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About two years ago, I wrote about a few of my so-called “Milwaukee Blind Spots.” You know…popular and/or “iconic” local things that I hadn’t experienced in all my years living in and writing about Milwaukee. I managed to do some of the items I listed (wow, the burger at Kopp’s is a bit overrated!), but I have yet to do most of them. Someday I’ll finally go to Bryant’s. I swear it!
As I try to remedy some of those oversights in the coming months, I figured now is as good of a time as any to add a few more “Milwaukee Blind Spots” to the list. Don’t judge me, readers. I’m busy over here!
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
Unless I went when I was a very young child, I’m pretty sure I’ve never been to Milwaukee’s Zoo. Whoops! I’m not really clamoring to go, but wouldn’t rule it out if my girlfriend or my niece want to go sometime.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO A CHINOOKS GAME
It’s true! I suck.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO ESTABROOK PARK
How shameful. I know I’m missing out on a solid beer garden, a great disc golf course, and many more awesome amenities.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO WALTER’S
Okay, so this is more of a ‘Tosa Blind Spot, but it’s still crazy that I haven’t made it to Walter’s yet. I’m pretty sure I’d really like it.
I’M MOSTLY UNAWARE OF JOHN GURDA AND JOHN MCGIVERN’S CAREERS
I think I get the gist of what they both do, but I can say with confidence that I’ve never watched any of their shows, attended performances, or read any of their books. Even worse: I’m absolutely fine with that.
I’VE NEVER GONE TO JAZZ IN THE PARK
Sue me!
I’VE NEVER GAMBLED AT POTAWATOMI CASINO
Though I’ve been to the casino a few times for shows back when that was a thing, I’ve managed to spend time at the casino without gambling. The new sports book thing might eventually coax a small bet or two out of me, but I’m not really a gambler.
I’VE NEVER EATEN AT NESSUN DORMA
This might be the most egregious oversight on the list. I’ve heard rave reviews from countless people. I know it’s going to be good! It’s not very expensive and it’s in a neighborhood I frequent. So how haven’t I even accidentally wound up at Nessun Dorma in my near 15 years here? I know you don’t know the answer, but I’m just as puzzled as you probably are.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO OSCAR’S FROZEN CUSTARD
While I’ve been to Oscar’s On Pierce probably 80-100 times, I’ve yet to visit the similarly-named custard place that has locations in West Allis, Franklin, and Waukesha. I’ll get there eventually…not the Waukesha one, but one of the others for sure.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO THE PACKING HOUSE
Have I mentioned I suck? Well, I do. I’m shocked I’m still permitted to live in Milwaukee even though I’ve never been to The Packing House.
I’VE NEVER SEEN SIGMUND SNOPEK
Okay, I’m scraping the bottom of the Blind Spot barrel at this point.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO NINE BELOW
I like mini golf. I’m on the East Side fairly often. I’m shocked I’ve never ventured downstairs to play a round.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO 5 O’CLOCK STEAKHOUSE
It’s criminal that I’ve also never been here. Then again, it’s pretty pricey, fancy, and not super close to me, so this actually tracks. I need to do this eventually, though.
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO IRISH FEST
It’s nothing personal. I feel like I’m just usually out of town the weekend it happens…or, almost as likely, I’m all fested out by the time Irish Fest rolls around. I gotta make it next year if I’m in town.
I’VE NEVER RENTED A BUBLR BIKE OR AN E-SCOOTER
Somehow I’m still able to sleep at night.
What do you think of this new batch of Blind Spots? Do any of them overlap with you? How ashamed should I be about not experiencing some of these them?
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