45pm - 5:45pm

Reception 

After cocktails, guests will move inside the restaurant for the reception.  Please enjoy the buffet-style dinner and a champagne toast!   After dinner (and cake of course), everyone will be able to show off their latest and greatest moves on the dance floor!  
Approximate time: 5:45pm - 11:30pm

Virtual Tour

Please click here to take a virtual tour of Coast!!

Bride

Kimberly Mueller - the bride! 

Collectively, my bridesmaids have truly shaped who I am - be it from my impressionable high school days to my "wild" college years to my "where am I going to live" years to my current Milwaukee adult life - all of which have led me to my "happily ever after!"  They have helped wipe away tears, made me laugh till I can't breathe, counseled me in my darkest hours, shown me the light at the end of the tunnel, and ultimately, regardless of what stage of my life they have entered, they've become family :)  I honestly could not imagine my wedding day without all of them standing by my side!

Maid of Honor

Jennifer Nerren - friend of bride

This one time...at band camp.....I met a girl named Jenny!  My bff since the summer before freshman year of high school - she was my FIRST real high school friend (which "may" have been initiated by the fact that I discovered that she knew a boy that I had a total crush on!).  While my puppy love lasted 2.5 seconds, my friendship with Jenny has managed to last more years than I care to count!   We have shared personal and professional heartbreaks, triumphs, up's and down's throughout the years - and discovered that anything that doesn't kill us can be cured by a slumber party, a pint of ice cream and a viewing of "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion."  Jenny recently moved to Denver from Colorado Springs.  She is a special education teacher and a phenomenal freelance photographer who loves "real" bluegrass music (none of this hipster BS), bar trivia, icy cold micro brewed beer, and her furry four-legged children (Shakespeare, Viola, and Luna). 

Matron of Honor

Katie Franchebois - friend of bride

My "Louisiana Soul Sista" - and my first friend in the South.  Katie MIGHT have awkwardly hit on me while we were waiting for the restroom the first night I met her....but I'm sure glad that she did as she has become the best friend I could have ever asked for!  Katie and I were roommates at UL Lafayette, worked at the same restaurant together (ask her about roasted corn grits - YUM), and essentially went everywhere together!  She was (and is) my partner in crime - and I managed to follow her from Lafayette (where we went to college) to New Orleans to San Francisco!  Katie, her hubby (Trey), their adorable little baby (John), newborn baby Adam, and their puppy (Brees, yes, as in Drew Brees) currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She is an extremely talented designer (of office layouts, not of frilly color palettes, altho she certainly has the eye for it - you should see her home!) and a wonderful mother who loves the New Orleans Saints, strong fruity rum cocktails, tearing up the dance floor, and spreading her sweet southern New Orleans charm and hospitality to anyone she meets!  I was honored to stand beside Katie as her Maid of Honor in April 2009 and I am so very excited for her to stand by my side while I marry Joel!

Bridesmaid

Michelle Dhein - friend of bride

Michelle is the lady that made me fall in love with Milwaukee.  I secretly think that she took it as a personal challenge to turn me into a Milwaukeean (Milwaukeenite?).  Shortly after I moved out here, Michelle took me under her proverbial wing, introduced me to nearly everyone she knew (which is a ridiculously long running tally of professional & personal connections!) as well as shared the "must see" places in and around the city.  Aside from being a fantastic friend and inspiration to me (I mean, how can you not be inspired by a woman who rides 150 mile charity bike rides, excels in her sales career, volunteers for multiple organizations, is involved in many a social circle, and still maintains an amazing relationship with her fiance Dan), she also gets credit for "pushing" me and Joel together (whether or not she knows it!).  A change in plans from our "regularly scheduled monthly happy hour" led to a last minute date with Joel - and the rest is history. :)  Michelle loves just about everything - spending time with her amazing family, being active at the gym or outdoors, cooking a nice meal at home with her fiance, playing the role of Miss Milwaukee around town, or enjoying a quiet evening catching up with friends over a bottle of robust red wine! 

