What’s the 4–1–4?

In case you missed it, 414 is the area code for Brew City, Milwacky, or as locals call it, Milwaukee. It’s no “City by the Bay”, but the coffee shops are abundant and my stomach is never ending. Now that Mother Nature is finally getting her act together, you’ve come to the right place for all things fun to do in Milwaukee (on a college budget and within a reasonable distance, of course).

Looking for a cute, relaxing coffee shop to stalk your friend’s mom’s co-worker’s daughter’s boyfriend? Kickapoo Coffee is just the place! The coffee shop is located on Erie St. in the Third Ward and is nothing but delicious and trendy. Freshly baked pastries and Instagram-worthy lattes (say whaaaat) all for under $5!

While this industrial coffee shop is a great breakfast and homework spot, we can’t forget about the other eight meals I consume on a daily basis. If you head just west over the Milwaukee River you’ll find one of the greatest sushi restaurants in the history of sushi restaurants. Screaming Tuna is open seven days a week, not to mention they serve half-priced sushi on Sundays and Mondays. (Every college students dream) I’m a sucker for the Miso Soup, but the Spiderman Roll really steals my heart. Filled with soft shell crab, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo, this sushi roll is totally worth the $18 price tag.

Now if the coffee and the sushi don’t have you itching to hangout in Milwaukee, wait until you hit up the Public Market for fresh produce, homemade desserts, wine, and of course cheese! Every time I head down Water St. I always end up at the Public Market where I can’t help but splurge on the fresh fruit deals and the enormous dessert selection always leaves me satisfied. (Heath cookies are a definite yes btw)

So now you’re full and have spent half of your paycheck it’s time for a little afternoon stroll down Lake Michigan. One of the greatest things about Milwaukee is that no matter where you are the lake is only a hop, skip, and a jump away. It’s perfect for swimming in the summer or going on long runs in the fall. Did you know that Milwaukee has three parks designed by Frederick Law Olmstead? (Aka the guy who designed Central Park)

While I’ve only given you a little taste of Milwaukee life, there is so much that Milwaukee offers. You can’t help but want more with everything there is to do here. Bel Air, Brewers games, Bucks games, Collectivo, Milwaukee Public Museum, Discovery World and so much more. Man oh man, Milwaukee, you’ve got my heart.

As the great Charles. M. Schulz once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”