Archive for tag Germantown
November 23, 2011 at 05:29 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
There are some new shopping trends developing this year when it comes to the holiday season. Sadly, major retailers are opening earlier and earlier for Black Friday sales, and now are pushing those opening times into Thanksgiving Day. Is nothing sacred anymore? It even has an official name “Christmas Creep.” But, it will only work, if people show up. It's probably too much to think that a revolt would happen, no shoppers come, and it is ruled out as a bad idea, and never repeated....we can only
hope!
A nicer trend is the Shop Local Saturday, developed last year by American Express to help the local merchants compete against the big box stores. It is like David verses Goliath in the holiday shopping world. So between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, get out to some local merchants and enjoy some shopping in quaint and friendly local shops. Some immediately come to my mind, and I thought I’d share them with you.
Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll is the Friday after Thanksgiving. So when you are tired of the pushing and shoving at the mall, take a stroll around the shops on East Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay. The parade starts at 6pm, including a Husky club pulling sleds, Girl Scouts, school kids, Dancing Grannies, and of course Santa Claus! The highlight of the street, at least in my opinion is Winkies. The store that seems to have everything. From candy by the pounds, gifts, cards, games and toys, it is a great place to stock up for St Nicks. Other highlights include:
-Parade - 6pm
-Free Pony & Train rides
-Food & Entertainment
-Strolling musicians
-Tree lighting ceremony
-Santa
Another great place to stroll and shop locally is Cedarburg, just north of Milwaukee. Miracle on Washington Ave. offers opportunity for a small town Christmas set among unique shops that line blocks of the downtown area. It is such a scene from “Americana,” it’s the place that John McCain and Sarah Palin made their first appearance together as running mates, and the place that Toby Keith filmed his latest music video “Made in America.” Idyllic, picturesque Main Street, garland swagged over busy streets, while shoppers make their way from store to store, all lit with twinkling white lights. Stop at Cedar Creek Winery to pick up some of the special Christmas wines, pick up specialty gifts, cards and invitations at the paper store, and end with a Mexican Hot Chocolate or festive steamer at the coffee shop. Wishing for some down time to relax? Saturday, Nov 26th, is your chance to see Miracle on 34th St on the big screen at the Rivoli Theatre, 12:30 and only $2 or $1 with a food donation.
In my hometown of Germantown, I’d suggest Sinter Klausen, a great holiday shop stuffed with glass ornaments, nativity sets in the style of a German Christkindlmarkt!
Another great small town shopping experience is “Downtown” Greendale. I have heard so much about it, I will be checking it out this year. Shopping, restaurants and the home of Reiman Publications-home of hundreds of recipe books. Let me know what your favorite Shop Local Saturday destination is! Elves aren’t the only ones working this season. I will be too, just not on Thanksgiving ! If you need any help with your real estate needs, feel free to call me! Just not on a holiday.
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Pat Tasker
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August 15, 2011 at 08:02 AM · Posted under Pat Tasker
Congratulations to Whitefish Bay, Franklin and Germantown for making Money Magazines "100 Best Places To Live In America!" Just announced, these three communities made the top 100, based on towns 50,000 and under and data including crime, schools, health care, job markets, cultural and outdoor activities.
Money Magazine has several lists of "best places to live" including best for "rich and single," job growth, and best deals on home prices.
If you are looking for a community to settle in, I can be of great help. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I know the metro area inside and out and can match a community to your lifestyle and needs! Call me today or text me at 414-588-4907.
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August 04, 2011 at 03:05 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
Germantown offers many benefits to residents and visitors. One of them is the Park System. With 295 acres of parks from one end of town to the other, many are within walking distance of your home!
Many of the parks have a German name, and here are the translations:
- Alt Bauer Park - Old Farmer
- Friendenfeld Park - Peaceful Park
- Haupt Strasse Park - Main Street
- Kinderberg Park - Childrens Hill
- Schoen Laufen Park - Beautiful Walk
- Spassland Park - PlayLand
- Weidenbach Park - Meadow by the Brook
Along with these parks are Fireman’s Park, Wilderness Park, which is an undeveloped natural conservancy, and County Park.
One of the most used parks is Kinderberg Park. It is right off Donges Bay Road, and close to Heritage Hills, Windsong, Sunberry Downs & The Preserve subdivisions. Another reason it is so popular is the super sledding hill and ice skating for winter fun, and the sprayground in summer. A kid friendly splash pad is refreshing in summer’s heat. There is also a playground, tennis courts, baseball diamond, and walking paths.
