Without knowing what to expect except for the fact that this has been a popular, big event in…read moreChicago, hubby and I went to Fiserv Forum Plaza to check out the Christkindlmarket Milwaukee on their first Sunday. We picked the evening to go hoping to see the beautiful yellow lights (and I recommend you to go in the evening too - same food same drinks same shops but the view is more beautiful). The ornaments and lights indeed made it festive, but there were surprisingly not many tents and people. And there was no music. The market felt kind of tiny, empty and quiet on the huge, open Fiserv Forum Plaza ground. Maybe as the holiday season approaches, the vibe will get better. Here are the things that we did and enjoyed: 1. Got the warm, creamy, rich Belgian hot chocolate in the super cute Milwaukee souvenir mug. It's $11 with the mug which is pricey for such a small size of drink. But I liked the mug a lot and thought sharing a mug of hot chocolate with someone you love on a cold winter evening is kind of sweet. 2. Different handmade crafts from Germany, blankets from Peru, outwear, tea, coffee cakes, chocolates, pies, candies, cookies, cream cheese, soap... We walked around the outdoor area to check out all the vendors. It took us less than 30 mins but it was fun. 3. Checked out the indoor Christmas décor and gift shop before getting food. The staff were super nice. 4. Got the Raclette cheese sandwiches! Watching the melty raclette got scraped into the bread was delightful. With $1 extra, you could add a brat to the sandwich with a similar amount of cheese (we thought, as I got one with just raclette and hubby got one with a brat). * My suggestions are: 1) eat the sandwich as soon as possible when it is still warm and moist. Don't spend too much time looking for seats or taking photos lol. 2) Your hands may smell stinky later if you touch the cheese, which is highly likely to happen as there is so much cheese! 5. Found the warming house and sat down and enjoyed some simple, traditional live Christmas music performed by a band.

Absolutely a fan of Christkindlmarket Milwaukee or CK/MKE, and have many thoughts after having…read morelived in Chicago for 20 years, with their market being one of my absolute favorite things about the Holidays in Chicago. A Christkindlmarket is a traditional European or German "Christ Child Market". Say "Kindle Fire". Now say "Krist Novoselic of Nirvana." Now say "Krist Novoselic has a Kindle." Then say "Krist Kindle Market". You've got the pronunciation! Love: - Gluwein in the heart-shaped souvenir mug! So tasty and festive! - Pierogi, sausages, sauerkraut - Raclette is so hot right now, and they've got it! (Tastes better than it smells, trust me.) - Hot chocolate in a souvenir mug - The warming house is huge, and sometimes has carolers - Bathrooms are the indoor kind by the Fiserv Beer Garden - It's.not.that.crowded (Seriously, just walk slowly, wait your turn at the stands, and practice patience). - Especially not crowded on a weeknight - Handmade crafts from Germany, and small businesses like Taylor Street Soaps from Little Italy in Chicago - Kaethe Wohlfahrt ornament and handcrafted nativities - Fiserv Forum Plaza/Herb Kohl Way makes a perfect location Improve: - More, more, more, make it bigger! - More crafts from Germany, please. Like those wooden handcrafted moose, dragons, animals, and those goofy toys like the squirrel whistles - More local businesses, and perhaps add Makers (from Milwaukee) that do Holiday signs 'n' stuff. This doesn't have to be just like Chicago's. - Add some high tops outside so people can post up to eat/drink - Can we get some Kinder Uberraschungs up in here? We won't choke on the prize, promise! - Commemorative art print really needs improving. Big missed opportunity to make a good art print into $ for charity, including cards, magnets, and an annual ornament. A good first year for Christkindlmarket Milwaukee!

Cool store with tshirts, sweatshirts, socks, magnets stickers coozies and so many brew related…read moreMIlwaukee staples and clothing Everything. With MIlwaukee or beer brewery items. Everything is cool and doesn't look like it's a marketing gimmick. Must see this place and it's in side the 3rd at market which is a cool place

Brew City Apparel is a beacon of shining light in an otherwise sad and somewhat abandoned mall. I…read morealways make a stop while visiting Milwaukee and usually purchase a shirt or other souvenir for myself to take home. Tourists or locals can find something here whether for themselves or to give as a gift. They always have clearance racks and discounted items (I've often found a cute sweatshirt or tank for under $20). Everything from hilarious t-shirts ("That's what cheese said', "Official brat inspector") to logo pint glasses, colorful socks, team hats, etc. They have another location in the public market but this one is larger and has more inventory. Definitely check it out for all things Milwaukee.

