Where to find fresh apple cider doughnuts in Milwaukee

 

To mark the apple harvest, many local orchards have already rolled out the autumn staple at bakeries and farmers markets. Here's where to find them. ENJOY!

DETAILS HERE

Finding PIE Perfection!

 

Venturing into the heart of American culinary tradition, pie shops across the country offer a slice of local culture and history with every piece of pie served. And these 10 pie shops — nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — are no exception, featuring storied sweet (and savory) treats that have customers returning again and again. CLICK HERE for the full list of winners.

The editors and readers independently select and The #1 Best Pie Shop in US is...

Stockholm Pie and General Store

Stockholm, WI

(Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, about 1.5 hours northwest of La Crosse.)

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Wisconsin Fall Color Report

 

From cozy autumn eateries serving seasonal delights to extraordinary adventures amidst Wisconsin's vibrant fall landscapes, there's no shortage of new and thrilling experiences waiting for you and your crew. The state is full of one-of-a-kind state parks, restaurants, attractions, breweries and more, so grab your friends and family and set off on a fall adventure you’ll never forget.

TRACK FALL COLORS

WALKING/HIKING GEAR FOR FALL

FALL COLORS IN LAKE GENEVA

FALL ALLERGIES

2025 12 NY Resolutions For Your Home - OCTOBER: Cut down your energy bills with LED light bulbs

 

OCTOBER 2025:
Cut down your energy bills with LED light bulbs

The arrival of fall means shorter days and longer nights. It also means more time spent indoors with the lights on — and higher energy bills. Save a buck by changing to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

According to the Department of Energy, LED lights use a whopping 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. For the average homeowner, this translates into approximately $225 in savings each year. Whether you cut your incandescent cold turkey or start the LED transition process slowly, consider SMART LED LIGHT BULB OPTIONS as you improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Power Washing - #7 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Option

 

Risk free cleaning solutions

Modern power washing equipment often uses environmentally friendly cleaning agents that are safe for plants, pets, and people. The high-pressure water system also minimizes the need for harsh chemicals, making it a sustainable choice for maintaining your property.

Power Washing - #6 Saves Time and Energy

 

Your time is much more valuable

Manually scrubbing your home’s exterior can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Power washing is a fast and efficient alternative, allowing you to clean large areas in a fraction of the time. Professional power washing services can handle the job safely and effectively, saving you from potential strain or injury.

Power Washing - #5 Boosts Property Value

 

Worth every penny spent

A well-maintained exterior can significantly increase your home’s market value.

Prospective buyers are more likely to be impressed by a clean and attractive property, which can translate into higher offers and a faster sale.

Even if you’re not planning to sell, a power-washed exterior conveys pride of ownership.

Power Washing - #4 Enhance Around the Home

 

Driveways, Sidewalks, Porch, Deck

Curb appeal isn’t just about the house itself. Your driveway, sidewalks, and decks are essential to your property’s overall look. Power washing removes oil stains, tire marks, moss, and other blemishes, rejuvenating these surfaces and giving them a like-new appearance.

Early Fall Home Decor Trend #3 - Statement Entryways

 

3. Statement Entryways

   

If there’s one spot homeowners are going all-in on this fall, it’s the front door. The entryway is being treated like the new fall focal point — and pumpkins are playing the lead role.

Rather than scattering a few here and there, the trend is moving toward intentional, sized-to-fit arrangements that feel layered and elevated. That doesn’t mean over-the-top or overdone. Think symmetry, height variation, and thoughtful groupings that highlight your home’s natural features. We like to call that Pumpkin Up Style™ — intentional, elegant, and totally photo-ready.

Early Fall Home Decor Trend #2 - Cozy, Layered Textures

 2. Cozy, Layered Textures

In 2025, designers are embracing a lived-in, tactile aesthetic that strikes a balance between visual depth and warmth, making texture the focal point. The key?

Combining different textures to create a unified color scheme. Indoors, that could mean using rough-cut wood trays, dried flowers, and textured accents, combined boucle pillows with woven throws in your living room.

For a cozy welcome outside, consider using a variety of pumpkin finishes (wood, velvet, and real), or soft pampas grass combined with rustic crates. The idea is to use contrast to create comfort — rough with refined, soft with sturdy — whether it’s inside or out. 

