We asked three locals what their ideal Madison itinerary would entail.
Pictured: Settle Down Tavern, Photo by Hillary Schave
SATYA RHODES-CONWAY, MADISON MAYOR
A perfect summer day in Madison starts with breakfast with my partner, Amy, at Ogden’s North Street Diner. I usually order a cup of English breakfast tea, scrambled eggs and two blueberry pancakes.
The next stop is the UW-Madison Arboretum (via Metro Transit’s B Route) for a stroll and some birdwatching. Then it’s a quick Madison BCycle ride downtown for lunch. If you haven’t tried the Magic Grain Bowl at Settle Down Tavern, I highly recommend it! Their streatery seating provides a great place to people watch.
Metro Transit’s C Route is right around the corner from Settle Down Tavern and takes us directly to A Room of One’s Own to spend an hour or so browsing the bookshelves. I always look for owner Gretchen Treu’s recommendations in sci-fi/fantasy books.
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park is just a short walk away, and is the perfect spot to check out our new books over cold beers while enjoying the lake views. As the sun sets, we’ll catch the C Route back through Schenk’s Corners, and perhaps stop for dinner at Bar Corallini, Alchemy or Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace before strolling to East Washington Avenue to catch the B Route home.
The truth is, there are many perfect summer days in Madison — I hope you enjoy your version!
SHANNA WOLF, FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
My perfect Saturday in Madison would begin by heading out with our dog, Little Lamb, to the Hilldale Farmers’ Market (dogs are welcome!) to pick out a fresh-cut bouquet and grab a cold-pressed juice.
Then I’d grab my camera bag and meet up with a Madison Trust for Historic Preservation historic architecture walking tour. These tours give you a new perspective on our city’s unique neighborhoods, and I’m looking forward to capturing some photos during the Sunset Hills and Greenbush neighborhood tours this summer.
From there I’d order the Garden Goddess sandwich for carryout from Colectivo Coffee and enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch at Wingra Park. After enjoying the lake views, I’d check out a Madison BCycle and ride the Lakeshore Path to the Memorial Union for more lake views and enjoy the summer vibe with a Rathskeller Ale.
After a ride back home, I’d regroup for dinner at Lallande, saving room to end the meal with le dessert and my favorite espresso martini, Her Architect’s Martini. The night would end with friends at Comedy on State for some laughs.
MICHELLE MCKOY, CENTER DIRECTOR, BRIDGE LAKE POINT WAUNONA NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
I fell in love with Madison when I moved here at the age of 10. I’ve lived other places, but love this city. Madison offers so much to do, I wish I had more time in the day!
7 A.M. I start my morning at the Sycamore Park dog park with my pup, Max. We start every day with a few laps around the dog park.
9 A.M. Breakfast time! I head over to Cottage Cafe off of Cottage Grove Road — they have the best pancakes. It’s the perfect place for families, the prices are great and the food is homey.
11 A.M. Time to work off the pancakes and head over to Picnic Point for a hike where I can also view the Capitol building and beautiful Lake Mendota. It’s a 3-mile hike, but you don’t realize it because the view is so breathtaking. This natural spot is also the perfect place for my grandkids to run around and burn off some energy.
6 P.M. Head over to the Memorial Union with my grandkids to grab pizza and ice cream, and hear a local band play while feeling the lake breeze on my face.
8:30 P.M. Take a quick stroll down State Street to get some fresh-baked cookies from Insomnia Cookies. It’s the perfect snack before bedtime!
