Recurrently voted one of the vital habitable, happiest, and greenest cities within the USA, Madison is the form of place we wished to cease and keep for some time. As a capital metropolis and college city, it has a stability of sophistication and enjoyable. Take all these cosmopolitan choices and encompass them with 5 lakes and 270 parks, and we will get our out of doors repair, too. So we rented a superb residence inside a number of blocks of Capitol Sq. and Lake Monona and spent two weeks on this vibrant metropolis, discovering so many enjoyable issues to do in Madison!
Lately, we now have made a concerted effort to be extra eco-conscious when selecting the place to remain, eat, store, and play. When you can have a superb time whereas doing proper by the locals and the planet…that’s a win for all! In Madison, sustainability is a part of their cultural cloth—from being residence to the founding father of Earth Day to planting the seeds of the farm-to-table motion. As a traveler in Madison, being inexperienced couldn’t have been simpler, with all their plant-based eating places, classic purchasing, farmers markets, electrical transportation, and recycling at each flip.
That will help you plan a visit to our new favourite midwestern metropolis, we’ve narrowed down the perfect issues to do in Madison which are as stellar at sustainability as they’re at good occasions.
New to Madison? Begin Right here.
Downtown Madison is on a thin stretch of land between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, making it simply one in every of two US cities and the one capital on an isthmus. At its coronary heart is the attractive capitol constructing, with the primary streets radiating off of its well-manicured grounds. The principle thoroughfare is named State Road (love that it kicks off with an enormous satisfaction flag painted on the crosswalk), which flows into the College of Wisconsin on the west aspect of city. The lakeside campus is attractive, surrounded by historic houses, the huge inexperienced area of the Arboretum, and the colourful Monroe Road purchasing space. Head east of the capital constructing and this early Twentieth-century industrial space is now a hipster haven with the artsy Willy Road, Atwood Avenue, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
To get your bearings and have a good time within the course of, begin your exploration with these enjoyable issues to do in Madison.
Capitol Constructing Tour
Be taught concerning the state of Wisconsin, town of Madison, and one of the vital spectacular items of structure in any US capital metropolis with a fast (and free) tour. The educated guides lead excursions seven days per week, on the hour (from 9-4 pm, save for lunchtime and Sunday mornings). As we walked across the grand Rotunda, Senate Chamber, and Corridor of the Home of Representatives, our information identified a slew of enjoyable info. Do you know Wisconsin has the very best proportion of ladies state supreme court docket justices? Six out of seven! Or that the Capitol Constructing is the one one within the USA with a granite dome and it’s fabricated from 43 sorts of stone, sourced from world wide? Our favourite a part of touring this area is that it’s very a lot a working constructing. Not solely did we get to rub elbows with state representatives however acquired to look at proceedings from the wings! After your tour, head to the roof deck for unbelievable views over city and get a way of this metropolis’s distinctive topography.
Strolling Tour with Madison Belief for Historic Preservation
If you will take a metropolis strolling tour, go along with structure consultants and advocates for historic preservation! We joined the nonprofit Madison Belief for Historic Preservation for his or her Mansion Hill stroll to see the fantastic Nineteenth-century houses from town’s earliest movers and shakers, together with the Governor’s Mansion. The big selection of architectural kinds (Italianate, Queen Anne, Streamline Moderne, and so on) was fascinating, as was our detour to The Lamp Home, one of many early works of Wisconsin native, Frank Lloyd Wright. Rising up as a young person in Madison and learning on the College of Wisconsin, his work could be discovered all through town…don’t miss the Unitarian Assembly Home!
Madison Belief for Historic Preservation has 10 completely different routes all through town and presents group excursions on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings in the summertime, with non-public excursions obtainable all year long.
#MadisonByBike
This metropolis is fantastically bikeable, with over 60 miles of motorbike lanes and B-cycle e-bike stands far and wide. Begin by taking one in every of Vacation spot Madison’s 4 scenic routes, highlighting among the finest stops within the metropolis. Plus, they reward riders with reductions and prizes once they examine in to native landmarks & companies alongside their signature routes. (We flashed our cross at Starkweather Brewing and it earned us BOGO craft ales!) And don’t fear about straying off the path, Madison is a Platinum-Stage Bike-Pleasant Group (simply 1 of 5 cities within the USA!) so it’s protected and easy pedaling throughout city.