Early Fall Home Decor Trend #1 - Earthy Neutrals & Pumpkins

 

Trend #1 - Earthy Neutrals & Pumpkins

This fall, seasonal color schemes are becoming softer and more organic. These tones are raising interest in searches like “neutral fall decor” and “modern farmhouse pumpkins”. Consider warm shades of brown, blush, off-white, terracotta, and pale sage.

2025 " Early Fall" Home Decor Trends

 

Labor Day has gone by and you can you already feel it... That quiet nudge to swap out summer for something a little cozier — a cinnamon candle in your cart, a pumpkin porch idea saved before the leaves even think about turning. If you’re already dreaming up 2025 fall home decor ideas, you’re not alone. Are you ready to "Pumpkin Up™" your space — ease into the season with mood, warmth, and just a hint of anticipation. Coming up are 3 great "early fall" decor trends you can do right now...

2025 12 NY Resolutions For Your Home - SEPTEMBER: Plan your home’s future remodeling projects

SEPTEMBER 2025:
Plan your home’s future remodeling projects

Start by asking yourself... Do I plan to stay in this house short or long term?

SHORT-TERM:  First, find out if you should even renovate your house before selling!

Ask your local real estate agent, who has a lot of experience, which projects are going to help in your neighborhood. You’d be surprised that up to 50% of the projects homeowners think they want to do might not make any difference in the value of your home or make any difference in the sale.

LONG-TERM: Focus on adding value, consider remodeling your kitchen and/or bathrooms. For instance, a mid-range kitchen remodel costs an average of $27,500 and recovers around 96% of project costs at resale. With a sizable price tag, you’ll want to plan this remodel well in advance to ensure you get all the details "right".

Draft up a home renovation plan:

- Find inspiration online

- Get quotes from general contractors

- Create a savings plan to finance the project

GMAR - August 2025

 

August 2025 Report Highlights

• August Slightly Down, But Sales Ahead of 2024 YTD by 0.9%

• Inventory of Available Homes is Being Absorbed Quickly

• Metro Prices Up 5.9%, Averaging $448,898

Happy Labor Day from Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

 

...from TEAM HOFFMANN - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

Labor Day 2025 in Milwaukee. It’s the golden hour of summer. It’s one last hurrah before school’s back in session and the crisp air of fall takes center stage. It’s your time to soak up the last moments of the season... ENJOY! MORE INFO

This northern Wisconsin state park campground is rated one of Midwest’s best

 

Copper Falls State Park is primarily known for its beautiful scenery: two 30-feet waterfalls, a 100-foot gorge and the remains of ancient lava flows attract hikers every year.

But don't forget about its two campgrounds. They, too, have been getting their flowers.

The Dyrt, a popular camping website and app, placed Copper Falls at No. 3 in the Midwest Region on its 2025 Best Places to Camp Awards. The rankings are based on user reviews and ratings.

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Power Washing - #3 Prep for Painting or Repairs

 

It's the first step in the process

Power washing is an essential first step if you plan to paint or repair your home’s exterior. A clean surface ensures that paint or sealant adheres appropriately, extending the lifespan of your improvements. Your efforts may not yield the desired results without removing dirt and debris.

Power Washing - #2 Eliminate Mold and Mildew

 

You do not want anything "growing" on your home

You do not want anything "growing" on your home

Mold, mildew, and even algae are unsightly and can cause structural damage and health issues if left unchecked. These growths thrive in damp and shaded areas, such as under eaves or north-facing walls. Power washing eradicates these contaminants, preventing them from spreading further and keeping your home’s exterior healthy and clean.

It's A Home Buyer & Seller Standoff!

 

House hunters remain on the sidelines and stubborn sellers are delisting their homes rather than cutting prices. Everyone appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach as we head into September.

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17 New & Upcoming Milwaukee Restaurants

 

Milwaukee’s dining scene is buzzing. With fresh flavors, new vibes and bold ideas, it’s the perfect time to eat your way through the city. We’ve combed every neighborhood, from the streets of the Third Ward to riverside patios and airport terminals, to bring you the most exciting new doors that have opened and a few that are just about to. Here’s your personal guide to what’s hot now and what’s next in MKE.

