Join Emmy Award--winning actor John McGivern as he explores living, working and playing in SE Wisconsin's unique communities. In the first of this 13-episode weekly series, experience Bay View along with John as he checks out the Lake Express Ferry, goes inside Klement's, and chats with residents. He finds food and fun at Pastiche Bistro, Riviera Maya, Lulu's, and Sugar Maple, learns how food is grown at Sweet Water Organics, "chills on the hill," relaxes at Tonic, visits the Boulevard Theater and asks Alderman Zielinski to sum up the neighborhood. And, as will happen in every episode, historian John Gurda shares the history and emographics of the area.

John McGivern introduces some of the people and places that make Wauwatosa unique-- and a little cranky! In the village, John chats at LaRev and outside the old fire station; he strolls with Joe Bartolotta; and, he finds John Gurda at the Little Red Store. There's music, flowers, food, treats, creativity--and one place John can't wait to go: The Irish Fest headquarters. This is the only episode in which John goes from Hoyt Pool in the summer to the curling club where it feels like winter! Where else can you go to church, the movies and to Hawaii all in half an hour?

John visits a neighborhood you either know well or not at all--Riverwest. New, hot businesses like Flux Design and Café Corazon, are just down the block from places that have defined the neighborhood for decades like Ma Bensch and Woodland Pattern. Gems like the Polish Falcons and St Casimir's Church have been creating community in the neighborhood for literally more than a hundred years! This episode is jam packed with co-ops and community activists, bikes, books, artists, parks, bars, clubs and yoga! Add John Gurda, and now you'll really get to know Riverwest!

John McGivern doesn't have much time to catch his breath in this episode, because Cedarburg is a busy place! Could there be any more to eat and drink? Between the restaurants and winery at Cedar Creek Settlement, Amy's Candy Kitchen, The Java House, PJ Pipers Pancake House, Out & Out and Wayne's Drive In, John gets plenty full! But, he found lots to do that's not food related, too. John discovers that the shops on Washington Avenue offer everything from jewelry to home goods to lawn art to toys. He visits the Cultural Center, the General Store Museum, and stops to chat with the Pastors at Advent Lutheran Church. Then there's the vegetable farm, salon, quilt museum, performing arts center, a walk through the famous covered bridge... so much that you just have to watch!

John McGivern heads north on I-43 to explore Sheboygan. Did you know that you can surf, go the theater, shop the oldest hardware store in Wisconsin, learn about Hmong culture, the history of Sheboygan and eat the most delicious hard rolls in the state all with about three miles? John Gurda starts off on the lakefront, and it's a short trip to great destinations like the Kohler Art Center, the Blue Harbor and Bookworm Gardens. Mix in a little Frisbee golf (oops, sorry -- we mean Disc Golf!) and terrific employers like Acuity and Torke Coffee, add an outstanding Riverfront, and top it all off with fantastic cuisine or a mouthwatering Sheboygan classic - a double Brat. John describes Sheboygan as "comfortable," and you'll soon agree!