Memorial Day weekend isn’t just an extended holiday weekend for me and my husband Michael. May 25th is our wedding anniversary and it almost always falls on the holiday weekend. To kick off the celebration of seven years of marriage, I planned a weekend that we would both enjoy; a night at the Iron Horse Hotel and a weekend of brunching and exploring Walker’s Point. Michael has been dying to get to the Iron Horse and the hotel was kind enough to partner with us to start the weekend off great.
So you know, I have spent many times at The Yard, the Iron Horse’s per-friendly outdoor patio dining spot under the soaring Sixth Street Viaduct, sipping cocktails while taking in the summer weather, but I haven’t had the chance to spend the night, so I was SUPER excited to check out the rest of the hotel. Michael has driven past many times, but hasn’t been inside and it was so exciting to see his expression and hear his opinion on his first visit and stay. He is one hard cookie to crack when it comes to being impressed, but I knew he would LOVE the Iron Horse as a whole and I was right! He loved that they are so supportive of the motorcycle culture and really embrace the lifestyle that entails.
Upon arrival to the hotel you feel welcomed, with a welcome cocktail to be exact! From the valet to the front desk, we were greeted and treated as if we were visiting the staff’s own home. We really felt the vibe that the staff would do anything to go above and beyond our expectations.
The 4 star Iron Horse Hotel gives off such a cool vibe, you instantly feel like a bad ass. The building was originally built in 1907 and has beautiful exposed pine timber posts. One of the main things that always attracts me to the Iron Horse is the history of the building. I learn something new with every visit!
And what’s even better about the hotel is you could walk around for hours just looking at the different common areas and learning how the hotel has turned into what it is today.
The lobby is stunning. The rustic details make you feel warm and cozy inside. This American flag is made entirely of pairs of jeans!
Furry friends are welcome at the hotel and what’s even better is there is no size restriction. I had the chance to visit a few puppies during my stay!
Just wait for the photo of the most adorable puppy ever…
When I walked into our room I knew it would be amazing, but this corner suite blew my socks off. The exposed cream city brick, modern but rustic vibes and artistic furnishings were amazing. It’s honestly the perfect mix between my style and Michael’s. Not to mention the views of Milwaukee were incredible.
The layout of the room was so perfect. I felt like I was in a loft in Manhattan. I love the details of the shower on the left.
Each room features a wall with a mural by Milwaukee artist, Charles Dwyer.
Being welcomed with champagne is always amazing, especially when it’s Veuve AND when there’s a handwritten note from the General Manager!
Can you say bathroom goals?!
Where to Drink – The Yard
I have been going to The Yard for a couple years now. They have one of the best patio happy hour vibes in Milwaukee. They just built a beautiful awning over the seating which cools you down on a hot day. Their landscaping through out the entire outside bar is always top notch, which means the perfect Instagram drop back is right in front of your iPhone.
Every Thursday in the Summer, The Yard welcomes cyclists in for Bike Night. Michael went the week after this visit and had a blast!
I picked up this adorable top and denim from Soho Boutique (previously Stephanie Horne Boutique) in the Third Ward. If you haven’t shopped for a summer wardrobe yet, they will hook you up. When I went in Vista, Sales Associate, was very helpful and honest with me in making my purchasing decisions!!
Shop my Look
Top – Soho Boutique (C/O) | Earrings – exact | Denim – Soho Boutique | Shoes – JustFab (C/O)
You know how people get baby fever? I have puppy fever… If you haven’t already noticed from my Instagram lately. This ADORABLE puppy was out cocktailing with his mom and girlfriends. I asked if I could steal, I mean borrow, him for a photo.
I mean, LOOK AT THAT FACE.
After a few drinks at The Yard, we snuck up (maybe illeagally) to this adorable courtyard for a couple snaps.
Where to Drink – Branded
Not feeling like sitting outside or the weather isn’t up to par? Right outside the lobby is the bar, Branded. Their Vintage modern décor and cool comic artwork is fun to look at while sipping on a craft cocktail made with locally distilled liquors.
