shopping

Milwaukee has much to offer discriminating shoppers. Visitors and natives enjoy exploring the city's neighborhoods, and intriguing "finds" also await in the areas outside the city limits.

Historic Third Ward | Walker’s Point/Fifth Ward | Cedarburg | Museum Shops
Miller Brewing Gift Shop | Old World Third Street | Brady Street | Germantown
The Shops of Grand Avenue | Brookfield | Port Washington | North Ave./East Side
Village of Wauwatosa | West Allis | Metro Area Shopping Centers | East Side

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MILLER BREWING COMPANY'S GIRL IN THE MOON GIFT SHOP located in the tour center of Miller's landmark Milwaukee brewery, N. 42nd and W. State Sts., is a great place to buy distinctive gifts. The shop is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Call 931-BEER.

Wherever you are in Milwaukee, you're never far from ALLEN-EDMONDS SHOE CORP. Visit the Shoe Bank at the Factory (I-43, Port Washington Exit 100) or Shoe Bank II stores in Mequon (11043 N. Port Washington Rd.), Brookfield (Galleria West, 18900 W. Bluemound Rd.) or even Madison (Cambridge Court Shopping Center, 7412 Mineral Point Rd.).

SUBURBAN MOTORS Harley-Davidson & Buell, north of Milwaukee at 139 N. Main St. in Thiensville, is the world's largest Harley-Davidson parts and accessories dealer and a great place to get a real dose of the Harley-Davidson tradition. Visit or call (262) 242-AHOG.

SPRECHER BREWERY, 701 W. Glendale Ave., is Milwaukee’s original micro-brewery. Shop the brewery’s gift shop from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Sprecher direct ships it unique soda across the country. Brewery tours 4 p.m. Fri; 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Sat. 964-2739.

CANVASBACKS, a leading Milwaukee-based manufacturer of women’s sportswear, recently opened its own company store at 1039 S. 2nd St. in the Walkers Point area just one block north of the famous Rockwell Clock Tower. All merchandise, including current fashions, is priced below retail. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.

KLOIBER JEWELERS, 411 E. Wisconsin Ave. across from the Pfister Hotel, is one of Milwaukee's most respected jewelers and a perfect spot to find a special holiday or corporate gift. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

If you’re looking for the latest in fashions, stop at two Mark Pasch locations -- MARK PASCH LTD. at 333 W. Brown Deer Rd. east of I-43 in the Audubon Court Center serves men, women and young men, while MP TWO at 825 N. Jefferson St. across from Cathedral Square in Miilwaukee’s East Town offers the best in urban fashions for men and women.

MUSEUM SHOPS

The shop at THE MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM, 700 N. Art Museum Dr., offers distinctive gifts and items emblazoned with images of the Burke Brise Soleil–the architectural treasure that now symbolizes the city of Milwaukee. No admission ticket is required to shop. Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thurs. until 8 p.m. or visit www.mam.org/store.

Inside the MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM at 800 W. Wells St., the Museum Marketplace also can be visited without admission. Browse through a unique collection of handcrafted jewelry, apparel, and decorative items gathered from around the world and educational toys and games. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and noon-5 p.m. Sundays or shop online at www.mpm.edu.

THE SHOPS OF GRAND AVENUE

Enter the Shops of Grand Avenue complex through the eye-catching portal at Old World 3rd Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Just across from the entrance is the MUSEUM SHOP, operated by the Milwaukee Public Museum. Find unique gifts at the shop and tickets to exhibitions at the Museum.

Visit BOSTON STORE, a full-service department store dedicated to serving Milwaukee residents and visitors for more than 100 years. In addition to the Shops of Grand Avenue store in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Boston Store meets fashion needs with the latest styles at other locations throughout the metropolitan area.

The perfect Milwaukee souvenir can be found at BREW CITY. Shop Brew City stores at Southridge and the corner of E. Buffalo and Milwaukee Sts. in the Historic Third Ward, as well as in the Shops of Grand Avenue.

Shop T.J. MAXX, LINENS 'N THINGS and OLD NAVY in the historic Plankinton Arcade section of the Shops.

DALY’S PEN SHOP is the only store in Wisconsin exclusively devoted to pens and writing instruments. This intriguing shop also is one of the city’s oldest retailers.

HISTORIC THIRD WARD

Just south of Downtown, this vibrant former wholesale and manufacturing district is enjoying a sparkling renaissance, with shops, galleries and restaurants (www.historicthirdward.org).

