History takes flight at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, located just six miles northeast of Dayton, on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Launched in 1923, the National is the world’s oldest and largest aviation museum, attracting more than one million visitors every year.

While many people are fascinated with flying, others are drawn to the museum for personal reasons. “A lot of parents and grandparents flew in Word War II,” says Sarah Swan, a public affairs specialist at the museum.

Visitors who have family members who were in Vietnam are intrigued by the C-141 Hanoi Taxi, which joined the collection last fall. In February 1973, it was the first aircraft to arrive in Hanoi to retrieve POWs returning to the United States.

Certainly the 17-acre museum features enough aviation to satisfy any flight of fancy. There are more than 300 aircraft and missiles, along with engines and vehicles. You’ll even find a WWII 8th Air Force Control Tower and clothing worn by famous personnel, including Ronald Reagan.

Reagan’s pea coat is part of a permanent collection of uniforms, which includes both early flight suits and modern space suits. Also on display: General Jimmy Stewart’s A-2 jacket and P-38 ace Major Richard I. Bong’s B-3 sheepskin jacket and boots.

One of the newest exhibits, “Airmen in a World at War,” features World War II uniforms, decorations, honors and memorabilia from aircrews representing a variety of countries, including the United States, Great Britain and Germany.

Consider the U.S. aircrews’ “Mae West” lifejacket, named for the Hollywood star. The yellow jacket, which gave wearers a buxom appearance, provided buoyancy during water landings.

STROLLING THROUGH HISTORY

The museum makes it easy for visitors to grasp significant developments in the Air Force, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

User-friendly galleries are in chronological order, beginning with spotlights on the Wright Brothers and ending with the Missile and Space Gallery. The Early Years Gallery features the first military heavier-than-air flying machine. The plane was purchased by the Signal Corps for $30,000, and it remained the only Army airplane in use for nearly two years.

Fly forward to the Air Power Gallery, which houses the collection of World War II aircraft, including the Bockscar, the sleek silver B-29 Superfortress that, on Aug. 9, 1945, dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.

The Cold War Gallery, part of the $22.7 million, 200,000-square-foot Eugene W. Kettering Building, houses one of four surviving Convair B-36s. The formidable intercontinental bomber, replaced by the B-52, was never used in combat. Some credit the peacetime to the plane’s mere existence.

The Research & Development Gallery features the only surviving XB-70 Valkyrie, an experimental plane built mostly of stainless steel and titanium that flew three times the speed of sound.

The latest gallery addition, the $3.2 million Missile and Space Gallery, opened in 2004. Constructed as a 140-foot-high missile silo, the gallery lets visitors view the Titan I and II from ground level or from an elevated platform. The gallery also features some items from the museum’s space collection, including the Apollo 15 Command Module and Mercury and Gemini capsules.

But not all aircraft on display are retired. “We have the world’s only permanent public display of a B-2 Stealth Bomber, which the Air Force is still using,” Swan says.

NATIONAL TREASURES

In the Presidential Gallery, the museum displays several presidential aircraft, including planes used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The plane that carried Roosevelt was specifically designed for presidential use. Nicknamed the Sacred Cow, it flew Roosevelt to the U.S.S.R. for the Yalta Conference in February 1945.

But the jewel in the museum’s presidential collection is the VC-137C Special Air Mission (SAM) 26000, the first airplane known as Air Force One, which was used by John F. Kennedy, and continued to serve as the presidential transport through Richard M. Nixon’s first term.

Visitors are permitted to walk through the famous aircraft; its distinctive blue-and-white color scheme is due to JFK’s insistence that he wanted the plane to have a special appearance. It set the style for presidential aircraft to come.

The 26000 carried Kennedy to Germany, where he gave his famous “Ich Bin Ein Berliner” speech, and to Dallas, before he was assassinated. Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office on the aircraft.

As Kennedy’s body was interred at Arlington Cemetery, the aircraft glided by at a lofty 1,000 feet, dipping its wings in salute.

MIDWEST AIRLINES offers daily flights to and from Dayton. Details can be found at

YOUR MUSEUM GUIDE

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE
1100 SPAATZ STREET WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB 937-255-3286

Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission: Free.

EDUCATION & EVENTS:

Imparting the story of aviation is a museum mission. To further the cause, the facility hosts regular family days. Upcoming family days are July 21 and Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Here are two upcoming and popular events also hosted by the museum:

GIANT-SCALE, RADIO-CONTROLLED MODEL AIRCRAFT AIR SHOW
AUG. 31 TO SEPT. 2

Sponsored by the Dayton Giant Scalers, the show attracts about 10,000 people over the weekend. Many perform aerobatics during daily shows.

DAWN PATROL RENDEZVOUS WORLD WAR I FLY-IN
SEPT. 21-23

Featuring authentic and replica World War I aircraft, the Fly-In takes place every other year and is hosted by the museum and the Great War Aeroplanes Association.

Today, all ages can enjoy the natural beauty of Door County by hiking, biking, parasailing and horseback riding.

By varying the modes in which you explore Door County, you can experience the full flavor of this 75-mile-long peninsula, which boasts picture-perfect maritime towns perched on Lake Michigan, as well as orchard-graced, rural interiors. Door County’s diversity is one of the many reasons why it was recently named one of the top 10 vacation destinations in North America.

Door County lies just 150 miles north of Milwaukee; the two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown is a scenic one, with views of Lake Michigan, well-kept farms, sparkling marinas and flower-bedecked villages.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Good old-fashioned hiking and biking are some of the best ways to explore the area. With five state parks, the peninsula is brimming with hiking and biking trails that meander from wooded areas to coastal views. Favorite destinations include Newport State Park, with its scenic beach on Lake Michigan; Peninsula State Park, boasting gentle bike paths; tranquil Nicolet Bay Beach, located in Green Bay; and Whitefish Dunes State Park, which features hiking trails that lead to the highest sand dune in Wisconsin and the county’s loveliest beach on Lake Michigan.

Door County has 10 historic lighthouses, the second most of any county in the United States. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park and Cana Island Lighthouse are not to be missed, as is Pottawatomie

Lighthouse on Rock Island, located off of Washington Island, which is north of the peninsula. Both islands can be reached via ferry; once you disembark, hike or bike your way around and explore.

With 300 miles of coastline, Door County offers a host of water sport options. The majority of rentals take place on Green Bay, especially in the village of Ephraim and Nicolet Bay Beach. Pontoon boats are easy to navigate, can accommodate the entire family, and allow spectacular views of the tiny islets that dot the coast. For a bird’s-eye view of the peninsula, try parasailing, and if you’re in the mood to delve a little deeper, try scuba diving around schooners sunken in formerly treacherous waters.

For landlubbers, there are many ways to explore Door County’s rural interior. There are a number of stables offering horseback riding for all ages. One of the more unique ways to “get lost” in Door County’s countryside is via a corn maze offered by Dairy View Country Store.

And, since the county is a leading producer of cherries, leave time to visit a couple of roadside stands for fresh cherries, pies and dried snacks.

After wearing yourself out during active adventures, hop on one of the narrated trolley tours, offered in various themes, such as lighthouses, scenic vistas or ghost tales.

