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Considered ‘the official kick-off to summer’, Brat Fest Memorial Day weekend at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison Wisconsin features live music, events for all ages and free parking all weekend compliments of Smart Motors. Memorial Day Weekend Festivities It all starts on Friday, May 26th with the time honored Wisconsite tradition of “ Take Your Brat to Work Day”! In-person pick up from 6am to 9am at Willow Island, and you should pre-order pick up for 100 brats or more. However, if you’d prefer you can order Brat Delivery from 9am to 12pm for orders of 60 brats or more. Live Music Friday, Saturday & Sunday Slaughter - Saturday Night | 8pm Three different stages with live music starting each day at 11am, you are sure to find some great, local bands to jam to. Friday night headliner on the Baker Tilly main stage at 7pm will showcase Steve Adler of Guns N’ Roses, and at 8pm on the Everlight Solar Grand Stage catch Frankie Ballard. Saturday night’s line-up features local favorite Madison County at 7pm on the Main Stage, and at 8pm hit it hard with classic rock national touring band Slaughter! Check out the entire weekend music line up here. Madison Wisconsin Weekend Events In addition to live music, Brat Fest weekend will include activities for all ages in the Kids Zone, Sports Zone and Farm Zone. Check out the Budweiser Clydesdales, Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway Carnival or bring your pup and have some fun in the Doggie Day Care zone. Parking, Accessibility & Shuttle Busses The Alliant Energy Center has over 5,800 paved and lit parking spots available onsite. From traditional vehicle parking to motorcycle, bicycle and accessibility parking (appropriate plates or permits required) all parking for the weekend will be free of charge compliments of Smart Motors. New for 2023, Brat Fest has a Trolley Shuttle to pick up guests to transport guests to the Brat Fest Entrance and the trolley is ADA accessible for wheel chair users. For more information about Brat Fest, events taking place that weekend, live music schedules and more, please visit the official Brat Fest site.

Smart Toyota Pink for Breast Cancer Smart Motors Toyota in Madison has observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a bold and eye-catching manner every year since 2010. Anyone looking at the night sky near Odana Road has witnessed a brilliant display in the form of a powerful rose-tinted glow. That's because Smart sponsors a vivid pink light show in respectful observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This eye-popping exhibit is their way of connecting with the community in a symbolic, entertaining and meaningful fashion for an exceedingly important cause. As most people know, the color pink – especially pink ribbons – has become synonymous with breast cancer. But are you aware of the history behind this iconic symbol? To set the stage, one has to go back to 1979 and the “Iran Hostage Crisis.” This is when the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was overtaken by supporters of the Iranian revolution. The Iranians – who were primarily college students – held 52 United States Diplomats hostage for 444 days. Inspired by a Ribbon Inspired by a 1973 number-one song, the wife of one of the hostages decided to literally “ Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree” to make people aware of the touch and go situation her husband and 51 others were in. Suddenly yellow ribbons were tied around every kind of tree as her campaign took off throughout America. The second such statement was during the AIDS crises. Activists opted for the color red, and looped the ribbon so it could be worn as a pin. The red ribbon pin was created to raise consciousness of the disease and also to represent those affected by it. The symbol went viral after it made its national television debut as presenters and nominees donned them at the 1990 Tony Awards. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has used the color pink in their logo since the non-profit’s inception in 1982. But it wasn’t until 1991 that the breast cancer awareness and fundraising organization began distributing pink ribbons to all breast cancer survivors and participants of the Komen New York City Race for the Cure®. Then in 1992, Alexandra Penney, editor-in-chief of Self magazine, wanted to put the magazine’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue over the top. She did this by creating a ribbon and enlisting the cosmetics giants to distribute them in New York City stores. And thus, the birth of the pink ribbon! Pink Lights Bring Awareness “With our pink light display, we are fortunate enough to have a real opportunity to increase awareness,” says Robert Jordan, Assistant General Manager at Smart Toyota. “We know that members of our staff and so many of our guests who use our services have been, in some way, touched by breast cancer. We want to be part of the cure.” Assistant General Manager, Robert Jordan According to Komen.com, In 2022, it’s estimated among women in the U.S. there will be: • 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer (This includes new cases of primary breast cancer, but not breast cancer recurrences.) • 51,400 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer • 43,250 breast cancer deaths Mid-West Largest Display The pink lights display at Smart Motors is believed to be the largest of its kind for an auto dealership in the Midwest. It generally takes three days to install the pink gels in their 149 exterior lights. They will have a total of 85 pink lights at the Toyota showroom and service facility location (5901 Odana Road), and there will be 64 additional lights shining pink at their new preowned facility across the street at 5710 Odana Road. It's a first-place display for one of Wisconsin's largest volume Toyota dealers, and the Midwest's largest hybrid dealership. The pink aura will light up the west side throughout the month of October. Smart Toyota's Pink Lights Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. Dealership's history.

