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Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison features over 16 acres of outdoor gardens along with an indoor tropical paradise. It is home to the only Thai Pavilion in the continental U.S. and is a winner of the national Garden of Excellence Award. Guests can stroll through the gardens or take the accessible tram that travels from garden to garden either on the weekends or daily, depending on the season. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sites at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. The Rose Garden Make sure to take your time exploring the Rose Garden at Olbrich. This is one of the most popular gardens. It covers 2 acres and features a wide variety of roses of all colors and sizes on display. It also has ornamental trees, spring blooms, and annuals to see while you wander through. The Prairie-style design of the Rose Garden features simple geometric designs made from natural materials. The most prominent feature in the Rose Garden is the Rose Garden Tower. It is a two-story tower offering visitors who climb up spectacular views of the garden and more. more Thai Pavilion and Garden The Thai Pavilion and Garden is unlike any garden you will see in the continental United States. The sala, or pavilion, is a traditional Thai structure, but the one you'll see at Olbrich is more ornate than most salas you would see in Thailand. The garden that surrounds the pavilion is lush and tropical with hearty plants that can withstand the Wisconsin climate. Some of the ornamental grasses reach up to 12 feet tall, and you'll also see many bamboo plants that are essential for this tropical garden. You'll also find glazed water jars and clipped tree art known as mai dat throughout the gardens that represent a traditional horticulture feature in gardens throughout Thailand. The Sunken Garden The Sunken Garden is another unique garden at Olbrich. It is a traditional formal English-style garden surrounded by shrub hedges and limestone terraces. All of these elements give guests in the Sunken Garden the feeling that they're in an outdoor room. An 80-foot long reflecting pool is a key feature in this garden, while the border features mixed flowering bulbs in a variety of colors and shrubs that bloom starting in the spring and offer their beautiful colors until late in the autumn. Tours Olbrich offers a variety of different tour experiences, from adult-only tours to self-guided visits for groups and guided garden strolls. The adult group tours give visitors an inside look at the outdoor gardens and require a reservation. The guided garden strolls are more relaxed and available for drop-ins only. The volunteer-led tour provides a casual overview of the gardens, and if you prefer to explore the gardens on your own, you are always welcome to wander through the gardens at your own pace. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a must-see for anyone who lives in or visits Madison. Make sure to stop by the gift shop after your visit, and also check the schedule for any special events. Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay

Madison, Wisconsin, is keeping with a long heritage of beer history with the many craft breweries that call the city home. There are many breweries in town to explore, but if you're looking for somewhere to start, you can't go wrong with these staples: Ale Asylum No list of Madison craft breweries would be complete with a nod to Ale Asylum. The funky-fresh interior, complete with leather couches and pinball machines, lends itself very well to enhance your enjoyment of the top-notch brews that Ale Asylum creates. For starters, get a glass of their Ambergeddon amber ale, the accessible Hopalicious American pale ale, or the Ballistic IPA. Ale Asylum's taproom has an impressive variety to choose from, so you're sure to find something to satisfy your palate at this local-favorite brewery. more Working Draft Beer Company Working Draft Beer Company's minimalist and hip style offers a great experience for those exploring Madison's brewery scene. Working Draft prides itself in its sense of community, and you'll find local artists' works, live acoustic music, and poetry readings in the taproom. You'll also find a great selection of brews, from the Pulp Culture hazy IPA to the European Vacay Munich Dunkel. This brewery takes itself just seriously enough that beer pros will stay interested and newcomers to the craft beer world will feel welcome. Karben4 The strange-yet-tasty Karben4 Brewing is a great place to spend an hour or two with friends. In addition to delicious craft brews, their taproom also offers great artisan-inspired food to pair with your favorite beer. As far as beer varietals go, Karben4 has the usual suspects and then some: IPAs, chocolate oatmeal stouts, imperial red ales, English-style ales, pale ales, and more. Once you've found your favorite Karben4 brew, be sure to take a six-pack of it home. ALT Brew ALT Brew has all your gluten-free beer needs covered with their creations. None of their beers are made with gluten, which means that everyone can have a great time at this brewery. ALT Brew doesn't need gluten to make some of Madison's most interesting Kolsch, blondes, farmhouse ales, porters, IPAs, and more. Be sure to come back to ALT Brew every season to try their four special releases throughout the year. Funk Factory Geuzeria Funk Factory Geuzeria is one of the most highly rated breweries in Madison, and for good reason. The beers this brewery produces are some of the most interesting and experimental in Madison. You'll find quite a few barrel-aged beers at this brewery, some mixed with wine grapes and berries. If you're a fan of lambics, Funk Factory is where you need to be. You'll also find a great selection of wild ales and farmhouse ales to choose from at this one-of-a-kind brewery. From the most hop-infused brewery critic to the casual craft beer drinker just looking for their next favorite, these Madison breweries are sure to satisfy. Explore what each has to offer and then expand your tour of the Madison brewery world to find your next go-to haunt. Image by Tibor Janosi Mozes from Pixabay

