travel with purpose
COLLiDE Travel is an interactive collection of city guides curated by local bands, artists and tastemakers. Spanning the globe, hundreds of creatives have shared their favorite local hangs, from the underground to the upscale, and everything in between. So choose a city and start exploring!
Madison, WI
“Pick up supplies at the Underground Butcher & Willy Street Co-op, jump on your bike and spend the day at Yahara Place Park, Tenney Park, or James Madison Park with a bunch of friends. You could also spend an entire day seeking out weird antique shops – the best one is in Columbus, and you could easily spend an entire day in there. It’s a labyrinth.” — Anna Vogelzang
Curated by: Anna Vogelzang, Ari Herstand, Beth Kille, Bob Hemauer, Dave Zero, Gwen and Kyle Johnson, Joshua Barraza, Leo Sidran, Lost Lakes, Meagan Coates, Phox, Ron Roloff, Ryan Huber, Sarah Artz, Underground Food Collective, Graduate Hotel
city guide:
Madison, WI
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Picnic Point
University of Wisconsin Madison, 2000 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705
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University of Wisconsin, Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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coffee
Kin-Kin Coffee
Small batch roasted specialty coffee. Also serving cold-pressed juice, tea, espresso and more.
810 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Tempest Oyster Bar
Sleek, stylish restaurant featuring oysters & other seafood fare plus live music on weekends.
120 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Capital City State Trail
A 17-mile paved recreation trail perfect for walking and biking around Madison.
Madison, WI, USA
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shopping
Context
Hip boutique carrying upscale, rugged men's apparel & accessories, including denim, flannel & boots.
113 King St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Players Sports Bar
Decked out in Green Bay Packers colors, this cheery sports bar boasts American grub & happy hours.
2013 Winnebago St, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Argus Bar & Grill
Easygoing hangout featuring straightforward bar bites, nice selection of beers on tap, and seasonal outdoor seating.
123 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Lao Laan Xang Restaurant
Casual eatery serving traditional Laotian fare with many vegetarian options. Try the squash curry and sticky rice.
1146 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Macha Tea Company
Tea house featuring handpicked selections of Japanese matcha, and their own line of creative tea blends. Also serve brunch, food, matcha pastries, and other specialty drinks like turmeric tonic and white peony sangria.
#5, 823 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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La Taguara
Casual eatery serving traditional Venezuelan and Latin American meat and seafood dishes. Try the Pabellon a Caballo and arepas.
3502 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Black Moon Tattoo
Tattoo shop offering high quality tattooing from traditional to a variety of styles.
819 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Marigold Kitchen
The go-to place for breakfast. The farm-to-table kitchen serves classics throughout the day, but their breakfast is famous.
Mental Floss The Best Breakfast Spot in All 50 States
Madison Magazine 2015 Gold medal winner "Best Breakfast
Madison Magazine 2014 Gold medal winner "Best Breakfast"
118 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Alchemy
Laid-back tavern offering gourmet pub grub, rotating tap beers and live music most nights. Popular menu items include the stuffed grilled cheese and wasabi green beans. Bring paper as this bar is cash only.
1980 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Hạ Long Bay
Traditional Southeast Asian eatery serving up a large menu of Thai, Vietnamese & Laotian dishes.
1353 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Dexter’s Pub
East side neighborhood sports bar with rotating tap beers and pub fare (pizzas, burgers) trivia nights and plenty of TV's for watching your favorite teams.
301 North St, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Greenbush Bakery
Family-owned, kosher bakery since 1996 with late hours & lots of inventive donut flavors & fillings.
1305 Regent St, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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Paradise Lounge
Classic bar with a pool table serving burgers & sandwiches amid wood-paneled walls & casual digs.
119 W Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Le Tigre Lounge
Kitschy cash-only watering hole covered with tiger decor. Everything from stuffed tigers, tiger figurines, paintings, tapestries, photos and more. A classic jukebox, and great cocktails have earned Le Tigre a loyal following for over sixty years.
