Madison feels like an east...
by romashkowi
Madison feels like an east coast town set in the midwest (Wisconsin). Wisconsin's beauty has only really been discovered by Illinois residents (and of course Wisconsinites!), who flock north in the thousands every summer to Lake Superior, the north woods, the bluffs and rolling glacial hills of the Mississippi river, the Lake Geneva resort, and of course, Madison. Madison is known as a college town and a liberal hot spot, but is also packed with culture (theater, museums), great architecture, funky neighborhoods, and youthful energy. And it's almost always sunny and warm in the summer!!!
(Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace is in the foreground on the lakefront- see below)
Cherokee Marsh
by taco_mel
If you want to get away and connect with nature, visit Cherokee Marsh conservation park. It's only about 15-20 minutes out of downtown, but far enough from everything that all you'll hear are birds, frogs, and rustling leaves. (And an occasional airplane overhead.) Take a walk on the trails or the boardwalk, climb the observation tower, and snap some pictures. Best of all, all Madison parks are absolutely free. Take Sherman Avenue as far north as it goes to get here.
I love Italian food!
by tyerks about Tutto Pasta
This restaurant is a cute little Italian place on State Street. What I love about State Street restaurants, is that they have outdoor seating in the warm months (which are few, but....) The atmosphere is nice, kind of fancy. When my friend and I asked to see the dessert menu, they brought out a platter of all the desserts to show us. *They all looked SO good* It's a little expensive, for the regular college student. But, it's a nice place to go when the parents come to visit and pay for dinner. ;-) Fettucine Alfredo with Broccoli. and they have DELICIOUS desserts!!
Owner is Not worthy
by wifoodie about Cafe Continental
With locations both downtown and in Fitchburg, the Cafe Continental is making its mark on Madison. In my opinion the mark is a black eye. I've supported and frequented this spot because of big menu with a wide range of options. But I will not be going back and and strongly discourage you from going there as well, regardless of how enticed you are by the menu. My last visit was ruined by a 90 mintue wait for our food. The owner, not a manager but the owner, made no effort to apologize or to compesate us. When we approached him he was rude and arrogant. Madison is swimming with excellent dining choices that appreciate our business. The continental cafe is not worthy of our patronage.
Worth the walk
by Tom_In_Madison about Lazy Jane's Cafe
Excellent place for breakfast and above average for dinner & lunches. Inexpensive, and very tasty food. Has bakery associated with it and the cookies, muffins and so on are very good. Has sandwiches, soups and salads and quirky artwork on the walls, but it changes often. A bit crowded on weekend brunches. Service can sometimes be slow though, but it's worth it. Cookiesa rare out of this world. Sandwiches are excellent too. Interesting ingredients, and have a really good condiment-like sauce on most of them.
The city from across the lake
A bird
Do not feed the ducks for swimmer's sake
Blown glass
