By Katrina Simyab | Photo by Hillary Schave
Turn any summer day into a charming adventure with these short jaunts. Each area is located less than an hour from Madison, and all are full of fun things to eat, drink, explore and experience.
STOUGHTON
Start the day with breakfast and a coffee at Wildwood Cafe — the gluten-free honey amaranth waffle (topped with seasonal compote and maple whipped cream) is a must. Then stroll down Main Street for a treasure hunt at The Next Generation, an excellent kids’ and women’s secondhand shop. Head over to Dune Gift and Home and treat yourself with something from its beautiful selection of curated items — including handmade jewelry (some of which is made by the shop’s owner, Ciré Rosenbaum Cross), clean beauty and home goods. Next, stop at Hello Art Hatchery, a thrift store for crafting and art supplies. Unwind post-shopping with a stroll on the Yahara River Trail Walking Bridge, and go as far down as Cooper’s Causeway. End your day trip with a craft cocktail and comfort food at Wendigo. When in doubt, get the sweet potato fries!
PAOLI
Your Paoli adventure starts at Landmark Creamery & Cafe, located at Seven Acre Dairy Company. This eatery packs a big punch with a selection of perfectly gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and a hot dog — all topped with Landmark cheeses, of course. Then take your spoils to Paoli Park for an afternoon out on the water with Sugar River Outfitters. Those looking for a kayaking challenge will enjoy the three-plus hour Verona to Paoli trip — or keep it low-key with a short-term rental on Lake Belle. After working up an appetite, check into your room at The Inn at Seven Acre Dairy Company and get ready for dinner at on-property restaurant Little Cloud. Afterward, time your trip right to catch an act from Seven Acre’s summer outdoor concert series or walk over to The Mill Paoli to end your night on a musical high note. In the morning, commemorate your stay with retail therapy at Paoli Road Mercantile, The Purple Goose and Lily’s Mercantile & Makery.
SUN PRAIRIE
Grab your bike and get moving at Sheehan Park as you race through over 2 miles of off-road mountain bike trails. A little too fast-paced for you? No worries — there’s also a paved, multi-use path that winds through the park for a gentler option. Refuel after your ride with a juicy burger and a side of goat milk cheese curds at Tipsy Cow (go for the housemade fried pickles as a backup option). Participate in a little healthy competition as you try out some board games in the impressive library at I’m Board! Games and Family Fun. With your new favorite game in hand, order a craft beverage at Liv’s Drink Emporium. Select from a seemingly endless array of inventive “dirty soda” combinations, but if you simply can’t make up your mind — the peanut butter cold brew has a cult following. Conclude your escapade by touring downtown’s shops. Faded Roots Boutique has an eclectic collection of women’s clothing and accessories, or, if you have more time, book a workshop at Board & Brush and make your own DIY wooden craft project.
MOUNT HOREB
Kick off your visit to the Troll Capital of the World with a morning of antiquing at Isaac’s Antiques. With multiple stories and every nook and cranny filled — there is something for everyone. While you’re in browsing mode, stop in at Sift and Winnow to admire all the brightly colored enamel pins and pretty giftable goods. Follow your nose to Telsaan Tea next and steep in the aroma of all their incredible loose-leaf blends — don’t forget to sample a few seasonal selections to help narrow down your final picks. Drop into Sunn Cafe for a leisurely lunch with any of its nourishing grilled sandwiches or salads. For dessert? Well, Sjölinds Chocolate House is an ideal stop. Afterward, spend some time in nature at Stewart Lake County Park, which was the first official county park in Dane County, and is also the perfect place to cap off your day with a quick hike or (weather permitting) a refreshing swim at the beach. Stop by Driftless Social for drinks and dinner to toast your perfect day.
NEW GLARUS
Take in the picturesque beauty of Wisconsin’s hometown brewery at New Glarus Brewing Company. Book a three-hour hard hat tour in advance or opt for the short, self-guided option before heading to the tasting room for some samples of the final product. Add on a late morning meal at New Glarus Bakery — its cases have been filled with fresh Swiss and American pastries since 1910. Delve into a replica of Swiss pioneer life in the 1850s and learn more about the area’s first founders at the Swiss Historical Village Museum. Return to the present day in time to look around home and lifestyle shop Hutch + Hide or hit up Blumenladen Collective, a boutique, garden center and kids’ store in one. For a bite of local culture, both Glarner Stube and Chalet Landhaus Restaurant serve up international fare (think schnitzel, spätzli, rösti and fondue). Finish off your feast with a low-stakes game at Swissland Miniature Golf (see if the goats are out as an added bonus) or amble along a short portion of the Sugar River State Trail.
VERONA
Come hungry to Icki Sticki and start your Verona escapade off strong with made-to-order Belgian waffles before bopping around for some serious shopping. Cosa Boutique donates a portion of each purchase to a nonprofit partner, and has scores of fabulous fashion and accessories to choose from. Get design inspo and home goods from picture-perfect Linen & Clove, and be sure to explore every pretty inch of Kismet Books — you need a new beach read! Lunch is a choose-your-own-adventure. Will it be a cold beer and the bar menu on the bustling Hop Haus Brewing Company patio, or a cozy sandwich and iced coffee at The Sow’s Ear, the Midwest’s first café and yarn shop? A former limestone quarry, Fireman’s Park Beach must be your next destination. Pull out your new book and relax, or live it up with a dip in the swimming hole, or a rendezvous with the splash pad or waterslide. After a fantastic day, dig into a bowl of pasta at Avantis Italian Restaurant & Pub. Or pair a burger with the cider flight at Orchard, a new addition to the neighborhood. The restaurant features ciders from The Cider Farm, the family’s other business.
