Summertime in Wisconsin

EAA Aviation Center

Attraction | "Summertime in Wisconsin - EAA Fly-In aka AirVenture"

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An annual event in Wisconsin is the EAA AirVenture, a "fly-in" event that brings aviation enthusiasts from around the world. While I've lived in Wisconsin for over ten years, this was my first trip to Oshkosh to experience the AirVenture hosted by the EAA. The EAA was founded in the 1950's as the Experimental Aircraft Association. Back in 1953 the first 'fly-in" was staged, a convention bringing experimental aircraft designers, pilots and others to Milwaukee. After many years of evolving as an organization, today the EAA has settled into their home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.In Oshkosh, there is a year round museum open to the public to learn about aviation and the developments ...Read More

An annual event in Wisconsin is the EAA AirVenture, a "fly-in" event that brings aviation enthusiasts from around the world. While I've lived in Wisconsin for over ten years, this was my first trip to Oshkosh to experience the AirVenture hosted by the EAA.

The EAA was founded in the 1950's as the Experimental Aircraft Association. Back in 1953 the first 'fly-in" was staged, a convention bringing experimental aircraft designers, pilots and others to Milwaukee. After many years of evolving as an organization, today the EAA has settled into their home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

In Oshkosh, there is a year round museum open to the public to learn about aviation and the developments over five decades. But their signature event is their Fly-In . . . the AirVenture! AirVenture 2008 ran from July 28 through August 3rd. Billed as the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" ordinary common folk can rub elbows with the rich and famous, those who come to buy and sell aircraft; display experimental technology and to watch planes from yesteryear.

This past week, the local media covered John Travolta's arrival in his Boeing 707. Gary Sinese and his Capt. Dan's Band was the featured entertainment during the evening activities out at the beer tents. Aviation celebrities such as Kermit Weeks, the owner of Fantasy of Flight down in Polk City, Florida; were also participating in the actitivies at AirVenture 2008.

Since we had Logan, David's "little brother" this weekend, we thought the AirVenture would be a fun activity especially since the weather was especially nice this weekend. At $35 per person admission, I was very thankful for the complimentary tickets received from my board president. Thank you Peter!

We arrived around mid-afternoon, about an hour before the daily shows were scheduled to start. That gave us plenty of time to wander around to see some of the aircraft available for purchase. This is like a big car show, only you're looking at jets and the like. I found a nice air-float-plane which would be something suitable for Alaska travel in the bush. At "just" $300,000, David figured it would take him 15 years to pay off the plane doing tours to places like Katmai National Park. HA! I don't think that math included things like LEARNING to fly a plane, insurance and fuel.

Logan was most intrigued by the military aircraft on display. Go figure . . . he's a 10 year old boy! He was pretty excited when the air show started, featuring the F22 Raptor, Warbirds and other aircraft from our US military. The Raptor was incredible; fast with stealth-like quietness. The formations of the Warbirds were especially striking, especially as they flew directly overhead.

Because we staked out a place of shade under the wingspan of an Air Force refueling plane, we were probably a quarter-mile from the actual airstrip show area. With that being said, we had a great vantage point to watch the planes without being too close that the smoke affected our breathing when they exploded ammunitions along the runway as to show how the Warbirds were utilized with targeted enemies.

While you are walking around the EAA exhibition grounds, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase novelties, apparel and other souvenirs. They also have food concessions and porta-potties for your biological needs.

Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen and you should be ready for a fun day at the EAA Fly-In/AirVenture. Also plan to drop a good $150 for a family for four to include admission and parking. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 3, 2008

EAA Aviation Center
3000 Poberezny Road
Oshkosh 54902
(920) 426-4800

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Lambeau Field Atrium

Attraction | "Green Bay Packers' Lambeau Field Atrium"

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I was fortunate to experience a Packers football game on a crisp fall Sunday evening about ten years ago. The green & gold won over the visiting Detroit Lions that night but that was just the icing on the cake. Even with our nosebleed seats, we were at the legendary Lambeau Field, watching Brett Favre and company playing America’s Game. As much as John Madden may gush about Green Bay’s football stadium, I assure you, words and photos cannot do this place justice.Since that time, they have done a full renovation and facelift, not only on the stadium inside, but also the exterior, creating a real year-round tourist destination here in the small market home that is the Mecca for cheese...Read More

I was fortunate to experience a Packers football game on a crisp fall Sunday evening about ten years ago. The green & gold won over the visiting Detroit Lions that night but that was just the icing on the cake. Even with our nosebleed seats, we were at the legendary Lambeau Field, watching Brett Favre and company playing America’s Game. As much as John Madden may gush about Green Bay’s football stadium, I assure you, words and photos cannot do this place justice.