Purchasing: Madison’s Coolest Eco-Pleasant Shops
Downtown has 370+ outlets, galleries, eating places, night time spots, playhouses, museums, and cultural locations…and the perfect half? 82% of these companies are domestically owned! Whereas downtown has lots to do, it doesn’t imply you shouldn’t hold exploring. Willy Road, a 10-block stretch east of Capitol Sq., has a few of Madison’s coolest indie outlets, coffeehouses, and eating places. Scattered round city are greater than 100 thrift outlets, flea markets, and vintage shops to encourage secondhand (learn: eco-friendly) purchasing.
The Final Farmers’ Market
Not simply any farmers’ market, Dane County presents the largest producer-grown market within the USA! Each Saturday from April by November, over 150 distributors line the attractive Capitol Sq. to promote merchandise they personally grew or made. Flowers, baked items, crafts, and produce of each selection are such a feast for the senses that we went again to this market twice! It additionally makes for fabulous memento purchasing…we’d extremely suggest getting a replica of the brand new Dane County Cookbook, celebrating its 50th anniversary with tales and finest recipes from its neighborhood of farm-to-table foodies.
Classic Retailers
Good Fashion Store: This assortment of seven impartial classic clothes distributors beneath one roof has a curated number of clothes from the ’30s by Y2K. Good Fashion Store additionally hosts the annual Midwest Classic Flea and we have been fortunate to catch this retro purchasing extravaganza throughout our keep!
Retro Revolution: This classic residence items store is a riot of coloration and is especially good for tableware.
Stillgood’s: Within the Willy St. neighborhood, this store buys gently worn designer, up to date, and classic clothes. A far cry from Good Will, Stillgood’s area is as stylish as the garments.
Inexperienced Dwelling
Inexperienced Life Buying and selling Co: Overlook single-use packaging, you may meet just about any family and wonder want with this stunning store’s refilling stations and luxe eco-friendly merchandise. We additionally beloved that Inexperienced Life Buying and selling is a drop-off level for neighborhood compost…very helpful throughout our two-week keep!
Willy Road Co-op. If you’re provisioning for an extended keep or simply have enjoyable grinding your personal sunflower butter, this deluxe grocery retailer has all of your natural, domestically sourced goodies—from produce to cheeses to ready-made gadgets to magnificence merchandise. Even doing a loop across the Willy Road Coop and studying the bulletin board is price it for the robust neighborhood vibe.
Garver Feed Mill
This 100-year-old landmark constructing has a brilliant eclectic combine of companies…Roll Play Madison Board Video games, the beloved Ian’s Pizza, Ledger Espresso Roasters, and The Glitter Workshop…the place you may store or make your personal candles, jewellery, mini succulent backyard, solar catcher, and extra. Plus, Garver Feed Mill has a fab spa and yoga studio, so no matter you fancy, it’s a cool hub and only a six-minute stroll from the must-visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens, so it’s already on the route.
Museums & Theaters
You would possibly suppose, let me save the artwork museums and theater for a visit to New York or LA, however Madison has some gems and most of them are free!
Orpheum Theater
A traditional Twenties theater and the icon of State Road, the Mad Orpheum is fabulous in and out. Not too long ago renovated, this theater hosts Broadway reveals, prime comedians, or main musicians any given week. Humorous woman Chelsea Handler was on the town throughout our keep (professional tip: examine VividSeats.com for loopy offers on stay occasions), shortly adopted by John Cleese and Pete Davidson, so you understand we didn’t catch a top-notch comic by probability.
Overture Middle for the Arts
Not simply any performing arts area, this multi-venue constructing hosts Broadway performances, ballet, opera, artwork displays, and so many cultural occasions with the purpose of “Extraordinary Experiences for All.” Overture’s mission is to “assist and elevate our neighborhood’s artistic tradition, economic system, and high quality of life by the humanities,” which is why roughly half of their occasions are both low-cost or free. We beloved the artwork of the Mending Undertaking, a weekly meetup the place seamstresses supply their providers to those that want darning, a number of ideas, or somebody to speak to.