1328 S Midvale Blvd, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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outdoors
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Located on a steep ridge overlooking the scenic Kickapoo River Valley, Wildcat Mountain State Park offers hiking trails with spectacular views and camping for families, groups, and horseback riders. Canoe the Kickapoo River in your own canoe or rent one in Ontario.
Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 State Highway 33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA
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Governor Dodge State Park
More than 5,000 scenic acres of hills, bluffs, and valleys, lakes and a waterfall, make this park a favorite for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers.
Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 Wisconsin 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
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Machinery Row
This historical landmark began as tobacco warehouses and icehouses and eventually came to house manufacturers and distributors of agricultural implements. Today the history lives on as the property is actively used with retail shops open to the public and more.
Madison, WI, USA
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Lucille
Pizza spot serving Detroit steel-pan pizza and a wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza and Wisconsin staples like cheese curds and nachos.
101 King St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Caribou Tavern
Bustling, cash-only bar with a relaxed vibe grilling up burgers & pouring pitchers & shots.
703 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Weary Traveler Freehouse
Bar serving elevated pub food and brunch along with board games for entertainment. Try the Andes Sandwich.
1201 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron
Dr. Evermor's Forevertron, built in the 1980s, is the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world, standing 50 ft. high and 120 ft. wide, and weighing 300 tons.
North Freedom, WI 53951, USA
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Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society acquires, preserves, and presents records and information documenting the history of Wisconsin and one of the largest collections of North American history. As the State Archives it holds the records and publications of Wisconsin state and local governments. The Library-Archives Division is also a major manuscript repository.
816 State St, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Babcock Hall Dairy Store
Dairy shop run by the UW-Madison Agriculture Department serving delicious ice cream, milk, and cheese made directly in their University Dairy Plant!
1605 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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The Hop Garden Tap Room
The Hop Garden features a Tap Room nestled along the Sugar River on the back side of the Old Mill. The Tap Room features a selection of beers brewed with Wisconsin grown hops and occasional live music.
6818 Canal St, Verona, WI 53593, USA
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Wisconsin Brewing Company
Brewery featuring craft beers & tours also hosts seasonal events in their backyard next to a pond.
1079 American Way, Verona, WI 53593, USA
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Heritage Tavern
Farm-to-table cuisine in a classic, welcoming atmosphere. Dishes range from the familiar to elaborate. Everything from sandwiches to lobster. Chef Dan Fox has been awarded and nominated best chef by Madison Magazine multiple years in a row and was a James Beard Award Foundation 2017 semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Midwest.
131 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Giddings Park
This beautiful park is located right on the shoreline of Lake Mendota and is a quiet spot for picnicking and yoga in the warmer months, and watching the sun set.
429 Castle Pl, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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shopping
Burnie’s Rock Shop
Time-tested store for colorful gemstones & custom jewelry, plus collectible minerals & fossils.
901 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Good Style Shop
Flea-style vintage collective selling accessible vintage clothing and LP records. Also hosts regular art installations and the occasional live music performance.
817 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Brasserie V
Elevated throwback offering locally sourced, seasonal French eats & many Belgian beers.
1923 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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Natt Spil
Hidden, cash-only haunt offering global small plates, cocktails & beer in an intimate space.
211 King St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Dumpling Haus
Counter-service Chinese spot dishing up dumplings, noodles & buns in simple surrounds.
Hilldale Shopping Center, 540 N Midvale Blvd, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Breese Stevens Field
Built in 1926, Breese Stevens Municipal Athletic Field is operated by Big Top Baseball and is a multi-purpose stadium listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and located in downtown Madison. The facility hosts athletic events, concerts, community events and more annually.
917 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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shopping
Strictly Discs
Music store in Madison, Wisconsin.
1900 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
coffee
Caribou Coffee
Eco-conscious coffee chain offering java drinks, smoothies & teas alongside light fare & pastries.
3801 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
shopping
Cork ‘n Bottle
Wine shop that holds tastings every Saturday from 3-6P. Always free, usually entertaining.
