Things To Do
Dane County Farmers' Market
The Dane County Farmer's Market is Madison's true pride and joy - the largest outdoor farmer's market in the country! Wander around the square and grab a scone, Stella's spicy cheese bread, and cheese curds. The market is open 6:15am to 1:45pm, though it's best to go in the morning. A short walk from either wedding block hotel.
Memorial Union Terrace
The Memorial Union Terrace is the University of Wisconsin's student union right on Lake Mendota. Pull up an iconic metal chair, grab some Babcock Ice Cream or a pitcher of Wisconsin beer and enjoy the view! Truly one of the best spots in Madison on a spring day. Park here: https://goo.gl/maps/MKpEiLDtzkxpBexP6 or here: https://g.page/state-street-campus-garage-lake?share if you are driving.
Walk Down State Street
Start at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Walk west down State Street- Madison's most iconic street full of local restaurants and shops. The street is about a mile end to end. At the end of the State Street opposite the Capitol, you will be very close to the Union (see above). Click "view" for a google maps link to the walk.
Madison Boats
Rent kayaks or paddle boards to explore one of Madison's four (!!!) lakes! We love renting from Brittingham on Lake Monona, which is close to downtown.
Hike Picnic Point
One of the most famed hikes in Madison, along the shore of the Picnic Point peninsula in Lake Mendota! Out to the tip of the peninsula and back is about 2 miles and is very flat. There are other trails within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, too. Park here: https://goo.gl/maps/j6CU3fUqby6ggoC86
The Old Fashioned
This restaurant is quintessential Madison! Go for brunch or dinner and make sure you order a brandy Old Fashioned (every Wisconsinite's favorite cocktail), the cheese curds, and the famous double-brat burger!
Graze Restaurant
Great food and a great view of the capitol! One of the best restaurants in Madison, serving mostly American food (burgers, salmon, steak, pork chops) with a Korean twist.
Eno Vino Downtown
Eno Vino has the best view in Madison! Located on the top floor of the AC Hotel (one of our hotel blocks), you can't leave Madison without getting drinks or dinner here. *consider making a reservation*
Bar Corallini
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Madison - located in the Atwood/Willy Street neighborhood, near our reception venue! Great pasta, pizza, wine, and cocktails! *consider making a reservation*
Heritage Tavern
Upscale farm-to-table restaurant with great drinks and atmosphere! Located a block off the capitol square.
Salvatore's Tomato Pies - Livingston Street
Delicious local pizza restaurant near our hotel blocks and welcome party venue! Our favorites are the Woodsman and Bamma-Jama.
Madison Sourdough
Madison Sourdough is a bakery, cafe, mill and patisserie located on Madison’s near east side. They are a from-scratch bakery and make our favorite breakfast sandwiches!
Marigold Kitchen
Best brunch in Madison! Our favorites are the duck confit hash, breakfast burrito, and tofu scramble bowl. Just a warning - it can have a long line, but it's worth the wait!
Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East
A great local brewery near Hotel Indigo and Old Sugar Distillery (welcome party venue)!
The Robin Room
Our favorite cocktail bar - we got a drink here after getting engaged! Known for their creative cocktails and on-tap Old Fashioned.
Settle Down Tavern
Home of the Good Idea Burger, which is known to be the best burger in town! Sit outside on the patio with views of the capitol and enjoy great cocktails and beers. Located near two of our other favorite places, Plain Spoke Cocktails and Young Blood Beer Company.
Young Blood Beer Company - King Street
One of our favorite breweries in Madison and one block from the capitol square! They make lots of funky beers and all of their brews are one-and-done (when its gone, its gone - they never make the same beer twice). Located near two of our other favorite places, Plain Spoke Cocktails and Settle Down Tavern.
Plain Spoke Cocktail Company
A funky, neon cocktail bar on the second floor (above Young Blood Beer Company) that has amazing craft cocktails! Grab a drink and then head to Settle Down Tavern or Young Blood Beer Company to continue the fun!
Lakeside St. Coffee House
We spent the best morning at this coffee shop playing cribbage and drinking lattes before Mark proposed! It has fantastic coffee and great views of Lake Monona. A little off-the-beaten-path, but worth it.
Colectivo Coffee- On the Square
Milwaukee-based coffee shop with a bunch of locations in Madison, including one on the capitol square! Serves coffee, tea, espresso, smoothies, as well as a full menu of all-day breakfast, soups, and sandwiches.