If you prefer to glide, hop aboard a Segway for lessons and group tours of Cana Island, Peninsula State Park, Ridges Sanctuary and Washington Island.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

After a full day of exploring, relaxing at a musical or theatrical performance is the ticket. There are several companies that perform in a variety of outdoor settings, including the American Folklore Theatre and the Peninsula Players Theatre.

Also, the Door Community Auditorium hosts the Peninsula Music Festival each summer, while Birch Creek Music Performance Center features symphonies, percussion and steel bands, and jazz concerts during the summer.

Many of the peninsula’s historical attractions feature farming pioneers. There are a number of 19th century farms to visit, including Old Anderson House Museum, a renovated 1875 farmhouse located within Corner of the Past; Ephraim Village Museums, which features costumed docents and a pioneer schoolhouse; and The Farm, highlights of which are restored log cabins and a petting zoo.

SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE

Many towns in Door County are proud of their Scandinavian heritage. Sister Bay, for example, is home to a resort hotel called Scandinavian Lodge.

Just down the road is Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant; from pancakes with lingonberries to Swedish meatballs, a traditional meal is at your fingertips in this native Norwegian log construction. Additionally, there are annual Scandinavian festivals, including the Washington Island Scandinavian Festival in August.

Not surprisingly, Door County is widely known for its Scandinavian-style, outdoor fish boils. Whitefish from Lake Michigan is boiled with onions and potatoes in a huge kettle over an open fire. When the meal is ready, the water boils over, causing big dramatic flames. There are 10 different restaurants that hold the dramatic fish boils, including White Gull Inn and Square Rigger Galley.

DINING AND LODGING

One of Door County’s most popular casual eateries is Wilson’s Restaurant. Famous for its ice cream, this landmark also serves burgers, fries and home-brewed root beer on an outdoor patio. Other no-frills restaurants include Digger’s Grill & Pizza, Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, and Neighborhood Pub & Grill.

As far as lodging goes, there is plenty to choose from. Scandinavian Lodge rooms come equipped with a kitchen and fireplace, and the property also boasts indoor and outdoor pools. Evergreen Hill Condominiums also features many of the same amenities.

For accommodations overlooking the bay or lake, spend your nights at Glidden Lodge Beach Resort, located along Lake Michigan near Whitefish Dunes State Park. Or, stay at the exclusive Hillside Inn of Ephraim, which overlooks Green Bay and the quaint Ephraim harbor. For those looking for a more intimate setting, there are plenty of historic inns and B&Bs, including The Inn at Cedar Crossing, which boasts quaint rooms with fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs.

The peninsula’s variety, be it the ways to explore or its Scandinavian heritage, is the key to a wonderful Door County vacation.

MIDWEST AIRLINES offers daily flights to and from Green Bay.

Door County SHOPPING GUIDE

Door County is a thriving arts center bursting with studios and galleries. The peninsula has nearly 100 galleries, so make sure to pick up a special art shop map from a visitors’ center. Below is a taste of what Door County has to offer:

Native Affairs, LLC
STURGEON BAY

This contemporary American Indian arts and crafts store displays artwork from Native American tribes based in Door County and from around the U.S.

Scrimshanders
EPHRAIM

In addition to weekly demonstrations of indigenous American folk art, this shop sells heirlooms from all over, and focuses on items from Door County.

Dovetail Gallery and Studio
EGG HARBOR

This cozy gallery has a range of fine arts, and artist and owner Kathleen Beck creates carved and painted personalized Fabergé-inspired eggs.

Door County also has many clothing boutiques and specialty stores where you can find plenty of unique items—no chain stores here. In most towns, the stores are clustered together, making it easy to park your car and walk from charming shop to shop. Here are some of the peninsula’s well-known specialty shops:

Fish Creek Moccasin Works FISH CREEK AND BAILEYS HARBOR This is the place to go for handmade footware, including Minnetonka moccasins.

Child’s Play

STURGEON BAY This old-fashioned toy store is loaded with goodies that will charm and entertain kids of all ages.

Made in Britain, Ltd.

EGG HARBOR Food, tea ware, clothing and London Underground signs are some of the items that are “made in Britain.”

Tannenbaum Holiday Shop SISTER BAY Set in an old church, this store makes holiday shopping a year-round event.

Known for its musical legacy as much as for damp weather and affinity for java, the Emerald City is the place where many musicians began their ascents to stardom and, in some cases, ended their lives.
The suggested destinations for the visiting music fan vary by musical genre and historical significance, but all have one thing in common: Each location has shaped the sound of Seattle and the history of music.

EDGEWATER INN
Extending over Elliott Bay at Extending over Elliott Bay at 2411 Alaskan Way on Pier 67, the 2411 Alaskan Way on Pier 67, the Edgewater Inn ( Edgewater Inn has served as a haven for) has served as a haven for musicians since it was built for the musicians since it was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Musicians who 1962 World’s Fair. Musicians who have visited include members of have visited include members of the Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, the Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
According to hotel management, According to hotel management, The Beatles were so hounded by The Beatles were so hounded by fans during their first world tour fans during their first world tour that many young girls took to the that many young girls took to the frigid bay waters in an effort to frigid bay waters in an effort to circumvent the hotel’s security; circumvent the hotel’s security; then staked out the entrance and then staked out the entrance and snuck into the hotel to meet their snuck into the hotel to meet their heroes. Following the Fab Four’s heroes. Following the Fab Four’s stay, carpet squares from Suite stay, carpet squares from Suite 272 were a hot item. Now you 272 were a hot item. Now you can experience Beatlemania by can experience Beatlemania by staying in the same suite, though staying in the same suite, though reservations should be made well reservations should be made well in advance. Be sure to stop by the in advance. Be sure to stop by the hotel’s bar, which offers stunning hotel’s bar, which offers stunning panoramic views of Puget Sound panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. and the Olympic Mountains.

COBAIN HOUSE
In 1994, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love purchased a mansion in the Denny-Blaine neighborhood. With an idyllic setting upon the shores of Lake Washington, the residence—one of the oldest and largest in the neighborhood—was sold by Love in 2000. The greenhouse where Cobain was found after he took his life was torn down in 1998.
While more than a decade has passed since Cobain’s death, fans still make the pilgrimage to Denny-Blaine. Directly next to Cobain’s former residence lies tiny Viretta Park, at 151 Lake Washington Blvd. East, which now serves as hallowed ground for Nirvana fans. On the anniversary of his death—April 8—flowers and artifacts are always left at the park in memory of the singer.

BROADWAY STREET
Sir Mix-A-Lot immortalized this street in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district in his ’80s rap anthem, “Posse on Broadway.” He put Seattle on the map of rap with a melding of clever lyrics and booming bass. In “Posse on Broadway,” the Seattleite pays homage to the city’s delights.
Some of the destinations mentioned in the song are still standing today, including Dick’s, a Seattle fast food institution. Sir Mix-A-Lot would go on to forge a successful career punctuated by his huge hit, “Baby Got Back.”

WASHINGTON HALL
Billie Holiday performed at Washington Hall, located at 153 14th Ave., in the early ’50s. It is also where a teenage Hendrix and his band, The Rocking Kings, first performed. In addition, the Central District landmark has hosted such African-American icons as Mahalia Jackson, W.E.B. Du Bois, Joe Louis, Duke Ellington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

JIMI HENDRIX MEMORIAL
Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle on November 7, 1942. His remains now rest in a domed memorial structure located at Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monroe Ave. NE, in Renton, Wash., about 20 miles southeast of Seattle. Fans of Hendrix make the pilgrimage and leave mementos for their hero. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 visitors pay tribute at the memorial each year.

EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT
Cap off your visit to Seattle with a trip to the Experience Music Project. Whatever your taste in music, EMP, located at 325 5th Ave. North, will have something that suits you. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, EMP opened in June of 2000 and has 140,000 square feet of space devoted to various musical genres. Visitors use interactive headphones as they view the exhibits. The Sound Lab—where guests can pretend they are famous musicians—is loaded with the latest in audio technology.

CHECK THESE OUT

CROCODILE CAFE
Featured in the 1996 film Hype!, this establishment is also where Death Cab for Cutie got its start.

THE MOORE THEATER
Where Pearl Jam’s
“Even Flow” video was shot, the venue still holds live shows.

THE SHOWBOX
This downtown venue has hosted performances by such legends as Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters,Ramones and Pearl Jam.

ATLANTA | HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

Three new buildings more than doubled the museum’s size to 312,000 square feet. The expansion has strengthened the High’s role as the premier art museum in the Southeast.

DALLAS | NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

The gallery and garden—built to house the private collection of Raymond and Patsy Nasher—consists of five simple pavilions with travertine marble walls. The design is a single-story form that provides indirect lighting through the ceiling.

NEW YORK CITY | THE MORGAN LIBRARY

The new modern and original historic buildings are joined with glass interstices, providing clear sight lines. In addition, much of the new space was created underground, making it possible to expand the Morgan without exceeding the height of neighboring structures or compromising the neighborhood’s scale

SAN FRANCISCO | CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

The California Academy of Sciences, slated to open September 2008, will be located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The new venue will combine innovative green architecture with inventive exhibitions to inspire visitors to explore and protect the natural world. The new venue will house Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Kimball Natural History Museum.

NEW YORK | THE NEW YORK TIMES BUILDING

Located on Eighth Avenue between 40th and 41st streets, in the heart of New York City, this 52-story transparent glass tower overlooks the ongoing Times Square redevelopment.

Have you ever wondered how a carousel or motorcycle is made? Ho w about lipstick, jelly beans or beer? Across the country, businesses are opening their doors and inviting vi sitors to get a firsthand look at their operations. From Celestial Sea sonings in Boulder, Colo., t o Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain, Wis., factory tours make for enchanting and eye-opening experiences.

These affordable—and sometimes free—activities offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a musician, makeup artist, chocoholic, tea aficionado, car enthusiast or scrapbooking guru, you will love our 20 best picks.

FAMILY FUN

1 MRS. GROSSMAN’S STICKER FACTORY

Visiting Mrs. Grossman’s sticker factory in Petaluma, Calif., just 40 miles north of San Francisco, is like stepping into a magical world. Inside the factory, you’ll see hundreds of thousands of colorful stickers being made. Besides witnessing the printing, assembly, wrapping and packaging, you’ll also see the Laserweb machine as it shoots 10,000-degree laser beams that cut Mrs. Grossman’s signature into the stickers. In the art room, visitors are given a bag of stickers to use in a complimentary art project.

2 CAROUSEL MAGIC FACTORY

At the Carousel Magic factory in Mansfield, Ohio (about 70 miles south of Cleveland and 60 miles north of Columbus), you can watch skilled craftsmen build, carve and paint carousel figures. They will explain the intricate process that turns a pile of wooden boards into a fleet of enchanting animals. The 30- to 45-minute tour ends at a colorful photo gallery elucidating the history of this whimsical ride.

3 STUFFINGTON BEAR FACTORY

At the Stuffington Bear Factory in Phoenix, you can learn the step-by-step process of designing, manufacturing and sewing teddies. The shorter drop-in tours take place daily at 1 p.m., but the “stuff your own bear” private tour is the most popular option. This hands-on experience comes to life when visitors choose their own 12-inch bear, which they can stuff, comb, bathe and dress.

BLUSH & BLENDERS

4 MARY KAY INC.MANUFACTURING PLANT

View the giant kettles and mixing tanks that produce more than 200 types of cosmetics in this Dallas-based plant. Walk among the one million units of Mary Kay products that are produced each day.
972-687-5720

5 KITCHEN AID MANUFACTURING PLANT

A trip to this plant in Greenville, Ohio, 45 minutes outside of Dayton, is the ultimate kitchen adventure. The nearby Experience Store features eight interactive areas where visitors can try all of the Kitchen Aid appliances.

SWEET DISCOVERIES

6 VELVET ICE CREAM FACTORY

Nestled on 20 acres of rolling hills in Ohio’s scenic Licking Valley, the Velvet Ice Cream factory in Utica, located 35 miles east of Columbus, gives visitors an insider’s look at the fascinating world of ice cream production. Enjoy a sundae or banana split at the turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor, housed in a historic mill adjacent to the factory. At the interactive ice cream museum, learn the history of this frozen dessert, and attempt to churn ice cream the old-fashioned way.

7 JELLY BELLY CANDY FACTORY

Get a firsthand look at how jelly beans are made at the Jelly Belly candy factory in Fairfield, Calif., about an hour’s drive north of San Francisco. Walk through the production process, and see how the candy is cooked, molded, coated, polished, sorted and packaged. Afterwards, head to the sample bar and taste the 150 flavors made in the factory. The candy-inspired menu at the Jelly Belly Cafe features jelly bean-shaped pizza and hamburgers.

8 HERR’S SNACK FACTORY

At Herr’s Snack Factory in Nottingham, Pa., an hour from both Philadelphia and Baltimore, you will learn what makes cheese curls cheesy and why pretzels are brown. You’ll see how raw ingredients—mainly potatoes and corn—are prepped, cooked and seasoned to make different products. After sampling freshly cooked potato chips still warm from the fryer, bagged potato chips will never taste the same.

9 ETHEL M CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Sample chocolates at Ethel M’s Chocolate factory, just 15 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Take a peek into the processing kitchen, and stroll through the company’s four-acre cactus garden—one of the world’s largest—home to more than 300 species of the desert plant.

TASTE SENSATIONS

10 CELESTIAL SEASONINGS TEA FACTORY

A trip to the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder, Colo., is an experience for the senses. Entertain your taste buds at the daily tea sampling—featuring more than 100 teas—and visit the Celestial processing plant, where 10 million tea bags are produced daily. The visit culminates in the Mint Room, where thousands of pounds of dried spearmint and peppermint are stored.

11 SECHLER’S PICKLES

During the guided tour at Sechler’s Pickles in St. Joe, Ind., two hours north of Indianapolis, visitors get a glimpse of the pickle-making process, beginning at the tank yards, where the cucumbers are stored, through the processing, cutting, sweetening and packing of the pickles. From apple-cinnamon to jalapeño dilled, you’ll have a hard time choosing your favorite from Sechler’s 39 varieties.

12 CEDAR GROVE CHEESE

Learn about artisinal cheese in Plain, Wis., at the Cedar Grove Cheese factory, located about 35 miles northwest of Madison. During the tour, you’ll see cheese transform from pasteurized milk to finished blocks of mouthwatering goodness. Visit the Living Machine, which uses a biological technique to clean utilized water before it is deposited into the Wisconsin River.