PICTURE PERFECT GALLERY, 320 E. Buffalo St., in the P.H. Dye House, features the works of many leading area artists and photographers, prints in all sizes and UW and Packer photos and memorabilia. In the same building, Visitors of all ages will enjoy SEGWAY of MILWAUKEE, also at 320 E. Buffalo. Team-building Segway exercises are conducted inside during winter months. Currently the shop is offering discounts on Segways used last season. The units have been refurbished and offer warranties. Call 727-6900 for reservations. 

At EAST TOWN WOMEN’S SHOP on the second floor at 159 N. Broadway, you’ll enjoy Milwaukee’s finest resale shop as you browse through designer and name brand fashions. Find something “new for you” to update your wardrobe.

In the same building at 159 N. Broadway, URBAN ACCENTS specializes in home accessories from artists throughout the U.S., as well as jewelry. As an artist who has lived in Milwaukee for 20 years, owner Nancy Rappaport brings her own great sense of style to the Third Ward. 

STEPHANIE HORNE at 159 N. Broadway has added to the Ward’s reputation as a fashion center by expanding her popular www.stephaniehorne.com with a bricks-and-mortar shop. clothing that is both sophisticated and casual in approach. Find apparel, handbags, belts and jewelry that reach  across age groups to encompass teens to boomers. It's more about taste and being fashion-forward than your age.

EXCLUSIVA HAIR DESIGN SALON & SPA at 179 N. Broadway creates an environment that you won’t want to leave. The staff here is ready to tailor a spa appointment for one or a group, with amenities that range from a state-of-the-art flat screen TV to a sumptuous pedicure corner. Call 319-7777 for info about “Martini Manicures” and other custom-designed services. Open six days a week (closed Sunday).

Dogs, cats and their owners are giving rave reviews to the larger, brighter quarters for METROPAWLIS PET BOUTIQUE at 317 N. Broadway in the Third Ward. Browse the fun and unique toys, bowls, collars, beds, carriers, apparel, and strollers for the family pet. If you are you looking for a fun, unique goodie for your favorite dog, stop by Three Amigos Dog Treats, located inside Metropawlis. The freshly baked treats are made with natural, human-grade ingredients. Pick up a fun decorated cookie, slice of pizza or even a customized cake. Holiday and special occasion items also are available. You’ll find something for even the hardest to please dog.

WALKER'S POINT / FIFTH WARD

Just south of the Historic Third Ward is another former manufacturing and residential area known as Walker’s Point or the Fifth Ward. Shops and restaurants are opening daily in this area.

If you are an antique lover, RIVERVIEW ANTIQUE MARKET at 175 S. Water St. hosts 30 dealers from throughout Wisconsin. A special "shabby chic" section even offers funky items and collectibles from the '50s and '60s.

Just south of the Historic Third Ward at 131 W. 1st St. is the BRASS LIGHT GALLERY. Since 1974, this retailer has presented locally designed, handcrafted architectural lighting in a nationally recognized showroom. The recently expanded second floor antique/vintage lighting department features fabulous early- to mid-20th century chandeliers, sconces and lamps. Phone 414-271-8300 for directions and information.

CANVASBACKS, a leading Milwaukee-based manufacturer of women’s sportswear, operates its only company store at 1039 S. 2nd St. in the Walkers Point area just one block north of the famous Rockwell Clock Tower. All merchandise, including current fashions, is priced below retail. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.

OLD WORLD THIRD STREET

Stroll down Old World 3rd St. and you can sample some of Milwaukee's finest foods. Perhaps the area's most-visited food retailer is USINGER'S FAMOUS SAUSAGE, 1030 N. Old World 3rd St. Located at the same site since the 1880s, Usinger's adheres strictly to the original family sausage recipes. The toll-free number for the gift department is 800-558-9998.

EAST SIDE

THE MILWAUKEE STREET GALLERY, located at 717 N. Milwaukee St., features fine art from private and corporate collection also offers consignment services for those who have artwork that no longer suits their personal tastes. For more information, phone 732-2008 or visit www.milwstgallery.com.

BRADY STREET

Brady Street on Milwaukee's near east side is just a short ride from downtown hotels. Known for its eclectic array of shops, galleries, coffee houses, night spots and restaurants, Brady Street also is home to the Passeggio, a complex of special boutiques and places to eat on the corner of Brady Street and Arlington Place.