Madison Museum of Modern Artwork
On State Road, you may’t miss this putting up to date glass constructing, constructed by world-renowned architect César Pelli. MMoCA’s everlasting assortment has upwards of 6,000 objects and 1,400 artists of numerous backgrounds to additional their mission of IDEA (Inclusion, Variety, Fairness, and Entry). And relating to particular displays, Federico Uribe’s “Metamorphosis” was among the finest we’ve skilled. This Colombian artist turns on a regular basis objects on their head to make you suppose, giggle, and cry…a cow fabricated from leather-based sneakers, a tiger created from bullet casings, a reef constructed of washed-up plastics, and a refugee normal from baggage…this artist takes on exhausting matters like poaching and plastic air pollution with a little bit of humor and quite a lot of whimsy to lighten the temper and invitations dialog for change. Catch Metamorphosis earlier than it closes on Could 26, 2024.
Chazen Museum of Artwork
We’re not positive what sort of endowment the College of Wisconsin-Madison has, however a gallery with Warhol, Miró, Magritte, Calder, and Cristo, plus Roman relics from 10 BCE? We have been impressed. Liked the Chazen Museum of Artwork’s Modern African Artwork exhibit and the gallery of recent acquisitions to rejoice the 175th 12 months of UW Madison. Everytime you take a look at campus, be sure you cease in.
Madison Nightlife
Wisconsin could also be identified for its “old school” cocktails, however Madison’s consuming scene is something however. Not too long ago named one of many prime 5 “Finest Ingesting Cities in The World” by Punch Journal and residential to over 30 breweries, cideries, and distilleries, Madison is making some wonderful craft drinks. Plus, they respect the dive bars which have been holding it down for many years.
Cocktails
Gibs: This craft cocktail bar is about in a two-story Victorian home for cozy vibes and feel-good drinks. We love that every month they function a “Group Cocktail” with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a brand new charity.
Twister Supper Membership: Although meat-eaters rave about their entrees, we got here to this old-school steakhouse for its supper membership vibes. Simply off Capitol Sq., the slender cozy area is dominated by a wooden bar of pros making OG Outdated-Fashioneds. We bellied as much as see how the bartenders whip up a robust murals with a darkish cherry on prime. They nailed it!
Breweries, Distilleries, and Dive Bars
Starkweather Brewing. These intelligent brewers have made associates with their neighbors at Olbrich Botanical Gardens to infuse their beers with contemporary herbs and fruits and provides a portion of the proceeds again to that nonprofit. To not point out their cauliflower wings have been unreal and we’ve by no means had a lot enjoyable at a trivia night time. Mark your calendar for Starkweather Brewing’s Thursday’s Music Bingo!
Mickey’s Tavern. This dive bar is one in every of Madison’s oldest in steady operation…since 1902! From the funky decor to the stay music, this place is price taking in, from atop a leather-based bar stool with a PBR in your hand. We occurred to take a seat subsequent to their bartender in retirement, who nonetheless eats right here each week. That’s a superb signal!
Genna’s Lounge. Est. 1964 with a location improve within the Nineteen Nineties, this flatiron-building bar on Primary Road ought to actually be in your route. They’ve an important patio for the post-farmers market merriment and a comfy vibe inside.
State Line Distillery: Madison’s first grain-to-glass distillery, utilizing domestically sourced grain and regenerative agriculture, is crafting spirits which are uniquely Wisconsin. Tour the distillery and make a night of it with cocktails of their award-winning lounge.
Professional Tip: Get the free Madison on Faucet Move to navigate to their 30 breweries, cideries, and distilleries and rating reductions and prizes alongside the best way.
Outside Patios & Large Vistas
Eno Vino Downtown. Take the elevator to the tenth flooring of the AC lodge for the sexiest bar with the perfect view over city. Wanting eye to eye with the dome of the capitol constructing, we sipped cocktails out of bronze pineapples, whereas our server made us hibachi-style veggies in a blaze of glory.
