Things To Do
Memorial Union Terrace
Beloved and historic location on campus in downtown Madison overlooking Lake Mendota! This is a great place to get a beer, hear live music, and sit in the iconic sunburst chairs.
Madison Farmer's Market
A Madison tradition, the Farmers Market is situated around the State Capital. It's picturesque, with a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, flowers, baked good, and a variety of cheeses.
Warm Belly Farm - Cottage Grove
The cutest Fall Festival Farm in the area. Great for adults and kids alike - completed with a tractor ride, apple launcher, corn maze, fresh donuts, a beer garden, and more. It would be possible to spend a few hours here. It's a fan favorite!
Madison Children's Museum
An award winning Children's museum, this location boasts of fun creativity that actively engages with play on every level. This is a welcoming environment for families in a convenient location! Loved by many local families throughout the Madison area.
Dancing Goat Distillery
A family-owned distillery, with a strong focus on whiskey. They offer a tasting room, distillery tours, and spirit classes. Adult-friendly activity
Doundrins Distilling
Started by two University of Wisconsin students, Doundrins boasts a versatile sprits selection and lovely cocktail garden. With outdoor seating and a play-place for the kiddos, its good for families. Also conveniently located close to the hotel!
Chicken Licks
The best wings in Madison! But walk up the bar to order, and be prepared to throw some 'bows for a table. Classic wisco dive-bar experience.
Devil's Lake State Park
Great Day trip option. Located an hour from Madison proper, this is a popular state park with hiking trails that surround the large lake and rock-structures you'd b e surprised to find in the Midwest. Clara open-water swims the lake in the summer, and Stephen enjoys paddleboarding beside her. But don't ask them to switch rolls - we all know that would triple their time on the water!
Breweries
One of our favorite things to do together is find a brewery/beer garden/pub to have a drink, share some apps, and just hang out at. Here are a few spots if that's your thing too: *Full Mile Beer Company and Kitchen - close by in Sun Prairie with wood-fired pizza *Tyranena Brewing Co. - "That place in Lake Mills that I wanna go to" (bring your own food) *Lake Louie/Wisconsin Brewing Company - such a classic, with an great outdoor space (bring your own food) *Vintage Brewing Co. - Best pulled pork nachos (in my opinion) *Capital Brewery - Many a post-work drink here *Paoli Hop Garden - nice outdoor space with live music *New Glarus Brewing Company - home of the classic Spotted Cow *Young Blood Bear Company - especially if you enjoy sours *Lakefront Brewery - here's your Milwaukee option
Coffee shops
Here are some that I've liked that are not too far *Twisted Grounds - the Chai's my favorite and they've got good food *Grace Coffee - multiple locations, cute vibes and yummy food; coffee is fine *Broken Board Coffee - cute spot doubles as a skateboard shop *Mercies Coffee - Good coffee for a great cause *Barriques - classic, kinda can't go wrong *Lakeside Coffee - if you want to venture closer to downtown Madison *Leopolds Books Bar Cafe - ok, but also a bookstore! also more downtown Madison
Milwaukee Public Market
The market is a vibrant indoor market in the Historic Third Ward, filled with local eats, fresh food, and unique finds - a favorite spot for food lovers and shoppers alike!
Kopp's Frozen Custard
Home of the best custard in Milwaukee and burgers that satisfy a Wisconsin craving
Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum is a fun, family-friendly destination with lifelike exhibits, from dinosaurs, to ancient civilizations to a stroll through the historic Milwaukee streets
Uncle Wolfie's Downtown & The Wolf
For some food in Milwaukee