Green Light a Vet | Smart Motors | Madison WI Local Support. National Exposure. Have you ever noticed when you drive by Smart Motors, whether it is on the beltline or Odana Road, some of their powerful lamp posts project a green hue? And if you have noticed, ever wondered why? For 11 months out of the year, since 2015, Smart Motors has been a proud advocate of the “ Green Light A Vet” campaign. Only in October do their three perpetually glowing green lights turn pink in support of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” “I believe nationally the campaign was started in 2015,” says Smart Motors’ Assistant General Manager, Robert Jordan.” And even though we’ve been supporting it for the past seven years, I’m not really sure people know what exactly the lights mean.” What Does it Mean? According to campaign organizers, “’Greenlight A Vet’ is a campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green. Green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being. ‘Greenlight’ is also a term commonly used to activate forward movement. The simple action of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans, and ‘greenlight’ them forward as valued members of our communities." “We think the ‘Greenlight a Vet’ campaign is unique and important,” Jordan says. “U.S. military veterans are brave, hard-working men and women who have sacrificed a lot for our nation, but when they are out of uniform they become somewhat camouflaged. By keeping a green light burning, they know their valor is being recognized and honored; not just on Veterans Day.” Local Locations For those who are curious to see Smart Motors’ three green lights, there is one next to the beltline at their new Toyota Showroom & Service Center (5901 Odana Road), one at Smart Motors Used Cars (5710 Odana Road), and one at their Prep & Detailing facility (5775 Tokay Blvd). This year, Veterans Day is observed on November 11. But by changing one light to green in a visible location - your porch, in your home, or at your place of work -and keeping it glowing symbolically shows support for our Vets 365-days a year. Social Media Hashtag “We’d love to see other people and companies in the Madison area get involved,” says Jordan. “As part of the campaign, people are asked to share their support by taking a picture of their green light and posting it using the hashtag #greenlightavet. The whole thing takes very little effort, but it speaks volumes.” About Smart Motors Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume.  For more information, check out Smart's history page.

Smart Toyota's pink lights supporting breast cancer awareness 12th Annual Pink Light Display Chances are, you’ve been directly or peripherally affected by cancer. The disease impacts the lives of millions of Americans annually. Breast cancer is the third most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. (behind skin and lung cancer) with nearly 200,000 new diagnoses each year. This means that another American woman is diagnosed with breast cancer at the shocking rate of every two minutes! It is the most common invasive cancer in women with a global outreach affecting an alarming one in eight. Because of these staggering statistics, Smart Motors in Madison has observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a bold and eye-catching manner every year since 2010. Anyone looking at the night sky near Odana Road has witnessed a brilliant display in the form of a powerful rose-tinted glow. That's because Smart Motors sponsors a vivid light show in flowing streams of pink in respectful observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This eye-popping exhibit is the Smart Motor way of connecting with the community in a symbolic, entertaining and meaningful fashion for an exceedingly important cause. “We are fortunate enough to have a real opportunity to increase awareness,” says CEO J.R. Smart. “We know that members of our staff and also so many of the individuals who use our services have been, in some way, touched by breast cancer. We want to be part of the cure.” Smart says the dealership uses the pink gel lights as a reminder for women to take the time to stay informed, be proactive and schedule their recommended screening tests. Early detection improves one's chances for survival. The lights also serve to offer encouragement and support to all people affected by breast cancer. It generally takes three days for Smart Motors to install the pink gels in their 149 exterior lights. They will have a total of 85 pink lights at the Toyota showroom and service facility location (5901 Odana Road), and there will be 64 additional lights shining pink at their new preowned facility, Smart Motors Used Cars, across the street at 5710 Odana Road. It's a first-place display for one of Wisconsin's largest volume Toyota dealers, and the Midwest's largest hybrid dealership. The pink lights display at Smart Motors is believed to be the largest of its kind for an auto dealership in the Midwest. The pink aura will light up the west side throughout the month of October. Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit www.smarttoyota.com/our-history.html.