Before dinner at the hotel we snuck in some photos with the perfect landscaping outside the hotel.
Where to Eat – Smyth
I know my photos are mediocre, but the food was definitely not. We started our anniversary dinner with what else, bread and butter. Now this isn’t any ordinary bread and butter, that smaller ‘loaf’ you see there, IS THE BUTTER! It was a cinnamon delicious delight! Michael had the halibut and I had the steak filet, YUM. Naturally for dessert I needed my favorite, creme brûlée.
We were lucky enough to snag a booth for our dinner to feel extra cozy, not to mention extra space to spread out after being so full!
The next day is always sad when leaving a hotel, but I was well rested and ready for my day of exploring! I’m not going to lie, after sipping coffee and watching TV in the morning it was not easy changing out of this cozy robe.
Have no fear, there are endless amounts of things and places to visit after your relaxed from your stay. We took advantage of our valet parking and already being to town to wander around town.
Harley Davidson Museum
Now, I might get glazed in the eyes when my husband starts talking motorcycles, but the museum really is interesting. He has worked for Harley Davidson for over 5 years and has worked in many different departments at their manufacturing plant in Menomonee Falls so his knowledge is unlimited.
BC Modern Furnishings
I hate to even type it, because yes, I am one for recommending my favorite places, but I hate to give away my secrets. I discovered this place on a total fluke. I was headed to brunch in Bayview but was running early… Early, me? I know, almost never happens.. I got off an exit early on the highway to scope out blog photo locations and saw the garage door open and an open sign. I parked and walked in. I found this beautiful print and have been going there ever since.
So overall, we had an amazing weekend! In addition to the things I told you about above, the hotel has a gym, offers spa services and has amazing events almost every week. I hope you consider staying at the Iron Horse so you can see how amazing it is for yourself. If you can’t stay, I will see you in The Yard this summer for a glass of wine!
This Post Has 16 Comments
Get it! Got it! Go!
7 Jun 2018Beauty!!! Love you two happy anniversary!
whatrivawore
7 Jun 2018Thank you my wife 🙂
tiarasandsequins
7 Jun 2018This hotel is so unique and beautiful! I love the exposed bricks and decor. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and should I ever be in the area I will definitely check into staying here.
whatrivawore
8 Jun 2018Thanks so much! I appreciate you reading!
Antonija Mitt
8 Jun 2018My hubs and used to live in the Tannery apartments on the other side of the bridge, and it was exciting to watch Walkers Point come alive. When we were there, the buildings were empty warehouses, there were no restaurants, boutiques or anything.
Anyway, Happy Anniversary!
whatrivawore
8 Jun 2018That’s so cool!! I feel the same way about the Third Ward, I lived there for years and look at it now! Thanks for reading!
Janice Hernandez
8 Jun 2018Love it! Love you both! Happy anniversary!!
whatrivawore
8 Jun 2018Thanks so much JJ!!!
Mei
9 Jun 2018What a great time and place to celebrate your anniversary . This place look so much fun and a lot to offer. I love the rustic and thesame time contemporary feel of the hotel. I think the bathroom is my favorite so much space. Double sink is always a win! Love this blog Riva. I will sure check this out.
whatrivawore
11 Jun 2018Thanks Mei! We will have to do drinks in The Yard!
Megan Balot
11 Jun 2018Omg what a cool looking hotel! Thanks for sharing! I will absolutely check this out!
whatrivawore
11 Jun 2018Thanks Megan, glad you liked it!
Kim
11 Jun 2018I love the modern industrial look of the hotel. The exposed brick, leather furniture, ugh can I live there?!
Kim
http://katandkim.com
whatrivawore
11 Jun 2018I’ll be your roommate!!
kyiareese
12 Jun 2018I LOVE that this hotel is pet friendly!!! I’ll have get a puppy if I get to visit this hotel!!! And happy Anniversary!!! The pictures of you two together are adorable!!!
XOXO,
Kyia
http://www.xoxokyiadante.com
whatrivawore
12 Jun 2018Thanks so much Kyia. I will definitely be going more often just to visit the puppies!