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Power Washing - #1 Removes Dirt and Grime

"Really" get it clean

Over the years, your home’s exterior is exposed to various elements, including wind, rain, and pollution. These can leave a layer of dirt and grime on siding, brickwork, and other surfaces. Power washing uses high-pressure water jets to effectively remove this buildup, restoring your home’s original color and texture.

The Impact Power Washing Can Have On Your Home's Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and when it comes to your home, curb appeal is everything.

 A clean, well-maintained exterior boosts your property value and creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests and neighbors. Residential power washing is a highly effective way to achieve this transformation, tackling dirt, grime, mold, and other unsightly buildup that can accumulate over time. Over the next few days, we will share with you how power washing can revitalize your home and enhance curb appeal.

 

Study: Sunlight Passes Through Body, Improves Vision

 

A breakthrough study published in Nature has added to the evidence that getting outside daily is good for us. Researchers found that sunlight penetrates deeply into the human body, improving physiological functions, including vision.

Specifically, long wavelength red light was shown to reach internal organs, boost energy production in the body, and improve physiological function, particularly in the visual system.

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Wisconsin Community Can Now Claim Two National Trails

 

A 21-mile stretch of Wisconsin's Great Pinery Heritage Waterway was recently designated a national recreation trail, bringing a unique asset to the communities that surround it.

“With the Great Pinery now nationally designated, Marathon County can proudly say we are home to not one, but two national trails,” Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau.

The area northwest of Green Bay also includes a portion of the famed Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which winds 1,200 miles across Wisconsin.

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2025 12 NY Resolutions For Your Home - AUGUST: Increase Use Of Smart Home Technology

 

AUGUST 2025: Increase Use Of Smart Home Technology

Integrating smart home technology is a savvy way to increase both the efficiency and marketability of your home. These smart features not only enhance daily living but are also attractive to potential buyers. There are several smart renovations you can install, including:

SMART THERMOSTATS can cost anywhere from $80 to $300 and around $100 and $150 to install. An ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat can save approximately 8% on heating and cooling bills, or about $50 per year.

SMART HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS range from a base price of $200 to $500, with monitoring fees between $4 and $70 a month. While these costs won’t necessarily translate into a dollar-for-dollar return on investment, the peace of mind they offer is priceless.

SMART DOORBELLS allow you to scope out visitors before answering the door and keep an eye on your packages while you’re away. Top-rated smart doorbell systems average about $150.

GMAR - July 2025

 

July 2025 Report Highlights

• July Down, But Sales Ahead of 2024 YTD by 1.1%

• Large Gains in Listings in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties

• Metro Prices Up 4.9%, Averaging $463,438

Wisconsin State Fair shows off renovated Dairy Building and upgraded cream puff bakery!!!

 

Where around 400,000 cream puffs are whipped up during each State Fair.

The fair has spent the past 11 months installing a new bakery that will be faster and have more capacity. This increased capacity means the bakery will make both Original Cream Puffs and Chocolate Cream Puffs daily throughout the fair. This year the fair also will make limited-edition Celebration Strawberry Cream Puffs!

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Wisconsin State Fair Opens!

In 2025, Wisconsin State Fair will celebrate 174 years of tradition and hope to once again welcome over one million Fairgoers over the course of its 11-day run.

JULY 31st - AUGUST 10th

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Amazing Property Located in Franklin, Wisconsin

 

Justin takes you on a tour of this amazing 8,000 square foot Cape Cod with a Private Backyard Oasis!

Located at: 9059 Hawthorne Ln, Franklin, WI 53132

Featured Home located in River Hills, Wisconsin

Justin takes you on a tour of this Luxurious "Santa Barbara" Ranch with every amenity imaginable Including a Heated Indoor Pool and so much more..

Located at: 9001 N Range Line Rd, River Hills, WI 53217

 

WaterStone Bank Air and Water Show - Blue Angels Return

 

The WaterStone Bank Air and Water Show continues to be Wisconsin’s premier free, family event of the summer and one of the top air shows in the Midwest. As a non-profit, 501c3 organization, we support the local economy, our Armed Services community, and bring visitors to Milwaukee to experience the best our beautiful city has to offer.

