Pack your fat pants and walking shoes people. Here is a sample Itinerary to Madison, WI in the summer months. Below is an action packed weekend with a few of my favorite finds. I lived in Madison a year, and could spout off about 20+ more places to visit, but here are a few places to start with...
Friday Night:
Where to stay: All the downtown hotels are great. Stick to the ones closer downtown so you can walk to most places.
After: Continue down to the east side. Check out One Barrel Brewery, BarleyPop (a tasting room), Karben4 Brewery, Ale Asylum Brewery.
REST UP FOR A LONG SATURDAY
Saturday Morning & Afternoon:
Breakfast: Go to Cafe Hollander for Brunch. Mimosas and bloody marie’s do the soul good
Morning Festivities: Head downtown and check out the Dane County Farmers Market. It is MASSIVE. Get cheesy bread from the Stella's Bakery tent. You’ll see people walking around with a loaf going to town! Take a few free cheese curd samples from many tents and see beautiful flowers!
Go shopping downtown. Many fun boutiques and window shops. Even wine and olive oil tasting at Vom Fass! Try The Fat Pig wine. You wont regret it!
For lunch go to Bradbury’s Coffee for delicious crepes and lattes, or grab something at the Farmers Market. It does closes at noon though!
Afternoon: Go checkout The Capital Building. Go up and get views from the top!
You will be exhausted.. go do yourself a favor and get coffee from Ancora! My absolute favorite Latte is the Salted Carmel. YUM
Early Evening & Night:
Sunset: Head to The Union Terrace on the lake and catch the sunset and grab a pitcher of beer. They occasionally have bands! Grab a seat at the colorful chairs.
Dinner: Head to Graze! Perfect night views of The Capital Building.
Happy Hour: Go to The Marriott Hotel (go to the top floor lounge) to start the night. Get another great view of the Capital Building! Floor to ceiling windows on the top floor.
Night Time Fun: Go downtown! MANY MANY bars. All walking distance. Ranging from college kids gone wild to civilized humans.
Crazy College:
Whiskey Jacks - DJ, dancing, and a mechanical bull
Cask and Ale - Always crowded, quality drinks, younger crowd
State St Brats - Go here for game days and beer in boots
Wando’s - 3 stories of crazy and music and fishbowls
Civilized Humans:
Lucille's - Restored old bank with a rustic vibe, there is a vault lounge
The Old Fashion - Best EVER cheese curds, GET THEM, and obviously classic Old Fashion
Genna’s Lounge - Towny bar
Madison's - Good throwback music
Sunday Funday:
Breakfast: Go to Basset St Brunch Club or Dlux (there will be a wait, be patient hangry people) You will likely be hungover. It’s Wisconsin.
Afternoon Outings: Head to The Henry Villa Zoo and/or Olbrich Botanical Garden. Your choice! Both are good options.
Lunch Time: Ians Pizza for lunch (If you didn't get it at 2am on Saturday night..) Grab a slice of Mac N Cheese pizza. Or my personal fav Garlicy Potato! There are two locations downtown.
Last Minute: Check out Capital Brewery! Grab one there, and a growler to go.
Well, there you have it! Cheers to a perfect weekend getaway in Madison. There’s so much more to be discovered, but all this should keep you plenty busy.
Tips:
Uber if you can!
Watch out for bikers
Everyone is super friendly
It’s a college town.. watch out for J-walkers
Parking is limited.. use the garages, pay the $2
Stock up on New Glarus, and people will love you forever