Bridesmaid

Cassandra Murphy - friend of bride 

After I moved to the Milwaukee area, I figured it was FINALLY time to become involved with my sorority alumnae chapter - little did I know that it would lead me to one of my very best friends - and truly a forever sister!  Over the past nearly five years, Cassandra has been a fantastic neighbor, co-conspirator, and overall fabulous friend!  Thanks to Cassandra, I have experienced my first Wisconsin fish fry, the wondrous world of Cedarburg (the shopping AND the festivals!), first ever visit to SummerFest, and more!  She has been there every step of the way through some pretty life-changing moments, always providing understanding, support, guidance, and the occasional margarita when needed!  I don't know how she does it, but Cassandra somehow balances her high-stress job of managing MANY different personalities in the banking industry alongside her home life - which includes a brand new husband (Sean) and their fluffy four-legged kiddo (Gracie).  She loves country music, romantic comedies (be it in book or movie form), reruns of The Big Bang Theory and Friends, and when all else fails, a glass of light fruity Moscato.  I had the privilege of standing beside Cassandra as her Maid of Honor in July 2013 and I am so very excited for her to stand by my side while Joel and I are married!

Bridesmaid

Amber Osborne - friend of bride

Since the first day we met, Amber has been like a sister to me - playing the role of my confidant, a cheerleader in my corner, and an ongoing instigator for trouble :)  We lived on the same dorm floor (at EIU) and became instant BFF's - getting into trouble on a nearly daily basis by "rearranging" furniture in the dorms, racing (i.e. sliding) down stairs across campus, making new "friends" wherever we went, and occasionally reminding the other one to make it to class on time!  Over the years, Amber has always remained one of my very best friends - and truly part of my family - always looking out for me during some of the hardest, scariest, and uncertain times in my life.  She always has a positive outlook on life - and can always help me see the humor in any situation.  She holds a day job at her Alma Mater (Eastern Illinois University) which keeps her quite busy - as do her hubby (Justin) and two kiddos Henry and Lily (i.e. The Kid and The Kid Part Two).  In her "down" time, Amber is an avid reader (even has her own book blog: click here), crafter, inventor of amazing experiences for her kiddos, drinker of home-brewed beers, sampler of wines, and all around lover of life!

Flower Girl

Lily Osborne - Goddaughter of bride

Groom

Joel Wellhoefer - the groom! 

My groomsmen are my brothers - both literally and figuratively.  I would not be the man, guy, dude, or bro I am today without them.  They have all taught me things about life, love, friendship, and family.  We have helped each other through good times and bad, and we have never forgotten to have a good time in the process.  I am proud to have these five (mostly) upstanding gentlemen by my side on the most important day of my life.  I look forward to raising a glass with them and toasting to what I hope will be a long and happy adventure with the love of my life.

Best Man

Dan Cassin - friend of groom

 Foot.  White Devil.  Dan.  He goes by different names in certain situations, but he's always been a true friend over the past 7 years.  Dan and I met while working at Midwest Manufacturing (Menards) in Plano, IL.  He was the best computer tech in the entire distribution center.  Granted there were only four techs, but still... Anyway, Dan and I found that we shared several common interests:  gaming, computers, funny videos of people doing stupid things, and drinking.  I joined his online guild for a few adventures, which is how I met Gino (groomsman).  Dan also got me interested in playing sand volleyball at one of the local bars, which helped me meet people and make friends since I wasn't from the area (seriously, there was no one he didn't know).  He's always willing to help, and he's always making sure everyone is having a good time.  But above all, he's a pretty good DJ.  No one should ever let him forget that.

Groomsman

Dave Wellhoefer - brother of groom

Dave is a great dad, husband, principal, coach, and friend.  He found a great wife, Jen, and has raised two awesome kids, Ben and Jack.  He's committed to family, and he never misses an opportunity to teach his boys something new.  While he is always eager to teach, he's also never afraid to learn which is something I also admire.  We both love sports, but he's forgotten more about sports strategy than I will every know.  I guess that's why he's a coach and I'm just a fan.  We do a lot of hunting together, which usually consists of telling bad jokes back at camp and trying to hit more than we miss out in the field.

Groomsman

Neil Wellhoefer - brother of groom

Neil is my oldest brother.  He's been married to his wife, Cheryl, for two decades now - so he knows a thing or two about how to make it last.  I've learned more from him about life than he might think - including a couple mistakes to avoid! ;)  He's always tinkered with electronics and computers, which has definitely influenced my love for technology.  He helped me pick out the pieces to build my very first computer when I was 18 and that really fueled my passion for gadgets and technology.  But I think the most important thing he's taught me is independence and self-awareness.  One shouldn't always follow the crowd, and one doesn't always need to be the center of attention in order to be the MVP.  Plus, you sort of need to be your own tech support when you're building your own computers!