Click Here For Details

Design Trend #10 - Multiple Outdoor Cooking Options

10. Multiple outdoor cooking options

Cook anything & everything outside

Homeowners want more than just a grill for backyard dining.

They’re increasingly using other outdoor cooking methods, such as pizza ovens, smokers, ceramic kamado-style barbecues and Argentinian-style gaucho grills that use wood or charcoal.

Design Trend #9 - Layers of Color, Patterns & Textures

 

9. Layers of color, pattern and texture

Moving away from the minimalist decor trends

Maximalist styles are layering in bold color, patterns and textures. The design approach celebrates abundance and allows homeowners to furnish their homes with pieces that reflect their personalities.

For example, grooved wall and ceiling paneling are being done in bold colors, and more patterns are entering everything from drapery and rugs to furniture and pillows.

Design Trend #8 - Wood-Infused Architectural Warmth

8. Wood-infused architectural warmth

2025 and beyond is all about neutrals and a warmer feeling interior

Adding “warmth” into an interior has become a popular buzzword in home design, marking a shift away from cool whites and grays. Color trends are moving more into off-whites, creams, beiges, tans and browns. Paired with warm neutral palettes, earthy tones and organic colors, we're seeing wood elements used as ceiling beams, trim, mill-work, wall paneling, posts and cabinetry to add architectural warmth to spaces throughout the home.

2025 12 NY Resolutions For Your Home - JULY: Schedule a plumbing check-up

 

JULY 2025:
Schedule A Plumbing Check-up

A yearly check-up on your home’s plumbing system from a master plumber can save you money and heartache by preventing problems before they spiral out of hand.

Once your home’s plumbing is in good health, keep it that way by regularly checking for common sources of leaks:

Check your water heater: Check your water heater once every two months for signs of aging or leaks.

Test your main shut-off valve: Be sure you know how to operate the main shut-off valve for your plumbing system in case of an emergency.

What’s even more crucial is knowing that it works. Remember to test your shut-off valve once a month in the summer and twice a month in the winter when pipes are prone to bursting.

GMAR - June 2025

 

June 2025 Report Highlights

• Sales Behind 2022 But Hurdled Over 2024

• Metro Prices Up 5.4% Through the Quarter, Averaging $457,573

• Macro-Economic Forces Yielding Uncertainty

Happy 4th of July from Team Hoffmann

 

Happy 4th of July from Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

Team Hoffmann.net

Milwaukee County will Light Up the Sky with a Spectacular
July 3rd Drone Show over Lake Michigan!

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47 Fantastic Recipes for Your Fourth of July Bash

The Fourth of July is cause for one of the biggest cookouts of the season. (Any backyard barbecue that ends with a fireworks show deserves an extra special menu that’s chock-full of flag-inspired treats and red, white and blue eats, right?) That’s why we go all out every year.

From summer appetizers and refreshing cocktails to kick off the party to the crowd-pleasing sides, vegetarian options and patriotic desserts that round things out, we always try to fill our menu with the best!

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Design Trend #7 = Narrow Wet Rooms

7. Narrow Wet Rooms

From unassuming to a BOLD and Beautiful update

Wetroom bathrooms—typically a shower and tub in a spacious shower area—have grown in popularity in recent years. But wet rooms are now being added in smaller, narrower spaces, too.

Placing a tub at the back of a long room, with a separate shower in front, gives homeowners with tight spaces a wet room arrangement that looks and feels more luxurious than the standard shower-tub combo. 

Design Trend #6 - Woven and Mesh Cabinet Fronts

 

6. Woven and mesh cabinet fronts

What's old is new again

Woven and mesh details add texture and visual interest notes. We’re seeing it frequently used to help break up expanses of cabinets, especially in kitchens.

It’s also being used in bathroom vanities, furniture and even window treatments. Designers say that natural woven materials can soften hard edges and provide a warm counterpoint to cold surfaces, creating more cozy and welcoming spaces.

Design Trend #5 - Kitchen Range Alcoves

 5. Kitchen Range Alcoves

Unique separations vs wide-open spaces

These range alcoves include a recessed or niche area—sometimes arched—and are often flanked by counter-tops and side walls. This feature adds a substantial architectural element to a kitchen, creating a focal point and allowing for a natural stopping point for, and containment of, a striking back-splash design.