You know it's going to happen. You’re in your car waiting for the traffic light to turn green and there's a dusting of light snow on the pavement. After a few moments, light turns green, you step on the gas pedal and your tires spin on the wet pavement. It takes a second or two for them to catch traction and propel you forward. You cringe. Is this a sign you need new tires? If you’re like most people, you hate the thought of vehicle maintenance and upkeep. You just want to get in the driver’s seat and go and not worry about pesky things like oil changes, new brakes, wiper blades, a dead car battery and purchasing new tires! What do you know about vehicle maintenance? It’s a completely foreign concept to you and you’re always afraid of making the wrong – and possibly very expensive – decision. The good news is that a little know-how can go a long way when it comes to replacing a set of tires. The simplest thing you can do is ask a qualified and trusted auto shop service technician what he or she would recommend. “Excuse the pun, but we would never steer you in the wrong direction,” says Robert Jordan, Smart Motors’ Operations Manager. “If you give us a few basics about your driving habits, we can help you make the right choice for your needs.” Most tires need to be replaced about every four to six years, although high mileage and prolonged exposure to the elements will shorten your tire’s life expectancy. Regardless of when you need to replace them, you basically have a choice between three options: all-season, summer (a.k.a. high performance), and winter tires. “For most drivers in the Madison area, a good set of all-season tires are the way to go,” says Jordan. All-Season Tire: This type of tire come in S- and T-speed ratings. They grip the road well under most weather conditions and are long-lasting. They are the most common tires found on mainstream cars and SUVs. Truck owners have a similar option with either all-season or all-terrain truck tires. Summer or High-Performance Tire: Driving enthusiasts who prefer sports cars and performance sedans are likely to forego all-season radials and instead opt for summer or high-performance tires. Summer tires are excellent for dry conditions. They handle beautifully as long as there aren’t any adverse weather conditions to contend with. But they certainly aren’t for everybody. Jordan recommends summer tire owners should also invest in a set of winter tires if they want to drive their vehicle year-round. He says that what winter tires lack in performance handling they more than make up for in safety in rain, sleet and snow. Winter Tire: People who live in rural areas and have a long commute to work on roads often covered in snow and ice should probably swap out summer or even all-season tires with winter tires before the first snowflake falls to be on the safe side. “You shouldn’t really think of it as an added expense", says Jordan. It’s an investment. Switching between two sets of treads means both sets of tires will last longer, which could save you money in the long run. Tire Size: No, not all round tires (is there any other kind?) are created equal. Aside from the different types of tread, it’s important to know the size tire you need so your vehicle’s handling and safety isn’t compromised by ill-fitting radials. So how do you know what size tire is on your vehicle? You can locate your vehicle’s recommended tire size by consulting your owner’s manual, or it’s also printed on the decal located inside the driver’s side door jamb. “Most people don’t know what they’re looking at when they see the cryptic set of letters and numbers indicating their tire size,” says Jordan “It will look something like ‘P215/60R16.’ No worries, though. As long as you have that information, you can order tires anywhere. Any tire store can help you interpret this number for you and help you find the perfect tire for you. Lastly, when selecting your next set of tires, it's helpful to know how many miles you want your tire to last. You may have an option between 45,000-mile tires and 80,000-mile tires. The 80,000 set is almost certainly going to run you a higher price, but if you can afford it you can afford to not have to worry about replacing your tires again for quite some time. Also, if you know how many miles you drive, on average each year, this can help you select not only the right tire for your vehicle, but for your driving habits too.

In partnership with MidWest Family Broadcasting's Solid Rock WJJO, The Resistance 106.7 and our friends at EarthWise Pet Madison we were able to raise over $4,000, 130 bags of dog food and we filled our 2021 Toyota Highlander to the brim with toys & goodies for our furry friends. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our inaugural fundraising event for the Dane County Humane Society, Czar's Promise, Fetch Wisconsin Rescue, Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin and many more local organizations. A special thank you to the Levy Giving Fund and of course Karben4 for hosting a very special Yappy Hour ~ drinks for humans! Fi Fi had a great time and says "Thanks!"

