1. Try Third Space’s New Barleywine, Death Blow
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
There’s kind of a cult around barleywine, with devotees of this rich, malty beer that live by the mantra “Barleywine Is Life.” But even if you aren’t ready to praise Lord Maris (Maris Otter is the name of a variety of malt that’s a cornerstone of the style; listen, I never said it would make sense), it’s an easy style to enjoy when done well. And Third Space Brewing’s new barleywine, Death Blow, is a nice introduction to the style, a heavy, toffee-like flavor profile that’s sweet but not too sweet and leans into its beefy 10% ABV. My afternoon pour of Death Blow after a Saturday of Christmas shopping really hit the spot. It’s a taproom exclusive on draft or in four-packs of 16-ounce cans to take home ($16).
2. Decorate for the Holidays
ANN CHRISTENSON, SENIOR DINING EDITOR
After putting up my Christmas tree, I left the branches undecorated – draped with twinkly lights but undecorated – for close to a week. There’s a radiant minimalism to an undecorated tree. As it is, I generally keep things pretty restrained. Once I pulled out my boxes of festive finery, I also discovered a bunch of ornaments I wasn’t interested in putting on my tree this year. Which is a great reason to invest in a few new things. Those few things include a felt pig and deer from the Shorewood shop Olson House. Now I’m feeling all the holiday vibes.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. See Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker
ALLI WATTERS, DIGITAL & CULTURE EDITOR
As a former (extremely amateur) dancer who has performed in many performances of The Nutcracker, I was shocked by the realization that I had never seen it professionally performed. That changed this weekend when I went to see Milwaukee Ballet’s rendition on opening day. There’s one word to describe this ballet: Magical. From the breathtaking movements of the dancers to the gently falling snow to the expertly performed score, it was brimming with holiday spirit. I went with my mom, and we decided that it will now be one of our Christmas traditions to go every year. And we’re especially looking forward to next year when Michael Pink debuts brand new choreography for the classic. Catch this version while you still can.
4. Go for a Candelight Walk with the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
A while back, I wrote a story about legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted for this magazine. In the course of reporting that story, I had occasion to visit Riverside Park, which Olmsted designed a century ago, and which is now home to one branch of Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center. That center is one of the city’s most interesting additions in recent years, and it does a great job of promoting the abundant natural resources we have in this city. I found exploring the Center and Riverside illuminating and worthwhile, the escape into nature serving as a welcome cleansing for my disgusting, miserable little soul. Can’t recommend it enough. Tuesday night, the UEC folks are hosting a candlelight walk at Riverside, where they’ll be serving hot cider and setting up campfires. For those of you who’ve never been to the park, this is the perfect chance to explore.
5. Check Out Dandy
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
I was at Dandy (5020 W. Vliet St.) over the weekend for a vintage holiday market and fell in love with the place! The front is a vintage/antique shop and the backs is an event venue. The shop is curated with unique vintage finds – lamps, tchotchkes, paintings, furniture, glassware, books, statues, dishes… you name it. I loved wandering through the shop and looking at all the stuff, then heading back to the beautiful venue space in the back (where the market was). It was decorated with vintage furniture, rugs, plants and had just a really lovely vibe. I will certainly be going back!
