Things to Do

Why Madison?

The first time we went to Madison (in freezing cold January!) we fell in love with the beauty of the lakes and the community. When trying to choose a wedding venue, we wanted a wedding that reflected our relationship and also wanted to share one of our favorite places with friends and family. If you’re going to be in Madison for the few days surrounding the wedding, here are some places we enjoy the most!

Food

OSS: Old School Sausages, great for lunch and the greatest cheese curds in Madison

Old Fashioned: Home of some yummy cocktails, great burgers, bar atmosphere, be sure to make a reservation

Alchemy: Laid-back, neighborhood restaurant

Taj Indian: Delicious Indian food, always empty

Uno: Right next to the hotel – will deliver to your room

Great Dane: Brewpub, watch the front steps! (Ruth sprained her ankle here)

Next Door Brewing Company: Small brewery with decent food and good beer

Doolittles: Fancier, wood-fired food, near the hotels

Entertainment

New Glarus/New Glarus Brewery: Adorable swiss village with the BEST brewery ever – its the Willy Wonka of breweries (free self-guided tours and tasting room) – about an hour from Madison

Henry Vilas Zoo: Free zoo by the water

Olbrich Botanical Gardens: Beautiful (free!) rose gardens and outdoor walking paths, there’s also a greenhouse (paid)

National Mustard Museum: Free museum with every kind of mustard imaginable (and tastings!) 

Chazen Museum of Art: Free University of Wisconsin art museum – see the campus and some beautiful art

Memorial Union/Terrace: Outdoor spot to sit or walk along the lake – it’s hard to describe how beautiful this is

Ten Chimneys: National Historic Site, estate of Alfred Lunt & Lynn Fontanne (Broadway stars of the 1920s) – a little out of the way and a little strange, but fun!