At the Passeggio, visit DETOUR for modern European clothing. This is also Milwaukee's denim specialist, featuring over 15 brands, including Seven, Diesel, Miss Sixty, Paper Denim and Cloth, AG Adriano Goldschmied, G-Star, etc. Call 273-5156.

At AALA/REED, 1320 E. Brady St. (226-2252) browse an outstanding selection of men's clothing. Included are prestigious Italian brands including Marzotto Lab, Zanetti and Puntodue, as well as more contemporary designers like Isda & Co., Report, Nat Nast and Quick Reflex. In August, the popular spot adds women's clothing, again with an array of designer name.

Also located in the Passeggio complex is UNCOMMON ITEMS. This boutique features handcrafted jewelry, original art, accessories for the home and apparel. Visit www.uncommonitems.com for a sampling of the ever-changing selection.

A little west at 918 E. Brady Street you will find OUT OF SOLITUDE, one of the city's outstanding jewelers, specializing in custom-designed rings and other items that make one-of-a-kind gifts.

NORTH AVE./EAST SIDE

For the young and young in attitude, there are a number of great places to shop on the near east side, just south of North Avenue. Check out MOXY, 2219 N. Farwell Ave. and ENVY just a couple of doors down at 2203 N. Farwell. ESSELLE STYLE STUDIO, 1919 E. Kenilworth Pl., is in the first floor of a building recently renovated by UW-Milwaukee. Find great clothes and accessories, and the First Friday Fling (each month) for special fun – a massage or tarot card reading.

VILLAGE of WAUWATOSA

The first European settlers in the mid-1880s established the look and feel of the Village of Wauwatosa and the charm remains today. This pedestrian-friendly area along W. State Street in the heart of the metropolitan area offers diverse shopping opportunities, galleries, dining and plenty of free parking. The village is reached from the west via the Watertown Plank Road exit on U.S. 45, or the North Avenue exit east to Wauwatosa Road (76th St.) and south to the village. From the south, take the N. 68th Street exit north from I-94.

Harwood Avenue in the village provides a diverse block of shopping opportunities. BLUE LAPIN at 7600 Harwood Ave. specializes in items for the home and garden, from topiaries to soaps and candles. HEINSIGHT at 7609 Harwood Ave. is one of Milwaukee’s most unique custom leather specialists.

Nearby at 7605 Harwood Ave., JILLY & GEORGE specializes in unique casual and weekend wear for men and women.

MAGPIE JEWELRY & METALS STUDIO, 7613 Harwood Ave., offers shoppers custom-designed jewelry and unique gifts in a wide range of prices.

UNDERWOOD GALLERY is a must-visit at 1430 Underwood Ave. Owner/artist Pamela Anderson displays and sells the work of more than 140 artists and craftspeople from throughout the country.

For a break from the holiday rush, stop by THE LITTLE READ BOOK, 7603 W. State St., a full-service, independent bookstore dedicated to “the fine art of browsing.” Another restorative stop is LUNA, a day spa at 7601 Harwood Ave. Beauty and wellness services offered include massage, facials, waxing manicures and wraps.

WEST ALLIS

West Allis, formerly the heart of the Milwaukee-area’s industrial district, changes daily as former factory buildings are converted into office complexes and restaurants and shops develop to meet the needs of office workers and visitors to events at Wisconsin State Fair Park and nearby Miller Park.

On the east side of West Allis is ART ‘N ODDITIES, 5833 W. Lincoln Ave. One of the best spots to find unique furnishings for outside or inside the home, this shop also is home to Bowzr, an artistic version of a Wheaton Terrier that is available in several sizes from keychain to more than life size.

ONIOMANIA, 6430 W. National Ave. just across National from the popular Farmers Market, is the spot for handmade jewelry, unique handbags and works by local artists. You’ll find a wide range of gift ideas here.


BROOKFIELD

TOWNE CENTRE BROOKFIELD

Located at the corner of Capitol Drive and Brookfield Rd., 18905 W. Capitol Dr., this sparkling new shopping area with a village atmosphere has an array of stores, from a gourmet food market to specialty boutiques.

goo goo gaa gaa offers a vast range of distinctive items for babies and toddlers. Find apparel, home décor, gifts, toys and books. This is the place for something unique and timeless.

At KOWATA TREE, 262-373-0141, the focus is on creating imaginative interiors. Explore the furniture and home accessories here to find just the look you’ve been seeking.

