124 W. Wisconsin Ave.How to get there: Get on board the route 30 bus from Wisconsin Avenue and North 12th Street.Take the bus to the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Plankinton Avenue.
After a late night of studying you probably need a boost before pulling that all-nighter. If you’re looking for a change from Starbucks, you can always take a stroll down Wisconsin Avenue. On the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Plankinton Avenue you will find Mocha, a coffee bistro located in downtown Milwaukee. Mocha serves a variety of drinks, from ice-cold chai shakes to Milky Way mochas, lattes or cappuccinos. Mocha also provides bagels, yogurt parfaits, sandwiches and delicious desserts like tiramisu and rice crispy treats. The prices won’t strain your budget because drinks and food range from $3 to $7 and MarquetteCash is accepted here. So whether you have an 8 a.m. class or are planning to stay up late, Mocha is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight to help you stay awake through your busy day.
Jim Gaffigan’s Sexy Tour
Milwaukee Riverside Theatre, 144 E. Wells St.
How to get there: Hop on any 30 bus and take it to Plankinton.
Looking for something entertaining to do over winter break? Just in time for the holidays, comedian Jim Gaffigan is bringing his Sexy Tour to Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater. Jim Gaffigan is well known for his hilarious comedy shows, especially his famous “Hot Pocket” bit. His show will begin at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. With some extra Christmas cash in your pocket from your grandparents, you should be able to afford tickets, which range from $55 to $85.
Discovery World
500 N. Harbor Drive
How to get there: Hop on bus 90 departing from Wisconsin Avenue and North 10th Street. Discovery World is less than ten minutes away.
If you head down to the lakefront one day, you might be curious as to what the silver-scaled pillars are and what’s inside the building. If you’re looking to see exotic fish, state of the art technology and science exhibits and artifacts of Wisconsin sailing history, then Discovery World is the place to be. Discovery World is located right off of Lincoln Memorial Drive near Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds. The Reiman Aquariums at Discovery World give visitors the opportunity to touch a stingray or go aboard an exact replica of the Challenge, a 19th century Great Lakes sailing ship. Discovery World is also the home port of the S/V Denis Sullivan, a modern, educational sailing vessel modeled after the Great Lakes schooners of yore. Discovery World offers a college discount, so tickets are only $9.95. Its hours run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Oriental Theatre
2230 N. Farwell Ave.
How to get there: Get on bus 30 Sherman-Wisconsin at the bus stop on the corner of North 12th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, and take the bus to the corner of Prospect Avenue and Kenilworth Place. Walk a few blocks to the theatre.
The Oriental Theatre is just a stone’s throw from downtown and is one of Milwaukee’s most remarkable treasures. Named after its East Indian inspired décor, the Oriental was first opened in 1927 and is as enchanting today as it was 81 years ago. If seeing the historic landmark itself isn’t reason enough to get you there, perhaps seeing the latest blockbuster film or indie flick on one of its three viewing screens will be. Named one of the 10 best movie theatres in America by Entertainment Weekly in 2005, there is little reason not to be intrigued. The Oriental also claims the world record for continued film engagement — “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has played recurrently as a midnight showing since January 1978. Every second Saturday of the month, this tradition lures an eclectic mix of new and old patrons. The interactive show includes a live cast, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes. The next show is a special showing scheduled for Oct. 25. Regular shows will resume Nov. 8. To learn more, visit sensualdaydreams.com. To get movie showtimes visit landmarktheatres.com.
Brady Street
How to get there: Get on bus 10 Humboldt-Wisconsin at the bus stop on the corner of North 12th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, and take it to the stop at Brady Street. On the artsy East Side discover Brady Street. With a laid back, seemingly West Coast vibe, Brady Street is a hidden haven, skirting the chaos of downtown. Not only an auto thoroughfare, the street embodies a culturally diverse neighborhood that dates to the late 19th century. Today, Brady Street boasts nine blocks decorated with a plethora of shops, taverns, restaurants, lounges, salons and cafes. Brady caters to every unique need (or want, for all those shopaholics) of the individual. Regardless of age, income or history, on Brady Street the ideology “to each his own” resonates. Go there and let “your own” be heard.
The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex, the Milwaukee Center, 108 E. Wells St.
How to get there: Get on bus 10 Humboldt-Wisconsin at North 12th Street and Wisconsin Avenue and take it to Milwaukee Street. Then, either walk or take bus 11, 15 or 5, all of which stop within one block of the theatre.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Milwaukee Rep has played an integral role in Milwaukee theatre for 53 successful seasons, and at the brink of the 54th, an upset is highly doubtful. From classics like “Pride and Prejudice” to fresh works like “Eurydice” and “I Am My Own Wife,” the 2008-’09 season lineup has something to whet every theatergoer’s appetite. Also new this season is an innovative plan to attract younger audiences, as college students often forgo the theatre because of its toll on the pocketbook. In light of this, the Rep is offering $10 discount tickets to the 40-and-under crowd for any show playing in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theatre. To take advantage of this offer, visit the Rep’s special site at therep-entourage.com and look for the promotional code. Imagine — a night on the town with your friends, taking in a show at the theatre for the same price of a typical movie.
For more information on the 2008-’09 season, visit the Rep’s Web site, milwaukeerep.com. (Remember to use the other site if you want the discount. It is supposed to be a secret!)