1. Listen to Bandits on the Run (and Go to Summerfest)
ALLI WATTERS, DIGITAL & CULTURE EDITOR
One of the best things about Summerfest is its surprises. Take for example my Friday festival experience. My husband and I arrived after work with plans of seeing The Avett Brothers at the BMO Pavillion (they were amazing, but that’s not the point of this story). The concert wasn’t until 9:30 p.m. so we had a few hours to kill. We opted to walk around, snack and check out some of the smaller acts. And that’s when it happened, that’s how I discovered one of my new favorite bands: Bandits on the Run. At the BMO Pavillion (hot tip: often the openers for the big-name concerts match the vibe of the headliners) the indie-folk-pop trio played cello, accordion, guitar, a drum built into a vintage suitcase, a banana shaky thing and tambourine while harmonizing on original songs. They were fun and lively, and they recently dropped some cool music videos. Plus, I ran into them at the Avett Brothers concert, and they were incredibly kind and cool in the face of my not-so-chill fan-girling. So, listen to Bandits on the Run, they’re great. Then go to Summerfest and hit the small stages where you might just discover one of your new favorite bands.
2. Buy From a Local Gardener or Maker
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
There typically isn’t a summer weekend that goes by when I don’t hit a farmers market. Last Sunday, an ominous sky followed me to the Riverwest Market, but the rain held off. I didn’t make it early enough to get local strawberries (next week, hopefully!) but vendors had snap peas, radishes, broccoli and garlic scapes. There were pretty bouquets of early season flowers, pickled vegetables and baked treats. I ended up not with any of those things, but instead, farm eggs and a jar of strawberry rhubarb jam. I’m already dreaming of next week’s haul. Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. At North Pierce and East Center streets.
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3. Shop at 414Flea This Weekend
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
My favorite flea market is happening again this weekend! 414Flea is at Zócalo this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring over 30 local vendors from all over the Midwest. I love shopping for vintage clothes and accessories, hand-crafted jewelry and art for my apartment – plus I usually grab a bite to eat from the food trucks while I’m there. If you’ve been to the market, you know the vibes are great, and if you haven’t, I can promise you it’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. Maybe I’ll see you there!
4. Sip Some Cider at Pomona
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last Thursday night, your boy Archie P was meandering the East Side in search of diversion from the relentless emptiness of life. In my wanderings, I moped past a place I’d been meaning to check out for some time – Pomona Cider (2163 N. Farwell Ave.). I ducked inside, found a suitably isolated seat in which to hide from my fellow patrons, and quickly realized that the place is quite awesome. First off, Pomona’s got cozy down, with exactly the relaxed, comfortable, vaguely hipster atmosphere you want from a cider joint – there’s a lot of wood around. Second off, the cider’s delicious and strong. I had a flight with Brut Apple, Apple Ginger and Apple Lavender. My favorite was Brut Apple, but I still want to try more of the flavors on my next visit. And third off, they had this focaccia bread that was insanely good and served with honey butter. I would have eaten three orders of it, if not for the need to maintain my girlish figure. Pomona’s going to be my first stop next time I’m wandering the city, despondent and purposeless (so probably tomorrow).
5. Saddle up to the Paddle Tavern
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Last week the MilMag team took to the Milwaukee River, converting to the necessity of a photo shoot to an absolute blast of an afternoon. We pedaled our way out to the inner harbor, up the KK River to Barnacle Bud’s and back under the guidance of Captain Tim Larson and his affable mates (both human and canine). Boating Milwaukee’s Rivers is incredibly fun, providing a unique perspective on the city (and great views), but the BYOB “tavern” aspect is a special boost for these excursions. I measured it: The volume of the chatter and laughter was 2.5 times higher on the way back than the way out.