13 NATURAL OVENS BAKERY

At the Natural Ovens Bakery in Manitowoc, Wis., about an hour and a half north of Milwaukee, you can savor the aroma of baking bread. Visitors can see the entire baking process, beginning with the formation of dough to baking in the 120-foot-long ovens. Enjoy samples as you browse the store, which carries a variety of whole foods and a complete line of Natural Ovens products.

BEER & WINE

14 HERZOG WINE CELLARS

Experience wine as you never have at the Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, Calif., located 60 minutes from Los Angeles. On a walking tour, visitors have the chance to see the cellar, bottling line and barrel room come to life. Tierra Sur, the winery’s restaurant, has a menu where selections are paired with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

15 MILLER BREWERY

Taste for yourself Milwaukee’s biggest beer export. Enjoying a frosty sample at the Miller Inn before you take a walk through the brewery, purchased by Frederick J. Miller in 1855. If it’s a sunny day, you can lounge in the beer garden after the tour wraps. Adults are welcome to their beer of choice, while fountain soda is available for the kids.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL IS HERE TO STAY

16 GIBSON GUITAR FACTORY

Ever wondered who makes guitars for B.B. King and Sheryl Crow? At the Gibson Beale Street Showcase in Memphis, two hours from Nashville, watch luthiers handcraft some of the finest guitars in the world. You’ll not only see the binding, neck-fitting, painting and buffing that goes into making a guitar, you’ll also hear how Gibson has shaped the music industry for more than 100 years. In the evenings, enjoy live performances at the Beale Street Lounge, located on the first floor of the factory.

17 EMERGENCY ONE FACTORY

At the Emergency One factory in Ocala, Fla., about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, you can gain an appreciation for the some of the finest rescue vehicles in the world. Watch the intricate process of manufacturing and assembling fire trucks of all colors. In the final testing area, climb into the cab of a fire engine and smile for a one-of-a-kind photo-op.

18 FUTURE OF FLIGHT AVIATION CENTER & BOEING TOUR

Model airplane lover or not, you will be wowed by the Boeing assembly plant in Mukilteo, Wash., 30 minutes north of Seattle. After watching a video at the Future of Flight and Aviation Center that shows how a jumbo jet is assembled, a bus takes you to the nearby Boeing factory. From the outdoor viewing deck, you can watch airplanes take off and land; it’s the closest you can get to a runway without actually being on a plane.

19 HARLEY DAVIDSON FACTORY

At the Harley-Davidson factory in Kansas City, Mo., visitors can see the plant that produces the Sportster, Dyna and VRSC families of motorcycles. Home of the V-Rod model, this factory is the only location that makes a complete motorcycle from start to finish. Visitors are invited to walk through the factory, where they can view a wide range of operations, from welding and frame-bending to powder-coating and wheel assembly.

20 CORVETTE ASSEMBLY PLANT

During the one-mile walking tour at the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky., about 60 miles north of Nashville, you’ll see how Chevrolet Corvettes and Cadillac XLRs are assembled. From mere feet away, you’ll see the body shop, assembly area and dynamic vehicle tests. Get a look at how the car’s trim and chassis are “married” when four operators merge the vehicle’s two main components together in less than three minutes.

Since 1999, Kansas Citians have eagerly awaited the completion of construction at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, a stately building that has been a fixture on the city’s landscape since the ’30s.

Since the $200 million new addition broke ground in 2001, area residents have wondered about the modernistic building as it took shape on the east side of the Ford Learning Center campus.

The structure threads 840 feet along the edge of the museum’s sculpture park, with five “lenses” rising from the earth. The contemporary design, by New York architect Steven Holl, has not been without controversy. Long before its completion, critics expressed concerns that the structure didn’t pay homage to the neoclassical style of the original building, and that in daylight it didn’t resemble the luminosity of the architectural renderings. Holl asked for people to be patient and reserve judgment until construction was completed.

On June 9, the public gets its first glimpse inside the Bloch Building, named for Henry Bloch—chairman of the Nelson-Atkins Board of Trustees and co-founder of H&R Block—and his wife, Marion. As media reports circulated about the flowing interiors and expansive galleries, the criticism quieted.

“The new construction will define the next era of achievement for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art,” says Marc F. Wilson, museum director. “We look forward to engaging our visitors in breathtaking new spaces. The new Bloch building is part of the much larger vision for the future of the Nelson-Atkins.”

THE DEBUT
On one issue everyone can agree: The expansion has transformed the campus.

The glass Bloch Building offers a counterpoint to the stone Nelson-Atkins Building. Where the original Nelson-Atkins structure features muted lighting, marbled floors and classical columns in a symmetrical building, Holl’s expansion offers luminous floor-to-ceiling glass panels, terrazzo and wood floors, and irregularly shaped galleries with soaring ceilings.

Holl was one of six architects selected in 1999 to submit plans for the expansion of the museum. While five of the architects envisioned adding on to the north of the original structure, Holl’s design broke all the rules, carving space along the east side of the building.

The Bloch Building will serve double duty, not only as a structure to house works of art, but also as a work worthy of study itself; at night, the building is illuminated from within to shine like a beacon.

There have been other improvements, as part of the construction, that have also worked to enhance the campus. In addition to the Bloch Building, components of Nelson-Atkins improvement projects include:

New underground parking garage, which is also the new main entry to the museum, is located in the northernmost lens of the Bloch Building.

Expansion of classrooms and educational space—from 5,195 to 22,700 square feet—with construction of the Ford Learning Center on the original building’s ground floor.

Renovations to the original Nelson-Atkins Building. The ceremonial heart of the museum, Kirkwood Hall, was refurbished with new lighting, a new sound system and a new glass ceiling.

The new Sculpture Hall, which opened in 2005, is not only an important formal component of the Nelson-Atkins Building, but also acts as a bridge connecting the entrance of Kirkwood Hall to the lobby of the Bloch Building.

THE ART INSIDE AND OUT

With 165,000 square feet of space afforded by the Bloch Building, the museum has reexamined its holdings and given considerable thought to art placement, says Scott Stuart, media relations officer.

The Nelson-Atkins Building will continue to house the museum’s European, pre-1945 American, Asian, Southeast Asian, American Indian and ancient art collections. Artwork has been reinstalled in the permanent galleries, integrating decorative arts with paintings and sculptures from similar periods in a more populist approach to the museum experience.

The spacious galleries and alabaster walls within the Bloch Building provide an ideal setting for the museum’s contemporary art, African art, sculpture and photography.

The Bloch Building also features the Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Court, a large space dedicated to the works of the Japanese-American sculptor. And just outside, the recently expanded 22-acre Kansas City Sculpture Park beckons with more than 30 sculptures by artists including Henry Moore, Tony Cragg and Alexander Calder.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art gets its name from two Kansas City residents who likely did not even know each other: The Kansas City Star founder William Rockhill Nelson and widowed schoolteacher Mary McAfee Atkins, independently stipulated in their wills that their estates be used to purchase art for public enjoyment. In 1927, by consensus among trustees of both estates, the Nelson and Atkins funds were combined, and soon after construction began on the property where Nelson’s house stood.