With so many people worried about being in public, it's a wonder that more people haven't picked up hiking. If you're looking for a great hiking trail in the Madison, Wisconsin, area, here are a few you should check out. Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail The 2-mile Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail is an easy hike right in Madison's Shorewood Hills. This trail is flanked nearly completely by Lake Mendota, offering great lakeside views to one side and forest on the other. Its location makes it one of the more popular hikes in the city, but if you avoid peak times, it can be a great escape. Since it's a loop trail with only an 88-foot elevation gain, this is a great trail for beginners and families. more Devil's Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail On the other side of the hiking difficulty spectrum, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail will make you work for your progress. The entire trail is 1,200 miles long, but if you're looking for a good section hike near Madison, check out the Devil's Lake Segment. This part of the greater trail is 13 miles long, beginning near the intersection of County Highway DL and 113 and ending at the southern border of Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area. With an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet, you'll want to bring out the hiking boots for this trek. UW-Madison Arboretum Trails If you have an ecological and zoological interest in hiking, head to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Over 17 miles of trails in this protected area will take you through a wildly interesting display of Wisconsin's many ecosystems and terrains, from prairies and wetlands to savannas and woodlands. The trails are made up of fairly easy-going footpaths and boardwalks that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Wisconsin's natural environments. Holy Wisdom Monastery Trails That's right; the Holy Wisdom Monastery near the northwest shore of Lake Mendota is a worthy hiking destination. The monastery has a focus on natural preservation, which has left visitors with about 4 miles of trails to walk. These nature trails are great for the leisurely hiker looking for a bit of serenity away from the city. Lake Monona Loop Also known as the Capital City Trail, Lake Monona Loop is 13.8 miles long and right in Madison's backyard. As its name suggest, the trail loops around Lake Monona in downtown Madison, offering great cityscape and waterfront views. If you're looking for a paved path to get in a good trail run, the Lake Monona Loop is a great option. With the lake to one side and beautiful residences on the other, this loop is the perfect city-bound trail. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or you just want to get out of the house for a little while, each of these Madison-area hikes is well worth the visit. Cross each off your hiking bucket list to start experiencing everything Wisconsin's natural beauty has to offer. Image by Yinan Chen from Pixabay

If you love to read or you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, you should visit some bookstores to browse and find interesting material from your favorite authors. Here are some of the best places where you can find your next summer read in Madison, Wisconsin. The Book Deal At The Book Deal, you can find more than 20,000 used books in over 60 genres. It's a great place to find a new book, CD, DVD, graphic novel, or vinyl record at a bargain price. You can turn in your old books for store credit, and they'll come to your home or office and pick up large collections for free. Teachers and other educators get 10% off everything in the store, and you'll get a free book when you sign up for their rewards program. For every book The Book Deal sells, they give one away to a local student. It's their goal to encourage reading and increase literacy by making books affordable for everyone. They're open for appointments Thursday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., and you can shop for books online. more Mystery to Me Mystery to Me specializes in mystery novels, but they sell other books as well. If you like mysteries, this store is a great place to visit a book club. The Bilingual Book Club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6 p.m., and it reads and discusses books in English and Spanish in alternating months. The Mystery to Me Book Club happens on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., and it covers mystery books. Mystery to Me also hosts many events with writers and journalists. You can meet some great writers and learn more about writing so that you can start creating your own book. This bookstore is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m on weekdays. It closes at 5 p.m. on Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. A Room of One's Own This fun book store offers reading material about everything from antiques to technology to psychology. They also have children's books, graphic novels, textbooks, and study aids for college students, toys, gifts, e-books, and audiobooks. A Room of One's Own donates books to many local organizations that help students, and many book clubs use their convenient, free community room for their meetings. You can place orders online and then pick up your books any day between noon and 4 p.m. 20th Century Books At 20th Century Books, you can find new and used comic books, science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and more. You can also buy their books online. This book store is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and it opens at noon on Sunday. Reading a great book is a fun way for you to learn new things and use your imagination to explore new worlds. No matter which genre you prefer, you can find a fascinating read at one of these excellent stores. Image by Foundry Co from Pixabay