The Boathouse. That is THE finest spot for sundowners on Madison’s many lakes. This nautical-themed bar on the water stage of Lake Mendota is a stunner. To make it much more romantic, take your drinks to the top of the pier and dangle your toes over the water as you sip.
Terrace at Memorial Union. Lest we overlook that it is a school city and the college has one of the vital enviable areas on the lake. Get the faculty vibe and water views at this campus hub, it doesn’t matter what 12 months you graduate(d).
Music Venues
Nattspil: Finish your night time at this Asian-Scandavian fusion restaurant and DJ sales space. Spinning chill music from 7-11pm most nights, it’s a vibe like no different, with a aspect of pickled greens.
Excessive Midday Saloon: Voted Madison’s favourite stay music venue 12 months after 12 months, this intimate area on the Close to Eastside garners high quality acts. We noticed the superior indie band Mipso play, and although we didn’t know them that properly, we adopted the lead of the Madisonians, dancing and singing alongside for an superior live performance expertise.
North Road Cabaret: Clearly, we hit the city fairly exhausting, however one venue we’re so unhappy we missed and it’s important to take a look at on our behalf is the North Road Cabaret. It’s a speakeasy joint devoted to roots music, with a kitchen that crafts its menu primarily based on the leisure on stage. (New Orleans jazz would possibly get you Jambalaya or a Chicago bluesman would possibly yield deep-dish pizza.)
Madison’s Finest Vegan-Pleasant Eating places
As environmentalists, we determined to surrender consuming animals and dairy again in 2015 as a result of it was the only greatest transfer we may make to cut back our carbon footprint. In line with an Oxford Journal of Science examine, this one dietary mod reduces your carbon footprint by two-thirds!!! So when you ever thought of plant-based consuming to your well being, the planet, or pure curiosity….Madison is your spot to provide it a go! There are over 100 eating places with vegan-friendly choices! So overlook “pretend meat” and suppose farm-to-table, James-Beard winners (Madison has over 30), and meals that’s good for you and the Earth.
Espresso Retailers, Bakeries, & Sweets
Mom Idiot’s: This solar-powered espresso store doubles as a rotating artwork gallery, efficiency area, and vegan bakery within the Willy Road neighborhood.
Bloom Bakeshop: Providing an ever-changing menu of scratch-made breads, pastries, and sandwiches with a great deal of vegan and gluten-free choices, at two areas. We went to Monroe Road and waited of their line (out the door) for the plant-based biscuit sandwich and it was sooo price it!
Cargo Espresso: This Close to Eastside espresso store has a enjoyable journey theme with maps spanning their double-height partitions. Good vibes abound right here, from their pleasant baristas to neighborhood choices like open mic nights and printing providers.
Ice Cream Social: Whereas there is just one vegan possibility on this dessert menu, we’ve gotta give props that each one the ice cream is gluten-free and 10% of its proceeds go to organizations preventing for social and racial fairness!
Brunch & Lunch
Himal Chuli: Nepalese meals naturally leans veggie and flavor-forward, so vegans have loads of nice choices right here. The style of the subcontinent continues with Himalayan decor and real hospitality.
Daisy Cafe: This art-filled area has among the finest plant-based brunch menus we’ve ever seen. Plus, they’ve all the standard breakfast meals and fresh-baked pastries for all diets (or lack thereof).
Ian’s Pizza: Madison’s favourite pizza place serves oooey-gooey vegan pies with toppings properly past bell peppers. Utilizing pizza as a power for good, they’ve given away 1000’s of pies over time, plus supported over 400 nonprofits by common occasions like their Dough-Nation Night time.
Inexperienced Owl Cafe: 100% vegan with a worldwide menu and nice cocktails. Closes early, don’t miss it!
Dinner
Jardin at Robinia Courtyard: That is town’s best plant-based eating. We loved the uncommon deal with of “Lobster Casarecce” and can endlessly dream of their “quesabirria” with roasted chili consommé, braised lion’s mane, and avocado crema. Come on Thursday nights for Latin dance classes, stay music, and a celebration.
