Madison Road Trip

Get out of the house!

Category

Madison

Lake City Books

This cute newish bookstore is only a block from the capital, right across the street from the Children’s Museum. Stop in for a mystery, novel, book on local travel, children’s book, classic, or other engrossing title. They are part of… Continue Reading →

Burnie’s Rock Shop

For those of us who can never resist picking up a shiny rock, shell or polished bit of seaglass, Burnie’s Rock Shop is a utopia. A Madison institution since the 1960s, Burnies offers a wide variety of minerals and gems…. Continue Reading →

Wisconsin Science Museum

The new location of the grandly names Wisconsin Science Museum is not quite housed in a cupboard under the stairs, but it’s close. It is located in a building called The Atrium, in a strip mall on Park Street. Head… Continue Reading →

Deconstruction

Deconstruction is a rambling building filled with random architectural bits and other vintage items. Need a Bakelite doorknob, a 1930s glass light fixture, or Victorian pocket door? They have it. They also have boxes of records, old adding machines and… Continue Reading →

Fool’s Flotilla

The Fool’s Flotilla is an annual tradition and part of The Marquette Neighborhood Association’s Waterfront Festival, held in early June. The Flotilla encompasses all that makes Madison such a great place to live – free, funny, spontaneous, welcoming to all,… Continue Reading →

Castle Creek Conservancy

Wedged between the railroad tracks and a suburban neighborhood, the Castle Creek Conservancy preserves a slice of native prairie and woods. Parts of Six Mile Creek wander through the property. The path makes a large loop, so no chance of… Continue Reading →

Six Mile Creek Fishery Area

Fishery areas rarely hold any interest for us. Usually, they’re a small lot, then a short trail to a body of water. After driving by Six Mile Creek Fishery Area for nearly two decades, we were completely floored to find… Continue Reading →

Leopold’s Books, Bar and Caffé

Despite the pandemic and a glut of coffee shops, Leopold’s opened in the spot of the former Greenbush Bakery (now moved down the street a few blocks). The totally renovated location is unique and elegant. Combining some of Madison’s favorite… Continue Reading →

La Fete du Marquette

La Fete du Marquette (or just “fete” if you’re a local) is an annual neighborhood festival. It’s free and open to the public, and is the major fundraiser for the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center. Loosely tied to Wisconsin explorer* Father Jacque… Continue Reading →

Dane County Farmers Market

The weekly Saturday market on the Capital Square is a Madison institution. As the largest temporary farmers market in the Unites States, there is something for everyone. Sellers run the gamut from traditional farmers market fair (locally grown produce, cheeses,… Continue Reading →

A Room of One’s Own

A long-time Madison staple since 1975, A Room of One’s Own bookstore has recently moved to a wonderful new Atwood Ave. location. While the square footage is actually a bit smaller than their former location off of State Street, the… Continue Reading →

Global Market & Food Hall

The new east side Global Market & Food Hall, in the former Toy ‘R’ Us location, had the misfortune to open right at the start of the pandemic. However, this diverse and tasty business has persevered. While the products skew… Continue Reading →

Mad-City Ski Team

A long-time tradition, the Mad-City Ski Team offers free shows throughout the summer (end of May-Sept). Wander down to the shores of Lake Monona (next to Monona Terrace) on most Sunday evenings. Spread out a blanket, site back and marvel… Continue Reading →

Kismet Books

This wonderful new bookstore is worth a visit. Located in the oldest house in Verona, the shop is an eclectic mix of books, local crafts, toys and gifts. There are large sections of regional authors and children’s books, plus plenty… Continue Reading →

Middleton Hills Park

Within a few steps, you will be surrounded by cattails, croaking frogs and Sandhill cranes prowling for dinner. Not a long walk, but a pleasant little natural oasis which is also quite accessible to all.

William Lunney Lake Farm County Park

There are gorgeous views over the lake, a boat launch, camping and a playground.