Green Holidays
by Tess Reiss
Commerce in Riverwest has been surprisingly robust despite the economic dump of the past year. Bliffert’s opened a brand new hardware store last spring. ReThreads recycled clothing popped up on Humboldt. The incredible Centro Café, Planet Scooter, and Jazz Gallery are drawing folks to Center Street. Diners are exploring Latino cuisine at Nina’s Restaurant and Café Corazon.
Riverwest has been loyal and local long before green became the next big thing, so this Holiday Season is no different and you know just what to do. Look over our annual offering of neighborhood shopping, fairs, and events. Make a list and then head out to do some good with your green in the hood.
And if you can’t decide, jingle all the way with a Gift Certificate tucked inside a fancy card.
Riverwest Shops
Hmmm, is it possible to buy at least one gift in every shop? Alterra has tea and coffee gift boxes, ReThreads has “Sock it to me” knee highs in fun patterns and colors. Fischberger’s has the elves working overtime with loads of toys, Xmas decorations, and colorful mini tinsel trees (Plus mention Tamarack, Maryland Ave, or Holmes school and 10% of your purchase goes directly to student funds). Candy and chocolates from Burke Candy will sweeten up the stockings. Dinner fixings and DIY bling at Riverwest Co-op. Shovels and sidewalk salt from Bliffert’s Hardware so Santa won’t trip and fall. Keep going up Center Street and down Locust…
Alterra Coffee
Beginning Dreams Forever
Bliffert’s Hardware
Burke Candy
Burleigh Glass
Closet Classics
Dark Art Glass
Fischberger’s Variety Store
Glass Aquatics
Loop Yarn Shop
Lotus Land
MaxTech Systems
Peace Action
Planet Scooter
Pueblo Foods
ReThreads
Riverwest Co-op
Riverwest Film & Video
Scarvaci Florist
Smash Wireless
Sunrise Foods
Top Star
Woodland Pattern Book Center
The best in personal services to lift body, mind, and spirit can all be found in Riverwest. Make an appointment for yourself or surprise a dear one with a Gift Certificate.
Great Lake Zen Center
J S Cable Music
KRS Hair Studio
Maedke Chiropractic
Milwaukee School of Massage
Pink House Studio
Riverwest Yogashala
Tai Chi Ch’uan Center
Shalem Healing
Vision Eye Art
Local Online Shopping
Art Night Books
artnightbooks.com
Comic books and political cartoons by Devin Trudell converge with poetry by Latina activist Angela Vasquez. Make your selection online from this independent publisher based in Riverwest and also find them at Woodland Pattern and Riverwest Co-op.
Brew City Botanicals
bcbotanicals.com
Unique body care products that are safe, natural, and organic – nothing artificial or synthetic. Skin lotion for him and her, aromatherapy spritzers, bath bombs (fizzies), and more. Also available at Riverwest Co-op.
Jewel of India
pashmina-india.com
Fine selection of pashmina wraps, hand made Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and crafts.
Riverwest Yogashala Boutique
riverwestyogashala.com
The Riverwest Yogashala Calendar for 2010 features adventurous displays of yoga poses throughout Riverwest. Greeting Cards also available. Order online or stop in at the Yogashala.
The Holly & The Ivy
When it’s time to un-deck the halls, place trees at your usual garbage collection point – either the alley or street curb. Or take them to the Self-Help Center at 6660 N. Industrial Rd or 3879 W. Lincoln Ave. for recycling.
Kellners Greenhouse
3258 N. Humboldt Blvd
414.264.6605
Trees, poinsettias, wreaths, and garlands.
Scarvaci Florist
2663 N. Holton
414.562.3214
Fresh seasonal flowers and lush plants.
Ferrante’s Christmas Trees
Water & Brady St.
Wreaths, garlands, and Wisconsin grown trees cut fresh every week. Delivery & set-up also available.
Daily until Christmas, 11AM-8PM
Holiday Shows
A Night of Opera
Fri, Dec 4, 11 or 18, 7-9PM
ruthbrown.org
A winter’s eve of opera and Christmas music in an intimate Victorian style house in Riverwest. Limited seats, only $7, includes wine
& cheese. For tickets, call 414.265.4628 or reserve online at ruthbrown.eventbrite.com
Holiday Open House
Thu, Dec 10, 5-9PM
Kanyakumari
2015 N. Lake Drive
kanyakumari.us
Shop the Trails to Bridges Fair Trade Bazaar. Relax with complimentary mini sessions including yoga, hand & food massages, and facials. Enjoy cooking demos on ghee, Indian cheese, and delicious chutneys.
Brady Street Holly Days
Fri & Sat, Dec 11 & 12
bradyst.com
Get merry and bright with great shopping, special offers, fine dining, and Santa on Brady Street!
Urban Garage Sale
Sat, Dec 12, 10:30AM-5:30PM
Turner Hall Ballroom
1034 N. 4th St.
urbangaragesale.com
Shop for great holiday deals from your favorite local Milwaukee shops all under one roof. Over 25 stores, including Our Milwaukee member shops, $3 admission.
Carols @ Alterra
Sat, Dec 12, 1PM
Alterra Coffee
2999 N. Humboldt
alterracoffee.com
Soaring songs of the season with members of the Florentine Opera.
Open House & Film
Sun, Dec 13, 1-5PM
Woodland Pattern Book Center
720 E. Locust St.
woodlandpattern.org
Nibble on cookies while your mind feasts on all the books. “Hours for Jerome,” with unfolding images of the four seasons, will be shown at 2PM.
Holiday Foods Sampler
Sat, Dec 19, 11AM-2PM
Outpost Natural Foods
100 E. Capitol Drive
outpostnaturalfoods.coop
Stop by and try specialty cheese, sushi, holiday sweets, festive beverages & more!
Candlelight Walk
Sat, Dec 19, 7-9PM
Urban Ecology Center
1500 E. Park Place (Riverside Park)
urbanecologycenter.org
Celebrate Winter Solstice in the glow of a candlelight walk with seasonal readings. Afterwards, warm up by the crackling fireplace with hot cider, snacks, and music by Regina Gallero. For everyone, free/members, $5/nonmembers.
Model Train Show
Sat & Sun, Dec 19 & 20, 10AM-5PM
Discovery World
500 N. Harbor Drive
The magical hum of model train displays by the Lionel Club of WI are sure to delight kids young & old; general admission fee.