Finding brand new ways to love our city. That's one of the goal of Doors Open Milwaukee - one weekend every year dedicated to exploring.
The event is organized by the group Historic Milwaukee, which is taking us beyond the typical buildings everyone wants to see, to foster pride in neighborhoods that often don't get the spotlight.
Alice’s Garden in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood is one of the offerings. The urban garden is located near Fond du Lac and 20th Street, on the north side. It’s an area rich in history, that could use more attention Thursday.
“You will see every face, age, and representation of greater Milwaukee in this space,” said Venice Williams, the Executive Director of Alice’s Garden. “Along with the gardens, we cultivate people, and spaces, and the community.”
The garden offers 120 plots for community members to grow and maintain. It also features classes and special events.
“We want to dispel some of the myths about this area,” Williams said. “It’s an opportunity for people to see what a true outdoor sanctuary in the heart of the city looks like. That hopefully speaks volumes to those who may never come through these gates otherwise.”
Across town in the south side’s Silver City neighborhood, is another hidden gem that will be featured during Doors Open Milwaukee.
The unassuming building on National, near 35th Street, used to be a grocery store in the 1920’s. Now, it’s home to Our Daily Salt, which sells handmade pieces crafted in a wood shop on site. A rare find in what’s considered a less-traveled area of Milwaukee.
“This area really is a cultural melting pot, which is so wonderful,” said Felisha Wild, the owner of Our Daily Salt. “People don’t always get to experience that, depending on what area of the city they live in. We’re just looking to get more people to experience this wonderful area.”