Since that time, they have done a full renovation and facelift, not only on the stadium inside, but also the exterior, creating a real year-round tourist destination here in the small market home that is the Mecca for cheeseheads around the world! It was nice to have the opportunity to make a summertime visit to Lambeau even though we were too late to take part in their stadium tour or the stroll through the Packers’ Hall of Fame. (See note below about knowing when tours are available and buying tickets for tours.)

As you approach the entrance to the five story Lambeau Field Atrium, visitors are greeted by bronze sculptures memorializing Packers’ founder Curly Lambeau and legendary coach Vince Lombardi. The Atrium is also home to Curly’s Pub on the second level, a dining option that is open throughout the year and not just during football season, plus the Packer’s Pro Shop for all your Packerwear and souvenir needs.

The stadium tour is generally available seven days a week, with the exception of when the team’s playing at home, when the stadium is as you might expect . . . busy playing NFL host! Tours generally start sometime between 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning and run through late afternoon (4:00 or 5:00). You should check their web site before heading out to make sure you know what their hours are for the day you want to visit: http://www.lambeaufield.com/stadium_info/stadium_tours/times/ . Tickets are $19 if you also want to do the Hall of Fame. Otherwise, it is $11 for adults (ages 12-62) and $10 for seniors (over 62) and $8 for kids under the age of 12. They advise that tours do sell out so plan early; tickets go on sale at 9:00am.

To do the Hall of Fame only, tickets are $10 (adults 12-62), seniors (over 62) are $8 and kids under 12 are $5. If you are attending a afternoon home game, the Hall of Fame is open before the game for game day ticket holders only . . . and they must still purchase an admission ticket. For evening games (7:00pm kick-off) the Hall of Fame is also open to the general public earlier in the day. After 5:00pm, however, only game day ticket holders may purchase admission to the Hall of Fame.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 16, 2008

Lambeau Field Atrium
1265 Lombardi Avenue
Green Bay 54304
(920) 569-7515

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Wisconsin State Fair Park

Attraction | "Rides, Games, Animals, Music, Beer and Cream Puffs!"

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For ten days in August, the Wisconsin State Fair brings folks from all around to showcase their livestock, sample homemade goodies and to just wander around people watching . . . and Lord knows, there are plenty of sights to see at the state fair!Wisconsin's is probably not unlike many others around the country. Admittedly, I enjoy some aspects of the Iowa State Fair better than Wisconsin's . . . but here in the dairy state, we take pride in our bovines where over in Iowa it's all about the corn. And unlike the Virginia State Fair where I grew up, there are no truck pulls here in Wisconsin!This summer David and Logan spent an afternoon wandering through the animal pavilions ...Read More

For ten days in August, the Wisconsin State Fair brings folks from all around to showcase their livestock, sample homemade goodies and to just wander around people watching . . . and Lord knows, there are plenty of sights to see at the state fair!

Wisconsin's is probably not unlike many others around the country. Admittedly, I enjoy some aspects of the Iowa State Fair better than Wisconsin's . . . but here in the dairy state, we take pride in our bovines where over in Iowa it's all about the corn. And unlike the Virginia State Fair where I grew up, there are no truck pulls here in Wisconsin!

This summer David and Logan spent an afternoon wandering through the animal pavilions and enjoying a cool summer beverage. David opted for a Miller Genuine Draft while Logan quenched his thirst with a frozen lemonade slushy. Later they enjoyed brats and roasted corn. When I go to the State Fair, my favorite is the Rupena's tent with broasted chicken that is simply outstanding!

There is plenty to do for the young and old. On the north end of the complex are the rides not unlike the carnival rides probably in your community every summer. There are the overpriced games that seem rigged to prevent anyone from winning the grand prizes. Children can be heard screaming and yelling enthusiastically as they enjoy the activities along the midway.

