Courtesy Visit Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Sipping frothy brews along the Milwaukee River and enjoying special events are typically why bank groups find themselves in the City of Festivals. But the Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee’s oldest center of commerce and warehousing, is the place to pound the shopping pavement.
“Behind the historic facades, you find antique shops and specialty stores. Our answer to SoHo, this pedestrian-friendly ward has also become the hub for artistic activity and is home to more than 20 galleries and art studios,” said Jeannine Sherman, director of public relations for Visit Milwaukee.
“The Milwaukee River runs through the neighborhood, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for walking along our award-winning Riverwalk and dining al fresco along the water.”
Just a few of Sherman’s favorites are Bangles and Bags, where handbags, jewelry, scarves and hats call out to bargain lovers; A Trio, specializing in one-of-a-kind jewelry, where the client’s vision can be part of the design; Five Hearts, a boutique and accessory shop featuring 40 designer collections; and Lela Boutique, offering exclusive collections from a local designer as well as vintage clothing.
The Marshall Building Galleries features artists’ studios with pieces on display and for sale. Local artists who specialize in contemporary and pop, Milwaukee painted scenery, textile design and much more are often on the scene to chat.
Sherman suggests groups save their appetite for a meal at the Milwaukee Ale House, a historic gem located on the banks of the river in a former hula-hoop factory.
“Milwaukee Brewing Company supplies the house beer here, the atmosphere includes live music, and hometown favorites like chicken pot pie, burgers and ribs are on the menu.”
800-231-0903
www.visitmilwaukee.org
Sumner County, Tennessee
After taking a cruise on the Cumberland River and exploring historic homes where Andrew Jackson once enjoyed dinner and did a little dancing, head for Gallatin’s Historic Square, where local shopkeepers have an abundance of treasures.
“Gallatin is the county seat, and our square, with a central courthouse and 19th-century buildings, is a charming place to spend time,” said Paige Strong, executive director for the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce.
This shopping and dining destination offers must-haves for every budget, according to Strong. “The woman who owns Jewelweed is also a music publicist, and she has the coolest in eclectic home accents.
“Upscale Boutique is a great consignment store where you can find bargains on the latest fashions or a vintage one-of-a-kind. Deliberately Chic has clothes, jewelry, handmade textiles and also great offerings of glass and artwork.
“And wildlife-artist fans will recognize Ralph J. McDonald, an internationally known artist who has designed United States stamps and Ducks Unlimited projects. His studio and gallery are on the square.”
Food with a local flair can be found at the Whippoor Will, located in a one-time drugstore. “The owner once played with Johnny Cash, and the restaurant is also a gallery and the place to hear live music,” said Strong.
The Lime Deli features food with a South American influence, the Butter Bean is the place for vegetarians, and the Pizza Machine is known for its 42-inch pies, as well as its veggie and meat specialties.
Strong added that many know the area because it is home to the Palace Theater, the oldest silent movie theater in Tennessee, which now shows feature films. But many also know it for Randy’s Record Shop. “While it no longer exists, Randy’s was once the biggest mail-order record house in the world. It put Gallatin on the map.”
413-298-3579
www.chesterwood.org
