Green Travel in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Secrets – Almost too good to share!
(All photos  courtesy of VISITMilwaukee)

The Iron Horse Hotel, the first and only boutique hotel geared towards traveling business professionals as well as motorcycle enthusiasts, provides luxury amenities while practicing environmental sustainability. From the covered parking for motorcycles that encourages fuel-efficient practices to the soy ink used to print the office materials – The Iron Horse is a leader in the green movement in Milwaukee.

The Iron Horse was transformed from a 100-year-old warehouse into the modern luxury hotel that it is today. Much of the distinct architecture remains intact –Hemlock posts and beams, exposed brick and fire doors – reducing the need for resource consumption and waste while inspiring the rugged interior design and loft-style atmosphere.(from website).

Post-consumer rubber was used to create the flooring in the fitness, laundry, shipping and receiving rooms, guest rooms feature ceramic flooring and tile walls which last up to four times longer than other materials, and wall sculptures for the rooms were crafted from recycled aluminum by a local artist.

The Iron Horse encourages and practices energy-efficient systems and operations by using occupant censoring in rooms to control power and heat, high-efficiency boilers, and waterless and low-flow bathroom utilities that result in a 25 percent reduction of water consumption.

The country’s oldest bowling alley. A statue of the King of Cool. A giant cocktail that will make all of your dreams come true. What do they have in common? They’re all part of Milwaukee’s hidden treasures and local jewels visitors won’t want to miss!

Milwaukee served as the setting for the popular “Happy Days” TV show. In 2008, its main character, Arthur Fonzarelli, came home to stay on Milwaukee’s Riverwalk with the unveiling of the Bronze Fonz. No trip to Milwaukee is complete without a commemorative, thumbs-up, “Aaay!” snapshot with the undisputed King of Cool found just south of the Wells Street Bridge.

The oldest certified bowling alley in the country lies in the basement of Milwaukee’s Holler House. Step downstairs and experience two lanes that pack in more than 100 years of bowling history – including personal pin setters. Most nights find Holler House’s owner, Marcy, behind the bar. It’s hard to tell what’s more fun, this octogenarian’s “colorful” vocabulary or the hundreds of “donated” brassieres that pass for décor.

2042 W. Lincoln Ave. It’s tucked away in a covert location. You need a password to enter. A hidden booth makes for a quick escape. There’s only one place to live out your 007 fantasies and this is it. The Safe House has served secret agents and thirsty, hungry travelers looking for something out of the ordinary since Austin Powers was in diapers. A Spy’s Demise is the drink of choice in this perfect spot to hide from Control.

Common sense dictates a cocktail served in a glass with the circumference of a goldfish bowl is best when shared. A ritual for local lovers, the flaming Tiki Love Bowl is At Random’s claim to fame. No beer, wine, or credit cards in this bar left over from the Rat Pack era. Just a menu of over-the-top, frou-frou drinks and a play list heavy on Sinatra. 2501 S. Delaware Ave. 

Most unlikely location for a building award goes to the 15^th century St. Joan of Arc Chapel on Milwaukee’s Marquette University campus. Reassembled stone by stone from its original location in France, the chapel has a haunted history. According to legend, after praying before a statue of Our Lady, Joan of Arc kissed the stone beneath the statue. To this day, it remains colder to the touch than the surrounding stones.

Questions?  Contact  jsherman@milwaukee.org

2010

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