Weary Traveler: We beloved this place on title alone and fell even tougher once we noticed the artwork, devices, and souvenirs from world wide on the partitions and the global-inspired menu. This cozy Nineteenth-century area has a neighborhood vibe that makes you wish to keep properly after your meal for a spherical of board video games and cognac.
Service provider: Whereas they’ve only a handful of plant-based choices, we wish to give a nod to this stylish restaurant for its dedication to domestically sourced elements and supporting native farmers. Additionally they do ultra-romantic (and inexpensive) Tuesday date nights.
Professional Tip: Vacation spot Madison has an important meals listing the place you may search by dietary wants, desired setting, neighborhood, and so on.
Outside Enjoyable
Madison is within the prime 15 cities within the USA relating to quantity of inexperienced area, with 29,044 sq. ft. per capita! Between a forward-thinking authorities and a college on the forefront of learning city inexperienced areas and ecological results, Madison is good for having fun with the outside with out leaving town limits.
Get on the Water
Three of Madison’s 5 lakes have watercraft leases at numerous factors alongside the shores of Mendota, Monona, and Wingra. So no matter you fancy, taking out a pontoon boat, tandem kayak, or stand-up paddleboards, see this listing of rental factors and gear choices. Into water snowboarding? There’s a bounce in entrance of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace. How Wisconsin is that?!
UW Madison Arboretum
The College of Wisconsin has restored 1,200 acres of forest, prairie, wetlands, and savanna within the middle of town for pupil analysis and neighborhood enjoyment. They provide implausible guided hikes, stargazing classes, and volunteering alternatives. Examine their schedule for the newest happenings or simply take a wander and scent a number of of their 6,000 plant specimens!
Bike & Hike the Lakeshore Path
Comply with the Madison by Bike Route from Memorial Union Terrace to Picnic Level. There’s a ton of pure magnificence alongside the best way, so get able to hop on and off to see the Observatory Hill Effigy Mound (Madison is filled with these Native American sacred websites), the Allen Centennial Backyard, College Bay Marsh, and final however not least…Picnic Level. Make a hike of it with the two-mile Picnic Level Marsh Loop, by the backyard and forest, and catch views throughout the lake and again to the capitol dome. Fireplace pits are all alongside this spit of land, so even on a cold day, it’s a beautiful place to absorb nature.
Olbrich Gardens
For over 70 years, Olbrich Botanical Gardens and their ~500 annual volunteers have been creatively cultivating 16 acres right into a wonderland. The gardens are freed from cost and attending their fabulous workshops (from Tai Chi meditation to panorama portray) and cultural occasions return to the nonprofit. We have been in awe of their annual Gleam mild artwork present, with its singing bushes, dancing butterflies, glittering disco balls, and extra dazzling mild installations, and have little question the opposite occasions could be unbelievable too.
Wild Card: Madison Circus House
Welcoming all aspiring acrobats, flying trapeze artists, hoop dancers, and German wheelers, Madison Circus House is a artistic and protected place to provide all of it a whirl. As two individuals who by no means made it previous Gymboree and declare no dance expertise, we by no means thought of making an attempt the circus arts, however Madison has among the finest applications within the nation. With a ten,000-square-foot area and a slew of lessons for each stage, Madison Circus House is a beacon of inclusivity and enjoyable. We signed up for his or her aerial silks class with Stephanie, discovered the fundamentals, and labored our manner as much as the French Climb and Crooked Star. Undecided if our grace improved, however we all know how a lot enjoyable we had at school and frolicking among the many execs (like 5x world champ German Wheeler) on this inspiring area. Watch the video above (and check out to not giggle).
Volunteering
We’re pleased to report that each the Arboretum and Olbrich Gardens (locations it is best to actually go to anyway) supply volunteering alternatives and they’re superior! On the Arboretum, we joined their weekly Ecological Restoration Work Occasion the place we un-strangled bushes from invasive species, met fantastic folks, and discovered loads about their prairie ecosystem within the course of!