Groomsman

Gino Motisko - friend of groom 

Gino and I first met face to face three years ago in Chicago, but we had already known each other for more than a year after gaming together online.  You see, Dan invited to join his guild to play Warhammer Online, and Gino had been a member of the guild for years already (BMR w00t!).  We didn't start off the greatest of friends while playing Warhammer, but we eventually earned each other's respect.  After several months, we were the last two guys left in the guild actively playing, so we started creating toons (characters) that allowed just the two of us to wipe out much larger forces (2 vs 20? bring it on!!).  Once we finally met in person - along with other members of our guild - it made our friendship even stronger.  Although we don't play together online much anymore (funny how real life eventually takes over your life), I know we'll always be good friends... as long as we remember to rape before we pillage.  /special

Groomsman

Jason Savatski - friend of groom

Jason and I worked together for 6 years at Midwest Manufacturing (Menards), the first 5 as fellow WI transplants down in IL.  He was my boss for a little while before I moved back, but I don't think either of us thought about our relationship that way.  We were friends first and foremost.  Now he's moved up the ladder at Midwest yet again, back to WI with his wife, Katie, and their three labs.  Jason is a devoted husband, brother, son, you name it.  I think we're very much alike in that we put family first and we love unconditionally.  Also just like me, he's an avid hunter and a Brewers/Packers fanatic.  Plus, we both share a penchant for crude jokes, good beer, venison steaks, and Gentleman Jack.  Oh, and he is also the one who gave me the nickname J-Dubs, for which I'm eternally grateful.

Ring Bearer

Lucas Mueller - nephew of the bride

Officiant

Christopher Mueller - brother of bride

We are so truly honored that Chris has agreed to be the officiant for our wedding. We could not think of any better person to be with us on our wedding day - and officially pronounce us husband and wife!  Chris and his wife, Meghan, live in Grand Rapids, MI with their super adorable little ones, Lucas (also our Ring Bearer) and brand new baby Molly.  They have such a phenomenal and inspirational relationship - always supporting one another's goals/careers, working together hand-in-hand to raise a family, laughing together on a daily basis, and somehow finding the time to pursue their passions and just all around enjoy life! 

Reader

Alisa Brantz - friend of bride

Alisa and I joke that our friendship was "love at first sight!"  We met when we worked together in IL, became insta best friends on a work training trip.  She gave me a tip on an available apartment across the hall from her - and we were pretty much inseparable after that point!  Throughout the years our lives have followed very similar paths - ever changing hair color, the ups/downs of careers, challenges in our love life, moving across a handful of states (and then maybe moving a few more times).  I feel so thankful that we could support one another through it all!  Alisa married the love of her life (Jake) in August 2013 and I was honored to stand beside her as one of her bridesmaids.  Jake, Alisa, and their super adorable kiddo Braelynn recently moved to Wyoming and might as well live in the scene of a postcard!  Alisa works as a sports reporter for the local newspaper and fills her free time with football watching, theme parties, dinners with friends, exploring her new town, "nesting" at home, and cherishing every moment she has with her beautiful daughter and wonderful husband!

Reader

Sarah Parent - friend of bride

Throughout the years, Sarah has always been a cheerleader in my corner - AND someone I can always count on to talk some sense back into my head in moments of "self-induced drama!"  In our mid-20's, Sarah and I became travel buddies - with Sarah visiting me in San Francisco, traveling together to New Orleans, and then my MANY trips to Indianapolis for work.  We always managed to find some fabulous adventures - be it in the interesting people we met, the unique restaurants/bars we visited, or the truly random experiences we happened upon!  Sarah married her very best friend, Andy, in June 2011 and I had the privilege of standing beside her as Maid of Honor.  Sarah works as a grade school teacher near Indianapolis and devotes nearly all of her spare time to her wonderful family - her adorable newborn baby Isaac (born November 2013), husband, and two stepchildren.  When taking a break from being Super Mom, Sarah is a phenomenally creative crafter, avid reader, and just all around silly/goofy gal!         

Hotel Information

Residence Inn by Marriott - Milwaukee Downtown

648 North Plankinton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI  53203

Check In:  3pm
Check Out:  12pm

The hotel is located in the center of downtown Milwaukee, beside the river, right on the Riverwalk.  It's within walking distance of 3rd Ward just a few minutes across the river as well as other bars and restaurants in the area.