Design Trend #4 - Shower Rooms

4. Shower Rooms

Large, BOLD and Beautiful update

Showers have been featuring frameless glass enclosures, but homeowners looking for greater privacy are embracing a “shower room.”

This style of shower has a glass door leading into a fully enclosed space that creates an intimate, spa-like look and feel. A shower room allows features that require a more sealed-in design, such as steam and sauna functions and aromatherapy.

Design Trend #3 - Arches

 

3. Arches

Curves inside and out...

Fitting right in with the curvier home trend are arched walls and home accessories. Arches, in particular, are adding “a touch of playfulness and [helping to] soften harsh angles to generate a welcoming, cozy feel”. Arches can be added to home doorways, windows, niches, cabinets and mill-work details. Also, arched accessories, like arched mirrors, headboards and chairs, are bringing in scalloped silhouettes that hug spaces.

Happy Father's Day from Team Hoffmann

 

Happy Father's Day from Team  Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

Team Hoffmann

Design Trend #2 - Rounded Furnishings

 

2. Rounded Furnishings

You will start seeing "curves" everywhere

Gentle curves and rounded edges continue to be grounded in the popularity of organic modern styles. Expect to see more circular coffee and dining tables, finished off with cylindrical legs. Also, designers predict bulbous sofas and accent chairs and oblong mirrors.

Design Trend #1 - English-style Kitchens

 

1. English-style Kitchens

A focus on being historically correct

These cozy kitchens feature cabinets in rich woods as well as historical paint colors, such as moody blues and deep greens. You’ll also find natural counter-top materials, like soapstone and butcher’s block, as well as large range alcoves, wood ceiling beams and collected looks that appear pieced together over time.

10 Hottest Home Design Trends to Watch for 2025

 

10 Hottest Home Design Trends to Watch for 2025

Find out what styles are taking shape in home interiors and exteriors for the year ahead.

Many different styles are influencing today’s home trends, from rounded walls and furnishings to traditional styles mixed in with bolder textures and neutral colors. The home remodeling site Houzz recently released its 2025 home design predictions.

Check back often as we share what made their list as the top trends to watch for this year...

2025 12 NY Resolutions for your home - JUNE: Boost curb appeal to make better first impressions

 

JUNE 2025:
Boost curb appeal to make better first impressions

Often New Year’s resolutions revolve around improving our personal image, particularly how we present ourselves to others. Why not channel that resolution into your home by upgrading its curb appeal? A beautiful exterior welcomes guests to your home and attracts buyers when it’s time to sell. These low-cost upgrades will freshen up your curb appeal in just one month:

Low-Cost Trio: These 3 updates combined deliver max impact for the lowest cost.

   1) New House Numbers

   2) New Mailbox

   3) Fresh coat of paint on front door, porch, fence etc, as needed.

Landscaping: If it’s been a while since you last moved the lawn or updated your landscaping, hire a professional to wrangle your yard into a state that’s easier for you to maintain throughout the year. Excellent landscaping increases home value by 10% to 30%.

Invest in new outdoor furniture: Almost 90% of homeowners view their outdoor spaces as essential for their health and well-being. Jump on the bandwagon, and add an outdoor furniture set to your front porch.

Replace your garage door: Not only will a new garage door give your home a face-lift, but this upgrade also adds value to your home and recoups 103.9% of project costs.

Realtor Tip: If you don't do anything else, get the "low-cost trio" done.

GMAR - May 2025

 

May 2025 Report Highlights

• Stable Sales, Limited Inventory

• Lingering Impact of Interest Rates

• High Demand, Low Supply in Key Price Range

Milwaukee Is One of America’s Most Cutthroat Rental Markets

In this Midwestern city, a lack of housing supply has baby boomers, millennials and Gen Z all vying for apartments.

At the start of 2025, Milwaukee’s rental units were 94% occupied, with 70.1% of renters renewing leases and eight renters competing for each apartment...

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Milwaukee property assessments; city sees more increases

 

The Milwaukee Assessor's Office said all city properties are up roughly 15%, which includes commercial buildings and condos.

Milwaukee's 15th ward, located in the middle of the city, is where overall property values hiked the most.

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