By Katie Vaughn | Photo by Sharon Vanorny
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Marigold Kitchen, choosing among flavorful and inventive takes on morning classics. Linger in the sunny cafe before taking a spin around the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the country’s largest producers-only farmers’ market that brings more than a hundred vendors selling cheese, honey, veggies, flowers and more on the Capitol Square.
After the market, continue your stroll down State Street, popping into Little Luxuries for artful and thoughtful gifts, and The Soap Opera for bath and skincare goodies.
Hungry? Grab a BCycle (a station near Overture Center has both classic and electric bicycle for rent) and pedal over to Sardine for a late brunch. At the lakeside bistro, dig into oysters on the half shell, salmon tartine or croque monsieur — and don’t skip the frites! Afterward, hop back on your bike and venture southward to catch the Capital City State Trail, a paved 17-mile path that winds to Fitchburg.
Cycle as long as you’d like, then simply ride the trail back downtown, returning your bike at a BCycle station.
You’ve more than earned some chill time, so duck into Young Blood Beer Co.’s King Street taproom. With a refreshing brew in hand, find a seat in the wood- and plant- filled interior or at a table outside, and soak up the energy of this fun-loving brewery.
Dinnertime takes you to nearby Tornado Club Steak House. Dimly lit with classic supper-club vibes, the restaurant is both romantic and relaxed. Steaks (bone-in tenderloin, New York strip, ribeye, T-bone and more) are the star, but venison, lamb, pork and walleye also feature on the menu. After dinner, walk the Capitol Square once more to reach Eno Vino Downtown, perched on the 10th floor of the AC Hotel.
Order a glass of wine, take in unparalleled views of the Capitol and toast to a fantastic day in downtown Madison.