The lakeshore and Lakeshore State Park are about 8 or 9 blocks away, 15-20 minutes walk.  There is some really great architecture in downtown Milwaukee so a walk/run to lake is very interesting.

The hotel is housed in the old Gimbels / Marshall Fields department store building so the rooms all have extremely high ceilings (20 feet high).  There are also very large windows from about 4 feet above the floor right to the ceiling.  Lots of light!

Complimentary hot and cold breakfast is included with your stay and each room features a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove/oven, kitchen table, dishes, pots/pans, etc.).

Parking at the hotel is $17/day with "in/out privileges."  There are other parking garages within walking distance that are around $10/day (flat rate, if you remove your vehicle, you must pay for parking again).

Room Rates

Option One - $139/night

• Studio with (1) king 
• (1) sofa bed
• Fully equipped kitchen (fridge, oven, table/chairs, etc.)
• 560 sq ft

Option Two - $179/night

• 1-bedroom with either (1) king OR (1) queen 
• (1) sofa bed
• Fully equipped kitchen (fridge, oven, table/chairs, etc.)
• 620 sq ft

Reservations

Reservations can be made via phone (414-224-7890) or by using our dedicated url.  If calling the hotel, please make sure to mention the Mueller-Wellhoefer Wedding to get our discounted rates.

Direct URL for booking rooms online:
www.alturl.com/is387

Vintage Trolley Shuttle Service

For the convenience of our guests, we have reserved a vintage trolley for shuttle service throughout the afternoon/evening.  The trolley will make regular trips between the Residence Inn Downtown to O'Donnell Park/Coast Restaurant prior to the ceremony and during/after the reception (please note that the shuttle will not be able to stop at any other hotel locations).  

The shuttle will be leaving the hotel approximately every 15 minutes, running from 3pm-11:30pm.

Wedding Event Locations

Ceremony:
O'Donnell Park, South Garden
(Southeast corner outside of Coast Restaurant)

Reception:
Coast Restaurant
931 E. Wisconsin Avenue

Parking Garage:  
O'Donnell Park Parking Garage
910 E. Michigan Street

Directions and Parking

Taking 94 East from Madison:
Merge onto I-794 E via exit 310 C on the left toward Lakefront/Port of Milwaukee.  Take the Van Buren St/Jackson St exit, exit 1E, on the left.  Keep left to take the Van Buren St North ramp.  Turn slight left onto N Van Buren St. Turn right onto US-18/E Michigan St. Turn left into the O'Donnell parking garage to park (parking is an additional fee).  Parking garage address is: 910 E. Michigan Street.

Take the elevators up to the first floor to reach Coast Restaurant (reception location). 
O’Donnell Park, South Gardens (ceremony location) will be located outside of Coast Restaurant, on the East end. 

Taking 94 West from Chicago:
Take I-94W toward Milwaukee.  Take exit 318 toward WI -119/Gen Mitchell Int'l Airport.  Take the I-43S/I-894 bypass exit 317 on left toward Madison/ Fond du Lac. Merge onto I-94W/US-41 N toward Milwaukee.  Take exit 310C toward I-794E/Lakefront.  Take the Plankinton exit, exit 1D.  Merge onto I-794 E via exit on left toward Lakefront.  Take the Van Buren St/Jackson St exit, exit 1E, on the left.  Keep left to take the Van Buren St North ramp.  Turn slight left onto N Van Buren St.  Turn right onto US-18/E Michigan St.  Turn left into the O'Donnell parking garage to park (parking is an additional fee).  Parking garage address is: 910 E. Michigan Street.

Take the elevators up to the first floor to reach Coast Restaurant (reception location). 
O’Donnell Park, South Gardens (ceremony location) will be located outside of Coast Restaurant, on the East end.

Looking for additional things to do while you're in Milwaukee?  Well here are our picks that will show you how fun and unique Milwaukee really is. There are plenty of places to pig out, grab a drink, have fun, or just relax and unwind.

Restaurants - Coffee - Brewery Tours - Adult Beverages - Other Attractions

Restaurants

Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

0.4 mi from Residence Inn

Located in the Historic Third Ward, the Public Market is great for grabbing a quick bite to eat (great salads!), picking up some specialty cheeses or snacks, selecting a bottle of wine, or shopping for some unique local gifts!

