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.

Merry & Happy!

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.