Kinderberg Park has a shelter which is available for public rental (262-250-4710), and it is the only enclosed shelter. The other parks have open shelters, also available for rentals.
If you are looking for a great area to raise kids or invest in a home, living near one of the parks is a great selling feature. Call me today and I can help you figure out which location is best for your family!
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December 21, 2010 at 07:59 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
One of Germany’s holiday traditions is the Christkindle Market found in the town square of large cities and many small ones too! You can get a small feel for the festive feel of the Christkindlemarkt by visiting Sinter Klausen on Germantowns historic old Main Street. Sinter Klausen translates to St Nicholas in Dutch.
Over 20 years ago, Irene Blau visited the famous Nurenburg Christkindlemarkt and came home inspired. She started this quaint Christmas business, and I met her daughter last week while stopping in to shop. The store, Sinter Klausen is filled with many traditional German holiday traditions. Ornaments take up the majority of space, arranged delightfully in racks reminscent of the stalls found in the German markets this time of year. Irene found a local craftsman who made the wooden displays and had the traditional red and white awnings custom made. Many of the ornament displays are found in Gingerbread House styled shelving units.
Imports include Inge glass, a tradition that is hundreds of years old. Steinbach nutcrackers that represent many different professions from soldiers to bakers. Advent calendars, smoking men and candles fill the shop.
If you are looking for a last minute gift, or just a fun afternoon, take a ride out to Germantown, a suburb of Greater Milwaukee and visit Sinter Klausen.
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November 08, 2010 at 07:43 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Menomonee Falls, Pat Tasker
The holiday season gets kicked off early by the local Christmas Parades, sponsored by local merchants. And isn’t it nice, it’s still called a Christmas Parade and not politically corrected to a “holiday parade?” This year’s theme is “CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS.”
Germantown’s parade is this Saturday November 13th. The Seasons kick off has grown to include several components this year, including a Jingle Bell Walk/Run, a toy, pajama and food collection, and the annual village tree lighting. All details can be found on the Germantown Chamber of Commerce website.
The Parade has 3 large sponsors this year, while they are helping the event with the ir sponsorship, they bring attention to their businesses. Local sponsors include Germantown Clinic Columbia St Marys, The Deutschstadt Heritage Foundation and Milwaukee Appliance. Physicians, staff and employees of the sponsors will be walking in the parade.
The 5K run walk was added “as a way to bring visitors to the area and also to draw more residents out into the community” said Lynn Grgich, Chamber director. “Families can participate with their dogs and the more serious runners can be a part as well.”
A charity component is also on the schedule this year. Non-perishable food items will go to the St. Boniface Food Pantry, NEW childrens pajamas will go to “Our Kids Closet”, and new toys donated will go to the Toys For Tots campaign. Bring these items to the parade and they can be donated to “collectors” in the parade.
At 2pm,the parade follows the traditional route, starting in front of Walgreens on Pilgrim & Mequon Roads, through “downtown” or as I call it “old town” - Germantowns Main Street, and ending up in the parking lot behind Speedway.
The Village Tree Lighting will take place at the library at 2:30. Santa will be joined in by 2 of his reindeer. Photo ops will be available. Handlers will answer questions about Santas transporters, both fact and fiction. Join in the tree lighting and horse drawn carriage rides, hot beverages and cookies. The tree lighting is sponsored by Edward Jones in Germantown.
The Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade will be held November 28th, at 4:30, right after the tree lighting at 3:45 at Main Street and Appleton Ave. The big Milwaukee downtown parade will be held November 20th at 9:30am.
Have some fun launching your holiday season, and bring the family to one of these festive events. If you are looking for a new home for the holidays, there is still time! If you are looking in the city or suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, I can help. Elves aren’t the only ones working this time of year-I will be too! I look forward to your call.
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October 11, 2010 at 07:00 PM
Thinking of taking a nice car ride on a beautiful fall day to look at colors, pick up a bushel of apples, or get lost in a corn maze? Living in Germantown and Menomonee Falls gives you a long list to pick from!
Basses Farm Stand on County Line Road in Richfield has great produce, tons of pumpkins and one of the best corn mazes in Southeastern Wisconsin. Keep driving west on County Line Road, and north on Scenic Drive, and you will be treated to some gorgeous views and lots of beautiful wildlife. Once you get to Hwy 167, turn west and get some great photo ops of Holy Hill amidst the colorful fall foliage!
