A strange phenomenon happens to people who have grown up in Milwaukee. A fair amount of them seem to have lost an appreciation for their hometown. It can take a move away and a return home to see the sunny side of their local street. So without further adieu, I bid you this blog. Every week I will cover something interesting and new to try in town when you are stumped. Although I do aim to keep it local, I will occasionally highlight the nearby surrounding areas. Because hey, everyone loves a road trip.

On a small organic farm in Denmark, Wis., there is a place that you can happily retreat from the rest of the world. The Bridge-Between Retreat Center offers guests the chance to retire in contemplative solitude for a day, an overnight, or even a month, in the hopes that they will deepen relationships with themselves and the world around them.

I hate to break it to you, but you are also asked to leave your laptops and cell phones in your cars during your stay. Here’s what you do get: three fresh, home-cooked, predominantly organic meals bordering on gourmet. You will never be served the same thing twice on any return visit. If you are not a morning person, you will wake to find things such as: baked-with-love chocolate chip banana muffins, sweet butter, fruit and piping hot coffee in a carafe with milk on the side– all waiting in a picnic basket at your door. If that does not make you feel pampered, I honestly do not know what will!

Llamas, ducks, geese and some friendly cats are there to interact with guests and short nature trails to meander on the grounds are available. Best of all, however, is the quiet. One of my favorite things about staying at the Bridge, apart from the warm and gentle hospitality, is the opportunity to stay in one of the most innovative spaces I have ever experienced. An old silo was converted into three apartments, one on each floor. It is cool and comfortable in the summer and well-heated to your liking in the chilly months, when it gets so cozy you can hardly stand it.

I have visited their grounds now every season, and every season it is always wonderful. As they say when parting ways, “May your journey back to the world be a gentle one.”

Meanwhile back in the city, there is Circle-A. What is Circle-A you might ask? It is only one of the coolest Riverwest bars to hang your hat in and stay a spell. It is not unlike having a great time in your favorite vinyl-phile’s living room. There are no sports TVs to be found in this fine establishment. There is one viewing screen that plays static all the time.

Look around and you will see wall-to-wall vinyl, even adorning the ceilings. It is all about the music here. Whether it be an amazing local band or a DJ with impeccable taste visiting from local radio station WMSE, Circle-A comes through.

Have Jen whip you up one of her drink specials and pace yourself, because she certainly wields a strong cocktail shaker. A word to the wise, bring cash for that is what they take. Grab a drink and stay a while this Saturday for Substitute, a darn fine Who cover band playing at 8 pm.

Whether you’re a country mouse, or a city mouse, there is plenty to do in the world outside Marquette.