2017 AYF Olympics: Walkable

2017 Armenian Youth Federation Senior Olympic Games, Hosted by the AYF-YOARF Racine “Armen Garo” Chapter, to Take Place in Downtown Milwaukee

Another factor that helped the first Downtown Milwaukee Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Olympic Games earn the title of one of the best ever was that the hotel headquarters, the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, is located in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee and, so, attendees could literally—and figuratively—walk out the front (or side) door of the hotel and find something to eat, drink, or do.

This year’s Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Olympic Games are here in Downtown Milwaukee and hosted once again by the AYF-YOARF Racine “Armen Garo” chapter, Aug. 31-Sept 4.

Directly across the street from the Hyatt (within 100 feet of the lobby) are Major Goolsby’s (Downtown Milwaukee’s #1 sports bar), the Milwaukee County Historical Society (a chance to connect with Milwaukee’s heritage), Calderone Club (hand crafted entrees and al fresco dining), newly opened Pizzeria San Georgio (Neapolitan-style pizza), The King and I (one of the most popular and authentic Thai restaurants in the Midwest), and George Webb’s restaurant (remember, $9.99 or less at any time or any day).

An extra 50 feet past the historical society is Pere Marquette Park, a two-acre county park that provides some welcome relief to the downtown urban jungle. The park also connects to Milwaukee’s Riverwalk, a 2 mile long walkway that winds along the Milwaukee River and connects the downtown to the Beerline B neighborhood (home to the award winning Lakefront Brewery) and historic Third Ward (Milwaukee’s SoHo). Pere Marquette Park is also the docking place for public cruises, private charters, and pontoon boat rentals where you can explore the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan on your own.

After the park, and only 1 block north from the Hyatt, is Old World Third Street where the eating, drinking and doing choices include Who’s on Third (a classic American sports bar), Old German Beer Hall (styled after Munich’s legendary Hofbräuhaus), Milwaukee Brat House (celebrating Milwaukee’s German heritage), Buck Bradleys (featuring the longest wooden bar east of the Mississippi) Evolution Gastro Pong (as in ping), The Brass Alley (Nola in MKE), Uber Tap Room & Cheese Bar (beer & cheese!), Usinger’s Sausage Factory (made in Milwaukee since 1880), Wisconsin Cheese Mart (more cheese!). Giovanni’s (classic Italian dishes), and Maders (best German restaurant in Milwaukee). At the end of the block is the docking place for Edelweiss Cruises, Milwaukee’s Premier Boat Company offering the largest variety of public cruises and private charter options.

The second block of Old World Third Street starts with the location of our Thursday Night Welcoming Party, Ale Asylum Riverhouse, which serves world class pubfare and world class ales brewed in Madison, Wisconsin’s State Capitol. Other choices include Matador (taco & tequila bar), The Pub Club (dining, dancing and a patio that extends into the street), Brick 3 (authentic NY pizza by the slice or pie), Valhalla (Scandanavian bar & restaurant), Ugly’s (with a name like Ugly’s, it’s got to be good), Loaded Slate (pub & grub), and Carson’s (prime steaks & famous barbecue).

Tired of Old World Third Street? You can turn right and cross the Milwaukee River on the Highland Avenue pedestrian bridge and try Water Street which includes the Water Street Brewery, Vagabond, Buffalo Wild Wings, Pourman’s, McGillicuddys, Bar None, The Harp Irish Pub, Trinity Three’s Irish Pubs, Rumpus Room, Bar Louie, Qdoba, Rogue’s Gallery, Ians Pizza Cream City, Scooter’s Pub. Dukes on Water, Brothers Bar & Grill, Red Rock Saloon, AJ Bombers OR you can turn left and see the UW Milwaukee Panther Arena (formerly the Mecca and original home of the NBA Milwaukee Bucks) & Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame the Bradley Center (the current home of the Milwaukee Bucks), and the Wisconsin Entertainment & Sports Center (the future home of the Milwaukee Bucks currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2018) and try the historic Turner Hall Restaurant.

Two blocks south of the Hyatt are the Shops at Grand Avenue, a three-block wide shopping mall with 80 stores and a food court anchored by The Boston Store, TJ Maxx, and Walgreen’s Pharmacy.

For more information, stay tuned to this column or go to www.ayfolympics.org, https://www.facebook.com/AYFOlympics/ or https://twitter.com/ayfolympics.

“Oor eh? Hos eh!”