- North Shore Family Adventures
- Posts
- Take the Trail
Take the Trail
Inside: Live music, Shorewood Waters Project, Pabst Resort history, the Oak Leaf Trail,
I know the Shorewood/East Side/Downtown Oak Leaf Trail like the back of my hand. I could close my eyes (but I wouldn’t recommend it) and tell you where to find the subtle dips and slight turns near the Urban Ecology Center. It has taken me on commutes to work and on family adventures, from Summerfest and Discovery World to the Shorewood Farmers Market and the Ghost Train — and it takes you to live music featured in this week’s newsletter. And it always feels like coming home.
While we still have plenty of summer left, I encourage you to explore this jewel of a trail, stop for lunch at Corner Bakery, get some ice cream at DQ or just meander with no destination in mind!
Not to look beyond summer, but we are planning ahead for our fall. Here’s how you can partner with North Shore Family Adventures.
The Interview: Shorewood Water Project
For over 25 years, Kae DonLevy has been at the forefront of Great Lakes education, and since 2011, she's been leading the Shorewood Waters Project—a community initiative that connects residents to the waterways right in their backyard. In this conversation, Kae shares practical ways families can make a difference, highlights upcoming community events, and explains why Shorewood's unique position between river and lake makes it the perfect place to learn about water stewardship.
Shorewood
Wednesday, July 16: Summer Sounds Concert Series
Cold Soda Club (not to be confused with the Pink Pony Club) takes the stage at Hubbard Park (3565 N. Morris Blvd.) from 6-8:30 pm. This free horn-driven funk and soul performance creates the perfect atmosphere for families to spread blankets on the lawn while kids dance.
Sunday, July 20: Shorewood Farmers Market
The weekly market at Estabrook Park (4100 Estabrook Parkway) runs 9:30 AM-1:00 PM with free admission. Families can explore fresh local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods while enjoying live music starting at 9:30 AM.
Whitefish Bay
Friday, July 18: Klode Park Beer Garden
Torzala Brewing Co. returns to the lakefront park from 4-9 pm for craft beer and community vibes. With scenic views, a nearby playground and space to spread out, it’s a relaxed way to start your summer weekend. Bring lawn chairs, pick up food from Silver Spring, and enjoy a refreshing pint by the lake.
Saturday, July 19: Whitefish Bay Farmers Market
Located at 325 E. Silver Spring Drive from 9 am -1 pm, this weekly market offers free admission with vendors selling fresh Wisconsin produce, artisanal baked goods, and specialty items.
Glendale
Wednesday, July 16: Live @ The Oasis Concert
Kids Night featuring Kid Boogie Down Dance Party at Richard E. Maslowski Community Park (2200 W. Bender Rd.) from 6:30-8:30 pm. This free event specifically targets families with young children.
Friday, July 18: Sounds of Summer In the Yard: The First Wave
First Wave are a WAMI-nominated 80's New Wave and alternative music tribute featuring the music of artists such as Depeche Mode, New Order, Duran Duran, The Cure, Tears For Fears, The Smiths, and much more. Catch them from 6 pm- 9 pm.
Bayside
Monday, July 21: Sound Waves Summer Concert Series
The Souvenirs perform at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Pavilion (1111 E. Brown Deer Rd.) from 6:30-7:30 PM. This semi-acoustic folk, blues, rock, and soul concert costs $12 adults, $8 children 3-12 (free for members and children under 3). Families can arrive early to explore the center's 6 miles of nature trails before the performance.
Fox Point
The Spiders from Milwaukee come to Rock the Fox
Wednesday, July 16: Rock the Fox Concert Series
The Spiders from Milwaukee perform at Longacre Pavilion from 6:00-8:30 PM in this free outdoor concert featuring classic rock covers spanning from Elvis Presley through David Bowie. This multigenerational playlist creates perfect family entertainment where parents and kids can enjoy familiar favorites together.
Saturday, July 19: Fox Point Farmers Market
North Shore Congregational Church (7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd.) hosts this free community market from 8 AM-12 PM featuring local Wisconsin farmers and artisans. Families can explore fresh seasonal produce, artisanal baked goods, locally roasted coffee, and flowers while supporting regional agriculture.
Sunday, July 20: Bike4Friendship Community Ride
The 5th Annual Bike4Friendship returns as a powerful celebration of inclusion, community, and connection. Families of all abilities can participate in this meaningful event with a variety of route options for every age and skill level—from a relaxed 1-mile walk or roll to a 100-mile cycling challenge.
Mequon
Tuesday, July 22: Mequon-Thiensville Farmers Market
Village Park (250 Elm St., Thiensville) hosts 70+ Wisconsin vendors from 9 AM-2 PM with free admission.
Summer Style
This year, be the coolest person chilling at Summer Sounds and show your love of Yacht Rock with the rad gear of Middle Class Fancy. Get 15% off with this link!
Beyond the North Shore
Beautiful downtown Milwaukee
Do you love Milwaukee? Do you know someone who loves Milwaukee? Of course you do - or you wouldn’t have read this far! Right now, Visit Milwaukee is searching for the organization’s next social media manager to spread the love of everything to see and do in this great community. Learn more, apply and spread the word!
More Wisconsin Adventures
|
|
|
North Shore History: The Pabst Resort
Kilbourntown House in Estabrook Park
Captain Frederick Pabst, owner of the Pabst Brewing Company, invested $30,000 in 1889 to create the Pabst Whitefish Bay Resort, complete with hotel, restaurant, beer garden, bandshell, Ferris wheel and carousel.
As the village evolved, Lake Drive became the crown jewel of addresses, running directly along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Originally part of a private toll road connecting to the resort, this street transformed into the backbone of what became known as the "gold coast"—a stretch of affluent lakefront communities north of Milwaukee.
The resort attracted up to 15,000 visitors on weekends and even hosted President Theodore Roosevelt. When it closed in 1914, the 17 lakefront lots were developed into luxury residences, including the Herman Uihlein Mansion (1919), built for a son of the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company president.
See you out there,
North Shore Family Adventures
P.S. Forward this guide to anyone still asking, “So what should we do this summer????” Encourage them to subscribe! Find more SUMMER GUIDES and 93 Free Summer Adventures in Milwaukee’s North Shore.
Reply