What’s Cooking Around Madison
Six new drinking and dining spots to check out.
Hot Hues of 2023
Exploring 2023’s colors of the year.
The Power of One
Frances Huntley-Cooper, the state’s first Black mayor, has had a storied, service-oriented career.
A Perfect Fit at Z Boutique
In 2013, Schuler opened Z Boutique, the area’s only plus-size boutique. The comfortable, upbeat space has been a haven for women seeking non fast-fashion items for all occasions from casual to dressy.
Ways to Stay Active This Winter
Dr. Derek Clevidence, UnityPoint Health – Meriter Family Medicine provider, gives tips to stay healthy and happy this time of year.
Vibrant Arts Events to Check Out Now
Thought-provoking visual arts, Broadway productions and musical adventures await.
2023 Women to Watch
Our 12 Women to Watch represent individuals who are community changemakers, leaders and creative thinkers with ideas that can shape entire industries.
Mercury Stardust: The Empowering DIYer
Mercury Stardust calls herself a virtual maintenance technician and something of a self-help guide. It may seem like an unusual combination, but it’s a space she thrives in.
Yimmuaj Yang: The Steward for BIPOC Farmers
Since Yimmuaj Yang joined Groundswell Conservancy in 2020, she’s closed the gap between non-white farmers and available farmland.
Erica Halverson: The Actor-Artist Educator
As a self-professed “artist academic,” arts educator, author and podcast host Erica Halverson says two tenets guide her work.
Areli Estrada: The Smile-Maker
“I have lived in Mexico, L.A. and Green Bay … Madison is so unique because of its ability to bring people together and work collaboratively. I have a lot of support, and there are large and influential Black and Latino communities here. That’s why we are able to get so many things done,” says Areli Estrada, executive director of Affordable Dental Care.
Alyson Schaefer: The Teacher-Turned-Changemaker
Alyson Schaefer barely took a breath between retiring as a physical education and health teacher from the Waunakee School District to founding her own nonprofit, Mental Fitness 4 Teens, and launching a podcast and YouTube channel.
Karen Laing: The Caregiving Changemaker
Karen Laing didn’t set out to become a midwife, lactation consultant or tech CEO when she enrolled in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1989.
Michelle McGrath: The Youth Advocate
Service has always been a priority for Michelle McGrath, an active member of the Rotary Club since 2007.
Marsha Mansfield: The Uplifting Lawyer
As director of LIFT Wisconsin, Marsha Mansfield wants to make legal services accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Diane Hanson: The Faithful Founder
Everything Diane Hanson does is guided by her Christian faith. “I was born a peacemaker. I always knew that about myself,” says the former chaplain.
Rosa Thompson: The Role Model to Black Girls
To say Rosa Thompson has impacted the lives of young Black girls in the Madison area is an understatement.
Megan Sollenberger: The Helping Hand for Families
While millions of people who are mothers don’t found an organization based off of diaper need, that’s exactly what Megan Sollenberger did — starting The Village Diaper Bank in 2018, a nonprofit that provides free diapers and wipes to families in need.
Ann Catlett: The Compassionate Leader
Ann Catlett started Solace Friends in 2018 to provide end-of-life care for people who are housing insecure, impoverished or don’t have a place or people to turn to at the end of life.
Here’s What Was Trending at BRAVA in 2022
Our most-read articles in 2022.
Getting Your Affairs in Order
It’s not the most delightful topic to talk about, but keeping your assets organized if something happens to you is crucial.
What’s Trending in Kitchens
Natural elements mixed with graphic pops make for an interesting space.
Balanced Mom, Better Parent
It’s common for moms to feel depleted, overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout. But it doesn’t need to be this way.
These Home Tweaks Are Worth It
A polished and timely renovation can raise the value of your home.
Coaching Your Career
A career coach can take your work goals to the next level.
The Cheese Explainer
Wisconsin crafts 600-plus different varieties of cheese, and picking one can be mind-boggling. Here’s your cheat sheet.
7 Tips to Stay Motivated and Focused this Holiday Season
Keep your fitness a priority with these simple tips from Princeton Club’s Trainers!
The Difference Between a Cold, Flu and COVID-19
Katelyn Harms, UnityPoint – Meriter’s Infection Prevention Program manager, explains the difference between a cold, the flu and COVID-19.