For those not faint of heart, Haunted Houses are such a thrill. With many to choose from, the HUBERTUS HOUSE OF HORRORS is a must see.
It is big, warm, with long lines that move fast, according to comments of past visitors.
Right in our backyard is the Old Falls Village Family Halloween Fun Night.
This year held October 22nd & 23rd, get the kids dressed in their costumes and bring your treatbags. Most of the buildings will be open for Halloween Handout, including the latest buildings to open, The Steichen House and Sparrow Cabin. 
If you are looking for a weekend getaway, I’d suggest the sleepy Mississippi River town of Cassville. In October, the historic Stonefield Village is totally haunted for trick or treating youngsters. The Saloon has root beer and the General Store has baked goods for sale. The Blacksmith shop has storytelling, and the big barn is a scary haunted house. Even the old covered bridge is swarming with witches brewing potions! The kids bags are brimming with candy after a walk around this living history museum/town operated by the State Historical Society. This has become a family favorite of ours! The event is on October 23rd, 2010. Light Fright is from 4:30-6:30 and full fright starts at 6:30pm
Closer to home, take a ride to the East Side…Whitefish Bay is the home of Gordy Falk. Every year a GIANT DISPLAY OF CARVED PUMPKINS is a huge attraction at Old School House Park, across from the Library. This is a GREAT event for those little ones…their eyes will grow bigger and bigger as they view hundreds of creative carving all lit for a dramatic effect. The enormous Pumpkin display and celebration runs from October 27th through the 31st.
For a long list of Halloween Haunts in Wisconsin, you can select one closest to home, or one worth the drive!
If you are out shopping for a home and are looking for one with a history, or prefer one with no spirits, call me! I’d be happy to help you find the right home. Rates are devilishly low, and many sellers are screaming “bring me an offer”! Why not make your move while the market favors buyers so well?
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June 23, 2010 at 07:00 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker
 |
EAT LIKE A COW!
Do you love a hearty Farm Breakfast? Now, I don’t mean a super slam or an odyssey plate full of food, I mean a good old fashioned down on the farm breakfast!
June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin, and a popular event across the state is the Farm Breakfast. If you live in Germantown or Mequon, the big event THIS SATURDAY June 26th, from 7-11am. The menu includes: All you can eat pancakes, WI ham and cheese omelette, Cottage Cheese, White or Chocolate Milk, Assorted Cheeses, Sample New Dairy Products, and smooth ice cream with strawberries or chocolate.
Never been to a farm breakfast? Bring the kids and grandkids and be ready to eat AND have fun! My kids favorite part was to watch the FFA (Future Farmers of America) kids stirring hundreds of eggs in the 6 foot frying pan! After chowing down, according to the website you can enjoy the following: “Huge Kid Zone area, face painting, petting zoo, live music, pictures with calves, wagon rides, clown, free samples of NEW dairy products, cow milking contest, antique tractor display, scavenger hunt, crafts, farm tours and more.”
Almost each county has a Farm Breakfast in the month of June. If you live in the city or the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee, you can check here for a list of a Farm Breakfasts that are worth a short drive
It’s been a tradition in my family for decades… Let me know how you liked it!
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March 19, 2010 at 02:24 PM · Posted under Pat Tasker
If you are looking for a home for sale in Germantown, WI, mark your calendar for Thursday March 25th! That’s right!
Thursday evening after work and through the dinner hour, ambitious agents will be holding 10-15 properties open in Germanton.
We realize with spring on the way, people are busy with kids activities on the weekends. In order to help out these busy families, evening opens during the week are becoming more and more popular.
In an effort to think “out of the box” in this unpredictable market, I started doing evening opens last fall. At the National Association of Realtors national conference in November, Matthew Ferrara spoke of the new generation of buyers and marketing to their needs and schedules. He confirmed what I had been trying.
Is it successful? TWO of the homes I held open last fall, sold to buyers whose first visit to the house was during one of those creatively timed open houses! The buyers were happy to be able to run in after work on their way home. And let me tell you, the sellers were quite pleased, not only with the creative timing, but the RESULTS!
So check it out this coming Thursday, March 25th in Germantown. Call me for a list and a map of all the opens being held 262-437-5853. If you are looking for a home in the suburbs of Greater Milwaukee and need some help, call me to get started… or you can visit my facebook page at bit.ly/PatsRealEstateFanPage.
