It’s another scorcher here in Southeast Wisconsin. With high-temperature records being broken all across the country, the sound of having your own backyard retreat in the form of a glistening, cold pool should make anyone excited. But there are a few things to consider before you, ahem, “take the plunge”:
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We’ve really got a lot of area covered in this week’s guide. Begin at Milwaukee’s lakefront and work your way out to West Bend, hitting a handful of festivals and fairs on your way! Chomp on a brat, check out some livestock and even take a camel ride this weekend. Check it all out in this weekend’s festival guide:

Thursday-Sunday

German Fest (Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee)

There’s no denying Milwaukee’s strong association with German culture – our biggest stereotype to outsiders is the “land of beer and brats.” And while this may be true to some extent, German culture is celebrated in a much wider, traditional sense at German Fest.
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Can today’s homebuyers really find their dream house online? While new technology and online tools certainly make it easier to shop around, the only way to really get to know a home is to walk through the door. One of the easiest ways for homebuyers to get up close and personal with a property is the time-honored practice of an open house. Take full advantage of this access to aid your search.

An open house is more than just a walk-through. Whether you’ve just started your search or have been on the hunt for a while, it’s important to see what different homes have to offer so you can make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget.

The next open house you attend remember to:
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The storms have moved out of Southeast Wisconsin just in time for yet another weekend stuffed with fun outdoor festivals! Whether you’re celebrating Italian or German heritage, chowing down fresh, fried fish or grooving along to bluesy tunes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this weekend. Check out this weekend’s festival guide:

Thursday-Sunday

Festa Italiana (Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee) 

Festa Italiana is not only the oldest ethnic lakefront festival in the region, but is also the largest Italian cultural event in America. And with its fantastic entertainment, delicious food and, of course, festive fireworks, it’s no surprise it’s one of Milwaukee’s most popular festivals of the summer.

There’s a steady lineup of musical, dance and comedy acts at this year’s Festa, but a few of the highlights are world-renowned jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, performing Friday night, Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons Sunday night, and the watermelon-crushing prop comic Gallagher, also performing Friday. You’ll need to buy special-admission tickets to see Botti and Vallie from Ticketmaster, but the price also includes admission to the festival.
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Jennifer Lindauer is a real estate agent and part of The Roden/Lindauer Team in Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Mequon office. Jennifer shares yet another fun idea for a staycation in Southeast Wisconsin. Today, she talks about a fantastic way to see the city: taking it all in during a scenic boat cruise.

The Milwaukee area is a wonderful place to live and I think most of us don’t realize what this great city has to offer. Get your sea legs ready for this latest addition to our summer “staycation” ideas!
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There’s a little something for everyone in Southeast Wisconsin this weekend when it comes to festivals. In just three days, you could travel to France, take in a parade and fireworks and watch an exciting boat race! Each festival is unique on its own, but all offer the same thing – boundless fun for all ages. Check out this weekend’s festival guide:

Thursday-Sunday

Bastille Days (Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee)

Bastille Days is the biggest French festival in North America, celebrating the French Independence Day with plenty of food, beverage, music, street performers and family activities. Don’t miss the extravagant 43-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, either!

Sure, we all look forward to tasting delicious wines and cheeses, but perhaps the most-anticipated event of Bastille Days is the “Storming of the Bastille” 5k race and 2-mile walk, which takes place tonight at 9pm. The race begins at Cathedral Square and winds through Downtown Milwaukee, finishing back at Cathedral Square, where participants and spectators can continue the celebration at the festival.
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“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question eternally asked of small children everywhere, and while you can expect the usual responses like “fireman,” “ballerina” or “baseball player,” have you ever thought a child might reply with “real estate agent?”

Well, after spending time playing and pretending in The Real Estate Office, an exciting new exhibit presented by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage that is currently featured at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, your child may just add “Realtor” to their list.
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It’s Independence Day weekend, and that means there are plenty of activities in the Metro Milwaukee area going on over the next few days. Of course, Summerfest is still going strong, ending on Sunday (click here for this weekend’s musical lineup), and the main event will be fireworks lighting up the Southeastern Wisconsin night sky all weekend (click here  for a complete guide to the area’s fireworks shows), but what else can you get out and do this weekend? There are a few festivals that stand out. 

Saturday

US Bank Big Bang Fireworks (Milwaukee Lakefront)

Year after year, these are some of the most spectacular fireworks displayed in the state. Grab a blanket or some chairs and set up early for a great view along the lakefront. But the fireworks aren’t the only event of the day – there’s a family festival with fun activities and entertainment all day, beginning at noon.
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Heather Roden is a real estate agent and part of The Roden/Lindauer Team in Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Mequon office. Heather will periodically be sharing with Metro Milwaukee Living some fantastic and fun ideas for “staycations” around Southeast Wisconsin. Today, she shares 50 ways to beat summer boredom.

“I’m bored!” “There’s nothing to do!” Sound familiar this time of year? If you’ve decided to “staycation” in your home town, there are several things to do in the Milwaukee area! Here is a list of fifty things to do that my family and friends have enjoyed throughout the years. Feel free to save this list in your email or phone for easy access; or print this out and hang it on the fridge; and when you “have nothing to do” or the kids “are SO bored,” simply refer to this list! And…you don’t have to take out a loan to enjoy any of it!
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Friday-Sunday

Greek Fest (Wisconsin State Fair Park, north lot), free admission

Say “Opa!” to Greek Fest! Celebrate Greek culture with traditional dancing, Greek music and especially delicious Greek cuisine. Enjoy a Friday night fish fry, gyros, chicken, pastiche, baklava and sweet pastries like the addicting loukoumathes (fried dough balls drizzled with honey). The festival runs all weekend from 11am to 11pm daily. Click here to learn more.

Saturday-Sunday

The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival  (Downtown Cedarburg), free admission

Arguably summer’s favorite fruit is placed on a pedestal at the 25^th annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival. You can find the guest of honor chocolate-dipped, frozen into ice cream, sweetened up as candy and liquefied as wine. Or, you can just purchase strawberries just as they are by the quart. As you revel in their juicy goodness, take a stroll through charming Downtown Cedarburg as you take in art exhibitions, live music all weekend (including a battle of the bands, the “Strawberry Jam,” on Saturday), strawberry cooking demonstrations and even strawberry-treat eating contests!
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