House & Garden Tour

DAY ONE

Morning

Experience a desert oasis, a tropical jungle and special floral gardens all in one place! The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (524 S. Layton Blvd/414-649-9830), known locally as "the domes", features three domes--the Arid, Tropical and Show which has five annual, distinctly different themed displays with seasonal plants. Unique to Milwaukee and the only horticultural structure of its kind, the Domes offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a sensory panarama no matter what the weather.

Take in the grandeur of the Pabst Mansion (2000 W. Wisconsin Ave./414-931-0808), originally the home of Captain Fredrick Pabst, one of Milwaukee's most famous beer barons. This fabulous three-story mansion is now a historical monument located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Built in 1892 in classic Flemish Renaissance style, the Pabst Mansion is open year-round for tours.

Afternoon

While downtown, take advantage of the many cafes or delis for lunch or stop byUsinger's Famous Sausage (1030 N. Old World Third St./414-276-9100), a Milwaukee tradition for over 125 years, and pick up the fixings for a picnic then head just minutes east to Lake Park. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the legendry landscape architect behind New York's Central Park. Lake Park is home to one of the few remaining prehistoric Indian burial mounds in Milwaukee, the North Point Lighthouse and keeper's quarters, and a sporty little pitch-putt golf course.

Evening

After working up an appetite in the great outdoors, make your way across park grounds to Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro (3133 E. Newberry Blvd./414-962-6300). This century old park pavilion, also designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, excels in authentic French country bistro cooking and offers an impressive wine list that is exclusively Francaise. Situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, this restaurant offers views of the city's greatest natural asset that are as mouthwatering as its food!

DAY TWO

Morning

Start your day by combining fabulous architecture, world-class art, and gardens that are second to none. The Charles Allis Art Museum (1801 N. Prospect Ave./414-278-8295), designed by prominent Milwaukee architect Alexander Eschweiler as a house museum, is a Tudor-style mansion that holds Charles and Sarah Allis' collection featuring 19^th century French and American paintings. The collection spans 2000 years and includes original and antique furnishings. After experiencing this worldwide collection of paintings and objects d'art, step out the door and into English-style gardens.

Just a few minutes down the road is the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum (2220 N. Terrace Ave./414-271-3656). This Italian Renaissance-style villa, designed and built by architect David Adler in 1923, was originally the residence of Lloyd Smith of the A.O. Smith Corporation and his family. The Villa Terrace features fine and decorative arts dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik and a formal Garden. The stunning project that graces the yard of Villa Terrace as it sweeps down to Lake Michigan recreates the classic elements of a 16th century Tuscan landscape, while accommodating the vagaries of the Wisconsin Climate.

While down along the lake, take the chance to drive by some of the truly awe-inspiring homes built by Milwaukee's brewing and industrial giants. Take a glimpse at the outside of Goodrich Mansion (2234 N. Terrace). When tire tycoon William O. Goodrich married Marie Pabst, daughter of Frederick, he got quite a wedding present from his father-in-law--this lakeside mansion. Pabst definitely left a mark on the home of his daughter and son-in-law. In the dining room hangs a brass chandelier that reads "All care abandon ye who enter here--Frederic Pabst--Anno Domini--1892." Right next door is the Gustav Pabst Home (2230 N. Terrace). Gustav was the son of beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. Remain on Terrace Avenue for a look at the Frederick C. Bogk House (2420 N. Terrace), an example of a Frank Lloyd Wright "transitional" design, which recalls Prairie and Japanese themes.

Afternoon

After lunch, head just 15 minutes north of downtown along the shores of Lake Michigan to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (1111 E. Brown Deer Rd./414-352-2880). Here six miles of trails take visitors through 185 acres of unspoiled natural beauty. The Center is a great place to hike, learn something new or find a quiet haven to commune with nature. Public recreational and environmental education programs are available for children and adults of all ages.

Also along the north shore is Kilbourntown House (Estabrook Park, Shorewood). Be sure to drive by this home that was built in 1844 by Benjamin Church and originally located in the area of Milwaukee known as Kilbourntown. This building was moved to Estabrook Park in 1938 and serves as a fine example of Greek Revival architecture.

Evening

Top off the day with a visit to any one of Milwaukee's great theatres featuring classic and contemporary drama, ballet, symphonic music, opera, and everything from African to Irish dance.

DAY THREE

Morning

Head out to Trimborn Farm Park (8881 W. Grange Ave., Greendale/414-529-7744) to experience a unique example of a mid-19^th century industrial and farming complex. Still standing are nine original buildings, including lime kilns, Greek revival farmhouse, granary built with brick nogging and one of the largest stone barns in Wisconsin. Delve into Victorian-era industry, reminisce about 19th century farm life, and witness Wisconsin culture come to life as embodied by the immigrant entrepreneur Werner Trimborn, his family and his employees.

Greendale is also home to the Jeremiah Curtin House (W. Grange Ave. and S. 84^th Street). David Curtin, his wife and infant son Jeremiah were among a group of Irish immigrants who settled in Greenfield in the mid-1830s. With help from a stone mason, David built this first-of-its-kind stone house in the Old Town of Greenfield in 1846. It was sold to the Trimborn family in 1866 and remained occupied until the 1920s. The Milwaukee County Historical Society acquired the house in 1952 and it was restored in 1976.

Afternoon

In the afternoon visit an internationally renowned horticultural showplace in the Milwaukee County Parks, Boerner Botanical Gardens (9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners/414-525-5601). A 50-acre botanical garden surrounded by a 1,000-acre arboretum, the gardens offers an intimate collection of spaces which host a variety of plants. Gardeners, plant lovers and students will have the opportunity to take in the colors and scents of a variety of collections.

If you have time left in your day make a visit to Wauwatosa's oldest home, theLowell Damon House (Corner of Rogers and Wauwatosa Ave.). Constructed 1844-1847, this house is a classic example of colonial architecture. The interior includes authentic displays of mid-19^th century furniture and art.