Ike Wynter is a cut above the rest. Under a shrouded cloud of sawdust, the Milwaukee-based artist has quietly made a name for himself, earning national media attention for his work during the NFL Draft, Sunday Night Football and more. Known for his intricate pieces consisting of natural reclaimed wood that’s never been painted or stained, he is redefining sustainability in the arts, while crafting stunning work after stunning work.

We caught up with Ike just after we unveiled “The Flow,” Visit Milwaukee’s logo, at the Milwaukee Public Market to talk about some of his favorite sports. So, clear your weekend plans and brush off the sawdust because artist Ike Wynter’s Milwaukee must-see itinerary just dropped. Let’s spend a day like Ike!

Milwaukee Public Market

Visit one of Ike’s incredibly detailed art pieces inside one of Milwaukee’s must-stop spots in the Historic Third Ward. “The Flow,” Visit Milwaukee’s logo rests on the wall along the staircase on the market’s second floor. It’s not only unique, it’s a piece of Milwaukee history. The entire artwork is constructed out of pieces of the “Top Chef: Wisconsin” set that cemented the city’s place as a foodie haven. Grab a meal, some drinks or catch a cooking class with both classic and new vendors alike. Feel the Milwaukee spirit in the air (and the food).

Riverwalk Commons

From the “Top Chef: Wisconsin” kitchen to the pickleball kitchen, Riverwalk Commons is Ike’s next stop. While you’re at the market, you might as well stop across the street to get a game of pickleball inl! Overlooking the Milwaukee River on one side and the Milwaukee Public Market on the other, the courts across from the public market are some of the city’s most scenic pickleball courts. Bring your own equipment or borrow some from the market and get swinging.

Unfinished Legacy Flagship Store

Look good, feel good…make nationally recognized art? Okay, we can’t promise that a trip to local streetwear company Unfinished Legacy will land you on ESPN, but it couldn’t hurt your chances, right? Scope out the latest looks and ever-evolving Milwaukee designs, then snag your favorites at this shop in the Historic Third Ward. And, if you’re a fashionista looking for that fit that’s one-of-one, be sure to stop by on the last Saturday of every month to screen print your own Unfinished Legacy tee.

Festivals

Ike’s next stop is less of a location, event or attraction and more of a spirit. Milwaukee is known as the City of Festivals, with fests that celebrate just about everything all year round. When asked which are his must-stop festivals, he tabbed Summerfest, Brady Street Fest and Bay View Bash as some of his favorites, but encourages you to explore them all. There is always a new artist to check out, a neighborhood discover or a unique dish to savor! 

American Family Field

Whether you “Ike” baseball or not (And who wouldn’t with the Brewers in the playoffs?), American Family Field is the place to be on gamedays. With the Brew Crew inching towards clinching the N.L. Central and a first-round bye, there’s no better time to hop on the bandwagon and roll out the barrel. Tailgate with your buddies for the rest of September and, if we cheer hard enough, maybe, just maybe, to the club’s first World Series appearance since 1982.

Don’s TV & Repair

Burgers. Milkshakes. Retro vibe. Need we say more? This Walker’s Point speakeasy is easy to find, but can be a little tricky to get in. Bring the secret password, or this 1980s-style wonderland will be nothing but a fantasy, and Don’s TV & Repair’s well-loved boozy milkshakes will go poof. Pro tip: Be sure to stop by on Thursday nights for 10-cent martinis!

Dorsia

A culinary experience that triggers your fight or flight reflex? Not quite, but Dorsia is home to the famed pasta flight. An essential Brady Street dining experience, head down the bustling corridor of bars and restaurants to find specialty cocktails, fresh pizzas and, of course, a pasta flight with up to five types of pastas for you to sample and savor.

Boone & Crockett

Drink up a craft cocktail while drinking in one of the most beautiful sights in the city: the dazzling lights of the Hoan Bridge. This cocktail bar features unpretentious, but expertly crafted drinks in a cozy setting in the Harbor District. Outside, you’ll find the patio that offers sweeping views of the river and the Hoan Bridge’s nightly light show. Boone & Crockett offers $7 house cocktails from open to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, so get there just before sunset for the best deal.

Pufferfish

Summer vibes never subside at Pufferfish! Keep celebrating year-round at this tropical tiki bar high in the sky above the Hotel Metro. While the rooftop patio may get chilly soon, Pufferfish is ready to part through “Wynter.” Grab a drink straight from the tropics with a little local twist with classics like the Meh-Tai (not a typo), daiquiri, margarita and the classic old-fashioned, alongside creative cocktails like the Pufferfish, Ocean Eyes and Tropic Bird.

Burnhearts

Milwaukee’s dive bar scene is second to none, and this long-time Bay View staple fits the bill. Laid-back vibes, bar games and great drinks? Yep, this is the place to go. For more than 18 years, Burnhearts has developed a cult following not just as a local institution, but for its annual Mitten Fest that brings fest fanatics from across the land to the area for a big, mitten-clad block party each February. Grab a beer or a cocktail and play some slide shuffleboard for best results.

Winter time is a season, Wynter time is a mindset. Follow in the famed artist's footsteps and uncover just why Ike likes these stops. Or carve out your own itinerary to craft your work of art in Milwaukee. Plan your visit, book your stay and Milwaukee your way today!