Hotel at a Glance: Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, this 4-star hotel is within a short walk of some of the city’s most significant cultural institutions. Guests stay in close proximity to the ornate Pabst Theatre, the Fiserv Forum, and Milwaukee Public Market’s fresh meats and produce. Luxury accommodations match these fancy surroundings with well-appointed guest rooms and suites.

• Close to entertainment: You can walk to the public museum and the art museum
• Added perks: All options include self-parking and some include Starbucks breakfast.
• In-room amenities: Flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, and complimentary access to the fitness center.
• Picture-worthy landmark: A bronze statue of The Fonz from Happy Days (which was set in Milwaukee) stands along the riverfront a few blocks away.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Breweries Along Lake Michigan

Located along Lake Michigan, about 90 miles north of Chicago, Milwaukee is a proudly unpretentious city with working-class roots. The city has been synonymous with brewing since the mid-1800s, when Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz dominated the landscape. Visit the Flemish-style Pabst Mansion, beer baron Frederick Pabst’s 1890 estate, to see just how profitable the beer business was. Today there’s a new microbrew-inspired scene, with smaller brewers such as Lakefront Brewery opening their doors to the public.

There are also noticeable cultural undercurrents in Milwaukee. Set along the downtown lakefront, the Milwaukee Art Museum is beloved for its futuristic, sailboat-like architecture by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Inside, you can browse 30,000 works of art, ranging from 15th-century antiques to Georgia O’Keeffe paintings. Just south of the museum, the Milwaukee RiverWalk runs alongside the river for 3 miles, taking you through the Historic Third Ward, where antique shops and art galleries fill century-old warehouses. Drop by the Milwaukee Public Market here to sample local cheeses, baked goods, and other culinary delights.