On a cold December day in 1933, the Nelson opened its doors, and a crowd of 8,000 marveled at the works of art, including a special showing of James McNeill Whistler’s famous Whistler’s Mother.

IF YOU GO

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of more than 34,500 works of art. The museum is best known for its Asian art, European paintings, modern sculpture and now, with the acquisition of the Hallmark photographic collection, photography. The museum is located at 45th and Oak streets. Open Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the permanent collection is free. For more information, call 816-751-1278

ADDITIONAL NEW FEATURES INCLUDE:

• A new cafe in the museum will offer soups and sandwiches in a casual setting, while the more formal Rozzelle Court Restaurant will continue service in the Nelson-Atkins Building.

• The Museum Store will provide significantly more space for merchandise than the former store, which will become a gallery.

• A revamped visitors desk will offer information on television monitors, and nearby electronic kiosks will enable visitors to seek information or purchase tickets to special exhibitions.

MIDWEST AIRLINES, the official airline of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, offers nonstop service to Kansas City from cities throughout the country.

The Midwest may be fly-over country for some golfers, but by traveling only to warm-weather locations in search of golfing venues, they’re missing out on some of the best golf this side of the Atlantic. While the scenic Straits Course at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis.—located about an hour outside of Milwaukee—might be the best example of a local golf course to be treasured, it’s certainly not the only one.

In fact, Milwaukee’s American Club at Kohler boasts a quartet of Pete Dye-designed courses, two at adjoining Whistling Straits. You can’t go wrong at any of the courses, but the walking-only Straits course, which hosted a men’s PGA championship in 2004 won by Vijay Singh, offers outstanding golf and spectacular views. Caddies, sheep and an Irish manor-like clubhouse add to this genuine links experience. It may be expensive, but think of the airfare you save flying into Milwaukee instead of Edinburgh.

In addition to the devilish Dye designs for Kohler, other top Midwest courses mapped out by famous designers are within easy driving distance of three of Midwest Airlines’ major destinations. So, if you’re flying to Milwaukee, Kansas City or Omaha, make sure to pack your clubs and experience the kind of premier golf you may have thought was only available in warmer climates.

Milwaukee

WHILE GOLFERS MAY BE drawn to the Kohler courses because of what they’ve seen on TV, it would do them well to consider the city’s other courses designed by top golf names.

Just 40 minutes north of General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), you’ll find The Bog in Saukville, Wis., designed by Arnold Palmer. The Bog, which opened in 1995 and borders the Cedarburg Bog, is made up of 1,700 acres of peat and often rated as one of the best courses in the state.

Another 30 minutes north will bring you to The Bull at Pinehurst Farms, designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Bull became Wisconsin’s first Nicklaus signature course when it was built in 2002. The course rivals nearby Dye-designed Blackwolf Run (800-344-2838).

A little more than 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee sits Lake Geneva, where you’ll find Geneva National. This resort features 54 holes of golf designed by a familiar trio—Palmer, Lee Trevino and Gary Player. Palmer’s course is the most notable, but the Trevino and Player courses are worth playing as well.

If you want to make a week of it, nearby Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has two terrific courses—The Brute, designed by Robert Bruce Harris, and the Scottish-style Highlands course, originally designed by Dye and Nicklaus, and recently updated by Bob Lohmann.

To the northwest of Milwaukee is Erin Hills, a new course in Erin, Wis. Golf magazine recently rated it the “Best New Course of the Year,” and for good reason. The course is nestled in a lush landscape, crafted mostly by Mother Nature with assistance from design team Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. And just 10 minutes to the north in Hartford, Wis., is the Arthur Hills-designed beauty, Washington County Golf Course.

Omaha

STEAKS MIGHT BE THE first thing that come to mind when you think of Omaha, but golfers should sink their teeth into the Players Club at Deer Creek before it turns private. This Arnold Palmer-designed facility will allow public play until it signs up 350 members. Nine new holes were due to be added this year to a fine tract that opened in 2000. The initial 18 holes, covering more than 7,000 yards, has a par of 71 and is characterized by wetlands and open water on the back nine.

Lee Trevino had a hand in the Tiburon Golf Club facility. The semi-private club, located 20 minutes from downtown Omaha, features 27 holes. The original layout was designed by Dave Bennett, with Trevino serving as a design consultant “in the very early stages,” according to the course.

You can also play a Robert Trent Jones, Sr., design at Willow Lakes (402-292-1680), next to the Offut Air Force Base about 25 minutes outside of town. Golfers remember the small greens, the many lakes and the trees on this course, which dates back to 1963.

Kansas City

THERE IS MORE TO ENJOY in Kansas City than just barbecue and jazz. You got it: Golf. And we’re talking both in Missouri and in Kansas. Fly into Kansas City International Airport in Missouri, rent yourself a car and prepare to explore both cities.

Start at the National Golf Club of Kansas City, designed by Missouri-native Tom Watson. Although this venue is reserved for members only, Watson also laid out another Kansas City, Mo., course: the three-hole junior course at Blue River (816-513-8940).

Before Watson came the legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast, who designed the top-rated Kansas City course at the Kansas City Country Club facility (913-236-2122) in Shawnee Mission, Kan. It’s a feat to gain entry to the KCCC, but you can play Tillinghast’s 1934 design just 20 minutes away at Swope Memorial in Kansas City, Mo. Short by today’s standards at 6,274 yards, this par-72 course remains tough with small, undulating greens that challenged legends Ben Hogan and Sam Snead at the Kansas City Open in the ’40s.

Robert Trent Jones, Jr., designed two courses of note. One is Deer Creek Golf Club in Overland Park, Kan., 30 minutes south of Kansas City. This course features an abundance of trees, while Tiffany Greens Golf Club in Kansas City, Mo., boasts plenty of water and sand.

Michael Hurdzan, of the aforementioned Hurdzan-Fry design team, laid out Drumm Farm Golf Club in Independence, Mo., about 30 minutes southeast of Kansas City. This course runs through land characterized by creeks and old oaks.

So fly to, not over, these cities for great Midwest golf by some of the game’s master designers. May your drives always find the fairways of your imagination.

Say “vintage clothing,” and you may conjure up memories of foraging through racks of musty old sweaters and tattered leopard-print coats. But going vintage isn’t just for art school kids and counterculture devotees anymore. From top celebrities strolling down the red carpet to high school seniors in search of the perfect prom dress, attire from decades past appeals to those looking to add a little creative flair to their wardrobe. Ready to perk up your closet and cultivate a unique, personal style? Here are a few of our favorite hot-spots for scoring true top-notch vintage duds, plus tips on getting the most out of your vintage shopping experience.

BY CHRISTINA KALLERY

SAN FRANCISCO

Located in San Fran’s famous Haight-Ashbury district, La Rosa Vintage features a broad inventory of items ranging from the 1880s through the 1970s. Top sellers include Marilyn-esque ’50s cocktail dresses and vintage Western shirts. The shop also boasts a sizeable selection of men’s suits from the ’20s to the ’60s, plus plenty of eye-catching vintage jewelry, purses and hats. La Rosa’s customer base tends to be fairly diverse, thanks to its highly trafficked locale. “We get a lot of designers looking for inspiration,” says Oran Scott, the shop’s manager. “Also a lot of actors, people going to parties and weddings, teenagers going to proms, plenty of tourists, and the occasional celebrity.” He adds, “What I like about vintage clothing is the sense of uniqueness. And the quality is better. Things aren’t made to last now. Fashion changes so fast, something new is gonna be out of style in a month.” His all-time favorite vintage find? “Two Western suits—two-tone with fringe—that were made by the same guy who designed Roy Roger’s suits.”

