Each year, over half the population sets out with good intentions, setting New Year’s resolutions to be our best selves. By the second Friday of January, however, about a quarter of all resolutioners will have given up on these annual declarations. It’s a phenomenon known as “Quitters Day.”
But never fear! Visit Milwaukee is here to save the day. If you’ve let your resolve lapse in the early days of this year, there’s still time to get back on track. Here are some new New Year’s resolutions—Ones you’ll want to follow through on.
1. Discover a New Skill or Hobby
Have you tried to return carpentry equipment in the past ten days? What about that empty cross-stitch hoop mocking you in the corner? Well, we can’t help you find your receipt for these abandoned hobbies, but we do have a few places where you can pick up a new one that’s actually fun. Head to Glassnote Candle Bar, where you can craft a custom candle while sipping seasonal cocktails, or Bay View Printing Co. to create one-of-a-kind prints on one of the shop’s 14 antique presses.
2. Take Time for Yourself
While most resolutions add another task to your already busy schedule, when was the last time you took some time to relax? During Milwaukee Hotel Month, you can book your Cream City staycay for less. Watch your worries melt away as you settle in for your Milwaukee getaway and enjoy some quality time reconnecting with your favorite person: you. Book today and vacay in February!
3. Learn Something New
Where most resolutions are lofty goals that verge on the impossible, you don’t need to read 10 chapters a day, walk 30,000 steps or bench press the weight of a healthy ox to accomplish this one. Milwaukee Museum Days is coming up in the middle of February, offering free or discounted admission to many of the city’s top museums. You can rove the roaring Harley-Davidson Museum, marvel at the intricate patterns and artistry of quilting at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, take in the powerful lessons of America’s Black Holocaust Museum and many more for less throughout the 10 days as you learn about science, art and the world around us.
4. Read More
Yep, another of the well-worn, oft-ditched classics. But look at you, you’re already doing it! You’re reading our blog (and making our Copywriter immensely proud). If you’d like to explore the world of literature, Milwaukee’s booksellers like Boswell Book Company, Voyageur Books in Bay View and Barnes & Noble at Bayshore have exactly what you’re looking for. For your little one’s resolutions, Rooted MKE also has a selection of sensational reads for kids, featuring an array of books featuring protagonists of color. Pick up a book and get back to it! That is if you can pry yourself away from the blog.
5. Eat Better
Don’t we mean healthier? Not necessarily. Trade in the fad diets, calorie counting and carb-cutting for exploring the dining delights found around town in Milwaukee. From James Beard Award-recognized greatness to Cream City staples, vow to have more adventurous dinners out on the town as you experience an array of dishes and cuisines, from Amilinda and The Diplomat to Solly’s and Pepperpot. Eat well!
6. Get Active
Notice how we didn’t say get fit or work out more. For those who’ve dashed those fitness dreams for comfy sweats and cozy living rooms, this one’s for you. While you may have dumped the dumbbells already or started using that new treadmill as a surprisingly effective coat rack, there’s another way you can reach peak sporting prowess—by attending a Milwaukee pro or college game. With the Milwaukee Bucks, Admirals and Wave all in season, and Marquette Golden Eagles and UW-Milwaukee basketball seasons in play, getting active has never been easier.
7. Fest More Than ‘24
Maybe you wanted to live life to the fullest, or maybe you wanted to spend more time with friends and family, or maybe you’re way off-base, and you wanted to run a marathon. No matter how you got here, the City of Festivals is for all. Milwaukee has a fest for every occasion and something to celebrate each month. From Third Space’s après ski-themed Ice Bear Fest in January to the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, in June and July, festing just once a month is proven to reduce stress in adults of all ages. So, get out there, fest more than you did in 2024!
8. Enjoy a Pint at Every Local Brewery
If your Dry January came up short, we’ve got a replacement resolution for you—a legendary tour of Milwaukee’s breweries. With dozens to explore around town and even a Riverwest shuttle to help you on your thirst-quenching quest, you can explore the taprooms and tap lines as you sample brews that are as unique as you are. Bottoms up!
9. Ride The Hop – The WHOLE Route
Why, you ask? Well, why not? It’s as reasonable a resolution as any and more fun than you’d think. The two-mile streetcar route takes you from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, past the shops of the Historic Third Ward and the Milwaukee Public Market. It then travels along the bars and restaurants of downtown and the Cathedral Square neighborhood before turning around at Burns Commons on the East Side. Ride the whole thing in one go, or make a day of it as you stop off at your favorite places around town. All aboard!
10. Eat More Cheese Curds
There’s no rule that all New Year’s resolutions have to be productive. Go ahead, check. They’re just bold promises to achieve, and we’ll tell you, chewing your way through the city’s top cheese curds is one massive achievement. Whether fresh and squeaky or fried, golden-brown cheddar nuggets, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Get chomping.
11. Monitor The Bronze Fonze
There’s really no reason for this one, but it’s good to just keep an eye out to make sure the life-sized bronze sculpture of Henry Winkler’s beloved “Happy Days” character, Fonzie, doesn’t suddenly come to life and run off. We thank you in advance for your service.
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Oh well, there’s always next year.
