m(id) magazine

Allergies and swine flu scares may be unavoidable this season, but that doesn't mean you should coop up indoors. While staying at home to catch up on old episodes of Gossip Girl may sound enticing, it also makes you a prime target for the ever-dreaded spring fever. Symptoms include restlessness and the unbearable feeling of having no purpose. While a cure has yet to be found in the form of vaccination, staffer Christie Piper has released a few non-medicinal remedies of her own.

A Midwestern Greenwich Village – Milwaukee, WI

One of Milwaukee's oldest neighborhoods, Brady Street has always been the place to be. Not only does the area consist of nine blocks of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, but many of those businesses are also locally owned. According to Annette French, the owner of Dragonfly Vintage Gifts, Brady Street is an interesting and eclectic neighborhood, noting that "in the summer, everyone sets chairs out on the sidewalk." While one moment you could be eating a Falafal Platter ($5.95) at Casablanca, the next, you could be at the Hi Hat Lounge and Garage, drinking your drink of choice. Want a more directed approach to your visit? Come up for Flower Power on May 9. The flowers will be blooming, and there will be information on how to green yourself. But whatever you prefer, you can probably assume that they have it on Brady Street.

Brady Street
414.272.3978
http://www.bradyst.com/ 

Walk it out - St. Louis, MO

Whoever compared a walk in the park to an easy undertaking has never been to Forest Park in St. Louis. One of the largest urban parks in the Unites States, Forest Park attracts some 12 million visitors a year. It's no surprise as to why either. Not only does the park hold many of the cities cultural hubs  (including an art museum, zoo and science center), but it boasts quite a few outdoor activities of its own. You can tour the 1,293 acre park by bicycle, foot, or segway, join a volleyball tournament, or even plant a tree. Not bad for a place where its entrance fee is free. Extras might cost you: depending on what you want to do, you can spend as little as $25 for a half day of bike rental to as much as $100 for an intensive segway tour. But whatever you want to spend, Forest Park is a for-everyone destination.

Forest Park
Downtown
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.289.5300
Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Climb on up – Indianapolis, IN

Whether you’re preparing for an all out mountain hike or just want to get out of the house, Climb Time Indy is a good place to look. “Climbing strengthens every part of the body," says Whitney Hamilton, Climb Time employee. "It really trains your muscles, but its also just a fun activity or something to do for the day.” And considering that the establishment houses over 8,500 square feet of climbing surface and 30 ropes, rock climbers of all expertise can feel at home. An all-day pass costs $18, including rental, but they have nightly specials as well. Thursdays are ladies nights with free harness rental, and Fridays are date nights with free shoe rentals for couples. 

Climb Time Indy
8750 Corporation Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.596.3330

Readers can contact Christie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .