Guidebook for Madison
Sightseeing
Grab a beer and a brat, pick a colorful iconic chair, and take in all Lake Mendota has to offer! Usually live music at the outdoor stage, this place is the definition of Madison. Catch a sunset here and you might not want to ever leave...
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Minnesmerke Union Terrace
800 Langdon StGrab a beer and a brat, pick a colorful iconic chair, and take in all Lake Mendota has to offer! Usually live music at the outdoor stage, this place is the definition of Madison. Catch a sunset here and you might not want to ever leave...
Get a tour of the Capitol or wander around to take in the stunning craftsmanship like the gorgeous domed and painting ceiling, or the four mosaic pendatives along the Rotunda. The view from the observation deck is unparalleled & atop is the gilded bronze statue of our Lady "Wisconsin" always pointing "Forward" to embody our state's motto. Take a break on the capitol lawn or catch the Farmer's Market on Sundays! (April 16-November 5) FREE ADMISSION.
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Wisconsin State Capitol
2 E Main StGet a tour of the Capitol or wander around to take in the stunning craftsmanship like the gorgeous domed and painting ceiling, or the four mosaic pendatives along the Rotunda. The view from the observation deck is unparalleled & atop is the gilded bronze statue of our Lady "Wisconsin" always pointing "Forward" to embody our state's motto. Take a break on the capitol lawn or catch the Farmer's Market on Sundays! (April 16-November 5) FREE ADMISSION.
Entertainment & Activities
ORTON PARK FESTIVAL - AUGUST 25-28, 2016
A Madison classic, this festival represents the soul of Madison. Live music, local art vendors, food carts galore, & local beer on tap. If you can catch the aerial dances from the trees by Cycropia Aerial Dance on Thursday evening. FREE ADMISSION ALL WEEKEND! From their website:
"As usual, we will kick things off on Thursday evening with Family Night, featuring pizza, ice cream, and the flying trapezes of Cycropia Aerial Dance.
The Main Stage sounds off on Friday night with fun tunes for all ages from The Kissers and The Big Payback!
Saturday will bring a host of performances varying greatly in style from Americana to world rhythms to full out rock and roll. Be sure to check out solid dance beats from Ggoolldd and blistering garage-pop tunes from Twin Peaks!
Sunday morning, as is tradition, we’ll have brunch under the oaks at 9am, accompanied by the up and coming local talent of Soulmen. The Main Stage will again gear up at noon and carry us through the afternoon with some hazy Americana highlighted by the beautiful vocalist Sarah Voz of Dead Horses. Fringe Character is sure to raise the roof, followed by Blooshot Records’ amazing ensemble Ha Ha Tonka."
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Orton Park
1103 Spaight StORTON PARK FESTIVAL - AUGUST 25-28, 2016
A Madison classic, this festival represents the soul of Madison. Live music, local art vendors, food carts galore, & local beer on tap. If you can catch the aerial dances from the trees by Cycropia Aerial Dance on Thursday evening. FREE ADMISSION ALL WEEKEND! From their website:
"As usual, we will kick things off on Thursday evening with Family Night, featuring pizza, ice cream, and the flying trapezes of Cycropia Aerial Dance.
The Main Stage sounds off on Friday night with fun tunes for all ages from The Kissers and The Big Payback!
Saturday will bring a host of performances varying greatly in style from Americana to world rhythms to full out rock and roll. Be sure to check out solid dance beats from Ggoolldd and blistering garage-pop tunes from Twin Peaks!
Sunday morning, as is tradition, we’ll have brunch under the oaks at 9am, accompanied by the up and coming local talent of Soulmen. The Main Stage will again gear up at noon and carry us through the afternoon with some hazy Americana highlighted by the beautiful vocalist Sarah Voz of Dead Horses. Fringe Character is sure to raise the roof, followed by Blooshot Records’ amazing ensemble Ha Ha Tonka."
Willy St Fair - Sept. 17-18. This artsy & hippy neighborhood closes off the street to traffic and hosts live music, food vendors and local crafts. ADMISSION IS FREE!
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Williamson Street
Williamson StreetWilly St Fair - Sept. 17-18. This artsy & hippy neighborhood closes off the street to traffic and hosts live music, food vendors and local crafts. ADMISSION IS FREE!
Getting Around
Nearest B-Cycle station, find more info at madison.bcycle.com
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Madison B-cycle Station
2048 Eastwood DrNearest B-Cycle station, find more info at madison.bcycle.com
2nd nearest B-Cycle rental station. More info at madison.bcycle.com
Madison B-Cycle Station - N. Thornton @ Tenney Park
402 N Thornton Ave2nd nearest B-Cycle rental station. More info at madison.bcycle.com
Parks & Nature
1,260 acres of restored wilderness & gardens right in the middle of Madison--this is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Owned by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Arboretum offers more than 20 miles of connected trails. Visit the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden & Longenecker Horticultural Gardens for a more relaxed stroll. Cross country ski trails in the winter!
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University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway1,260 acres of restored wilderness & gardens right in the middle of Madison--this is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Owned by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Arboretum offers more than 20 miles of connected trails. Visit the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden & Longenecker Horticultural Gardens for a more relaxed stroll. Cross country ski trails in the winter!
Arguably the cleanest and quietest of Madison lakes, Lake Wingra offers watercraft rentals such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, or even stand-up paddleboards. No motorized boats so the water is calm and you might catch a blue heron or sandhill crane. Rentals by the hour 8:30 AM - 8 PM, last rentals at 7 PM. www.wingraboats.com/
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Wingra Boats
824 Knickerbocker StArguably the cleanest and quietest of Madison lakes, Lake Wingra offers watercraft rentals such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, or even stand-up paddleboards. No motorized boats so the water is calm and you might catch a blue heron or sandhill crane. Rentals by the hour 8:30 AM - 8 PM, last rentals at 7 PM. www.wingraboats.com/
Take an afternoon to wander through the 16 acres of botanical gardens & admire the Thai Pavillion. If your cold the glass pyramid of the Bolz Conservatory will warm you up with 80* temps, with tropical plants and birds to keep you company. The Blooming Butterflies is a special exhibit Thursday, July 14 - Sunday, August 7, 2016. Outdoor Garden Admission is free (suggested donation), Indoor Bolz Conservatory is $2 admission, free for kids 5 & under.
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Olbrich botaniske hager
3330 Atwood AveTake an afternoon to wander through the 16 acres of botanical gardens & admire the Thai Pavillion. If your cold the glass pyramid of the Bolz Conservatory will warm you up with 80* temps, with tropical plants and birds to keep you company. The Blooming Butterflies is a special exhibit Thursday, July 14 - Sunday, August 7, 2016. Outdoor Garden Admission is free (suggested donation), Indoor Bolz Conservatory is $2 admission, free for kids 5 & under.
Drinks & Nightlife
Comfy neighborhood watering hole along the river with a great patio, pool table, intriguing decor and great grub. This is my regular brunch spot with a killer bloody mary. Order the sexy fries--you won't regret it. CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
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Mickey's Tavern
1524 Williamson StComfy neighborhood watering hole along the river with a great patio, pool table, intriguing decor and great grub. This is my regular brunch spot with a killer bloody mary. Order the sexy fries--you won't regret it. CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
Industrial-chic gastropub, delicious craft cocktails, live DJs and steps away from the capitol. If the vibe is right you might even get staff to swing the light fixtures!
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Merchant Madison
121 S Pinckney StIndustrial-chic gastropub, delicious craft cocktails, live DJs and steps away from the capitol. If the vibe is right you might even get staff to swing the light fixtures!
State Street offers a LOT in a small area. This pedestrian-only street (other than buses) is home to a lot of unique shops, restaurants, and bars.
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State Street
State StreetState Street offers a LOT in a small area. This pedestrian-only street (other than buses) is home to a lot of unique shops, restaurants, and bars.
Food Scene
A classic greasy-spoon style cafe with pancakes 12" across and enormous omelettes to satisfy your savory tooth, all for a reasonable price. Sit at the bar and chat up your servers (Tommy is a riot!) and make your heart swell in the wood-paneled, 80's-music-accompanying ambiance. CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
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Willalby's Cafe
1351 Williamson StA classic greasy-spoon style cafe with pancakes 12" across and enormous omelettes to satisfy your savory tooth, all for a reasonable price. Sit at the bar and chat up your servers (Tommy is a riot!) and make your heart swell in the wood-paneled, 80's-music-accompanying ambiance. CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
Unique house-turned-cafe in Madison's artsy Williamson St. Neighborhood. Scones to die for, daily specials, and a great lunch menu to boot! CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
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Lazy Jane's Cafe and Bakery
1358 Williamson StUnique house-turned-cafe in Madison's artsy Williamson St. Neighborhood. Scones to die for, daily specials, and a great lunch menu to boot! CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
A block and half away, I have to restrain myself from going here EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Their bakery case is like a treasure trove. The homemade "pop-tarts" will make you question your entire childhood. Hot dishes like biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and a quiche of the day will make your soul happy. Coffee is always on, staff is always welcoming.
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Sophia's Bakery & Cafe
831 E Johnson StA block and half away, I have to restrain myself from going here EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Their bakery case is like a treasure trove. The homemade "pop-tarts" will make you question your entire childhood. Hot dishes like biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and a quiche of the day will make your soul happy. Coffee is always on, staff is always welcoming.
My favorite neighborhood restaurant & bar, the Alchemy offers gourmet food with a laid-back tavern vibe and live music on most nights. Sandwiches, burgers and entrees all so tempting it's hard to decide. Paired with rotating taps from the bar, or signature cocktails like the "Philosopher's Stone", you'll feel the sorcery that keep drawing folks back again and again. CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
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Alchemy
1980 Atwood AveMy favorite neighborhood restaurant & bar, the Alchemy offers gourmet food with a laid-back tavern vibe and live music on most nights. Sandwiches, burgers and entrees all so tempting it's hard to decide. Paired with rotating taps from the bar, or signature cocktails like the "Philosopher's Stone", you'll feel the sorcery that keep drawing folks back again and again. CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
The Tip Top Tavern is a cozy classic bar, recently remodeled in Art Nouveau style with a outdoor patio that's bigger than the inside. Burgers, sandwiches, fried pickles, green chile mac & cheese & fries so loaded they can only be called "French Nasty" grace the menu. Fish fry on Fridays! CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
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Tip Top Tavern
601 North StThe Tip Top Tavern is a cozy classic bar, recently remodeled in Art Nouveau style with a outdoor patio that's bigger than the inside. Burgers, sandwiches, fried pickles, green chile mac & cheese & fries so loaded they can only be called "French Nasty" grace the menu. Fish fry on Fridays! CASH ONLY (ATM inside)
The LARGEST PRODUCER-ONLY MARKET IN THE NATION! Stroll around the square and shop with your senses for local produce, maple syrup, baked goods, preservatives, and, of course CHEESE. Discover cheese curds so fresh they squeak in your teeth! 6 AM - 1 PM every Saturday April 16 - November 5. Peak hours around 10 AM, so try to go as early as you can manage.
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Dane County Farmers Market
3241 Martin Luther King Jr BlvdThe LARGEST PRODUCER-ONLY MARKET IN THE NATION! Stroll around the square and shop with your senses for local produce, maple syrup, baked goods, preservatives, and, of course CHEESE. Discover cheese curds so fresh they squeak in your teeth! 6 AM - 1 PM every Saturday April 16 - November 5. Peak hours around 10 AM, so try to go as early as you can manage.
Farm to table restaurant located on the Capitol Square. Most of the ingredients come from small local farms to bring you truly unique dishes and a constantly changing menu. Eat everything from oysters to cheese curds to the signature "Graze burger" and get the one of the best views of the Capitol while you're at it!
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Graze
1 S Pinckney StFarm to table restaurant located on the Capitol Square. Most of the ingredients come from small local farms to bring you truly unique dishes and a constantly changing menu. Eat everything from oysters to cheese curds to the signature "Graze burger" and get the one of the best views of the Capitol while you're at it!
The Old Fashioned is a Wisconsin favorite, and we're known for making them with Brandy! This place has it all: burgers with fried egg on top, scotch eggs, lightly fried cheese curds, and excellent sandwiches. Meanwhile their bar makes it hard to choose: Brandy Old Fashioned (sweet or sour!), 52 Wisconsin beers on tap, maybe a brandy slush! So many ways to turn and you cannot go wrong!
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The Old Fashioned
23 N Pinckney StThe Old Fashioned is a Wisconsin favorite, and we're known for making them with Brandy! This place has it all: burgers with fried egg on top, scotch eggs, lightly fried cheese curds, and excellent sandwiches. Meanwhile their bar makes it hard to choose: Brandy Old Fashioned (sweet or sour!), 52 Wisconsin beers on tap, maybe a brandy slush! So many ways to turn and you cannot go wrong!
Sushi! Sit at the sushi bar and watch the immensely talented chefs create beautiful nagiri, sashimi & other rolls. The seaweed salad is a fresh treat! I usually get a bottle of sake to split (or not!)
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Muramoto Downtown
108 King StSushi! Sit at the sushi bar and watch the immensely talented chefs create beautiful nagiri, sashimi & other rolls. The seaweed salad is a fresh treat! I usually get a bottle of sake to split (or not!)
Savory scones, sweet pastries, French treats & wholesome bread. I've never had anything bad here!
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Batch Bakehouse
1402 Williamson StSavory scones, sweet pastries, French treats & wholesome bread. I've never had anything bad here!
SO many tacos! A few out of the ordinary include Cucumber Citris Chicken, Backyard BBQ, or El Cubano. Plus a salsa bar to try them all!
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Tex Tubb's Taco Palace
2009 Atwood AveSO many tacos! A few out of the ordinary include Cucumber Citris Chicken, Backyard BBQ, or El Cubano. Plus a salsa bar to try them all!
Great place for brunch! I'm always torn between the Chilaquiles con Huevos or the Pineapple Mango French Toast. Good for lunch or dinner as well, with a sizeable tequila selection.
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Eldorado Grill
744 Williamson StGreat place for brunch! I'm always torn between the Chilaquiles con Huevos or the Pineapple Mango French Toast. Good for lunch or dinner as well, with a sizeable tequila selection.
Arts & Culture
Four floors of art varying collections including Ancient, European, Asian, African and Local galleries. Temporary exhibitions change 10-12 times a year. FREE ADMISSION!
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Chazen kunstmuseum
800 University AveFour floors of art varying collections including Ancient, European, Asian, African and Local galleries. Temporary exhibitions change 10-12 times a year. FREE ADMISSION!