1. The Pabst Mansion // 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave.

You’ve noticed it while on your way to the Broken Yolk, but have you ever been inside? You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the Pabst Mansion. While the place doesn’t necessarily fit the profile of a ‘hangout spot,’ it’s certain to keep you entertained for an hour or so.  The mansion, which is the old home of Captain Frederick Pabst, is over 100 years old and boasts some incredible architecture and artwork. Overall, the tour is something worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for something to keep your family busy during a weekend visit.

2. Downtown Books // 624 N. Broadway Ave.

Book nerds be warned, Downtown Books is sure to keep you busy on a lazy winter afternoon.  It may have only changed locations a few weeks ago, but stacks of books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes already line the shelves of this quaint exchange.  Give yourself time to browse and we bet you’ll end up sitting and reading in the back corner aisle with a pile of books heaped up to your knees. Just beware of the few cats wandering about the walkways; those sneaky little guys will jump out of nowhere.

3. Lakefront Brewery // 1872 N. Commerce St.

Lakefront doesn’t joke in its philosophy on brewery tours: people go on them to “drink beer, be entertained and see the place.” That’s why, when touring the brewery, you’re bound to start drinking at the very beginning. Of course, those of you under the age of 21 must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian on the tour. But don’t fret, they hand out root beer to the non-beer drinkers. Alcohol or no alcohol, this tour ties nicely into the history of Milwaukee and some of the city’s finest ales and lagers.

4. Fuel Café // 818 E. Center St.

This location is perfect for those of you who need a good coffee fix.  Fuel Café fits perfectly with the college-style atmosphere of a small, hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. While it’s a bit of a distance from campus, the hand-painted wooden booths and old-school vibe suit the somewhat quirky menu items, including plenty of vegan options and what appears to be a tasty Mexican selection. The overall theme is fixated on motorcycles and racing (hence the name Fuel Café), so go ahead and take it as inspiration to make your way over to this hot spot, fast.

5. Oriental Theater // 2230 N. Farwell Ave.

The historic Oriental Theater serves as a landmark feature in downtown Milwaukee, so if you haven’t been to it yet, it’s time to make your way over.  The theater presents four to six movies — typically indie or foreign — at one time.  A trip to the theater could make for a great romantic date; after all, it was named one of the best make-out spots in Milwaukee according to OnMilwaukee.com in 2004.  Why not keep with tradition?

6. Landmark Lanes // 2220 N. Farwell Ave.

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Oriental Theater, Landmark Lane’s over 80 years of service and recreation have provided just what this city needs: bowling.  But, why go all the way across town when you can bowl right on campus?  Well, there’s also an extensive arcade full of video games, dart boards and foosball tables, as well as pool tables for tournament play and jukeboxes for the dirty dancer in you.  If you’re feeling up for the challenge, you can even try karaoke Thursdays starting at 9 p.m.

7. The Exclusive Company // 1669 N. Farwell Ave.

It’s probable that most of you have made the full transition from CDs to MP3s, but the Exclusive Company still manages to keep its customers entertained.  Offering up both new and pre-owned versions of some of the greatest albums available, this music store can keep you looking through CDs, DVDs, Vinyl and more for hours on end. And the prices are incredibly cheap!  As a poor college student, you’ll want to check this place out, even if it’s just to sift through and listen to some great music.

8. Milwaukee Public Market // 400 N. Water St.

Located in the Historic Third Ward, this venue offers up a variety of freshly prepared ethnic foods and local merchant shops selling everything, including breads, candies, cheeses and meats.  The smell alone will keep you roaming about the place.  If you’re lucky, you’ll run across a free cheese sample at the West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe, or maybe even a free cookie recipe at the Spice House.  The Milwaukee Public Market will keep you toasty warm indoors while boasting all of the charms of an outdoor farmers market.

9. SPiN //233 E. Chicago St.

The concept alone will keep you laughing.  A ping-pong social club?  Seriously?  While you might be skeptical, you have to check this place out, if for nothing else than to brag to your friends that you’ve actually been to a ping-pong lounge.  Once you’ve had a chance to hang out there though, you’ll have to admit that SPiN makes for an incredibly fun time.  Assuming that most students aren’t members, you’ll end up paying about $24 for an hour of play time.  Split that cost with a group of friends, and you’re on your way to quite a night. (Money-saving tip: If you go before 6 p.m., the price goes down to $16/hour of play.)

10. Potawatomi Bingo Casino // 1721 W. Canal St.

One of the perks of being a legal adult includes gambling, and even if you’re not very good at it, Potawatomi is at the very least, a fun change of scenery. Try your hand (or watch someone else give it a go) at blackjack, roulette, slots or bingo, but be careful about how much money you bring to the tables. Don’t have much money to blow through? Try heading over to the casino theater for some stand-up comedy or to the cafe for live music. You don’t have to place a bet in order to have fun.