Things To Do
Where to Eat & Drink in Madison
Madison is full of delicious food! Here are just some of our top recommendations for where to grab... Cocktails: • Leopold's - think coffee shop meets cocktail bar meets bookshop • Botanist Social - a hip, art deco cocktail lounge Breakfast: • Short Stack Eatery - an upscale diner where you can order a surprise meal called "the blind" (be prepared to wait in line) • Marigold Kitchen - cheery and delicious with a convenient location near the Square Lunch: • Lucille's - Great location by the Square with a casual menu that includes Detroit-style pizza • Alimentari - think mini Eataly with delicious Italian sandwiches to-go Dinner: • Osteria Papavero - this small restaurant serves up delicious traditional Italian cuisine and their chef was recently nominated for a James Beard award • Tornado Room - this old-school institution is a classic steak house • Mint Mark - modern American fare served in small-plates designed to be shared (reservations strongly recommended)
Madison Farmer's Market
The Farmer's Market on the Square might just be the most quintessential summer activity in the city. We know it's hard to pass up the beautiful bouquets of flowers (we buy them almost weekly!), so we invite you to bring a bouquet to the church. We will provide vases and you can add the flowers to the narthex!
Wisconsin State Capitol Observation Deck
It is free to walk inside and explore our beautiful capitol building! Insider tip - there is also a free observation deck where you can get 360 degree views of Madison from up above. Just ask inside at the information desk which elevator takes you up!
Memorial Union Terrace
Not only do Erika and Andrew love to grab a drink with friends at Memorial Terrace, but Erika also works in the adjoining building, Memorial Union! In the summer months, she eats lunch outside on the Terrace daily.
Kayaking on Lake Monona
Andrew and Erika's first date was kayaking on Lake Monona because they needed to be outside and socially distanced with the pandemic. This is the perfect outdoor activity while you're in Madison for the summer. You can easily rent kayaks at Brittingham Boats on Lake Monona.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens + Olbrich Biergarten
Recreate Andrew and Erika's second date! Enjoy a stroll around the (free) gardens at Olbrich Botanical gardens. This is where Erika and Andrew shared their first kiss! Afterwards, head down the street to the Olbrich Beer garden just like we did to enjoy a drink by the lake. Erika and Andrew spent hours here on their second date getting to know one another.