Greater Madison Senior Softball league sponsored by Smart Motors After being forced to take a year hiatus due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Greater Madison Senior Softball league had their Opening Days in Verona, WI this past Wednesday & Thursday. Over 230 seniors play in the league and make up 23 different teams now in the 11th season for the local 55 and older league. Opening Day: Blue sky, big fluffy white clouds and a couple hundred players, spouses and funs converged on Verona's Hometown USA Community Park for opening day of the 11th season of the Greater Madison Senior Softball league. Players from throughout southern Wisconsin gather every Wednesday & Thursday to play ball, riminess, catch up on the latest chatter and just have a great time. There are currently 23 teams playing across two days (Wednesday & Thursday) until mid-September. There are 4 different league levels so you can choose the league/division that best fits your skill level. If you're interested in playing, contact league commissioner Ron Ramsden via the leagues website.  Players come from all around Dane County, as well as Monroe, Blanchardville & Pecatonica.

“But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.” Just like the conclusion of the famous poem “ Casey at the Bat,” there was no joy in Verona in 2020 when the Greater Madison Senior Softball League (GMSS) struck out by being forced to forgo the season due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. And since the league is only open to players 55 and older, the concerns were founded given that the virus is more dangerous and the symptoms are more severe in older adults. “You just can’t keep these guys down,” says league commissioner Ron Ramsden. “Despite the disappointing lack of a season in 2020, they are optimistic and raring to play this year.” The GMSS’s opening day is scheduled for May 12th with more than 215 players. Currently, there are 12 teams on Wednesday and 11 teams on Thursday, so receiving enough registrations to form an additional team on Thursday is their current goal. Even the lowest league games are still competitive, so new players should be able to play several positions since a team can only use a limited number of catchers and first basemen. The leagues official website. Games are played at Verona Community Park on Wednesday & Thursday mornings starting at 9:30 a.m. GMSS has been sponsored by Smart Motors since it started in 2010. “Even though most of the guys will be inoculated by opening day, we couldn’t ignore the virus altogether,” says Ramsden. “We have put COVID safety measures in place to help insure the players stay healthy all season.” These measures include all players being required to have hand sanitizer with them and to use it frequently. Also, safe distancing is to be maintained by all players not on the playing field and will be maintained by the umpire, catcher, and batter. It is recommended that the umpire and catcher wear mouth/nose coverings on the field. Batters should also wear a mask so long as it doesn’t interfere with safety (i.e. causing glasses to fog up, obstructing vision, etc.). “We realize that the safety measures will make game play a little less interactive than we’re used to,” says Ramsden. “But all of our players have signed off on the rules without hesitation. A little inconvenience is worth it to be able to play and try to get back to a normal life.” Ramsden says every year he is inspired by the growing roster of players who have had their fair share of battles with various physical ailments. But, he adds, the guys play ball like they’ve never had a medical condition in their lives. “These guys have battled cancer and heart attacks, diabetes, knee and hip replacements, and, yes, even COVID,” he says. “To most people, after events like that, they might hang it up. Not in the GMSS. The love of the game drives them and they are impressive.” The Greater Madison Senior Softball League was started in 2010 by childhood friends Ray Blum and Bob Ruhland. It has since grown from eight teams to 23 teams and added a second game day. GMSS is open to men 55 years and older. Individual registrations to form an additional Thursday team are now being accepted. Regular league games will take place every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 starting May 12th and going through August at the Verona Community Park at 451 E. Verona Avenue. For more information, check out the league’s website and please take a few minutes to review the GMSS COVID safety measures.