Finding a Career That Aligns With Your Values
How “radical authenticity” can benefit you at work.
Ways to Give Back on Giving Tuesday
While you’re shopping for friends and family, don’t forget to add a local nonprofit to your list if you’re able this holiday season.
Great Wisconsin-Themed Food Gifts
Gift someone you love (or yourself!) with these mostly Wisconsin-made food and beverage finds.
Tasting Madison’s Global Culinary Scene
The city’s international dining scene brings a wealth of tastes from all over the world.
Where to Shop Locally for the Holidays
Check out our roundup of Madison-area shops to #shoplocal and #shopsmall this holiday season.
Pick Up These Guestroom Essentials
The holidays mean more overnight visitors, so stock these local finds to make their stay cozy.
Custom Creations at A Well Worn Story
Check out this special leather handbag and tote shop in New Glarus.
Your Favorite Holiday Dishes, Healthier
How to make your favorite foods a little better for you.
Black Friday Magic
The Madison Makers Market offers an enjoyable alternative at its Black Friday Holiday Market and Pub Crawl on Nov. 25 (noon to 5 p.m.), which features cocktails, community and one-of-a-kind gifts from more than 120 local artists and crafts-people.
Madison’s Fun Holiday Happenings
During the Christmas season, Madison turns magical with its twinkling light displays, festivals and shopping destinations galore.
Give the Gift of Books This Holiday
While you’re checking off your gift list for family, friends and colleagues, consider donating to a local nonprofit, too. The Madison Reading Project’s Community Book Drive is one excellent way to do that.
Small Town Holidays
From light displays to shopping events to holiday eats, these Wisconsin small towns offer delightful family fun and plenty to do.
Head to Janesville for Holiday Fun
When the holidays approach, it’s time to take a trip to Janesville, which offers a wealth of ways to celebrate the season.
Stoughton Has What You Need for the Holidays
Kick-start your holiday season in Stoughton, where you’ll find a wealth of diverse gifts and plenty of festive experiences.
Outdoor Family Activities Abound in the Fox Cities
It’s easy to embrace winter in the Fox Cities, which is home to gems such as The Plaza at Gateway Park, Neenah’s impressive, one-year-old attraction.
Romantic Escapes Await in Beloit
Impress your sweetie with a getaway to Beloit, whose romantic downtown features charming, century-old buildings highlighted by the scenic Rock River.
Fort Atkinson for Christmas
Fort Atkinson offers memorable events and rich cultural experiences for the whole family during the holiday season.
Artful Ways to Usher in the Holidays
Excellent ways to experience the arts scene now.
Reproductive Rights in a Post-Roe Wisconsin
How Dane County women are navigating reproductive health after another landmark decision.
Madison by the Book
The city is a haven for writers and readers alike.
Madison Authors Reveal Their Must-Reads
These titles have changed Madison authors’ lives.
Ann Garvin On Traveling — And Returning Home — As Creative Inspiration
While Ann Garvin admits that she can write (and find inspiration) literally anywhere, she says, “Madison is home. It’s where I recharge, find my center and get back to my routines. Plus, my dog is happiest here.”
Quan Barry On Creating A New Outing For Local Book Groups
Since moving here in 1999, Quan Barry has taken full advantage of the city’s bustling theater, opera, symphony, dance, museum and food scenes.
Madison Novelists Share Their Favorite Reading Spots
Madison novelists share their favorite reading spots.
Christina Clancy On Publishing Two Novels During The Pandemic
Christina Clancy talks to BRAVA about what it was like to publish two novels since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.
Madison As Muse
How (and where) our city pops up in literature.
Middle Grade Magic
BRAVA contributor Laura Anne Bird has written professionally her entire career, but her longtime dream has been to write a children’s novel.
Chloe Benjamin on Finding Comfort in Winter
After 12 years in Madison, Chloe Benjamin knows how to seek comfort when the weather is bleak.
These Madison Literary Organizations Celebrate Reading
These organizations and people promote a love of reading, and they’re based right in our backyard.
Library Love
The area caters to library-users of all kinds.
Your Vagina 101
Your most pressing questions are answered.
What’s Old is New Again at Waunakee Remodeling
Creativity is a trait that must be employed when cultivating truly successful remodeling projects. Just ask the experts at Waunakee Remodeling, which offers an array of remodeling and home design services.
