Shorewood/Whitefish Bay - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

Shorewood was once the hunting grounds of the Sioux and Algonquin Native Americans. French explorers encountered the area in the 16th century, and trappers and explorers came in the wake of this European contact. The United States purchased the area from Menominee Native Americans in 1832, and it became a lucrative area for the timber industry. A resort was opened in 1872, bringing city revelers to an amusement park along Lake Michigan. Several more amusement parks were created, and the Northwestern Union Railway began service to Shorewood and Whitefish Bay shortly thereafter. The name Shorewood was coined in 1917, with parks giving way to a growing suburb.

The Shorewood Historical Society has a collection of photos, documents and artifacts on display at its museum. The Shorewood Plein Air Painting festival is an annual open invite for artists and hobbyists to paint natural scenes in the outdoors which draws in many painters.

This classic American neighborhood is home to some tantalizing American comfort food. That's not all that's cooking though; there are several options when it comes to the style, sophistication and price of area restaurants.

Wisconsin is famous for delis, but even the greats need inspiration. Benji's Deli and Restaurant is an homage to the classic New York City deli, with mountainous sandwiches, hefty hot dogs and classic Wisconsin dishes, such corned beef and cabbage. Old school breakfast favorites, including omelettes, pancakes and eggs Benedict, are served all day. Benji's signature dish is the Hear-O-Israel, a sandwich with a quarter-pound each of pastrami, salami, corned beef, and peppered beef with Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing.

The Bay Restaurant in Whitefish Bay draws in locals with its standard American-style food choices. Choose a table on the patio to enjoy a drink and the atmosphere along Silver Spring. Live music draws a crowd on Thursday nights while still maintaining a relaxed and casual feel. Food selections primarily include more upscale versions of burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. If you're a seafood lover, try the gluten-free plank salmon. Cooked on a cedar plank, the salmon comes with potato puree and bacon-braised kale.

Shorewood and Whitefish Bay are in a convenient location close to downtown and are served by Milwaukee County Transit System buses. The area is not especially walkable, but those living near East Capitol drive are within walking distance to restaurants, banking and the public library. Taxis are not available to hail on the street, but there are several companies in town that serve the area via call-ins. Uber is another possibility.

For those who have a car, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay have direct access to Interstate 43 and other routes to downtown and elsewhere in the metro area. There are also many bike routes and trails available, making the area a good choice for bike commuters and those interested in hopping on two wheels for recreation. The streets are generally safe for biking because drivers are accustomed to seeing cyclists on the roads.

Shorewood and Whitefish Bay are ideal for nature enthusiasts. There are several attractive and historic parks in the area, including Hubbard and Estabrook Parks along the Milwaukee River and Atwater Park and Beach on Lake Michigan. Each park is available free of charge, and dogs are welcome. Kids will enjoy youth baseball and soccer leagues at River Park or swimming in the Lake at Atwater.

Hubbard Park is famous for its grand WPA funded Lodge, a scene of holiday feasts, traditional fish fry and Sunday brunches. The park itself is tree-filled and peaceful, with the river providing a lulling background. Estabrook Park is an extensive park system also on the river, which features unique recreational options such as a skateboard park, disc golf course and sand volleyball courts. Dogs will want come back again and again to meet other doggy friends at the off-leash dog exercise area.

Atwater Park has a majestic bluff view of the Lake Michigan, and a winding staircase leads down to a 800-foot long sandy beach. Atwater is an absolute favorite for kids and families, and the excellent upkeep of the area ensures a safe time. There is also an incredible outdoor art piece entitled "Spillover ll," which is perched overlooking the massive expanse of the lake. The statue is by famed artist Jaume Plensa.

Cost of living in Shorewood is somewhat higher than the Milwaukee average, and Whitefish bay is slightly higher than Shorewood on average. Cost of public transportation is $2.25 on public transit to reach the downtown area. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence is $671.52. A typical beer price in the neighborhood runs from $3 to $5 dollars, but less for options like PBR cans. Gas prices are on average 9 percent lower in this neighborhood than the national average.

Main shopping areas within the Shorewood / Whitefish Bay neighborhoods include East Capitol Drive, North Oakland Avenue and Silver Spring Road. On these streets, you find tons of upscale shopping options from home decor to clothing boutiques.

Elements East brings China and other cultures into Milwaukee with gorgeous furniture and furnishing options. Antique chests, table, dressers and many other items are tastefully displayed at the storefront, and a warehouse of incredible items is available to view by appointment nearby. Elements East also showcases jewelry, statues and lamps from travels to China and beyond.

For the dapper gentleman, Harley's is a fantastic men's specialty store featuring casual and business wear in addition to accessories, shoes and more. Among other things, Harley's offers custom-made suits at various price-points, perfect for big and tall men. The store also offers assistance building the perfect wardrobe and tailoring services. The store features dozens of the hottest men's labels and up to date knowledge on trends.

Shorewood and Whitefish Bay are served by several grocery stores, including the Outpost Natural Foods Co-op, focused on organic, GMO-free and local food options. Local stalwarts ALDI and Piggly Wiggly are also found within the neighborhood. Whitefishbay hosts a quaint farmer's market, which is easy to access from Shorewood as well.