STARFIRE JEWELRY is a must-visit for that perfect piece of jewelry that expresses your style, or makes a unique gift. 262-781-1601

CEDARBURG

Famous for its historic limestone buildings, Cedarburg today provides a small town getaway, only 20 minutes north of Milwaukee. At the corner of Washington and Spring is the General Store Museum, which includes the CEDARBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER. For more information, call 262-377-5856 or (888-426-7382) or visit.

Visitors entering Cedarburg from the south should stop at the STAGECOACH INN, one of the area's most popular bed and breakfasts. All rooms have private baths and central air, and there are several whirlpool suites. 262-375-0208 (toll free 888-375-0208) or visit.

Also in the heart of downtown Cedarburg is the historic WASHINGTON HOUSE INN bed & breakfast. With elegant guest rooms featuring antiques, whirlpool baths and fireplaces, the Inn offers guests a continental breakfast of homemade muffins, cakes and breads baked in the Inn's kitchen from authentic turn-of-the-century Cedarburg recipes. 262-375-3550.

EMPORIO BAMBINO in the Washington Avenue Shoppes complex at W62 N590 Washington Ave. is a children's boutigue featuring quality name brands from Europe. You can find everyday and special occasion clothes for newborns to 'tweens, plus great accessories.

GIRALTE GEMS AND BEADS, now located in a spacious location at W62 N580 Washington Ave., has everything you need to make the jewelry for the perfect gift. There also is ready-made jewelry for.

Located on Washington Avenue directly across Bridge street from the Cedar Creek Settlement is ALL THAT PIZZAZZ! Look for the signature "Star" lights in the front windows to show where you'll find gifts, artful jewelry and unique home accents that define your personal style.

CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT IN CEDARBURG

Visit this renovated 1864 woolen mill and adjacent buildings at the corner of Washington and Bridge Sts.

On the first floor, CEDAR CREEK WINERY can provide visitors with the perfect souvenir of their visit. Wines are available in gift box collections, by the bottle or by the case. Call 262-377-8020 for a truly Wisconsin gift.

CEDAR CREEK POTTERY offers a vast array of handmade pottery and fine craft. "An elegant blend of art and function" rules, giving you the chance to find a perfect gift for yourself or others.

On the second floor, LEAP OF FAITH GALLERY will inspire you with its relaxing atmosphere and works of all kinds from around the world. It's just the place to find a truly unique gift. BIERMA GALLERY has moved down the hall to a new home that means a greatly expanded collection of prints and gifts.

PORT WASHINGTON

Just north and east of Cedarburg, about 30 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, Port Washington enjoys a beautiful setting on Lake Michigan. The city's historic district boasts the largest collection of pre-Civil War buildings in Wisconsin and a strong maritime heritage. For more info, stop in at the Port Washington Tourism Council office at 126 E. Grand Ave., in the "Pebble House," covered entirely with smooth colored stones from the Lakeshore.

Visit the unique shops along downtown’s Franklin Street, including HEART & HOME TREASURES, featuring more than 150 artisans and crafters and authentic Port Washington souvenirs.

For information about all of the great shopping and dining Port Washington has to offer, and special events coming up in 2008, visit www.portbid.com or phone 262-305-4220.

GERMANTOWN

GERMAN GLASS & GIFTS, 1/2 mile west at Exit 167E on Hwys. 41-45 north of Milwaukee, offers the broadest range of German and European collectibles. Cuckoo clocks, steins, Hummel figurines and wood carvings are among the wide selection. The store also holds a year-round Christmas Chalet with hundreds of ornaments. 262-253-0226.

METRO AREA SHOPPING CENTERS

North of Milwaukee:
BAYSHORE TOWN CENTER, 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale. Opened in 2006, this shopping area is modeled on the latest concept in retail, mixing an enclosed mall and storefronts with office and residential space. Over 130 stores and restaurants. 963-8780, www.shopbayshore.com.

West of Milwaukee:
MAYFAIR MALL, 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa. Over 180 stores in an enclosed mall, plus stand-alone Crate & Barrel store as well as a movie theater complex. 771-1300, www.mayfairmall.com.

BROOKFIELD SQUARE, 95 N. Moorland Rd., Brookfield.
New dining options are part of the ongoing update of this retail center. 262-797-7245, www.shopbrookfieldsquaremall.com.

South of Milwaukee:
SOUTHRIDGE MALL, 5300 S. 76th St., Greendale. Browse in 130 stores that offer something for everybody. 421-1102, www.shopsouthridge.com.