1. See the Northern Lights
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Many moons ago, when I was a young sailor boy, I was traversing the high seas, aloft on the treacherous waves of exploration and mystery and also actual waves, when I beheld a distant site, a mighty, multi-colored hue gracing the horizon in strange colors. “Tis the northern lights,” I whispered. “Shut up, Archer,” grunted the salty first mate, Rutherford McFluggins. “This story isn’t real. You were never a young sailor boy. You’re just a magazine editor recommending that people seeing the northern lights in Milwaukee. No one likes when you write stupid stories like this.” And I responded to Rutherford, “Avast, ye scallywag! You tell no lies. “Now, I have the chance to see the northern lights yet again, and I must say I’m quite excited. This Thursday night and early Friday morning, the lights might just be visible around Milwaukee. The best time to see them is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. If you want to catch them, you’ll have the most luck if you head as far north as you can and get as far away from light pollution as possible. Unfortunately, it’s looking like there might be thunderstorms and cloud cover at that time, which could mess up our chances to see the ethereal green lights. But a sailor can still hope.
2. Swing by Fairgrounds
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
How often do you find swings inside a café, like as part of the seating? OK, like, never? Unless you’re in Yankee Hill at a coffeehouse called Fairgrounds (916 E. State St.). I’ve passed this place a zillion times and never been inside. Until the other day. Not even sure what made me stop. There was almost nobody in there at 3 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, but the two people who were there had commandeered the swing seats right next to the barista bar. My iced chai was fine, nothing special, and it’s cute in there, for sure – though by mid-afternoon, it needed some tidying up. I also left there feeling like I’d missed out on something. It’s like those counter seats at restaurants where you can watch the chefs cook – you got to try it once, right? So, swings at Fairgrounds, I’m coming back for ya.
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3. Sit Outside at Interval Bay View
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
Interval opened a new location in Bay View a few weeks ago, and I finally checked it out last week. The space inside is fresh with its matte black accents and cool wood paneling, but what might be even more divine than the interior design is the outdoor patio space. There are plenty of tables and a few benches, surrounded by trees and plants, making it feel like a little garden space. I ordered an iced lavender latte with oat milk and sipped it while I worked in the fresh air. Can’t get much better than that.
4. Eat a Popsicle at Chillwaukee
ALLI WATTERS, DIGITAL & CULTURE EDITOR
These handmade treats are delicious! I grabbed a lavender lemonade popsicle during Jazz in the Park last week and my friend picked out the double chocolate. Both of us enjoyed our pops as we soaked up the sun and listened to live music.
5. Watch The Exorcist III
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
You read that right. Not the seminal original film – the third one. It is, and I do not say this lightly, phenomenal. The movie was undeservedly overlooked as a result of the (deservedly) maligned second Exorcist film. William Peter Blatty, who wrote the original novel and screenplay for the first film, returned to write and direct this sequel, based on his novel Legion. It stars the incomparable George C. Scott, who absolutely tears it up on screen, as Detective Kinderman (a re-cast version of the portly cop from the first movie.) He’s investigating a serial killer with an unexpected connection to the events of the first film. The movie somehow manages to be meditative, atmospheric, terrifying, thrilling and also hilarious. There are so many highlights (including what is arguably the greatest jump scare of all time), but my favorite moment is Scott’s “carp in the bathtub” monologue. It is pure gold. Pure. Gold. Seriously, watch this movie. That’s all I have to say.
