What to do in Madison, WI

[Proud2baLaker]

I will be spending a week in Madison later this month (21-29) to visit a friend I haven't seen in over 10 years. We have the usual plans: Breweries, bars, etc. But I am looking for other things to do in the area. My friend lives downtown and does not have a car of her own (we will borrow a friends if needed and walk, bike or use other transportation when needed).

What are some of the breweries (or wineries or distilleries) I should be requesting we go to?
Bars and restaurants (I like more of a pub style with a laid back atmosphere as opposed to a rowdy bar; and I will eat almost any type of food)?
Other cool things (Probably hit the zoo as I love zoos, and maybe an art museum or two)?
Neat thrift/second hand shops (love thrift stores / antique malls)?

I'm looking for as much as I can on my own but suggestions are helpful!

Thanks!

 

[St. Clown]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

I'll be in Madison on 7/22, visiting the arboretum with a friend.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

I would think your friend would know the lay of the land pretty well.

Not having a car limits some of my suggestions I guess.

The best local brewery is probably New Glarus, but not sure if a brewery tour is your thing or even worth the effort as New Glarus is probably 20 miles from downtown.

I'd say most of the brew pubs/beer bars in town will be the same-ish as they are pretty much a dime-a-dozen these days. All will have some good brews on hand and brew pub fare.

If you like wine and spirits and a drive in the country, I'd suggest heading up to Wollersheim Winery near Sauk and hitting Driftless Glen restaurant in Baraboo. This could be one trip as they are fairly close - just hydrate between cocktails.

Wollersheim has a vineyard in the Wisconsin River valley as the microclimate is perfect for certain grape varieties. Their white wines are quite tasty and the atmosphere is nice to enjoy a bottle.

Head up to Driftless Glen for their eclectic (and delicious foodie type) menu and their old fashioneds. Sit outside on their patio right next to the Baraboo River.

My wife and I have done both many times and are never disappointed.


Other obvious things to do are the Arboretum, the Chazen Art Museum, the Union Terrace for beer and music, etc...

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

There are cool outdoor places to see music as the sun goes down during the summer - I was at The Edgewater's patio on Lake Mendota the other night for Natty Nation, which was outstanding - but not knowing what you like, can't say if anything will be happening while you are here.

Check out the Union Terrace, The Edgewater Hotel and the Majestic Theater for King Street Live.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

Biking - do the Lake Monona loop. Go around the lake counter clockwise so that the city of Monona is at the end of your route - stop at Crema Café for a brunch type meal. Their breakfasts are a favorite of ours when we do this route.

The French toast with berries is so good. We usually get a couple of meals and share. The eggs with fried potatoes and bacon go great with the French toast and the lemonade is killer.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

We both work downtown and are outdoorsy people, so most of our leisure time is spent outside of Madison - biking, kayaking, canoeing, trout fishing, etc.

If I think of anything else, I'll post.

Resale shops are largely Goodwill and St. Vinny's types unless you travel to small towns for antiques.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

Oh yeah... if you like thin crust pizza from 900 degree ovens, don't miss Greenbush Bar. It's essentially downtown-ish and has our favorite local pizza and a kick-*** old time Italian restaurant hole in the wall atmosphere.

Get the house specialty pizza on thin crust - olive oil, gorgonzola, bacon and arugula. Even has the corn meal on the bottom of the crust.

drool...

 

[burd]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

If you get out of town (north) far enough to experience any of the things Gurth mentioned, you really should stop at Delaney's surplus, which is north of Mad between Sauk City and Baraboo. Delaney's itself is just a huge salvage/junk/liquidator but behind it is the real treasure: Dr. Evermore's iron sculptures. You can google Dr. Evermore to view some of the stuff. He was a very weird guy, and his artwork is pretty fascinating. So if you head up to do some of the things Gurth recommended in Baraboo, stop there. Truly unique.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

1) Walk around the Kohl Center, genuflecting 3 times at each entrance.

2) Meditate and bathe in the reflected Badger glory.

3) Be inspired, go down to the admissions office to enroll.

4) Become a Badger for life and know eternal bliss.




Besides, we can always use more out of state tuition $$.

 

[SJHovey]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

I would second the suggestion regarding a trip out to New Glarus for their brewery. Been there a few times and always enjoyed it, but it is a hike from the UW campus area, probably 20-30 miles.

