Category
Madison
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 (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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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.
There are gorgeous views over the lake, a boat launch, camping and a playground.
Follow the trail along the west side of the dog park and back into open fields and small wooded copses.
Galleries show recreations of native-American homes and clothing, clothing and tools brought by early settlers, photos of a changing Wisconsin and even a Wisconsin tavern, complete with mounted deer head.
The rainbow-stacked shelter is a quirky, fun and visible landmark. Surrounding these buildings are acres of hiking trails, a dog park, sledding hill, pond and numerous basketball courts and soccer fields. Come out and explore the Northside!
Parking is at the top of the trail and leads down a short path to a summer pavilion. There is little else there, but there’s something cute about this tiny hidden location.