855 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Otis Redding Memorial Plaque
A bronze plaque marks the site of the only show the King of the Soul Singers ever missed
1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Orpheum Theatre
Live performance and music theater in downtown Madison located one block from the Wisconsin State Capitol building.
216 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Majestic Theatre
The Majestic Theatre is a 600-capacity live music venue in downtown. Opened in 1906, it is Madison's oldest theater.
115 King St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Wisconsin State Capitol
The Wisconsin State Capitol, in Madison, Wisconsin, houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature along with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor.
Capitol Ct, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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Maple Bluff Beach Park
Park in Maple Bluff, Wisconsin.
Maple Bluff, WI, USA
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Sujeo
Diverse & inventive Pan-Asian fare is served in this lofty, contemporary venue with a noodle bar.
10 N Livingston St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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shopping
Mad City Music Exchange
Record store in Madison, Wisconsin.
Gateway Mall, 600 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Corral Room Bar
The Corral room is located below Tornado Steak House at 116 S. Hamilton. The Corral room is a casual, underground nightspot.
116 S Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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market
Dane County Farmers Market
Farmers' Market
330 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Elvis Madison Karate Fight Memorial Plaque
The King stopped two teenagers from kicking another on the ground with his classic karate moves in Madison, WI. This event is memorialized with a small plaque at the corner of Washington and Stoughton.
E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Sardine
Hip bistro with creative French fare & a lively bar in a former warehouse with Lake Monona views.
617 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Genna’s Lounge
Rollicking haunt offering a capitol view from its outdoor patio, plus cocktails & a rotating tap.
105 W Main St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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The Robin Room
The Robin Room. Emporium of Fine Potables.
821 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
food
Salvatore’s Tomato Pies
Pizza Restaurant
912 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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GreenBush Bar
Simple parlor with Christmas lights for Sicilian-style pizza & pasta, plus wine & spirits.
914 Regent St, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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El Grito Taqueria
Upscale taco food truck in Madison, Wisconsin.
2 N Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Washington Island
Washington Island is located about 7 miles northeast of the tip of Door Peninsula in Door County, Wisconsin.
Washington Island, Washington, WI, USA
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Olin Park
This green oasis next to Lake Monona offers walking trails, a beach, picnic tables & sports fields.
E Olin Ave, Madison, WI 53713, USA
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Reynolds Field Park
Park in Madison, Wisconsin
Reynolds Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA
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coffee
Johnson Public House
Coffeehouse serving java, sandwiches & sweets in an art-filled, vintage brick storefront.
908 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
A changing roster of craft brews & pub eats served in a lively venue with beer garden & pool tables.
123 E Doty St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Pasqual’s Cantina
Pasqual's is Madison's original southwestern restaurant known for it's fresh guacamole, fabulous margaritas and friendly service.
1344 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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shopping
B-Side Records
An uncommon music shop in downtown Madison with a striking array of new, classic, and unusual Vinyl & CDs. Selecting music of lasting value since 1982.
436 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Parthenon Gyros
Counter-service cafe churning out gyros & Greek classics, with late-night hours & a roof garden.
316 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Lake Monona
Lake Monona is a freshwater drainage lake in Dane County, Wisconsin, surrounded on three sides by the city of Madison, Wisconsin, and on the south side by the city of Monona, Wisconsin
Lake Monona, Madison, WI, USA
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shopping
The Exclusive Company
Indie record store buying, selling & trading new & pre-owned music (LPs, CDs), movies & games.
1259 Milton Ave, Janesville, WI 53545, USA
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Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota is the northernmost and largest of the four lakes in Madison, Wisconsin.
Lake Mendota, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Blue Mound State Park
Blue Mound State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, USA, located atop the largest hill in the southern half of the state, near the village of Blue Mounds.
4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA
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coffee
Colectivo Coffee – Monroe St.
cafe chain serving locally roasted coffee & light eats in a relaxed setting.
2530 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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Wingra Park
Waterside locale with a soccer field, play equipment & canoe, kayak & paddle-boat rentals.
Wingra Park, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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Memorial Union Terrace
The Memorial Union is located on the shore of Lake Mendota on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. On the lakeshore to the north of the building is the Terrace, a popular outdoor space overlooking Lake Mendota. It has gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful student centers on a university campus.
800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Picnic Point
Mile-long peninsula in a nature preserve with bench-lined walking path & an old pump water fountain.
2002 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Stricker’s Pond
Stricker's Pond is Middleton's largest kettle pond at approximately 30 acres in size. The pond and its surrounding watershed contain around 557 acres.
Stricker's Pond, Wisconsin, USA
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Essen Haus Restaurant and Bar
Bavarian restaurant featuring hearty German fare, a long list of imported beers & live polka music.
514 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Sa-Bai Thong
Casual Thai spot serving curries, noodle dishes & stir-fries with vegan & gluten-free options
University Station Shopping Mall, 2840 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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shopping
Strictly Discs
Music store in Madison, Wisconsin
1900 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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landmark
Gates of Heaven Synagogue
Shaarei Shamayim has been the name of two Jewish congregations in Madison, Wisconsin. The first, dating to the 19th century but no longer in existence, built what is now the eighth-oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States.
Gates of Heaven, 302 E Gorham St, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Tornado Steak House
Old-school steakhouse with a rustic, supper-club vibe serving classic chops, seafood & cocktails.
116 S Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Merchant Madison
Industrial-chic gastropub & liquor store serving farm-to-table New American fare & craft cocktails.
121 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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High Noon Saloon
Large rustic venue offering nightly live music in a variety of genres plus beer & pizza slices.
701 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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The East Side Club
A social club & a community resource to the East Side of Madison,
3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53714, USA
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Gib’s
Inventive craft cocktails & unique snacks offered in a snug 2-story house with vintage decor.
1380 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Bradbury’s Coffee
Buzzing cafe with a hipster vibe serving premium coffee, artisanal crêpes & locally sourced fare.
127 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Sophia’s Bakery & Cafe
Bustling, pint-size spot with communal seating & counter service for bakery goods & breakfast.
831 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Forequarter
Trendy bar/restaurant featuring daily seasonal menus & a long list of classic & craft cocktails.
708 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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James Madison Park
James Madison Park is a 12-acre waterfront park located on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. It is owned by the city of Madison.
614 E Gorham St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Rockhound Brewing Company
Contemporary setting for house brews on tap paired with burgers, sandwiches & American comfort fare.
444 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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Mickey’s Tavern
Comfy neighborhood watering hole featuring a pub grub menu, live music, a pool table & a patio.
1524 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Malt House
Laid-back watering hole with live music, no TVs & a huge selection of bottled & craft beers.
2609 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Tip Top Tavern
Cozy hangout with a vintage feel dishing up traditional eats such as grilled cheese & burgers.
601 North St, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin. Named for its founder, Michael Olbrich, the gardens are owned and operated jointly by the City of Madison Parks and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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food
Underground Butcher
Butcher Shop
811 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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food
Willy Street Co-op—East
Natural Foods Store
1221 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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outdoors
Yahara Place Park
Park in Madison, Wisconsin
Yahara Place Park, 2025 Yahara Pl, Madison, WI 53704, USA
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Tenney Park Rink
Beautiful park with a large lake featuring seasonal fishing, swimming, Pontoon boat rides, and ice skating.
1414 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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Graze
Lively gastropub plating farm-to-table comfort fare in a modern glass venue with Capitol views.
1 S Pinckney St #107, Madison, WI 53703, USA
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outdoors
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park is a state park located in the Baraboo Range in eastern Sauk County, just south of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Devil's Lake State Park is the biggest state park in Wisconsin.
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
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Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area
Pewit's Nest State Natural Area is a nature reserve of Wisconsin, USA, that includes a deep gorge formed during the retreat of the last glacier. Pewit's Nest is outside of Baraboo in Sauk County.
Pewits Nest, County Rd W, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
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University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum is a teaching and research facility of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the site of historic research in ecological restoration.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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