Whereas at Olbirch Gardens, we adopted the lead horticulturist and volunteer squad (some with 14 years of service), and acquired the bottom prepared for winter and a fruitful spring. We made quick associates as we dug up spent annuals and in the reduction of previous mint, and an invitation quickly adopted for the Olbrich Backyard’s brew-debut celebration! Close by Starkweather Brewing was about to faucet their kegs, infused with Olbrich’s lemongrass, apricots, and pears. Alongside new associates, sipping saisons infused with herbs from the very backyard we sowed, reminded us that the rewards of volunteering by no means stop to amaze.
Voluntourism is catching on in Madison and we wished to assist unfold the phrase, so we gladly settle for the invite to return on their NBC station. Watch the interview, above.
For extra info on how one can add volunteering to your Madison travels, take a look at the volunteering pages for the UW Madison Arboretum, Olbrich Gardens, and VisitMadison.com
The place to Keep: Finest Eco-Pleasant Resorts in Madison
Whether or not you’re staying for an extended digital nomad keep (like we did) or coming for a getaway weekend, we’ve pinpointed posh locations to put your head and launch your adventures.
Voyageur Prolonged Stays
Created by a pair of world-traveling Madisonians, Voyageur has upped the sport on extended-stay lodging with high-design flats in among the metropolis’s coolest spots. We stayed at their new Medallion property, impressed by Frank Lloyd Wright, designed by Dutch designer Arno Hoogland, and constructed by an area craftsman! For a shorter keep, they do have one fabulous property proper on Lake Monona with a sauna and kayaks to finest benefit from the waterfront locale. Splitting our time between downtown and the lake made for the proper Madison keep.
Governor’s Mansion Inn
Keep within the state’s, first government residence and residential to 18 Wisconsin governors. This 1850s mansion has been transformed right into a nine-room inn with unique particulars in a recent fashion. Proper off Lake Mendota, and some blocks from the capitol constructing within the historic Mansion Hill neighborhood, Governor’s Mansion Inn is among the most regal stays.
The Graduate Madison
Get into the Badger spirit with a keep on the boutique lodge chain impressed by the faculty cities they reside in. Situated one block from State Road and the College of Wisconsin campus, alongside Lake Mendota, The Graduate Lodge is impressed by all issues Madison and collegiate stylish with a fab restaurant and rooftop bar.
The Edgewater
We got here right here for drinks on the superior Boathouse bar (see above), wound up taking a correct tour, and fell in love with the place. And we’re not alone. Condé Nast ranked The Edgewater as among the finest accommodations within the Midwest and it simply gained a 2023 Historic Resorts of America award! Not just a few walled-off resort, it’s designed to be part of the neighborhood with its lakeview terrace being a favourite picnic spot and city ice skating rink by winter. And at 75 years in enterprise, they know a factor or two about hospitality.
Madison…Our Favourite Metropolis within the Midwest!
After two weeks in Madison, we have been property. We completely jived with the forward-thinking ethos of this city and couldn’t consider the pure fantastic thing about this Midwestern metropolis. Wherever we have been, we have been by no means removed from the water or the guts of the motion. We love that it was sufficiently big to have tons to do however sufficiently small that we may stroll or bike all over the place, and by no means really feel misplaced. After which there was a way of gratitude. Whether or not it was acknowledging their presence on Ho-Chunk Nation ancestral land on the Modern Museum of Artwork or bakeries calling out all of the farmers they thank for his or her every day bread, everybody had a face and voice right here. From their historical past of civil rights activism to electing (and re-electing) an overtly homosexual lady for mayor, town is all about progress and inclusivity. We are able to’t wait to be welcomed again!
Many because of Vacation spot Madison for inviting us to their nice metropolis and supporting our journey storytelling. To indicate our gratitude to the neighborhood, we now have donated to the next native nonprofits: Maintain Dane, Olbrich Gardens, and the Clear Lakes Alliance.
For extra on our Madison expertise, see our Instagram Spotlight reel and proceed your Wisconsin exploring with our cross-state street journey information.
