In 2020, the most-read story on our website, unsurprisingly, was our COVID-19 update. This year – as the world tiptoed into a new version of normal – you read a lot more dining and culture guides, along with quirky stories about Milwaukee’s history (ever wonder about our city’s lengthy past with extra-terrestrial activity?).
We of course, continued to cover the pandemic, and the impact it had on local businesses. But we also committed ourselves to helping our readers get back into the world after an unprecedented year of quarantines. That means dining guides, beer recommendations and much more.
2021 was another record-breaking year for our website, and the following stories are why. Without further ado, here’s this year’s top 10 most-read stories on milwaukeemag.com.
NOTE: This list was edited to exclude a couple of stories that are no longer relevant to readers. For example, this guide to 2021’s Fourth of July fireworks was trimmed out, because you would (rightfully) not care.
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1. A Wisconsin Murder Will Be Featured on True Crime TV
OCT. 29 | BY ARCHER PARQUETTE
The true crime show on Investigation Discovery covered the murder of Charlene Wold, a 49-year-old woman who lived in Hudson, Wisconsin, on the Minnesota border. In February of 2017, Charlene’s 28-year-old son Logan Reese allegedly stabbed her to death in her home, according to investigators. The “American Monster” episode aired on Oct. 31.
2. How Milwaukee’s Burger Queen Built Her Fast Food Empire
APRIL 25 | BY ELLY FISHMAN
Valerie Daniels-Carter is one of the nation’s most successful fast-food franchisers – and a philanthropist, inspirational speaker and even would-be Milwaukee Doe.
3. What to Expect From The 2021 Goose Island Bourbon County Stouts
NOV. 24 | BY DAN MURPHY
We were able to try the 2021 Goose Island Bourbon County variants before they hit the shelves on Black Friday. Goose Island released eight Bourbon County variants this year.
4. We Now Know Where to Get the Best Pizza in Milwaukee
MAY 4 | BY ALLISON GARCIA
In April, we rounded up some of Milwaukee’s most well-known and beloved pizza places. Then we pitted them against each other in our first-ever Pizza Bracket! Thousands of voters picked the winner, which you can read all about here. You can also learn where our dining critic Ann Christenson goes to find her favorite slices, here.
5. Stories of Strange and Unusual UFO Sightings in Wisconsin
JAN. 19 | BY EVERETT EATON
Tucked away in the tangles of the first 5,000-plus page government stimulus bill rested a mandate for the Pentagon to release their intelligence on UFO activity in the U.S. Learn more about Wisconsin’s long history of UFO sightings and odd occurrences here.
6. The Best Brunch Spots in Milwaukee
MAY 6 | BY ANN CHRISTENSON
Consider how relaxing it is to have a long, leisurely lunch experience when there’s no pressure to get back to an office. That’s one of brunch’s big appeals: breakfast and lunch foods, without the distinction between the two, and without the rush. Plus mimosas and bloody marys! You have hours to just eat, drink, sit. What could be better? Here are eight great ones to try any week.
7. 4 Great Wisconsin Restaurants That Are Worth the Drive
MARCH 26 | BY ANN CHRISTENSON
Taste your way around the state with these delicious restaurants that will make a long drive totally worth it. We recommend a supper club, a farm-to-table treat and more in this must-explore list.
8. You Need to Know the History Behind “Bucks in Six”
JULY 19 | BY ARCHER PARQUTETTE
We begin our story on April 18, 2013. The Bucks are set to face down the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. The odds are stacked against Milwaukee. The Heat are seeded at the first spot with a record of 66-16 against the Bucks, bottom-seeded at 38-44. Three days from the first game of the series, Bucks guard Brandon Jennings is asked for his thoughts at the Wisconsin Sports Awards.
9. 8 Must-Try Restaurants if You’re in Sheboygan for the Ryder Cup
SEPT. 21 | BY ANN CHRISTENSON
The Ryder Cup may be over but this guide to area restaurants is still worth the read for any Milwaukeean willing to make a short drive for their next dish. Sheboygan is home to a prohibition bistro, farmhouse winery/restaurant and much more.
10. West Allis is the Hottest City in Wisconsin
APRIL 26 | BY ARCHER PARQUETTE
West Allis? More like Hot Allis! Ha, that was a good and smart joke, and you enjoyed reading it. A recent study pulled together weather data to declare a “hottest city” in every state, and our beloved Wisconsin was left with West Allis as the winner.