415-668-3744

ORAN’S FASHION ADVICE

“IF YOU LIKE IT, GET IT, BECAUSE YOU’LL NEVER SEE IT AGAIN. People tend not to realize that vintage is one of a kind.”

MIX VINTAGE WITH MODERN. “Try a ’50s skirt with a contemporary top, or a pair of awesome ’60s stilettos with new jeans.”

IF IT DOESN’T FIT, don’t force it.

NEW YORK

The newer, high-end supplement to SoHo vintage hotspot Chelsea Girl, Chelsea Girl Couture is not only a treasure trove of distinctive designer pieces but also a source of inspiration for next season’s runway fare. “A huge portion of our clientele are stylists and designers from around the world,” says store manager Jennifer Case. “We hand-pick our inventory each season.” As a result, revamped versions of Chelsea finds often make their way into fashion pages. Owner Elisa Casas keeps the store freshly stocked with plenty of Pucci, Missoni, Oscar de la Renta and ’70s Yves Saint Laurent. And since she’s a die-hard vintage bag collector, there’s never a shortage of interesting purses, clutches and totes in all shapes, sizes and colors.

JENNIFER’S SECOND-HAND TIPS

TAKE THE TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT STYLES YOU LIKE.
“That way you know what to look for.”

REMEMBER THAT CUTS WERE MORE DETAILED IN THE PAST.
“Something might seem like nothing special on the hanger, but look fantastic on because of the cut.”

NOT READY TO GO THE VINTAGE CLOTHING ROUTE?
“Start out with a great bag. It’s an easy addition to anyone’s wardrobe.”

Decades

LOS ANGELES

When Nicole Kidman makes an entrance in her amazing ’60s gown, chances are she scored it at this vintage couture wonderland. “We appeal to the client who wants something individual and one of a kind,” says owner Cameron Silver.

Decades’ vibe evokes sophistication and timeless glamour—never kitschy retro. “The magic of this business is pairing the right dress with the right woman,” Silver says. “We like vintage fashion that looks modern.” Stocked with a vast array of designer formalwear, separates and accessories from the likes of Chanel, Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci, the emporium caters to both women and men. Can’t make it to the store just yet? Decades’ Web site features a Daily Arrival Blog highlighting the latest unearthed treasures.

CAMERON’S COSTUME CAUTIONS

ANYTHING THAT LOOKS TOO VINTAGE IS A NO-NO. “I can’t stress it enough—don’t look at it as vintage shopping. Look at it as contemporary shopping, only the pieces are older. You’ll avoid looking like a poster child for the Salvation Army.”

LOOK FOR QUALITY PIECES. “If it was good 30 or 40 years ago, it’s probably good today. If it was junky, it’s still going to be junky.”

THE VINTAGE PIECE A WOMAN WEARS IS A CONVERSATION PIECE. ”You don’t want too many conversations going on. Wear one or two vintage pieces at a time.”

CONDITION IS PARAMOUNT. “Better to pass on something that is falling apart unless you are a conservationist. Certain stains are hard to get out. Moth hole damage is hard to fix. If it stinks, walk away!”

DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO FLAUNT A BIG NAME. “I love it when a woman is wearing something that you cannot identify immediately. That mystery in a woman’s wardrobe can be quite attractive.”

Le Frock

SEATTLE

For the past 15 years, this Seattle shop has been selling gorgeous, quality vintage clothes at easy-on-the-wallet prices; most pieces ring in at under $100. Le Frock offers both contemporary fashion and vintage items from a range of eras. If you’re having trouble choosing between, say, the cashmere beaded cardigan or the suede fringe jacket, you can consult the store’s private fashion library to learn more about different styles throughout the decades and decide on the right look for you. Manager Paula Lucas loves the back stories associated with vintage clothes. “When I come across a ’30s Missionary Oblate walking jacket, I like the history behind it. All of these things were part of someone’s life,” she says.

PAULA’S VINTAGE 101

HIT THE DRESSING ROOM. “Ignore sizes because the charts have changed over the years. Try everything on.”

MAKE SURE THE SEAMS ARE INTACT. “A lot of times the clothing will stand up well but the seams won’t.”

DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT. “It’s half the fun. When you experiment, you discover your own style.”

Katy K Designs

NASHVILLE

When country stars need to pick up some eye-popping duds, they head to Katy K Designs. This Western-themed emporium boasts an eclectic mix of new and vintage items, as well as a special collection of pieces by the late country Western designer Nudie, who designed amazingly ornate stagewear for performers like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Ray Charles. “We’ve got the biggest selection of cowboy boots and men’s Western shirts,” says store manager Melba Toast. Other hot sellers include women’s vintage pieces and couture clothing whipped up by Katy K herself. But she doesn’t just cater to the Grand Ole Opry set. A one-time New York designer influenced by the underground ’80s music scene, Katy has created clothing for musicians among the likes of Klaus Nomi and John Sex, along with pop stars Cyndi Lauper and Whitney Houston. “Vintage makes you look like you spent more money than you did,” Toast says. “Because what you’re wearing is unusual. It’s not what everyone else is picking up at Wal-Mart.”

MELBA’S LOOKING LESSONS

CHECK LABELS. “Know what’s valuable— especially if you’re interested in collecting.”

CHECK WASHING INSTRUCTIONS. “If in doubt, dry clean.”

DON’T BE A SLAVE TO FASHION. “Put it on, and if it looks good, wear it!”

Dragonfly

MILWAUKEE

Located on the strollable Brady Street, this charming boutique blends a mix of old and new garments in its eclectic inventory. Vintage clothing generally spans the ’50s to the ’80s and includes summer skirts and dresses, formal gowns, ultra-girly lingerie, and assorted pieces from Betsey Johnson, Gunne Sax, Oleg Cassini and Chanel. Owner Annette French’s passion for vintage was sparked by necessity and grew from there. “I started out as a thrift shopper for financial reasons,” she says. “But I think vintage fashion is more interesting, more expressive and of better quality. It’s unique and also a form of recycling, which is cool.”

ANNETTE’S SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS

BE OPEN-MINDED ABOUT TAILORING. “If you love the piece, you might want to invest the extra cash to have it fit.”

CHECK THE UNDERARM AREA. “It’s a common trouble spot for seams.”

BE THERE. “Buying online is tricky, because you can’t try it on, and sizing varied so much in the past. A size eight could mean anything.”

The Paper Bag Princess

TORONTO

With entire streets devoted to hipster thrift stores and quirky, upscale boutiques, Toronto is a vintage shopper’s dream come true.

The Paper Bag Princess offers exceptional designer pieces from the ’20s on.

One glance at a rack reserved solely for Chanel or Pucci will tell you this isn’t your neighborhood hit-or-miss thrift shop. Most of the emporium’s wide, astoundingly chic inventory features only haute-grade garments in fantastic shape. “We’re extremely selective,” says Adjoa Duncan, the store’s manager. “Items are hand picked for their great quality and high-end design.” So if you’re looking for that ultra-rare Escada, Armani, Dior or Manolo, the Princess won’t disappoint.