Milwaukee Brat House
1013 N. Old World Third St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

0.4 mi from Residence Inn

Enjoy one of their many different kinds of brats or sausages, or choose from other WI favorites, such as giant pretzels, deep fried cheese curds, and of course beer!  They also offer other standard bar fare including sandwiches, wraps, and salads, but let's face it, you are NOT going to the Brat House to eat a salad!

Mader's
1041 N. Old World Third St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

0.5 mi from Residence Inn

Authentic German cuisine.  If you love meat, potato pancakes, and heavy tasty sauces, this place is for you.  Caution:  There may not be a single healthy item on the menu.

AJ Bombers
1247 N. Water St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

0.8 mi from Residence Inn

The Travel Channel's Food Wars can't be wrong - AJ Bombers has the best burger in town!  The location is rather small and the wait is always long - but totally worth it!  Get a Bloody Mary - with a little meat patty and cheese added on as garnish.  Watch out for the peanut bombers!

Mad Rooster Café
4401 W. Greenfield Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53214

4.2 mi from Residence Inn

You have to love a place that specializes in breakfast and lunch - all day.  Order the frosted flake covered french toast - LIFE CHANGING.

Maxie's Southern Comfort
6732 W. Fairview Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53213

4.7 mi from Residence Inn

Southern comfort food.  Most amazing cornbread you will ever sample.  Go there.  Now.

Saz's State House
5539 State St.
Milwaukee, WI 53208

4.9 mi from Residence Inn

Saz's fried deliciousness is a Milwaukee summertime festival favorite (fried cheese curds, sour cream and chive fries, wonton wrapped cheese, etc).  Their State Street location features some of these deep fried specialties in addition to an awesome Friday night fish fry, BBQ dishes, burgers, and more.  Their Sunday brunch buffet spread is quite impressive.  If you happen to catch a game/event in Milwaukee while you're in town, Saz's provides a complimentary shuttle to pretty much every major sporting event or entertainment event in the city.

Juniper 61
6030 W. North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53213

5.4 mi from Residence Inn

Unique entrees using the freshest ingredients, craft cocktails, cozy atmosphere.  What else could you ask for?  We can't give any recommendations as they change their menu weekly - but we have never been disappointed with ANYTHING we have tried.

Coffee

Colectivo by the Lake
1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

1.4 mi from Residence Inn

Even though the name has changed (formerly Alterra), this is still one of our favorite places to stop and have a cupa whenever we're near the lakefront.  It is housed in a former water pumping station - and has a number of rooms upstairs/downstairs/main floor that are filled with tables and chairs.  If you stop by on a sunny afternoon, their patio area is filled with tables/chairs to allow you to enjoy the weather!  You can also grab a sandwich, bagel, muffin, or indulge your sweet tooth while people watching and enjoying a delicious hot (or cold) beverage!

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
2920 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207

3.9 mi from Residence Inn

Anodyne is another local coffee roaster that is quite delicious!  This location is cozy enough to relax/enjoy a caffeinated beverage (Kim's favorite is the Honey Bee - a honey latte).  The service is always fantastic - enjoy!

Brewery Tours

Great Lakes Distillery
616 W. Virginia St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204

1.3 mi from Residence Inn

You won't find beer here!  Great Lakes hand crafts award-winning spirits.  Enjoy a craft cocktail in their upstairs bar area before, after, or during the tour!  Tour and tasting cost is $7, and lasts approximately 1 hour.  Caution: you're tasting straight liquor here folks, so enjoy responsibly!

Lakefront Brewery
1872 N. Commerce St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212

1.5 mi from Residence Inn

The tour and the beer are without a doubt the best in town!  We love their beer so much that we waited outside - in 20 degree weather - at 6am - for two hours on Black Friday to purchase their limited release Black Friday Ale (along with nearly 500 other people!).  Their beer is just that good.  Not a beer drinker?  That's okay - their Maple Root Beer is pretty fantastic!  Tour cost is $7 and includes a souvenir pint glass and four 6 oz. pours of delicious beer (or two root beers)!

Miller Brewery
4251 W. State St.
Milwaukee, WI 53208

3.0 mi from Residence Inn

Miller Valley is definitely something worth seeing while you're in Milwaukee.  During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the Miller family, the brewery, and Miller today.  This tour is 100% free and includes a tasting at the end (soda is available for non-beer drinkers and kiddos).  Please keep in mind that this is a VERY large brewery, so there are lots of walking and many steps to climb!  We love their Holiday Lights tours in December which are shorter (yay, less walking!) and include a holiday music and light show before the tasting!

