Madison Recommendations
Madison Farmer's Market
If you're here the morning of August 26, and there's only one thing you do while in Madison, it'd be to go to the Dane County Farmers' Market around the Capitol Building. Grab some Wonderstate coffee, pastries and Magic coffee from Graze, Farmer John's fresh squeaky cheese curds, and the famous Stella's hot spicy cheesy bread! Check out the Capitol building while at the square too! Pro-tip, walk around the square counter-clockwise and avoid driving around the inner loop!
Memorial Union Terrace
Kick back, relax, and go get some burgers, brats, beer, fried cheese curds, and university-made Babcock ice cream at the terrace! The chairs are vibrant, there's often live music, and the view is amazing especially at sunset. It's pretty much everyone's favorite place to hang out in the summer evenings.
Henry Vilas Zoo
Free zoo! Need I say more? And it's right next to one of Madison's five lakes (Lake Wingra).
Madison Children's Museum
It's $12 per person and a great way to entertain the kids after the Saturday market since it's right on the square.
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
One of the most beautifully constructed buildings in Madison is arguably the Wisconsin State Capitol building. It is made out of 43 different types of stones and has the largest granite dome in the world! Stop inside after visiting the Farmers' Market (or if you're at the market and need to find a public bathroom).
Brittingham Boats
Madison is surrounded by five lakes. Cool off by renting a kayak, paddle boat, SUPP, or canoe and enjoy the beautiful shoreline of Madison.
Other Recommended Activities
There's a lot to do in Madison! Here are a few other activities we'd recommend. -Walk up and down State Street for fun local shopping opportunities -Rent a Madison BCycle and bike around Lake Monona (~1.5 hours) or Lake Wingra (~1 hour) -Flowers at Olbrich Botanical Gardens (free for the outdoor portion!) -Nature at the UW-Arboretum -Art at the Chazen Museum -Walk from the Memorial Union to Picnic Point for beautiful views -Explore Willy Street (ie Williamson Street but noone calls it that) and the Atwood neighborhood -Check out Monroe Street shops (there's a Trader Joe's there!) -Drive 45 minutes to go hiking at Devil's Lake State Park
Recommended Eateries
Although we recommend that you look at each restaurant's respective website to see what sounds the most delicious to you, we've got a few of our favorites we'd recommend. -Heritage Tavern -Ian's Pizza -Graze -The Old Fashioned -Bloom Bake Shop -Madison Sourdough -Pig in a Fur Coat -Sardine -Alchemy -Lucille -Cadre -Fairchild -Everly -Madison Chocolate Company -Gates 'n Brovi -Salvatore's Tomato Pies -Fromagination (a cheese shop, sort of like an eatery)
Recommended Ice Cream
You can't really go wrong with any ice cream but we recommend that you skip the franchise spots (e.g. Cold Stone Creamery) and try these local favorites! -Babcock Ice Cream (made by the University of Wisconsin's Agriculture Department) -The Chocolate Shoppe (nationally sold ice cream founded and still made right here in Madison!) -Ice Cream Social (just opened during the pandemic and 10% of proceeds go to social justice non-profit organizations)
Recommended Beers/Breweries
Wisconsin is known for their beer. We recommend you check out the following local breweries if you want to experience that! -New Glarus -Delta Beer Lab -Giant Jones Brewery -Untitled Art -Wisconsin Brewing Company -Working Draft Beer Company -The Great Dane -Fantasy Factory -One Barrel Brewing Company
Blackhawk Church - Downtown
If you're here Sunday, August 27, you can attend service at Blackhawk Church's downtown site where Luke and Anna attend. Services are at 9:00 am and 10:45 am. The main site is located at 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI 53562