Annie & Gabe
Things To Do
Memorial Union Terrace
An absolute MUST! Located right on Lake Mendota, the terrace is an absolute staple of Madison. Stop by for a beer, ice cream, brat, the list goes on! Super competitive player on my list of the happiest places on earth :)
Dane County Farmers' Market (at Breese Stevens Field due to Art Fair on the Square)
Another staple of a summer Saturday in Madison (opens ~ 6AM Saturday mornings, closes down ~1pm). Arguably one of the best farmers markets of all time, make sure to take full advantage of the free samples, and don't miss out on Stella's spicy cheese bread. Worth the trek to Breese Stevens Field on wedding day due to Art Fair on the Square taking over Capitol Square
Walk along Lakeshore Path
Start at the Memorial Union Terrace (see address above) and walk along this 3 mile stretch that ends at a beautiful lookout called Picnic Point. The lakeshore path is a beautifully paved walking trail that takes you past historic parts of campus that have been around for years! This was one of my favorite summer pastimes in the summers I spent in Madison :)
Food Carts at Library Mall
Located where State St continues from Lake St near Memorial Library, this gathering area that exists between libraries was the best spot to break from studies and grab some food from a wide array of incredible food carts. This is definitely where our love for food carts began, grab a bite and enjoy across the street on Bascom hill, or take to the terrace for some lunch with a view! The Spring roll carts and arepa food truck were staples in our college diet!
Bassett Street Brunch Club
GREAT brunch spot, located inside the Hampton Inn and Suites!
DLUX
Spent many mornings here chasing bottomless mimosas, located up by the capitol this is such a fun spot to start your day!
MacTaggart's Market & Deli
If you know you know, this is the hidden gem that only alum of UW will know about. Located in the basement of an apartment building in an alley off of Langdon, don't let the location or appearance fool you, they will whip up the customized breakfast or deli sandwich of your dreams. You can taste the nostalgia of your college years in each and every bite!
Gotham Bagels
This one needs no explanation, only place to get a New York quality bagel outside of New York! Deli is open for breakfast and lunch, expect lines due to awesomeness.
The Coopers Tavern
If you find yourself looking for a great spot for dinner on Friday when you get in, this could be the place! Great view of the capitol, wonderful cocktails, and great food (something for everyone/new american). One thing you CAN NOT pass up here is cheese curds cheese curds cheese curds. This place holds a special spot in our story as the place I first met Gabe's parents!
RED
One of Gabe and I's FAVORITE date spots, we would sit at the sushi bar and pretend we could afford all the sushi we were about to consume. A great cocktail/sushi spot if thats what you're looking for, still one of our favorite restaurants of all time! On the kick of nostalgia, this is the spot that Gabe and I FINALLY allowed our parents to meet on the weekend of graduation :)
Tutto Pasta State Street
Gabe and I got some flack for this being one of our favorite spots, but there is just such a charm to this place that we always loved (not to mention the endless complimentary bread which appealed to our poor college kid hearts). Won't lie and tell you its the best italian place you'll ever venture too, but the pasta and pizza are great and the charm/comfort is hard to beat!
Lucille
Super fun and trendy italian/new american up by the capitol! There is a cool vault/speak easy area in the basement, very good cocktails and ambiance!
Art Fair on the Square, Capitol Square
While the infamous Madison Farmer's Market relocates to Breese Stevens Field on our wedding day, the Capitol will be displaying all types of art at this great annual event just a close walking distance from the Hotel Indigo