Laura & Ryan
Things To Do
Farmers' Market
Madison's favorite Saturday morning activity is a must-do. Make sure to check out Laura and Ryan's favorites: Spicy Cheese Bread from Stella's, Honey Sticks from Marsden's, cheese curds from Farmer John, and baked cheese from Brunkow. The Market opens at 6:30am and gets really busy by 9:30am.
Memorial Union Terrace
The Terrace is as good as it gets in Madison — it is special both day and night as a place to get a beer and take in the views over the lake. Be sure to check out UW's Babcock ice cream and get a brat and a beer.
Wisconsin State Capitol
We highly recommend stopping into the Capitol for a look around. We will schedule a special tour for wedding guests, Saturday at 10:30AM. Make sure you make it up to the 4th floor for a view from the roof deck, and take a minute to lay on the floor in the rotunda to take in the mural at the top.
State Street
A one mile, car-free walk from Campus to the Capitol passing by some of the best shops in Madison. Ryan's favorites are Pizza Di Roma (better than Ian's, if you ask him), B-Side Records, A Room of One's Own bookstore, and Mediterranean Cafe. Laura's favorites are Tellus Mater, Short Stack Eatery (for 24/7 breakfast), Anthology, Little Luxuries, and Fromagination.
The Old Fashioned
This place is a Madison favorite. Don't miss the cheese curds, more than 50 Wisconsin beers on tap, the beautiful Capitol view and of course, an Old Fashioned made the right way, with brandy.
Bascom Hill & the UW Campus
Take some time to walk around the campus where Laura and Ryan first met. From in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln you can even see the exact spot! Check out other favorite spots such as the dock at the Porter Boathouse and the view from the top of Observatory Hill.
Picnic Point
If you're trying to think of a place to take a morning run, look no further than Picnic Point. This peninsula juts out into Lake Mendota and is accessed via a 2.5 mile path starting at the Memorial Union Terrace. The views of Madison's skyline and the lake are worth it!
Henry Vilas Zoo
Both Ryan and Laura went to this free zoo frequently when they were kids, and it remains a charming and fun place to visit whether you have kids or not. Check out the merry-go-round and visit all the animals including polar bears, our favorite lion Leo, and the native Wisconsin badgers.
Monona Terrace
This convention center is one of the largest Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in the country. Madison has many Wright buildings, and if you're looking for more, check out the First Unitarian Church on the far west side of campus.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Fantastic, free outdoor gardens near the lake. Don't miss the Thai Pavilion - a gift from the Thai government and one of only two in the country. Across the street in Olbrich Park is a new beer garden with great views of Madison's skyline.
Karben4 Brewing
Need an activity near the airport? Check out a local brewery where our friend Jeff is the Head Brewer. Laura's favorite is Block Party, Ryan's favorite is Fantasy Factory.
Madison Children's Museum
Great for kids! Learn about urban farming, visit a log cabin, and climb in a puzzle-filled jungle gym.