I’ll be spending some of this week in Madison. Downtown, a couple blocks from the Capitol.
My free time will be limited (work conference) but I will have potential for a breakfast/brunch out and a lunch. Would not hesitate to stop by a good bakery for room treats. May have a couple hours one afternoon to explore.
Not looking for high end, just delicious. I think I’ll be close to the Lake? How safe for one to walk/run there? We will have one event at U of W but I think it’s decently close too…
I have no suggestions – I wish I did – but I love love love Madison. Son and DIL lived there for 10 years. It’s a delightful city. The Capital area is terrific. As far as I know, running by the lake is safe, but ask at your hotel.
The first time I flew home – in 2012 – I was at my gate waiting to board. A woman’s purse was unzipped and her wallet showing. I told her she should zip it up. She looked at me oddly and then said, “You’re not from here, are you.” I guess everyone in Madison is honest!
The Old Fashioned right on the Capital Square. The double brat is classic Wisconsin. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry Is a very good hamburger place. Getting some Babcock ice cream at the Memorial Union and eating it on the terrace. There is a nice path along the lake (Mendota) for running.
Unless things have changed, running along the lake should be safe and is very pretty. Google maps “picnic point” to see how the trail hugs the water. I second the recommendation of The Old Fashioned. Can’t remember which days have the farmers market right in Capitol Square, but that’s a good place to try everything from high end (Hooks aged cheddar) to straight up Wisco fare (can’t remember the exact name but something like spicy cheesy bread, which is just like it sounds).
If you are not from Wisconsin and drink alcohol, you have to order at least one Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet. Any of the New Glarus beers are good. If you are still there on Thursday night, I would walk State Street to see where the school gets its reputation.
We just were in Madison for a week visiting our D! We had a delicious brunch at Marigold Kitchen, Short Stack eatery is also fun. Colectivo coffee is so good! We have been ordering our coffee from there for the last few years because we like it so much! We went for a bike ride along the lake and walked up to picnic point, there were lots of people on the trail and it seemed very safe, borders UW. The farmers market is at the Capital on Saturdays, not sure if it’s there any other day. It’s worth it to stroll through the Capital, beautiful building. Enjoy your visit, it’s a great town!
Sunroom cafe, on State St for breakfast – it’s one flight up. Babcock’s ice cream or a beer on the Terrace if the chairs are still out, lots of good restaurants around the Capitol, including Graze. A wonderful, walkable, city – enjoy!
Thank you for all the recs! I’ll be leaving Friday evening so boo, cause a farmer’s market is SO my thing! I knew about the Old Fashions - but I generally don’t drink and probably wouldn’t appreciate it.
Weather I guess will be seasonal - 50’s during the day so I hope to get out and enjoy the Lake and picnic point maybe Friday afternoon. We have conference events both Wednesday and Thursday night (right at the conference center at U of W) so not much time for evening strolling!
Especially appreciate the restaurant recs and gosh I’ll have to try the Babcock ice cream cause I’ve seen that mentioned here and elsewhere MANY times!
Just saw on the news that the chairs outside at the Union terrace have been packed up for the season.
Still so much of Madison to enjoy though.
Enjoy your visit!!
Try Marigold Kitchen for breakfast just off the capitol square. Greenbush bakery has the BEST donuts. Old Fashioned or Cooper’s Tavern are good Wisconsin fare on the square. If you want something a little more “foodie” try Cento or Graft or Graze
I second a trip out to Picnic Point if you are into fitness
For eats and culture, I would check out – aside from the state capital bldg – State Street. It connects the capital to campus proper.
For a piece of campus, check out Memorial Union, Bascom Hill and Hall (another fitness opportunity), and Library Mall. Those areas are pretty contiguous.
During covid I made a version of that spicy cheese bread from a recipe someone posted here. It was amazing. I think I’ll have to whip out my yeast and make it again.
The best bakery? Batch Bakehouse on Williamson St. But the many flavored scones at Lazy Janes nearby are a wonderful treat. That area of Williamson St. has some interesting shops. The Lakeshore path at night might be a bit sketchy. The Old Fashioned restaurant on the capitol square does a very nice job, though the wait can be long to get a table. Picnic Point is great. State St. used to be better. It is now lined with glass towers and the independently owned shops are fewer in number. If you like gardens, both Olbrich Gardens and the Allen Centennial Gardens on campus are well worth visiting. There are many places to walk by the lakes, depending on where you are starting. Just head out and enjoy!
Funny I have discovered Batch online but thought it might be a hike from my hotel and I don’t have a car. It’s about 1.5 miles from me which isn’t a problem except when you aren’t sure of the neighborhoods!
I had a great first day and used some of your suggestions. Walked along Lake Mendotan but couldn’t run because the lake was really rough and throwing up water and debris on the path. Visited inside the Capitol. Went to Marigold for brunch and took a mid afternoon run to the U of W campus!
I’ll have some more free time Friday afternoon so may try the lake shore again then. Also can go visit the children’s museum for free if I want to!
