Things To Do

Madison Restaurant Week

Madison's Winter Restaurant Week runs through Friday the 26th. This semi-annual event is the perfect opportunity for food lovers to sample some of Madison's finest local offerings. Starting at $25, participating restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu with 3 courses and 3 options of each course. Some restaurants offer a reduced menu for $15 for lunch. This is a great way to try some of the best Madison has to offer. Reservations are recommended, see the link for details.

Eat Breakfast at Mickies Dairy Bar

This place has served amazing diner style breakfast and lunch for over 50 years. It is a Madison institution and has been featured on ESPN Game Day.

Eat Friday Night Fish Fry Jordan's Big Ten Pub

Jordan's Big Ten Pub has all of the best Wisconsin can offer including a good beer selection and one of the best Friday night fish frys in town.

Eat Frites at Brasserie V

A taste of Belgium in the heart of Madison. BV, as we call it, is owned by Tim's parents friends and has the best frites in town. We recommend the classic paring of steak frites or moules frites washed down with whatever the bartender says is their favorite current tap.

Shop along Monroe Street

Monroe Street features a number of local shops featuring kitchen wears to beautiful clothes.

Eat a Sweet Potato Doughnut at Bloom Bake Shop

This is the only form Tim will eat sweet potatoes in and is also one of the best doughnuts you'll ever have.

See the animals at Henry Vilas Zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo is Madison's free zoo, just a few blocks away from the hotel.

Go Ice Skating at Vilas Park

Right next to the zoo is an old speed skating track where you can rent skates and step out on the ice yourself.

Go for a Hike in University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

Tour the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus

Take a walk or a drive through campus. Notable places include the observatory where Tim proposed, the Biochemestry building where Betsy's parents met and the track where someone from the Hacker or Lacy family has run almost every year for the past 30 years.

Tour Wisconsin State Capitol

Buy Cheese at Fromagination

Find some of the best cheese and other locally made food Wisconsin has to offer here. By the register, they usually have "cheese orphans" which as small remnants of cheese that are sold for just a few dollars. It's the cheap way to try a lot of cheese.

Eat Cheese Curds at Graze

Tim and Betsy think these are the best fried cheese curds in town. No trip to Wisconsin is complete without at least trying a curd or two.

Take Photos of The Capital from Eno Vino Downtown

The restaurant on the top floor of the AC Hotel has the best Capital views in town. Stop by for a drink and to snap a few pictures. They are rumored to do an amazing weekday breakfast that is open to the public if you're in town Friday morning.

Drink a Beer at Karben4 Brewing

Home of beers like Fantasy Factory. This is a must stop on any Madison brewery tour.

Drink a Beer at ALT Brew

All of their beers are gluten free and actually GOOD! We also adore the owners Maureen & Trevor. #drinklocal

Have a Beer at Ale Asylum

Ale Asylum is one of the larger and better known breweries in town. They also have great food.

Take a Tour at New Glarus Brewing Company

Grab a beer and go on a self-guided tour of the home of Spotted Cow beer. The Bavarian inspired brewery sits on a hill overlooking the town of New Glarus.