This is our MUST try list, especially for any 1st timers. The Badger State has lots to offer, we hope you enjoy your time here as much as we do! -CLASSIC WISCONSIN OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL (alcoholic) *Muddled, sweet or sour, vegetable or fruit garnishes, Brandy or Whiskey, the options are endless but a staple in this great state. -SUPPER CLUB; Supper = the Midwestern name for dinner and a Supper Club is a traditional dining restaurant that used to double as a social club. Think '50s-'60s setting, dark and smoky, the best and largest steak you ever did see and a dessert ice cream cocktail bigger than your whole face. It's a bonus if there is also a massive salad bar! It's really about the ambiance, quality and socializing. *PRO TIP: Pace yourself, most WI Supper Clubs have a wait time exceeding an hour, especially in the summer. If you actually want to try the food, we'd suggest putting down the Old Fashioneds ha but understand it is difficult to do! -FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY; Though most restaurants offer fish on every night of the week, Friday's are the traditional night where you can find the best deals and the longest wait times. Freshwater fish, WI beer battered & fried to golden perfection (menus normally have baked options too) and typically served with your choice of potato, rye bread & coleslaw. -CULVER'S; The opposite of a fancy supper club, this WI-native chain is considered 'fast food' but they don't skimp on quality ever. Made to order but quick, Culver's is also known for their custard which is another WI-must. Custard is similar to ice cream but thicker, creamier and just overall superior. You'll see various custard stands sprinkled around the state but this is an easy option to try great food & custard!
Here are a couple ideas we've either checked out or are looking forward to trying soon. -DANE COUNTY FARMERS' MARKET; the largest producer-only farmer's market in the country where all items are grown, raised and produced in Wisconsin. Typically surrounding the capitol, double check the Saturday you're in town in case it is being held at a different location. -SASSY COW CREAMERY; tour this working farm, see the fresh milk bottling process or sample some of their well-known ice cream for a cool off! -RENT A BIKE; with all the trails surrounding the city, check out Madison highlights by bicycle (maybe even an electric one) and enjoy a new vantage point. *Fun Fact- Capitol City State Trail is 17 miles long and cuts right in front of the Brassworks building! -BREWERIES & WINERIES; with too many to choose from, we'd recommend doing some research online based on your taste buds. Tap rooms typically have some good cheese curds & live music to accompany that cold drink so what else could you need?
With a lot of small nearby towns, Janesville is the largest of the surrounding areas and also our new place of residency! -BODACIOUS OLIVE; sits downtown and is located on Block 42, a collection of specialty shops and eateries. Though they have a salad bistro & coffee shop connected to it, the Olive Oil shop has quickly become our favorite stop and a great go-to for cute gifts. -MUSIC AT THE MARV; A summer-long free concert series located at the downtown park pavilion featuring WI artists -FERMENTING CELLARS WINERY; 2004 W Manogue Rd - Janesville, WI 53545 A cute rural setting with good wine options. They normally schedule live music on their patio and have wine slushies in the summer! -808 POKE & 808 CHEESECAKE; with owners hailing from Big Island, we really felt moving to Janesville was a sign when we found out Hawaiians were already in the neighborhood. Their flavors are great and they even offer Musubi Mondays! -THE COFFEE DEPOT - Edgerton, WI; an old railroad depot turned coffee shop, this is an adorable little stop for a quick pastry or coffee while you're exploring other shops downtown.