JEREMY LOWE'S GUIDE TO MADISON, WISCONSIN:
Farmers Market - Bring your post wedding hangover to the famed Dane County Farmers Market, which takes place on Saturday morning on the streets surrounding the State Capital. Cure the hangover with a black cold brew from the adjacent Wonderstate Coffee.
Biking - Madison is very bike friendly. It was certified as a Platinum-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Hop on a bike-share and ride around the lake or challenge your quads with a ride up Bascom Hill.
** wear a helmet **
Explore Waunakee, Wisconsin – the only Waunakee in the world. While visiting Katie’s hometown, get a breakfast sandwich at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse and make sure to take a photo at the famed “Welcome to Waunakee” sign on your way in/out of town.
Terrace at Memorial Union - if you think you’ve experienced Happy Hour, you’re wrong. Come to the Union at University of Wisconsin about an hour/two before sunset, get a pitcher or two of beer, have a brat and maybe some ice cream. Thank me later.
Hilldale - if you forgot any essentials or are looking for the closest thing to the Westfield Century City, stop by this glorious mall. Also a great place to go if you’re in need of some Bartaco or University of Wisconsin merch
Visit the Botanical Gardens - if nature is your jam, you’ve got to visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. They are expansive and you might get lost finding the exit.
Culver’s - visit the house of Craig Culver and get custard, curds or a burger. Support the True Blue crew. Ask about the Custard of the Day.
State Street - this is where you want to go for a night out. Tons of college bars and you’ve got to visit Wando’s, where Clare Broadway famously worked. Cap off the night with a slice of Ian’s Pizza.
No shortage of good food but here are a few great spots:
Leopold’s - bookstore, bar and coffee shop. Your choice on what kind of visit you want it to be.
The Old Fashioned - 50 Wisconsin beers on tap and some of the best cheese curds
Eno Vino Downtown - it’s still summer, so get your rooftop fix in with some drinks at this beautiful spot overlooking the State Capital.
C’s in Middleton - Open for breakfast. A cheerful place where everybody knows your name.
Madison Sourdough - get there early because they sell out of pastries!
A must while in Madison! Stop by the Memorial Union and have a Spotted Cow and ice cream while sitting in their famous chairs looking out on the lake.
Another must while in Madison! The Farmers' Market is on Saturdays 6:15 am – 1:45 pm and is right on the square. From fresh-cut flowers and vegetables to hot loaves of Stella's Bakery hot & spicy cheese bread (a must!) and local honey, you'll check off your list and find new favorite foods along the way.
There are a bunch of fun shops and bars along State Street in Madison. It's always fun to walk up and down the street and check them out!