Cermak is where we go if we have to get any Mexican or Latin spices or groceries. It has a great…read moreselection of produce that looks meticulously organized! They have a great variety of Latin foods and products and some Asian as well. The prices are generally good, but some things are more expensive than at Metro Market or Pick n save. The service behind the counter is great and the isles are kept clean and organized! Recommend going if you need some Latin goods.

A great variety of produce; hot bar area is nice. They have a wide selection of Hispanic and other…read moreethnic products.

I extended my trip specifically for a visit to Cival, and IT WAS WORTH IT!…read more The gals have a laidback, fun vibe. They're around if you need them and will also offer to show you the piece you're looking at (instead of waiting around for you to ask). They have their jewelry production right in the back and offer to change a length/clasp/gemstone. I found an amazing vintage watch fob converted into a bracelet, but I didn't care for the chain. The gals offered me a few different vintage chain options and edited the piece on the spot! She was patient when it didn't fit and kindly added an extra link to the newly edited piece. That extra mile is what makes any business stand out from the rest, and I very much appreciated it! There were 4 different gals working and each of them were a part of my store experience. I love that vibe - a nice cross between slumber party vibe, girly pop vibe and artsy vibe. Most of their pieces are sterling silver or brass, but they have a handful of pieces in 14k and gold fill. I got a mixture of both! Their sweet spot price point is "affordable" while some pieces are definitely spendy. I've got my eye on a vintage wedding band for $3k. The store is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays! Plenty of street parking in front! Yes they have a bathroom that's roomy and clean (and chic!)

The majority of the jewelry I own and wear on the daily came from Cival. I have been a loyal…read morecustomer for years. I have always loved their funky, unique and affordable statement jewelry. Also absolutely loved the vibe of the store. I went to visit the new location today - it's beautiful don't get me wrong, but totally different vibe. I wouldn't even know I was in the same store. Inventory was much more limited, and most of it high end, out of my price range and not the every day pieces that I loved so much. I had admired the higher end custom pieces at the old location, but sad that they are now the primary inventory at the new store. I really hope with time they will have more variety and bring a bit of the old vibe back.

I've been coming here since 2001, they have great prices on whole sale equipment & supplies. Do it!read more

Start your zero waste journey at this cute Bayview Shop! This is your one stop shop for organic…read moregroceries and products and to cut down plastic waste at the same time. The idea is to fill up reusable containers with essentials from bulk containers and to bring them back when you're done, for more. They also have soaps, wax sheets to use in place of saran wrap and other essentials to support your zero waste lifestyle.

Absolutely love this zero waste shop!…read more The staff is super friendly and the selection is pretty great. They have some excellent products like makeup removal pads, bamboo toothbrushes and reusable razors. I stocked up both for myself and gifts for others. Their soaps are amazing too! Be sure to stop by ASAP!

I used Crown while living in Milwaukee, but the most memorable aspect for me was that it is a…read moregenuine hardware store. My father's family's business, begun in the mid-1930s, in western Pennsylvania was their 14 hardware stores that slowly dissolved from 1957 to 1962 as prepackaged goods and discount stores began their rise. I began "working" as a five-year old putting bicycles together for Christmas (inverting pedals and installing handlebars - not hard), then later weighing nails from kegs, cutting cast iron pipe and glass. When I discovered Crown, my childhood memories came back quickly! A wonderful place, indeed.

The best in the business when you need obsolete plumbing parts, advice, or a good laugh. There is…read morean odd feeling of hospitality like the feeling at a dysfunctional family reunion. Over the last decade, I have come to know the staff and customers. It will be a sad day if we ever lose the last old fashioned hardware store in milwaukee. Take a number...

Access Boutique is a cute store located on the Main Street in the Third Ward. Jim the owner was so…read morenice on helping us find things that we would like. They were having a sale and we found some really nice purses, a large travel bag and a colorful scarf. 2 of the bags we purchased had a 2nd smaller bag inside! Fabrics and materials of all the items we saw were of pretty good quality. Prices were very fair and reasonable. The store is very nicely decorated. They have plenty of room for ease in picking things up to touch and try out. Definite store to re-visit again for more bargains!

A hidden gem in the Third Ward! On trend, unique, and AFFORDABLE accessories! Handbags, scarfs,…read morejewelry, sunglasses, hats galore!