Milwaukee Wisconsin

The next morning we decided to drive towards Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We knew it was only two hours away so we decided to take a scenic route up, seeing a bunch of beaches, the only lighthouse in the area, and some parks. Needing to say that we at least put our feet in the lake we made a quick stop and then proceeded to the Miller Brewery in Wisconsin.

Pulling up to Miller Valley felt like pulling up to Mr. Wonka’s factory except that the sweat aroma of coco beans filling the air was replaced by freshly brewed beer.

Miller Valley is four blocks long, the free tour of the brewery is about an hour long and the beer is free.

Since we visited the brewery on a weekday, we were able to receive an intimate tour. Jack our tour guide was a sweetheart. He brought us through packaging, distribution, brewing and the caves. Prior to the invention of electric refrigeration, the caves were where the beer was originally stored to keep it icy cold. The tour was delightful with the exception of a small group of knuckleheads who were very loud and obnoxious, thankfully, Jack, being the wonderful tour guide that he is, kicked them out. Since he felt bad about the interruption, he brought us through the Miller Inn (the bar where the visitors are served beer in the winter). The tours last stop was across the street at the beer garden, where we were able to get three free beers each. The first beer was the freshest Miller Lite that Jason and I have ever tasted. We then chose our new favorite beer, Leinenkugel Original Amber. Unfortunately, we learned that we east coasters do not receive any of the beer distributed in this Miller brewery.

* A fun fact about the distribution: 40% of the beer produced at the Milwaukee brewery is distributed directly to Chicago.

After chatting it up with the bartender, we decided to check out Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball and then to one of her favorite German restaurants. At the Old German Beer Hall we were able to sample an assortment of authentic German meats and wash it down with a liter of home brewed beer.

Before we enjoyed ourselves too much, we headed out of Milwaukee and called it a night.

Indiana

The next day….

I decided that I really wanted to take pictures of people and where else would you do so but at a flea market. I found an advertisement for a huge one close by and made an executive decision to go. As we arrived, we immediately were taken back by the abundant amount of Amish buggy’s. We had no idea that Shipshewana is an Amish town. It was absolutely fantastic. Everywhere I looked there were homemade crafts, foods, clothing and quilts made by some of the most pleasant people I have ever met. Their very simple way of life made me envious, but when I looked over at Jason and thought about how blessed of a life I have I decided it was time to leave.

Heading through the crowds and aisles of goodies we proceeded to the Auction hall. From the crisp chilly air we entered the humid and loud hall. I can only assume it was like a normal auction with a few tables full of antiques and furniture, a few auctioneers and very enthusiastic people.

It was a lot of fun just watching but I could only handle so much so I found Jason through all the chaos and we headed towards the car.

After the flea market we drove up to South Bend to see the illustrious Notre Dame. It was pretty impressive, the church on the campus was elegant, to say the least. After walking around, taking a ton of photos and picking up a school newspaper, we headed off to Chicago to see the largest tobacco shop Indian statue (roadside attractions) and ended up on the outskirts of  Chicago, near Toyota Park (home the Chicago fire of the MLS). 

Unfortunately, the sun had already set as we approached the largest stained glass windows in the U.S.  This would have been very disappointing if the stained glass wasn’t black and white. However, I still able to take some photos through the gate, since they were already closed for the day. We then decided to drive to the closest Wal-Mart (out of the city) to call it a night.

Cleveland Ohio

We decided to wake up early on Tuesday and head out to Cleveland. There are a few things I really wanted to see but, the most important was in the Cleveland Metropolitan Zoo. The zoo was undoubtedly one of the best I’ve ever been to. I’m a sucker for animals and to see hundreds, for only 10 dollars, is so worth it! We made our way through the Australia section, the aquarium, primates, and then it came time for the purpose of our trip, the polar bears. I can’t even explain to you how disappointed I was when we came up to the Polar Bear section and it was empty. From there we headed to the Rainforest building where the Orangutans cheered me up.

From the Zoo we headed into the city to see some sites from Roadside America. Our first destination was a must, A Christmas Story museum. When we arrived we were not disappointed; there it was, the house from A Christmas Story, with the leg lamp in the window and all. The only downfall was that the museum was closed. Never the less, it was neat to see.

The next stop on our agenda was the Old Arcade. The Old Arcade is one of America’s first indoor shopping malls. It would have been amazing to see however, the city parking was not in love with the little guy, so we skipped out and just drove past.

The last stop in Cleveland was the Lake View Cemetery where President Garfield and John D. Rockefeller were buried. (Jason would like me to note that he thinks it’s creepy to take photos in a cemetery, unless it’s Arlington or a funny name on a tomb stone, and stayed in the car while I ran around.)

From Cleveland we drove straight to Indiana where we stopped to get free Wi-Fi and watch an Amish family enjoy there Wendy’s dinner (apparently they love their spicy chicken sandwiches.)

Erie PA

The next morning we awoke in Erie Pennsylvania. We spent the majority of our morning buying supplies for a shelf that would allow us to watch movies in the little guy. It worked out well because we were able to drive through a few parking lots to a Steak and Shake restaurant. I advise anyone passing one of these restaurants to stop. Not only were the steak burgers delicious but we paid only 10 dollars total!

Even though it was a bit chilly out we decided to head to Erie PA and drive out on the Presque Isle State Park. Spending all day hiking the shore line we decided to celebrate our first day in another state (other than New York) by having a spaghetti dinner. We found a gazebo with electricity and plugged in our stove. While cooking, a man from  Bisbee Arizona stopped by to check out the little guy. Let me tell you, this man was so proud of being an entertainer and he told Jason and I that when we arrive at Bisbee to tell “them” that we know Sinatra. It was perfect because since we gave him a tour of the little guy he sang for us. He wasn’t the best Frank Sinatra impersonator but who can say they were heard Sinatra belt out a few notes on a peninsula at Lake Erie.

Getting late out we decided to build the shelf and call it a night.