Madison Reccs
Dane County Farmer's Market
Saturday 6:15 am - 1:45 pm Huge farmers market that goes around the entire length of the state Capitol Square. Lots of fresh produce, prepared foods, and an adjacent art fair. Gets very crowded! Go early if you want to avoid crowds.
Memorial Union Terrace
Huge lakeside terrace with iconic colorful metal chairs. Great place to hang and have a beer and a bratwurst. Inside the building adjacent to the terrace there’s a German-style cafeteria/beer hall called Der Rathskeller. You’ll need to get a guest pass if you’re not a member - it’s only $1 and you can purchase it with your food and drink.
Wisconsin State Capitol
Wisconsin State Capitol Building. Open to the public, feel free to wander around. Like a mini version of the national Capitol building.
Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops
MARIGOLD - popular downtown brunch and lunch spot. great pancakes! TORNADO - old school Wisconsin style steakhouse / supper club LAKESIDE STREET COFFEE HOUSE - great cozy coffee shop with lake views SARDINE - French-ish bistro on the lake in an old warehouse building. HOT LUNCH - fun sandwich shop with a bar THE OLD FASHIONED - Huge bar and restaurant with Wisconsin classics on the Capitol Square. Go any time of day. MICKEY'S TAVERN - Cozy east side dive bar IDEAL BAR - Divey dive bar and of course the Brown family businesses (we're having brunch here on Sunday): LEOPOLD'S BOOKS + BAR + CAFFÈ - day-to-night bookstore with an espresso bar, cocktails, wine, and beer. FABIOLA'S SPAGHETTI HOUSE & DELI - nextdoor to Leo's. Red sauce Italian-American food and deli counter with old-school classics and sandwiches.
Go on a walk
Some of our favorite places to go on a walk (or bike ride!): STATE STREET - Campus-adjacent pedestrian mall with lots of shops and restaurants. Goes from the middle of the UW campus all the way to the Capitol Square. LAKESHORE PATH - ends near the UW Madison Memorial Union terrace, goes along the edge of Lake Mendota UW MADISON ARBORETUM PICNIC POINT OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS