As a Milwaukee Native, I think you're romanticizing our fair city.
Unless you're into drinking/bars.

We do have a very nice lakefront area, but if you're that rare person that isn't into the bar scene, then Milwaukee is pretty boring.

The art scene is a joke - most of the artists are more pretentious than NYC artists (but not nearly as talented or varied). We have our Gallery Night four times a year (hardly a happening scene - hardly anyone shows up for the January event and the only reason people come to the warmer weather events is to drink).

We do have a film festival once a year and that is pretty cool.

The museums are nice for a one-time visit, but the MPM will keep you interested for, at most, an afternoon. Shopping is nearly non-exsistant. The park system is in desperate need of maintenance (and security). We have no consistent intellectual entertainment (speakers, lecturers, forums, etc.).

There are a couple of good music venues that occasionally hit something interesting. Of course, for most people, it's just another opportunity to drink. Seriously, have you ever tried attending Summerfest sober?

We also seem to have a city government that likes to chase away revenue streams that come in the form of hosted conventions. Anybody remember Gen Con? Sure it was a bunch of weird people, but it brought a TON of money into the city. Over the years, Milwaukee has managed to be incompetent enough to chase away TONS of revenue-producing events.

There are some nice dining options in town, but many of them are over-priced and don't do very well unless there's a bar attached. One of my pet peeves about this city is the lack of social graces. Try going to a nice restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night - there will be screaming kids, and a lot of people dressed like slobs. If you're going to a restaurant where the entree costs more than $20, put on something nicer than ripped jeans and a t-shirt and find a babysitter for the kids (or go to Chili's).

About the ONLY really positive thing I can say is that we have an incredibly awesome independent radio station (WMSE).

Milwaukee has enough entertainment to keep someone busy for a two or three days (without bars) if they're up here to visit family. As a tourist destination? I don't think we have anything to worry about.

Any weekend that I'm not busy with friends or work, I hop the Amtrak and head to Chicago.

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