About halfway between the campus and the city of New Glarus is the Wisconsin Brewing Company. They have a great facility, with live outdoor music on Friday and Saturday nights out on the lawn. The beers may not be as good, or as unique, as you might get in New Glarus, but you'll find something you like. I strongly recommend that brewery as well.

 

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

I'm all about breweries. I have worked with a local brewery here in Idaho to develop a beer (came up with the core concept and worked with the owner to determine a recipe; even helped brew the first few test batches; came up with the name) and now its one of their biggest sellers. A sage ale brewed with local native sage. Really good. When I spent a week in the Twin Cities last summer visiting a friend, even with the limited time we had available, I still managed to get beer from like 20 different breweries in less than a week.

New Glarus is on our list I believe. We have a car we can borrow when we want it so that should be doable. We may have to look into the stuff in Baraboo too. Some of that sounds interesting.

For music we will probably be looking for Bluegrass (Brewgrass at the Edgewater is on our list), folk rock, rock and the like.

Doing a Cheese Curds and Beer pairing thing at Next Door too. Probably hit the farmers market too.

Best brunch spots? I love me some breakfast foods and booze...

 

[Proud2baLaker]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

1) Walk around the Kohl Center, genuflecting 3 times at each entrance.

2) Meditate and bathe in the reflected Badger glory.

3) Be inspired, go down to the admissions office to enroll.

4) Become a Badger for life and know eternal bliss.




Besides, we can always use more out of state tuition $$.

No.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

For music we will probably be looking for Bluegrass (Brewgrass at the Edgewater is on our list), folk rock, rock and the like.

I believe Pat McCurdy may be playing somewhere during that time.

There are a lot of micro breweries to try. You can hit several just between downtown and New Glarus if you're up for doing a crawl.

I'm not a beer guy (spirits - beer just fills me up), so can't help with what's good. I don't believe that the breakfast spot I mentioned serves liquor.

 

[burd]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

1) Walk around the Kohl Center, genuflecting 3 times at each entrance.

2) Meditate and bathe in the reflected Badger glory.

3) Be inspired, go down to the admissions office to enroll.

4) Become a Badger for life and know eternal bliss.




Besides, we can always use more out of state tuition $$.

You could do those things, but then you'd have to shoot yourself.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

If you get out of town (north) far enough to experience any of the things Gurth mentioned, you really should stop at Delaney's surplus, which is north of Mad between Sauk City and Baraboo. Delaney's itself is just a huge salvage/junk/liquidator but behind it is the real treasure: Dr. Evermore's iron sculptures. You can google Dr. Evermore to view some of the stuff. He was a very weird guy, and his artwork is pretty fascinating. So if you head up to do some of the things Gurth recommended in Baraboo, stop there. Truly unique.

Wow.

I've only ever seen the stuff along the highway. Gonna need to check that out next time we're up that way with time.

Where do you live?

Not specifically, but what town?

 

[burd]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

Reedsburg

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

Ahhh....

That's where my mom grew up and where my grandparents lived.

507 Clark St was the addy.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

OP - Cork n' Bottle String Band is at the UW Union Terrace on 7/27 also.

Good local bluegrass band on the Terrace with sunset and beer.

 

[burd]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

Ahhh....

That's where my mom grew up and where my grandparents lived.

507 Clark St was the addy.

Your memories of the place go back further than mine, then, since we've only been here 25 years. Although we basically raised our kids here, we're newcomers by small town standards.

When family and out of state friends visit, I usually try to introduce them to Parfrey's Glen and Devils Lake for a little hiking and picnicing, Mirror Lake for (old people) kayaking, Delaney's/Dr. Evermore, the Amish Country, and the Intn'l Crane Foundation, which has just about every species of crane on the planet--a very interesting place. And Madison, of course.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: What to do in Madison, WI

Your memories of the place go back further than mine, then, since we've only been here 25 years. Although we basically raised our kids here, we're newcomers by small town standards.

When family and out of state friends visit, I usually try to introduce them to Parfrey's Glen and Devils Lake for a little hiking and picnicing, Mirror Lake for (old people) kayaking, Delaney's/Dr. Evermore, the Amish Country, and the Intn'l Crane Foundation, which has just about every species of crane on the planet--a very interesting place. And Madison, of course.

And Gramps passed about 25 years ago - ending my direct ties to the place. Still get there every once in a while for this or that or passing through. Used to play them in youth hockey a bit.

Haven't been to Parfrey's, but will need to check it out. I fish Manley and Otter right in that general area and Parfrey looks really cool. Believe that the creek holds trout.