Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(July 4 - July 7, 2008)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, like Chicago, was a major surprise. Driving around the city it is very apparent that they have lost a lots of manufacturing facilities over the years, but unlike most cities, you would never know it without research. The downtown city area was very well maintained. The streets very clean, the neighborhoods very well maintained. With a city population of 600,000 and a metro of at least 1.6 million, the city had a very small town feel. At night we walked out to the riverfront and watched a major high school or college band event. There was not hint of crime or danger, which is easily felt in southern downtown areas such as Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Montgomery. I was very impressed with Milwaukee, however unlike Chicago; one could very easily get board. Also in July the lake water was chilly and the breeze off Lake Michigan had a slight bite to it, so you know it must be awfully cold in the winter for a Southern Boy.