Whenever we're home Tim and I love going to the farmer's market. It takes place around the capitol square and showcases local Wisconsin farmers, bakers, and flower shops. We HIGHLY recommend you stop at Stella's for Madison's famous Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread. The farmers market typically starts around 7am and will run until 1-2pm. We recommend you go in the morning, before 9am, because it tends to get crowded, especially on a nice day. TIP: DO NOT GO AGAINST THE FLOW OF PEOPLE!!!!! you will forever be judged by the Madisonians
This is one of our favorite bar and restaurants on the capitol square. They have excellent food which is all farm to table and local to Madison. Craft beer lovers, this is a must! They have an excellent beer selection from all around the world!
FOR THE REAL CHEESE CURD EXPERIENCE, you must come here! They have been voted to have the best cheese curds in town for the last 3 years! If you go here and you don't order a brandy-Old Fashioned, it's kind of a Wisconsin sin. Other than cheese curds, this is a staple drink of Wisconsin! Abby and Tim prefer a brandy-old fashioned sour.
Abby is 27 and she still loves the children's museum. This is a great place to take your kiddos for a day of fun, or burn some energy if you like :)
Tim and I grew up going to this zoo and it is one of the last (if not only) FREE zoo in the country. In addition to the awesome animals, there are two playgrounds on the outside of the zoo. The zoo also is across the street from Lake Mendota and there are plenty of grassy and shady areas for kids to run around and play.
A cocktail lover's dream! This restaurant and bar have the BEST mixed drinks in town. All of their cocktails are made with locally sourced ingredients....from guess where...The Farmer's market! They also try to use liquor that is local to Wisconsin. There food is also excellent! This is Tim and Abby's go to place when they're in the mood for cocktails (and not beer)
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is where the Immerdorfer romance began. If you're in the mood for a casual night with great beer, bar food, and darts, this is the place to go.
One of Madison's long standing Supper Clubs. This restaurant makes a mean steak- you won't be disappointed. Also this place is known for their craft martinis. Beware they don't serve your typical martini size- you get one size down or one size up. If you choose 1 size up make sure you take a stroll around the restaurant before ordering another one, they pack a mighty "wallop". NOTE: Smoky's has weird hours, they usually close the doors between 8 and 9pm. Call before you go to make sure they are open.
THIS PLACE HAS THE MOST AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD IN TOWN!!! Tim and Abby are regulars here because they went once a week when Tim lived down the street, and we were just recently told to bring our future babies back. If you go here for dinner make sure to go between 5 and 530. They tend to get crowded and the restaurant is small. If you're in the mood for a real Mexican beer (not Tecate) order a Victoria. If possible, sit at the bar for the real Taqueria G experience. NOTE: cash is better at this restaurant because they add a 3% charge to credit/debit cards
This is a great space to grab a pitcher of beer and a brat and sit by the lake! This is one of Tim and Abby's favorite places to go on a summer evening. Babcock ice cream is always a treat, specifically on warmer days. They often have live music on Friday and Saturdays. If the weather is nice be prepared for the union to be crowded and to hunt for seating.
I consider this my "home course." It's where I learned to play disc golf, and certainly the course I've played the most over my life. It's a little hilly, and you'll want to bring bug spray, but it's a beautiful course hidden in Madison. It costs $5 to play, but it's well worth it. One word of advice, especially if you've never played Elver before--WATCH YOUR DISC! Can't remember how many times I've searched in the woods for a disc and never found it only because I didn't watch carefully where it entered the woods.
Another great park in Madison--this one is closer to downtown. Keep an eye out for views of the Capitol on the back 9. Another course where you'll need to watch your disc carefully, but it's a lot of fun. This one costs $5 as well, but it's a cheap price to pay for some beautiful scenery and a great disc golf experience!
Picnic point is a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll through the woods. It eventually opens up and gives you a wonderful view of downtown Madison from Lake Mendota. Expect to to see the Memorial Union Terrace and the Capitol building, as well as any number of joggers, boats, windsurfers.
The botanical gardens are a beautiful place to spend some time. Enjoy the flowers and ambience here, or cross Atwood Ave, and hang out at Olbrich Park. There is a great view of Madison's downtown isthmus and the state capitol building, as well as a biergarten by the water!