ADJOA’S BUYING TIPS

AIM FOR THE STAPLES. “A good starting point is a little black dress. Get one that fits well and it will take you anywhere.”

ADD CHARACTER. “Everyone’s wardrobe could use a great-fitting jacket or suit.

WALK IT OUT. “Perk up any outfit with a fabulous pair of vintage shoes.”

Treasure talk

Diana Craig Sparks, owner of Bonnie & Clyde’s Treasure Trove located in Pierceton, Ind., aka “The Antique Town,” shared some of her top vintage shopping secrets.

WATCH FOR HIDDEN FLAWS.
A little evidence of wear is normal, but make sure to check for stains and tears in the fabric. Be sure to use a dry cleaner experienced in cleaning vintage fabrics.

TO AVOID REPRODUCTIONS, buy from a reputable dealer.

FIND A STYLE OR ERA that’s flattering to your body shape.

GO FOR QUALITY.
Well-crafted, tailored pieces make exceptional additions to any wardrobe and never go out of style!

REMEMBER that vintage clothes are older and need to be handled gently. A good dry cleaner, a great alteration shop and a love for the adventure that is vintage shopping are all you need to get started!

WATCH OUT FOR SIZING! Today’s sizes aren’t the same as they were in the ’70s or even the ’80s. It never hurts to carry a seam-stress’ tape measure when vintage shopping.

NOVICES SHOULD START SMALL, choosing items that mix well with contemporary clothes. Try a great eye-catching accessory or an embellished sweater.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Summerfest draws anywhere from 850,000 to more than one million fans every year. With 12 stages and 700 performances by more than 550 bands over the course of 11 days, it’s the world’s largest music festival, and it’s right on the shores of Lake Michigan. This year’s dates are June 28 to July 8.

“This is like a dozen music festivals strung together,”
says Brian Miller, a Milwaukee fan who shuts down his architectural firm to take his employees to the festival. “When you start talking about all those different stages and huge attendance figures, it’s like the national debt—numbers you can’t relate to. When someone tells me that their city has a music festival, I ask them, ‘How many people live in your town?’ If they say 200,000, then I tell them, ‘We can fit your entire town inside our festival.’”

The number of people attending the festival is not the only thing that garners attention; the diversity of the acts is also newsworthy.

Everything from jazz and country to hip-hop and hard rock—even accordions—make an appearance on at least one of the Summerfest stages. “When you look at our history, the best talents on the planet have performed here over the years,” says Howard Schnoll, president of the Summerfest board and volunteer for 40 years.

The Jackson 5 and Judy Collins performed in 1971. The Go-Go’s and Huey Lewis and the News headlined in 1984. Public Enemy rapped, and Milli Vanilli lip-synched on stage in 1990. And the Indigo Girls and Keith Urban rocked in 2002. Take any given year in Summerfest’s history, and it’s a veritable “who’s who” of pop, country and jazz of the time. It’s always a mix of who’s hot, who’s emerging and who was hot back when you were in high school (no matter what year you graduated). This year’s lineup includes The Fray, OK Go, Roger Waters, Bon Jovi, Ben Folds and John Mayer.

The eclectic mix that defines Summerfest can be traced back to its roots. In 1968, Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier went to Munich for Oktoberfest and decided he wanted his town to have an affordable music festival.

The first two years were a bit chaotic, with dozens of concert locations spread throughout the city. In the second year, the festival almost went under because of extreme heat and then a deluge of rain, causing organizers to fall more than $164,000 in debt.

The next year, a group of business leaders rescued the fledgling festival with loans and sponsorships, and the event converged into a single, lakefront location: an abandoned Nike missile site. The stages were barely more than wooden platforms, and there were no tables or seating. “There really wasn’t a backstage to speak of,” says Daryl Stuermer, a Milwaukee musician who plays guitar for Genesis and Phil Collins, and who has performed at Summerfest.

“There were no dressing rooms so we’d have to change in our cars.”
Dressing rooms, along with permanent stages, were added over the years, and slowly, more than $50 million worth of improvements to the grounds were completed. The festival now attracts an average of 875,000 fans. But, its mission remains the same: To bring the best names in music to one place. “It’s really not something you can compare to anything else,” Stuermer says. “The beauty of the festival is that once you get in, you can see bands you never would have seen or even thought about going to see. That’s why it’s such a great venue for both the bands and the fans.”

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Summerfest’s all about having a good time, but if you’re not a native Milwaukeean, it can be a little bit daunting to navigate the world’s largest music festival.

IF YOU’RE STAYING DOWNTOWN, it’s easy to walk to the festival grounds. If you’re staying a little further out, your best bet might be to drive to one of the park-and-rides and catch a bus. Though there’s ample parking around the grounds, traffic can get jammed, especially if you leave at midnight when the festival shuts down for the night.

LOCALS KNOW that while general admission is reasonable ($15 evenings and weekends, $8 weekdays), plenty of bargains abound. From bringing in box tops from ice cream to cans of food to feed the hungry, there’s a special promotion almost every day of the festival’s 11-day run. This year, to celebrate its 40th anniversary, there’s free admission for everyone July 8 from noon until 4 p.m. Free cake and ice cream will also be served to the first 4,000 visitors.

SUMMERFEST IS HELD at the Henry Maier Festival Grounds, 200 N. Harbor Dr. Go to summerfest.com to buy tickets, sample the music and discover freebies.

Music to your Stomach
A ton of eggplant a day. One thousand strawberries a day. More than 500 cases of alcohol in a week. Summerfest might be all about the music, but food is never shunted to the side.

In fact, there are more than 60 different local vendors that offer more than 250 menu choices, including 26 different types of chicken dishes. “Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it,” says Lori Presser Murphy, owner of Ultimate Confections, which serves more than 125 pints of strawberries a day. “It’s a total adrenaline rush to work here.”

When Summerfest was founded, there was only one vendor. The only food available was typical festival fair—burgers, brats and fries. In 1975, the city switched to hiring locally operated restaurateurs, and the variety of food has grown ever since. But, unlike many music festivals, every menu item offered by every vendor must be approved—and reapproved annually—by the festival’s food committee. “You have to bring them in a sample of what you want to serve,” says Jerry

Cohen, owner of Major Goolsby’s, one of the original vendors. “They don’t allow you to over-charge; your prices can’t be different from what you’d charge at your restaurant.”

Efficiency becomes important, says Casper Balistreri, owner of the Venice Club, another original vendor. Balistreri and his crew of more than 80 workers serve a ton of eggplant every day. “We become the largest processor of eggplant in the world for those 11 days,” he says.

The other challenge is to come up with a new menu item every year, says John Vukelic, owner of Crawdaddy’s, who serves more than 25 tons of alligator sausage. “We spend all winter thinking up new ideas,” he says. “This year, we’re unveiling Cajun eggrolls.”

Joseph “Jo Jo” Fugarino, owner of Jo Jo’s Martini Lounge, says he will also be unveiling a special Summerfest martini to celebrate its 40 years. He and his crew of 100 different bartenders go through 500 cases of alcohol, mixing up martinis in five-gallon barrels. “It’s intense, and there’s no down time,” Fugarino says. “You have to be ready to perform, even if you’re not on a stage, but it’s the best time ever.”