The standard of quality you expect. It is never easy when you’re involved in an accident, and the last thing you want to worry about is if the body shop you choose to repair your vehicle will do a quality job. How can you ensure not only the quality of collision repair, but be assure the equipment, parts and technicians working on your vehicle are qualified professionals?  Simple. Certification. As a Toyota Certified Collision Center, Ball Body Shop – a division of Smart Motors, takes the risk out of collision repair through the rigorous Toyota certification process and on-going continuing education, equipment specifications, parts requirements, and continuous customer experience monitoring. Ball Body Shop | 2225 Eagle Drive, Middleton, WI | 608.831.5944 “It’s our commitment to excellence in collision repair professionalism, repair quality and customer satisfaction”, says Ball Body Shop manager James Anderberg. “Our staff is uniquely qualified to get the job done right, while at the same time, putting our customers at ease during what can be a stressful time for them.” Benefits of choosing a Toyota Certified Collision Center for your vehicle’s repairs are abundant and include: - Toyota Certified Technicians. - Toyota Certified Management team provides the knowledge and expertise to answer your question quickly, accurately and will help navigate the insurance process (if needed) so you and your vehicle are back on the road as quickly as possible. - State-of-the-art tools & equipment used to restore your vehicle to the original manufacturer specifications. - Genuine Toyota Parts. - Third-party customer service monitoring is used to ensure your experience is exceptional. You have the right to choose the body shop you want to repair your vehicle and choosing a Toyota Certified Collision Center is the easy choice.

Safety and fuel efficiency make owning a new vehicle very attractive. If you currently own a gas-powered vehicle you know fuel prices change as often as Wisconsin’s weather. You also know there seems to be a consistent “coincidence” between heavy travel times like Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving and a surge of prices at the pump. The Covid-19 pandemic has fueled a steady rise in gas prices due to logjams created in the global supply chain. The pandemic has also made travel by car the healthiest way to get from point A to point B. And as more Americans become vaccinated, many more people will undoubtedly embark on road trips to destinations far away from the home they’ve holed up in for months. What vacationers and commuters alike should know, though, is that purchasing a new vehicle may be worth the money. "With the steady increase in gas prices we are seeing an uptick in sedans and hybrid sales," says Justin Jackson, sales director at Smart Toyota. "We are typically a big hybrid dealer, but we are seeing a bigger increase and we can only believe has prices have a lot to do with it." New cars, trucks and SUVs are more fuel-efficient than vehicles manufactured just a few years ago, and they come with many more safety features. “A new vehicle can save a driver an average of $1,502 ($2249-$747) per year in gas,” says Jackson. “That means, on average, $125 saved per month that could be used toward the vehicle’s monthly payment.” BREAKING IT DOWN: (Based on the average American who drives 15,000 miles per year) New Hybrid Vehicle at 54 mpg                  vs.                           Older Vehicle at 18 mpg 15,000 divided by 54 = 277                                                                 15,000 divided by 18 = 833 Uses 277 gallons of gas per year                                                         Uses 833 gallons of gas per year 277 x $2.70 = $747 per yr. in gas                                                       833 x $2.70 = $2249 per yr. in gas “The savings are even greater if you move into a hybrid electric vehicle,” says Jackson. Jackson says the dealership has seen first-hand how hybrids have grown in popularity. More recently, with the release of the Prius Prime, which has an estimated 54MPG, and 133MPGe, rebirth of the Toyota Venza hybrid and now including the Toyota Sienna (mini-van) hybrid, local consumers are showing a renewed interest in hybrid vehicles. Today, Smart Motors is one of the top Toyota hybrid dealers in the United States. “Saving money on fuel makes a new car worth it, but there are a number of other good reasons like safety features that make upgrading beneficial,” says Jackson. He lists Toyota’s offering of Pre-Collision Systems with Pedestrian Detection Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Lane Departure Alert, and Road Sign Assist as a few examples of technologically advanced features that go beyond anti-lock brakes and air bags. Easy Tips to Save Money on Gas: Download apps like GetUpside that partner with gas stations nationwide to offer discounts to users. Use a gas station credit card and/or enlist in their rewards program. Don’t use premium if your car calls for regular. Wholesale clubs offer discounted fuel to members. Refuel before your gauge gets too low. Downsize the fuel bill by driving a smaller or more fuel-efficient vehicle. Driving faster than the posted speed limit burns more fuel and increases trips to the pump. Take some time to empty the trunk, clean out the back seat and remove the luggage rack. The lighter the vehicle, the better the fuel efficiency and the more money you save on gas. "Jack-rabbit" starts and hard braking increase fuel usage by as much as 40 percent. Check your tires regularly; under-inflated tires increase resistance and fuel consumption by up to six percent. Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time can eliminate hundreds of miles – and dozens of gallons of gas.