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July 01, 2009 at 09:49 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Menomonee Falls, Pat Tasker
Staying home this holiday weekend, and looking for things to keep the kids or company entertained? Of course
Summerfest continues through Sunday, July 5th. Friday night, July 3rd, you can attend one of the biggest fireworks shows in the area. Milwaukee’s Lakefront will host the annual show put on by the Bartolotta fireworks family, and sponsored by US Bank. Staying closer to home?
Menomonee Falls annual Parade kicks off at 7pm at Appleton & Elm, fireworks to follow.
Germantown will host their annual celebration, this years theme is Starting at 9am, at Fireman’s Park, activities go day long and include historic tours of
Dheinsville Settlement at 3 & 5, including the Bast Bell Museum entertainment all day long including music.
The Germantown Parade starts at noon near Mequon & Pilgrim Roads, and ends at Fireman’s Park. Please remember to bring canned & non perishable food for the St Boniface Food Pantry, which will be collected during the parade. Watch for
me at the end of the parade, we will be riding in an old firetruck!
If you are looking to buy or sell a home this summer and want to avoid fireworks during the process, rely on my 20 years of experience in the real estate market. Call Pat Tasker at 262-437-5853 to discuss your real estate needs. GERMANTOWN- IT’S NOT JUST MY BUSINESS,
ITS MY NEIGHBORHOOD!
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April 20, 2009 at 04:16 PM · Posted under Germantown, Pat Tasker
If you are looking for some fun and food, Main Street in Germantown is a great place to start!
The “original” downtown, you will find some great places to eat including German specialities at the Bier Stube
, not to mention over 200 beers, tangy ribs from Jerry’s Old Town, a great fish fry at the Barley Pop, or a wide range of selections at Bub’s (photo)Yes, an Irish Pub in GERMANtown!
If you are looking for fun, stay awhile at Bub’s! On Saturday evenings, they have live music.
The sounds are big for a small coverchage and sometimes include names like: Oil Can Harry, Chasin Mason, and the very popular “the Toys”. Looking for fun on a regular basis? Join one 
of Bub’s leagues- Golden Tee Golf - Silver Strike Bags Skee-ball Pool Darts Dartball Beer Pong Trivia Cherry Master Foosball.
If you live in Germantown, you don’t have to go far for food, fun and beverages, if you don’t live in Germantown it is worth the drive. Looking to buy in Germantown?
Contact your Germantown Realtor Pat Tasker at Pat@PatTasker.com.
Rates are LOW, there is a lot to choose from, THE TIME TO BUY IS NOW!! Ask me about the NEW $8000 tax credit for buying a home.
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April 20, 2009 at 03:46 PM · Posted under Germantown, Pat Tasker
Germantown was voted "Best Place to Live" by
Money Magazine in 2007. Now one of its subdivisions made the Milwaukee Magazine list of "Sweet Spots" to live in the metro area: "Tree Tops hasn’t got
many treetops, but it’s a top-of-the-line subdivision for Germantown. And, for time-pressed homeowners, it has a reputation for being well-run, right down to having its own parks and stormwater management. $350,000-$900,000."
As the site of the 2002 Metropolitan Builders Association "Parade of Homes," Tree Tops was at the end of phase one and moving on through 2 more phases. Planned by Siepmann Development,
Tree Tops has become one of the sought after areas in the northern Metro area. You know it's special as you drive in past the distinctive entry markers in the shadows of aged oaks. The subdivision includes 185 homes sites, covering 146 acres, 40 acres (27%) of which are open spaces. Condensed lot sizes, and reduced building set backs make up this conservancy subdivision. 5 miles of walking trails wind around the subdivision, past the 8 ponds and to the large private park, featuring a playground and sport court. Rigorous architectural requirements, include natural siding materials, no fences, above ground pools and uniform roofing materials.
The best part of living in Tree Tops is the social life of the subdivision. Yearly events bring neighbors together, including: Pizza Party, a
Round Robin, Egg Hunt, golf outing, and Fall Festival. Not to mention the impromptu evening gatherings at a firepit on a neighbor's patio!
Home sizes range from 2,000-6,000 square feet, prices range from $300,000-900,000. For more information on homes for sale in Tree Tops in Germantown, contact the neighborhood expert Pat Tasker. "It's not just my business, it's my neighborhood!"
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