For the older folks, music and adult beverages seem to be the primary attraction. With four or five stages or tents, there are plenty of options including at least one old washed up sixties act. A couple of years ago, I went with my friend Colleen to see Mickey Dolenz. He really looked old but he still sounded good.

Some of the more humorous attractions at the Wisconsin State Fair include the greased pig races with children trying to catch them as they run around a big circular ring . . . and the really bad American Idol wannabee contest. For those who enjoy the Nathan's annual hot dog eating contest, stop by the cream puff eating binge. While they are very good, and a true dairy-state treat; there is something just wrong with people eating more than one at a sitting!!

Prices for admission are discounted throughout the ten day run, largely due to sponsorships and special events being held at the fair. I believe the normal admission price was $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids. But it isn’t the admission that will break the bank . . . it will be the cost for rides, games, food and beverages!
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 12, 2008

Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S 84th St.
West Allis
(414) 266-7000

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Clifford's Supper Club

Restaurant | "Fish Fry Fridays"

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Milwaukee is one of the few places where it doesn't have to be lent and you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy a good Friday fish fry! Here in Wisconsin, you can find fish fries throughout the year and Clifford's is one of the best!Known largely as a banquet hall catering to wedding parties and business group meetings, Clifford's has made the family style all-you-can-eat fish fry an outstanding way to plan for dinner when you don't feel like cooking inside at the end of the week.When you walk into the big hall, the first thing you will see are the rows and rows of banquet tables with lines of chairs on either side. There are some tables that are squares for four or six, but m...Read More

Milwaukee is one of the few places where it doesn't have to be lent and you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy a good Friday fish fry! Here in Wisconsin, you can find fish fries throughout the year and Clifford's is one of the best!

Known largely as a banquet hall catering to wedding parties and business group meetings, Clifford's has made the family style all-you-can-eat fish fry an outstanding way to plan for dinner when you don't feel like cooking inside at the end of the week.

When you walk into the big hall, the first thing you will see are the rows and rows of banquet tables with lines of chairs on either side. There are some tables that are squares for four or six, but mostly patrons are encouraged to cozy up with a neighbor and break bread . . . rye of course!

They have the science of mass feeding down so well that from the time you arrive, have a young person bring you water and provide your order, it will be time for plates of fish and fries along with baskets of dinner rolls or fresh sliced rye bread. Bowls with individual "cups" of cole slaw are also provided along with the obligatory tartar sauce.

They serve a lightly breaded and fried cod that is very good. Given the volume they serve each night, all of the plates of food are served piping hot and lacking offensive amounts of grease. It is actually pretty amazing to me that there is so little grease on the fish when served.

If after your first plate, you would like more, all you have to do is ask your server. They are very fast with the unlimited refills. Truth is, for David and me, the first full plate (usually seven or eight fish filets) is more than enough. But we've seen some families and large groups settle in for the feast for over an hour.

There is an open bar that serves beer and mixed drinks if you're so inclined. For us, iced tea or a soda is the perfect accompaniment for the fish fry. At $11.95 for the AYCE, plus beverages and tip, dinner runs right at $30.00 for the two of us.

I should also mention that Clifford's, like most other Milwaukee area fish fries, does provide carry-out service to include all of the goodies that come with it when you dine in. Every time we dine at Clifford's, there are several people waiting for their carry-outs so they must do a good job with that as well.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 12, 2008

Clifford's Supper Club
10418 West Forest Home Avenue
Hales Corners 53130
(414) 425-6226

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Youth Soccer in Wisconsin

Attraction

Sun Setting Over Stevens Point Photo - Wisconsin, United States

Quote:

As the executive director of the youth association, serving over 54,000 kids ages five to 19, I'm proud to say that soccer is a big sport in the State of Wisconsin. Sure there is baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey and curling (yes curling!) . . . but soccer is also played year-round here.With our short playing season, many clubs in the northern part of the state only play in the summer. In September every year, we host the State Championships for the US Youth Soccer National Championships Series for our high school aged girls. This year the event was held at the Portage Youth Sports Complex up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.Teams, and their families, come from all aroun...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 12, 2008

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Wisconsin Journals

Summertime in Wisconsin

EAA Aviation Center

Lambeau Field Atrium

Wisconsin State Fair Park

Clifford's Supper Club

Youth Soccer in Wisconsin

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