In Wisconsin, sports are a way of life. Just think about how many rabid fans there are who cheer on their professional teams like the Green Bay Packers or the Milwaukee Brewers. While Madison does not have many professional teams of its own, that doesn't mean it has nothing to cheer for, especially with these four local teams in town. Forward FC Forward is a professional soccer team and the only professional sports team based in this city. Its first season was in 2019 and it competes in USL League One, the third tier of American soccer. The team finished fourth in 2019 and looks to place even higher in 2020. One of the best parts about home games is the team's mascot, a cow named Lionela Bessi. The popularity of the team is evident as it had the highest attendance in the league during its first year in operation. more Mallards The Mallards are a collegiate summer baseball team that offers perfect family entertainment. The Great Dane Duck Blind, located in the ballpark, provides a combination ticket that includes dinner and drinks. It's easily the best entertainment deal in the city. Maynard and Millie, the team's mascots usually make an appearance during the game to the delight of children, and adults can enjoy a beer or two while they watch the boys of summer swing the bat. Just remember if you do decide to drink, do so in moderation and never drink and drive. Roller Derby At the roller derby, there isn't one home team to root for, but you do get to pick the one you like the best and cheer as loudly as you can. The women who play the game are athletic and competitive, making it an exciting and fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. It might even inspire teenagers to grab some inline skates and go outside for a while. What's even better is that part of your ticket goes to charity, which makes paying for entry much easier. Capitols The Capitols are a team in the USHL Hockey League, which is a minor league affiliate of the National Hockey League. While the last two seasons haven't been great for the team, they are still fun to watch, and the players strive to compete at a high level. The season begins in October and runs through early spring, so there are plenty of games to attend. Suites are available for groups and birthday parties at the skating rink are always a blast. Bundle up and head down to the ice for a bit of hockey fun. Whether you're into soccer, baseball, hockey, or even roller derby, there's a team in town for you to support. The best part is that the tickets to these games are never outrageously expensive as they would be for professional teams. You can bring your whole family and still have money left over for food and drinks. If you want to know more about these awesome teams, stop by Smart Toyota and talk to a local! Image via SteadyContent

State Street in Madison is an outdoor public space where locals, tourists, and college students mingle and enjoy each other's company on any given day. It's a place where the community can come together for a meal, a drink, or some shopping. Closed to traffic, this area is also excellent for taking a walk or a bike ride. People Watching This little strip of community fun offers some of the best opportunities for watching people that you are likely to find anywhere. You will see families spending time together, couples strolling hand in hand, and people leading their dogs along the sidewalk. You will also find groups of college students connecting between classes and office workers grabbing a bite to eat or some exercise during the day. more Capital Building The State Capital building stands on one end of the street and offers a view of its attractive architecture. Take a tour of the building to learn about state government and the history of Madison and Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Madison Spend some time walking around on the beautiful campus of the university where many students learn, live, and play each day. You'll find shady places to sit and relax and plenty of history to explore. Maybe you'll even be inspired to go back to school yourself! Madison Museum of Contemporary Art The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a space where you will find the work of a number of different artists. Some of the artists showcased are famous people legendary in the art world, while others are relative newcomers. With the wide variety of art available to see, you are sure to find something that speaks to you. Unique Shopping The shopping on State is eclectic, and there's a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a new outfit, something for your home, or touristy souvenirs to bring home from your trip, you'll find it here. Supporting small community shops is a great way of giving back to this town. Fun Restaurants From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, there's a restaurant for every taste along this street. Take the family out for burgers, or spend time with adults at a bar. You will find excellent food and a good time no matter what you choose. Farmers Market The Farmers Market near the capital building is famous for its huge display and unique options. Shop one of the many booths for some wonderful locally grown food or for craft items made in the area. You will also find signs teaching you about the area's dairy farming and how cheese is made. You will learn something new about Wisconsin and be able to taste some of what makes this state so wonderful when you visit the market. State Street is an excellent place to gather with friends or family, and it's a perfect spot for locals and tourists alike. Visit Smart Motors Toyota for information on the perfect car that will take you around Madison and on adventures beyond. Image via SteadyContent