Exploring Madison
UW Memorial Union Terrace
This is the quintessential Wisconsin experience. Right by the university, many beers on tap and some great snacks and dinner items. Will likely be crowded with students on campus, but you can grab a table and chairs or just sit by the water and take in a sunset. There is often live music starting a bit later in the evening so plan ahead. Nell and James often spent a Friday night here during the summer (and still do), enjoying Madison's beautiful warm weather and remembering their own college experiences.
Epic's Verona Campus
The designers of Disney also collaborated on our campus, which sprawls rolling farmland hills and has 5 or 6 distinct themed regions. James works on the farm, complete with barn, stable, and giant de-constructed tractor, and Nell works in the Storybook campus - frequently attending meetings in a life sized gingerbread house. Our favorite is the Wizard campus with Harry Potter theme - including a replica Diagon Alley. There are 400 different types of plants in the various gardens and green spaces between building. Well worth a tour either inside the buildings (public is welcome) or driving from place to place.
New Glarus Brewing Company
New Glarus is Wisconsin's most famous brewery. People frequently make day and weekend trips from across the midwest for cases of Spotted Cow and other popular beers. This does require a car - about a 30 minute drive from our venue - and is a great outdoor space for larger groups.
Picnic Point (Walking Path)
An easy walk with a great view of downtown Madison and Lake Mendota. This is only a quarter mile from James and Nell's, so it could be a great way to stretch your legs after brunch. Also Nell's favorite place to run, especially now that it's a 2 mile loop from our house instead of a 6 mile loop to our prior downtown apartment.
Working Draft Beer Company
This is our favorite brewery (of many), in the historic Williamson Street district nearby many of our favorite restaurants. We highly recommend trying their Pulp Culture Hazy IPA if you go! This is a very short drive if you're staying downtown.
University Arboretum
The location of James' proposal and now an annual stop for James and Nell! This is a beautiful place for a walk, doubly so during the vibrant colors of the fall season. There are many trails and you can easily bike here from downtown.
Wisconsin Brewing Company
This completes the trifecta of brewery recommendations. Wisconsin Brewing has a sprawling outdoor area with lots of seating, plus a great variety of breweries on tap. Great for groups (and pets). This brewery is our first recommendation if you're staying in a hotel on the west side of Madison.
Wisconsin's Golf Courses
Wisconsin is an underrated golf destination. Here are our recommendations, both closer to Madison and a bit further drive. Madison Area: The Oaks, University Ridge (UW's home course) Further away: Lawsonia Links, Sand Valley, Erin Hills
Dane County Farmer's Market
America’s largest producers-only farmers market. Runs 6:15am-1:45pm.