Madison has been our home for the last decade. There's a ton of things in and around the city that we love and would love to share with you. There's so much to discover about this wonderful city, and this list of superlatives will help you relive some of the favorite experiences we've had here.
Every Saturday during Madison's beautiful summers, you can catch a farmer's market on capitol square. But it's not just a farmer's market, it's the Dane County Farmers' Market. This huge event is a Madison tradition, showcasing the produce of farmers right here in Dane County. It's a great way to support the local community and walk away with some farm-fresh food. We've found many tasty things here, and continue to go many times each year.
Tucked away in hillside of the Wisconsin River near Sauk City, the Wollersheim Winery is only a short trip from Madison, and the trip is worth it. If you enjoy wine, you'll love to do a wine tasting or winery tour here. They produce a wide variety of wines, and we have enjoyed every one that we've tried. Their brand is also sold in grocery stores throughout Wisconsin. Keep an eye out for their famous seasonal ice wine!
What would a day in Wisconsin be without a helping of cheese curds? While my all-time favorite cheese curds were made at the now-closed Bluephies, the curds at The Tin Fox have risen to take the crown as my current favorite.
You'll notice the word "my" instead of "our" here – that's purposeful! Only one of us likes cheese, we'll let you guess who.
With a stunning view of the Capitol, Eno Vino's view is second only to its food. Its modern menu has something for everyone, and the presentation of the dishes is just as good as their taste. We've been here many times, and plan to visit many more.
Quivey's Grove represents a rich history in Wisconsin cuisine. The restaurant is built in a historic estate filled with antiques and stories from Wisconsin's past. There's a fancier dinner section, and a more relaxed bar and grill area, to fit any taste.
The iconic Bascom Hill of UW-Madison means a lot to both of us. We have so many fond memories of the campus, and Bascom Hill is a landmark in the center of all of it. The perfect spot for unwinding on a sunny summer day. At the top of the hill sits Bascom Hall, one of the more recognizable buildings on campus. Climbing the hill will earn you a beautiful view down State Street, capturing the essence of downtown Madison.
Not far from the bustle of campus is the serene escape of Picnic Point. Following an easy trail from the Lakeshore area leads to a cozy peninsula with an amazing view of campus. With its fire pits and benches, this remains one of our favorite quick getaways in Madison.
Driving an hour north from Madison, you'll arrive at Devil's Lake State Park. This natural lake and its surrounding terrain provide a challenging but fun athletic adventure. The fresh air out here raises the spirits and allows an escape from city life. The hiking trail hosts many natural landmarks – most of the rock formations have been present for thousands of years. To cool down, ice cream and boat rentals round out a wonderful vacation destination.
There is so much beautiful architecture in Madison that it's hard to pick just one building to embody it. But faced with the choice, it would have to be the State Capitol building. From the painted art on the ceilings, to the informative historical exhibits, it's worth seeing in-person. Open to the public on most days, the Capitol building is a monument to the successful governance of the great state of Wisconsin, and an icon of this very special town.