EVERY YEAR SINCE 1991, LEWIS BLACK HAS PERFORMED AT SUMMERFEST.
In fact, his first year was the first time he performed outside a comedy club. “It was brutal,” he says. “I could have done as well if I was sitting on the Ferris wheel, which at that time, Summerfest had.” Despite the intense heat and uncertain vagaries of the crowd, he kept returning, and by about his fourth Summerfest appearance, Black was met with success. “Each year it got better, and the first time I got really good at it, where I really had them, it started thundering and lightening and raining, and I had to get off the stage,” Black recalls. “I thought it was a practical joke. I was just having the biggest night I’d ever had, and then, ‘boom.’” Black will, of course, perform again this year. “It’s still nuts being outside, but I like it a lot,” he says. “I get to see bands, and I like Milwaukee. Summerfest is one of the best parties I’ve ever been to, and if you don’t like a band, just walk and find another. For the entertainment dollar, there’s nothing like it in the country.”

Summerfest
TIMELINE

1968
The first Summerfest is held at 35 locations throughout Milwaukee. Bob Hope, Up With People and The Lemon Pipers headline.

1969
Bob Hope returns; Dolly Parton, The Bob Seger System and B.B. King also headline, but 60 different venues, combined with extreme heat and a deluge of rain, put Summerfest $164,000 in the red.

1970
Summerfest moves to a former Nike missile site on the lakefront, and business leaders step up, create sponsorships and get the fest out of debt.
James Brown, José Feliciano and Procol Harum perform, but fans waiting for Sly and the Family Stone almost riot when the band doesn’t start on time. Summerfest’s smile logo also debuts.

1972

Too many profanities uttered on Summerfest’s main stage put George Carlin in the slammer for violating the state’s obscenity laws. David Cassidy, Aretha Franklin, The Doors and Glen Campbell perform— and don’t get arrested.

1973
Sammy Davis, Jr., the Steve Miller Band and The Doobie Brothers perform to rave reviews, but fans of Humble Pie riot, tearing down tents, stealing 50 kegs of beer and setting fires.

1974
Summerfest board of directors sets up family-friendly rules, no longer allowing patrons to bring their own alcohol. Johnny Cash, Helen Reddy, and Gladys Knight and the Pips perform.

1975
The festival begins to use local restaurant vendors, and the first half-barrel of Miller Lite is poured.
Bee Gees, Chuck Berry and Joan Baez take the stage.

1983
Plans for an amphitheater are formulated. Rick Springfield, R.E.M., Donna Summer and Eric Clapton perform.

1986
Attendance climbs past 650,000, with Night Ranger, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Willie Nelson taking the stage.

1987
Doors open to the Marcus Amphitheater with Paul Simon, Duran Duran and Run-DMC headlining.

1991
Lewis Black, in his first performance outside New York City, comes to Summerfest; he has returned every year since.

1997
Summerfest celebrates its 30th anniversary. It invests $2.5 million in grounds improvements, including two new stages, bringing the total to 12. Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, No Doubt and Weezer headline.

2001
The festival hits a record attendance of more than one million people. Destiny’s Child, Tom Petty, 3 Doors Down and Prince headline.

2006
Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige and Tom Petty perform. Several international music journalists attend. The festival’s Web site is visited by people from more than 105 countries.

WHAT DOES A FAILURE to negotiate with your employer cost you? $500,000. That’s the average amount of earnings professional women lose over a lifetime because they tend to negotiate poorly or not at all. Twenty percent of women never learn to negotiate. Tory Johnson, the founder of Women For Hire and workplace contributor on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” has made it her mission to educate women on looking out for themselves in the workplace. “It starts with speaking up, a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and make your voice heard.”

She did so back in 1999, when she quit her high-paying corporate job to start her own company, Women For Hire, which specializes in hosting high-caliber career fairs for professional women nationwide. Three books and a frequent slot on “Good Morning America” later, she is now a nationally recognized expert on workplace issues as they relate to women.

“At the time I started Women For Hire, I had just given birth to twins,” says Johnson. “Most people told me I was absolutely nuts to quit a well-paying job to do something incredibly risky on my own. But for me, that pressure was the best thing that could have happened. I had no choice but to succeed. If I failed, I would be forced to go back and get a ‘real’ job, which is what I was leaving, so I surely didn’t want to go back. I had no nest egg to fall back on. My husband and our family relied on two incomes. I absolutely had to make my new business fl y.”

What she brought to the table was business savvy and a Rolodex to die for. In her “former life,” she worked as a press manager for Maria Shriver, Tim Russert and Jane Pauley. She got her start in public relations at ABC News, then NBC News and later Nickelodeon. She had perseverance, experience, charisma, connections and knew the power of the media.

So, Johnson decided to apply her knowledge of the workplace, draw upon her resources and host career expos nationally with an all-star lineup. Star Jones, former co-host on “The View,” attended her first event, and since that time, “Today” show anchor Ann Curry, Money magazine’s Jean Chatzky, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Ellen Goodman, CNN anchor Paula Zahn, and author and TV personality Robyn Spizman have also appeared at her events.

“I started Women For Hire because I had an entrepreneurial itch. I wanted to start my own business and do my own thing. Even though career fairs were a dime a dozen, nothing existed specifically for women. I created this category with Women For Hire.

“It hasn’t always been easy. I encountered many struggles starting out, such as a lack of cash in the bank, which meant it was all up to me to make things work,” says Johnson. “I didn’t have the luxury of hiring lots of people to share in the workload. I wore all the hats. It taught me very quickly the value and importance of being resourceful. I also didn’t have a track record or an established brand name, which meant working even harder to win over prospective clients.”

Today, 25,000 women attend her events annually, and 250,000 visit her Web site, womenforhire.com, each month. The site is rich with information and resources for women who are looking for work, currently employed or interested in starting their own businesses. Johnson also publishes her own magazine, which reaches 150,000 readers, and five million viewers watch her on “Good Morning America.”

After meeting five years ago at a Women For Hire event, Johnson and Robyn Spizman became good friends and co-authors, partnering on three books, including Take This Book to Work: How to Ask For (and Get) Money, Fulfillment and Advancement and Women for Hire’s Get-Ahead Guide to Career Success.

“Tory invited me to a Women For Hire career fair in Atlanta,” says Spizman, a prolific author, consumer advocate and media personality. “When I got there, I was amazed and inspired by what she was doing. Thousands of women poured into the ballroom and were networking to land a job.”

What Spizman also observed, however, is that many women have a hard time asking for what they want, especially when job-seeking. “It can be awkward and uncomfortable. Women express that through a lack of confidence and poor communication skills—something we generally excel at in everyday life,” says Spizman. “Immediately a light bulb went off in my head. I felt that with Tory’s knowledge and support, we could write a book that would give women a blueprint for succeeding, and that’s just what we did.”

Through April, Johnson will hit the road—bringing her Women For Hire career expos to Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington, D.C. Her schedule is intense, especially for a working mom. “As an entrepreneur, I work around the clock,” says Johnson. “But it never feels like a drag or a burden. The key is that I really love what I do. This has become my life’s work and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. If you pick something you love—and you really believe in the mission and purpose— it’s a lot easier to get through the tough times and challenges.”