Unusual Holiday Happenings in Milwaukee
You can get a Christmas tree lighting anywhere. But the lighting of a 40-foot humpback whale skeleton? Only in Milwaukee! A must-see tradition, the Milwaukee Public Museum's "Lighting of the Whale" signals the start of the holiday season in the city. The giant lever is flipped Nov. 27, and this famous spectacle will illuminate over the museum's grand staircase all holiday season.
The holidays are also kickstarted Nov. 27 at the Harley-Davidson Museum's "Rev up the Holidays." Enjoy the Rockin' Tree Lighting, including photos with Santa, a bonfire and hot drinks.
The Brew City lives up to its reputation with a unique beer-themed Christmas tree. Warm up with a tasty Bavarian lager at the Milwaukee Ale House and see the unique "Beer" tree, constructed entirely of beer kegs.
The centerpiece of Brady Street's Holly Days featuring Festivus is the unadorned, unglamorous Festivus pole-by far not your typical Christmas tree. From Dec. 11-13, participate in a Festivus for the rest of us with Seinfeld-inspired events at five Brady Street establishments. Spread holiday cheer at the ever-popular "Airing of Grievances." Or test your physical and mental stamina with the "Feats of Strength" and "Festivus/Seinfeld Trivia." Highly-coveted Festivus poles will be awarded as prizes!
Dreaming of a "White Christmas?" The song debuted in the movie, "Holiday Inn," and a rare screening of the 1942 film will be presented at the Charles Allis Museum on Dec. 9. Bundle up and take a horse-drawn carriage ride between the Charles Allis Museum and Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum on Dec. 18. Enjoy the music of carolers, hors de' oeuvres and a cash bar at their "A Very Vintage Holiday Open House" celebration.
Sliding down a chimney, or a waterslide? Santa won't only be in the typical places this season. It may be chilly outside, but grab your swimsuit and come to Paradise Landing Waterpark at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center to "Swim with Santa." Don't splash the jolly fellow in red or you'll be on his naughty list!
It doesn't matter if you're on Santa's naughty or nice list at the Biker Claus' Wish List Party at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Work with Harley experts to create your own motorcycle holiday wish list Dec. 10 and 17 at Motor Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy happy hour specials and enter your list in a raffle to win cool prizes.
Call it fun or call it crazy-Milwaukee's annual Polar Bear Plunge is an unusual New Year's Day tradition. Cuddle up in a blanket and watch, or bring your swimsuit and jump right into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. A refreshing way to start 2010!
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 620 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.7 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2008 and supported about 66,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Midwest Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dave Fantle, VP of Public Relations
414.287.4253
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or
Jeannine Sherman
Public Relations Manager
414.287.6230
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Creative Addition to Milwaukee Hotel Market
MILWAUKEE - The "Hotel of the Arts" is the latest addition to the burgeoning business development in Milwaukee's historic Brewer's Hill neighborhood. Newly opened in October 2009, this unique take on a Days Inn & Suites property treats guests to a variety of visual arts exhibits and musical performances. Individual rooms are enhanced by modern art and common areas feature the work of local artists. The hotel means more choice for travelers looking to combine quality and value.
Conveniently located on 6th Street, one mile north of downtown's Wisconsin Avenue, the property features 79 rooms, including a fourth floor of suites. The hotel is designed to meet the needs of the business traveler, with a state-of-the-art business center, two meeting rooms, and freeWi-Fi. The property was designed by architect Harry Van Oudenallen and Arquitectura, Inc.
"Even in a tough economy, the Milwaukee area is seeing additional hotel properties," said Dave Fantle, VISIT Milwaukee vice president of public relations. "This shows confidence in our hospitality and tourism industry for the long term."
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 620 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.7 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2008 and supported about 66,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Midwest Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dave Fantle, VP of Public Relations, 414.287.4253
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Jeannine Sherman, Public Relations Manager, 414.287.6230
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Travelers to Milwaukee in for a ‘Soft Landing’
Airline competition is heating up in Milwaukee and that means that travelers to and from "Brew City" are the winners. Milwaukee-bound travelers are seeing lower fares and more options than ever at Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport. Now with 12 airlines serving up to 50 cities non-stop nationwide, the airport saw a record-breaking 17% increase in numbers of passengers (648,779) in September 2009 over the same period last year.
Top carriers Midwest Airlines, AirTran Airways and Delta were joined by Southwest Airlines entry into the market on Nov. 1, further ramping up competition and driving down prices for travelers flying into and out of the city.
Airport Director Barry Bateman said, "The average airfare out of Milwaukee was lower than 75 other U.S. airports, according to recently released U.S. Department of Transportation statistics for 2nd Quarter 2009. Mitchell's average fare was about $44 less than O'Hare's and $28 less than the nation's average fare."
Tracking the rapid pace of changes at Milwaukee's airport, industry analysts also point out that airfares out of Milwaukee are at an average of 29 percent lower than last year's winter season. MSNBC travel writer Chris Elliott even ranks Milwaukee among the "top five least expensive destinations for fall travel."
Low prices, more destinations and airport amenities like easy accessibility and discounted parking are great news for locals, and also make Mitchell International a magnet for increased business from Northern Illinois. In fact, Mitchell is often referred to as "Chicago's third airport."
"The travel industry has been hard-hit with the recession, but the Milwaukee airline story is a positive development that makes Milwaukee's value destination story to the convention / meeting planners and leisure travelers that much more compelling," said David Fantle, vice president, public relations for VISIT Milwaukee. "Milwaukee's central location and affordable flights coupled with its convention and leisure amenities will hopefully help tip the scale for visitors making destination decisions."
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 620 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.7 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2008 and supported about 66,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Midwest Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/.