Day three of “12 Days” brings us to one of the anchor businesses of downtown South Milwaukee … Parkway Floral.
Why not give the gift of flowers this Christmas? Or maybe pick up that perfect poinsettia.
We’re lucky to have such a first-class florist in town. Please support them this holiday season — and all year long.
Learn more in my previous post.
Time for a shoutout to my favorite local florist, Parkway Floral.
Bryan Lorentzen and team do a great job, whether it’s roses for the missus or an arrangement for my wife’s grandmother’s recent funeral, these guys are first class, and reasonably priced.
For the holidays, they have some beautiful arrangements on their website and other special items in store.
You have lots of options to buy flowers these days, from Pick ‘n Save to the local gas station. Join me in shopping one of our treasured local independent retailers — one of our downtown anchor businesses — instead.
Parkway Floral
Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business
In the market for jewelry this Christmas? You have lots of choices.
I encourage you to choose local.
From diamonds to colored stones, watches to chains, charm bracelets to decorative handbags, Donn Powers Jeweler is a full-service jeweler, and more. He’s also a master watchmaker, and he does repairs on-premise.
And by “he,” I do mean “he.” One thing I love about Donn Powers — unlike the mall big guys and others — is that there’s a good chance you’ll find Donn at the store greeting customers or working behind the scenes, if he’s not in Belgium picking out diamonds, that is.
This downtown anchor business says it best on their website …
This is where dreams become reality. Here at Donn Powers Jeweler, we have been making dreams come true for over 30 years and we pride ourselves on knowledge and customer service.
If you are in need of a repair, or would like something custom designed, you have come to the right place. We work with you to make sure you receive exactly what you want. You are the architect, we are the contractor.
Trust this contractor to deliver a great experience.
Donn Powers Jeweler
Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business
Shopping local is about more than shopping at independent retailers. Chains can be part of your holiday plans, too.
In South Milwaukee, my favorite is Ace Hardware. “The helpful place” is always just that — helpful, and I find their prices reasonable.
Could I save a few bucks by going to one of the big guys on 27th Street? Occasionally. Can I get a better selection? Perhaps on some items. But when you factor in convenience and the friendliness and expertise of the people working the floor — someone is always there to help you through a project, often an owner — Ace is more often than not a huge bargain.
The Brooks family also shops from time to time at Pick ‘n Save, Aldi, Walgreens, Dollar General and others, not to mention any number of chains in Oak Creek, and they are all fine stores. But Ace is my favorite.
Ace Hardware
Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business
Some swear by Jimmie Johnson. Others love Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch or Denny Hamlin. Tony Stewart has his share of fans.
We’re a Brad Keselowski house.
As an employee at MillerCoors, I guess I better root for Brad, and our family sure does. My 8-year-old is his biggest fan, which makes Brad’s 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship — clinched earlier this month — so sweet.
I say this because there is a unique business in South Milwaukee that allows us to celebrate our love of NASCAR (and Brad) every day. It’s Green Flag Racing, and it’s a really cool NASCAR collectibles store at 1218 Milwaukee Ave. downtown.
Diecast cars, clothing, signage and more … the store has everything for the NASCAR fan, no matter who you root for.
Then, when you’re done at Green Flag Racing, walk a few blocks and stop at Hometown Sports Cards, 916 Milwaukee Ave. I stopped by this new store recently and was impressed with its selection of sports cards and other collectibles. It’s worth a visit if you have a sports fan on your list.
Green Flag Racing
Hometown Sports Cards
Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business
Next up on the list of recommended local shopping options this holiday season: the South Milwaukee Christmas Market.
The popular event is back for a third year – this time at a new location.
The indoor winter version of the farmers’ market is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at South Milwaukee High School. It will feature dozens of market vendors – and some new faces – selling arts, crafts, organics, baked goods and other specialty items.
Live Christmas music from local acts and students is also planned throughout the market, and the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is presenting Gypsy Geoff, who will roam the crowd and do special performances at noon and 1 p.m.
Learn more in the press release, and merry Christmas from the South Milwaukee Downtown Market!
South Milwaukee Christmas Market
Shop local this Christmas season … and why not give the gift of performance art?
I write a lot about the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, and with a first-class director and a strong lineup of performances, the center is worth the digital ink.
If you haven’t checked it out yet — and shows like Friday’s performance by the Vienna Boys Choir — you are missing out. And if you have, why not spread the word about the PAC with some stocking-stuffer gift certificates?
Some upcoming performances of note: the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 6, the Cantare Chorale on Dec. 8 and the Grant Park Players (presenting “Christmas Belles”) on Dec. 14-15 and 21-22.
Then there is the SMPAC’s Performing Arts Series, which resumes in January with Avner Eisenberg.
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business
South Milwaukee’s only art gallery has plenty of Christmas gift options at all price points — and some truly remarkable pieces from a variety of local artists.
Original paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry … Joe and Dawn Mader have something for every taste, making this a must-stop for those wanting to shop local this holiday season.
One suggestion: Consider an art class. The studio offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, including one coming up on Saturday on window painting.
Or how about an art party? Studio 915 hosts all types of special events and receptions, including birthday parties — something I will surely remember when my 5-year-old’s birthday rolls around.
Part of Studio 915’s mission statement is “to discover and reveal the ‘inner artist’ in every person.” Find yours at the gallery this holiday season.
Studio 915
Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business
Black Friday has passed. Cyber Monday is approaching.
How about making it a “South Milwaukee December”?
With that in mind, I’ll be posting a series of items encouraging people to shop locally this holiday season — focusing on a different local business for each post.
I start with Studio One Art Glass, a business near and dear to the Brooks house. Literally. If you’ve ever been to my home, you’ve probably noticed that almost every first-floor window has a beautiful stained glass piece hanging in it.
I buy one of these pieces, handcrafted by Kim and the crew at Studio One, each Christmas, and I encourage you to do the same. Their work is outstanding, and uniquely Studio One. It’s also available in all price points — from inexpensive candle holders to costly custom pieces. Imported items are also available, but I prefer the locally made pieces.
Check out the craftsmanship for yourself this holiday season … and tell them Erik sent you.
Studio One Art Glass
Filed under 12 Days of South Milwaukee Christmas, Local Business
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