Photos.
We learned Thursday that attendees and protesters were arriving for the NRA Personal Protection Expo. Many of them were at our hotel, since the Hilton is adjacent to the Wisconsin Center. Police presence was immediately felt, both outside and around the Center. I felt intrigued ... and alarmed.
Turns out the NRA people were friendly and courteous. Lots of smokers. As a confirmed anti-NRA, anti-gun, anti-everything associated with any kind of firearm or other weapon, I felt uneasy at best. However, curiosity got the better of me and I enjoyed watching the peaceful interaction among conventioneers, protesters and law enforcement.
A few out-of-towners were up when I went down to the Lobby to pick up a couple of Starbucks breakfast sandwiches this morning. No one was willing to make eye contact so I decided to mind my own business.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Lake Michigan Road Trip 2017: Harley Museum
Photos.
I've been drawn to the world famous Harley Museum for a long time -- not quite a bucket list item, but close.
The Harley faithful were there in full force, most in Harley regalia, some on their bikes. The museum felt like the stop at St. Peter's Basilica on a visit to Rome. Finally, home! The exhibits are well laid pit and cover both history and popular interest. The interactive technical displays are particularly helpful to both the educated (Bob) and the ignorant (me). I had no idea that Harley racing was, and perhaps is yet, such a big deal. The Race of Gentlemen, a seasonal exhibit, is also very interesting but my brain was already on information overload by the time we got to it, so my appreciation was limited.
The video on Harley's more recent history and near tumble into bankruptcy in the 1980s is very well done. As always, I was amazed by Harley's ability to market its main product and accessories. It's a great stop, especially for anyone interested in American automotive and motorcycle history.
I've been drawn to the world famous Harley Museum for a long time -- not quite a bucket list item, but close.
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| Gas tanks over the years |
| Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee |
The video on Harley's more recent history and near tumble into bankruptcy in the 1980s is very well done. As always, I was amazed by Harley's ability to market its main product and accessories. It's a great stop, especially for anyone interested in American automotive and motorcycle history.
Lake Michigan Road Trip 2017: Milwaukee bus tour
Photos.
The first (and, in this case, probably only) time we visit a city, we often take a bus tour to give us the "lay of the land" and a decent overview of the area. I had read good reviews of this one so we gave it a shot. As instructed, we met under the famous clock at Milwaukee City Hall Friday morning at 10:00 a.m.
Several tour members were already waiting when we arrived about ten minutes early, including Pastor John, a clergyman from a suburban church who had lived in the city for about 15 years, a couple from Menomonie, a young woman from Tomah, and a professor from Long Island who drove in for the day from Chicago, where she was attending a conference. Another five people arriving late on the train joined the tour about 15 minutes later.
Our tour guide, Mike (the one in the reviews) arrived promptly a few minutes before ten and we immediately visited City Hall. The building is beautiful and I would have liked to stay a little longer han we did.
Our stops were frequent and fairly interesting, I particularly liked Black Cat Alley and the Milwaukee Art Museum, a stunning space built with dynamic "wings" that move several times a day. The views of Lake Michigan were lovely on this sunny morning. I enjoyed the drive along public parkland that extends all along the shore within the city limits, with free parking everywhere.
Our tour ended at the Lakefront Brewery. Bob thought that spending the last hour of the tour at a brewery was "killing time", but I enjoyed it. I had two small glasses of the East Side Bavarian dark lager. Delicious: rich but not too heavy. Bob had a glass of beer with a "grapefruit" flavor that he didn't particularly like.
After the tour, we picked up a sandwich lunch (one chicken, one steak) at a Vietnamese restaurant that seems to have taken over a Subway space. The chicken was great and the steak is yet to be enjoyed, as we brought it home with us today.
The first (and, in this case, probably only) time we visit a city, we often take a bus tour to give us the "lay of the land" and a decent overview of the area. I had read good reviews of this one so we gave it a shot. As instructed, we met under the famous clock at Milwaukee City Hall Friday morning at 10:00 a.m.
Several tour members were already waiting when we arrived about ten minutes early, including Pastor John, a clergyman from a suburban church who had lived in the city for about 15 years, a couple from Menomonie, a young woman from Tomah, and a professor from Long Island who drove in for the day from Chicago, where she was attending a conference. Another five people arriving late on the train joined the tour about 15 minutes later.
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| Black Cat Alley |
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| Milwaukee Museum of Art |
Our tour ended at the Lakefront Brewery. Bob thought that spending the last hour of the tour at a brewery was "killing time", but I enjoyed it. I had two small glasses of the East Side Bavarian dark lager. Delicious: rich but not too heavy. Bob had a glass of beer with a "grapefruit" flavor that he didn't particularly like.
After the tour, we picked up a sandwich lunch (one chicken, one steak) at a Vietnamese restaurant that seems to have taken over a Subway space. The chicken was great and the steak is yet to be enjoyed, as we brought it home with us today.
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