Sprecher Brewery
701 W. Glendale Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53209

5.4 mi from Residence Inn

Sprecher is one of the most well-known Milwaukee craft breweries - but not for their beer!  Sprecher's Root Beer is by far their best-selling product, but nearly all of their beers and sodas are delicious!  Tour cost is $5 and includes a souvenir tasting glass, four beer tastings, and unlimited soda tastings at the end of the tour.  You can also buy soft pretzels and a few other appetizers to enjoy with your beverages!

Adult Beverages

Old German Beer Hall
1009 N. Old World Third St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

0.4 mi from Residence Inn

This is one of our favorite downtown establishments to grab a drink.  Enjoy delicious Hofbräu beers, German pub food, and your favorite polka hits!  Going there with a group?  Make sure to do a shot-ski!  Don't have a group?  Grab anyone in the place and they'll be happy to do a shot-ski with you!

Uber Tap Room @ Wisconsin Cheese Mart
215 W. Highland Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

0.5 mi from Residence Inn

Thirty-six (36) tap beers, awesome Bloody Marys, dozens of artisan cheeses, and an intimate cafe setting are just some of the reasons we love the Uber Tap Room.  On most Fridays they offer a craft beer + specialty cheese tasting for a small fee.  Check out their website in advance for times/prices if you're interested in participating!

Lucille's Piano Bar
1110 N. Old World Third St.
Milwaukee, WI 53203

0.5 mi from Residence Inn

Dual-ling pianos, cover tunes from the 80's and 90's, off-key singing (from the audience), and plenty of adult humor can be found at Lucille's.  Certain dates/times require a cover charge or require advance reservations to get your hands on a table (vs. standing room).  Check out their website or give them a call if you're planning on heading over there.

The Wicked Hop
345 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202

0.5 mi from Residence Inn

Located in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, The Wicked Hop offers a very unique bar/dining experience.  Their Bloody Mary MIGHT be the best in town (featuring a pile of cheese straws on top).  True to its name, The Wicked Hop certainly has a mad selection of beers on tap.

Branded @ The Iron Horse Hotel
500 W. Florida St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204

1.4 mi from Residence Inn

Rustic meets modern in this very cozy setting.  The Iron Horse is a dog-friendly hotel so don't be surprised if you happen to see someone's furry best friend hanging out in the bar with you!  The service here is fantastic - as are the food and drink that they have to offer.  The Door County Cherry Old Fashioned is awesome - in addition to the rest of their ever-changing menu.  Stop in and enjoy some of the best craft cocktails in Milwaukee.

Other Activities and Attractions

Bronze Fonz
117 E. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

0.3 mi from Residence Inn

Heeeeeey!  Don't forget your photo opp with the Bronze Fonz!  He's hanging out on the River Walk not too far from our hotel!

Harley-Davidson Museum
400 N. Canal St.
Milwaukee, WI 53201

1.1 mi from Residence Inn

Enjoy memoriabilia from one of Milwaukee's most iconic brands.  Museum admission is $18 for adults.  Also, don't forget to pay a visit to Motor Bar & Restaurant to satisfy your appetite or quench your thirst!

Milwaukee Parks (MANY to choose from)
Veterans Park
1010 Lincoln Memorial Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202

1.4 mi from Residence Inn

Get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather!  You can walk along the Lake, fly a kite, dream about owning a yacht, etc.  Our favorite park is Veterans Park - but feel free to enjoy them all!

Potawatomi Bingo Casino
1721 N. Canal St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233

2.7 mi from Residence Inn

Gaming, restaurants, and shows all under one roof!  Please play, drink, and eat responsibly!

Thank you for helping us start our lives together and build our forever home!
We are registered at the fine retail establishments below:

• myregistry.com
  Please note:  this online registry combines our "brick and mortar" registries with other things we have found on the internet (via independent retailers such as Etsy).  Essentially this is the master list of ALL of our registries - online and in-store.
  (click here for our registry)

• Macy's (online and in-store)
  (click here for our registry)
   
• Crate & Barrel (online and in-store)
  (click here for our registry)
   
• Kohl's (online and in-store)
  (click here for our registry)
   
• Amazon.com (online only)
  (click here for our registry)