By Laura Smith
Today is the first day of the last month of summer, which means you’ve probably hit the beach a couple of times and have taken in the hot weather. If you’re looking to get away for one last-minute trip but want to escape the heat, why not consider heading to the Midwest? Milwaukee, WI. offers attractions, events and fun for all without the blistering high temperatures.
Jelly Belly World
Who doesn’t like Jelly Belly? Well if you’re one of the many fans of the chewy, sweet candy, you’re in luck visiting Milwaukee. Just a short drive away from downtown is one of the two Jelly Belly visitor centers in the U.S. At the center, you can take a free warehouse tour that shows how the candy is made and visit the store, where you can sample each type of jellybean the company creates.
Sea Dog Sailing
If you want to take in the cooler Milwaukee temperatures on your vacation, look no further than Sea Dog Sailing on Lake Michigan. Hop aboard the 38-foot yacht, Quinn Marie and take advantage of a day sail, sunset cruise or other voyage.
Cave of the Mounds
This natural limestone cave, which holds a constant temperature of 50 degrees, is open year 'round with guided tours daily on paved and lighted walkways. While on the tour, you can expect to see an array of colorful crystal formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
Public Market
If you’re looking to do some one-of-a-kind culinary explorations while you’re in town, visit the Milwaukee Public Market. The market features unique, high-quality selections of artisan and ethnic products and freshly-made prepared foods. You can choose to eat at the market during lunch, after work or on the weekends, or purchase specialty products from the vendors to take home with you. The market also holds approximately five to six cooking classes a month.
Milwaukee
Art Museum
For another cultural experience while in Milwaukee, head over to the Milwaukee Art Museum. The museum features educational talks, classes and through Sept. 2011, visitors can experience the Summer of China exhibition. This exhibition features three thousand years of Chinese art and culture in five exhibitions, all celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the Quadracci Pavilion at the museum.
Discovery World
Interested in science and technology? Want to give your kids an educational experience? Discovery World is a facility that includes interactive science, technology and freshwater exhibits to give guests a better understanding of technology and the environment. If you visit Discovery World, you can expect to experience 3-D simulations of virtual environments, simulate flying an airplane, see the inside of a nuclear reactor, see aquatic life from the Great Lakes, North Atlantic, and the Caribbean and view the world's largest model of the Great Lakes.
Photos courtesy of the Milwaukee CVB