Madison, Wisconsin, has a variety of delicious coffee shops where you can grab a quick snack, relax with friends, or get some work done on your laptop. Keep reading to learn about some of Madison's favorite coffee shops. Indie Coffee Time Magazine called Indie Coffee one of the best coffee shops in the United States in 2015, and it's a popular place for delicious teas, lattes with nondairy options, drip coffee, and more. Their coffees are made to order by expert baristas, and the collection of artwork on the walls salutes Madison's independent music scene. There's a spacious back patio, and Indie Coffee's excellent waffles come with a variety of toppings, including chocolate chips, strawberries, and whipped cream. They make granola, muffins, croissants, and bread fresh every day, and they offer a variety of local microbrews for people who don't feel like coffee or tea. This shop is open every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. more Michelangelo's Coffee House Michelangelo's Coffee House makes quality coffee its top priority, and it's a comfortable place to relax. It buys small batches of beans from independent farmers and it makes its own peanut butter bars. There's also a variety of delicious sandwiches and desserts. Michelangelo's Coffee House is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., so it's a great place to get some caffeine before work or late at night. Ancora Coffee This business in Madison has cafes on University Avenue and King Street, and it offers organic fair-trade coffee and a delicious brunch menu. Try the Mint Cold Brew with mint syrup and a splash of cream or the Blackberry Sage Latte with blackberry syrup, espresso, milk, and sage syrup. The Pistachio Vanilla Zombie has white espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and pistachio syrup. For breakfast or brunch, you can enjoy the Honey Bacon Biscuit with a fried egg, chives, bacon, cheddar, and Sriracha honey. The Sausage Jalapeno sandwich comes on an English muffin with sausage, a scrambled egg, blueberry jalapeno jam, arugula, and gruyere. Vegetarian sausage is available, and the Strawberry Pecan salad has parmesan cheese, strawberries, pecans, dried cranberries, red onions, and honey balsamic dressing. Ancora Coffee is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and they open at 7 a.m. on weekends. Cool Beans Coffee Cafe This trendy coffee house has a comfortable interior with a fireplace, wood floors, plush chairs, and large windows that provide lots of natural light. There's a children's play area inside and a sandbox outside, so your kids can have fun while you enjoy your coffee. Try the Turtle Mocha with macadamia nut, chocolate, and caramel syrup or the White Cloud with white coffee, white chocolate, macadamia nut, cinnamon, and steamed milk. There's also an espresso shake with milk, whipped cream, ice cream, and espresso. Cool Beans Coffee Cafe is open on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and it closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For some great coffee, try out these excellent Madison coffee shops. Whether you want to relax or grab a quick drink, you can find a place for coffee you'll love. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Madison is known for a few key things; it's the capital city of Wisconsin and is the home of the University of Wisconsin. However, it's also a place that houses a number of unique and fascinating attractions. Check out these unusual spots to learn more about the city and its history. Lamp House The Robert M. Lamp House, also known as Lamp House, is a unique structure in the heart of the city's downtown area. Many Madison residents don't realize that a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home sits in their midst, as it's one of Wright's forgotten designs. If you can find it, you'll see some of the hallmarks of the famed architect's traditional style. It stands out in the neighborhood because of its blocky style and bold red accents that surround the windows. The home isn't open to visitors, although you can drive or walk by to see it in person. more L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum The L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum is located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Two science professors at the university came up with the idea for the museum in the early 20th century, and when it opened in 1918 it was the first museum in the country to focus specifically on physics. It is named for one of its founding professors, Leonard R. Ingersoll, and showcases exhibits designed by the faculty and constructed by the students in the school's science department. Each exhibit provides a hands-on experience of a physical concept, so it's appealing to both children and adults. Admission is free and guided tours are available for groups. Elvis Karate Fight Plaque The Elvis Karate Fight Plaque sits in an area of Madison where “The King” once broke up a fight. After arriving in the city to perform a show, Elvis was being chauffeured in a limousine. At the corner of East Washington Avenue and Highway 51, two men were fighting on the street. Elvis had his driver stop the car and he got out to stop the fight. A bystander recalls that Elvis took a karate stance and threatened to take both of the fighters on, effectively ending the fight. A crowd of fans gathered when news traveled that he was there, and Elvis waved to the crowd and went on his way. Lost City Forest Lost City Forest is also within Madison's city limits, located on the southeast corner of the arboretum on the University of Wisconsin campus. In the 1920s, Madison was growing quickly, resulting in a need for more housing. The Lake Forest Land Company planned to construct a new housing development in this area, only to find that the marshy land was sucking up foundations and other components needed for sturdy homes. The plans were abandoned, leaving behind a forested area in the middle of the city. Both visitors to the city and long-time residents will enjoy spending some time at these unique Madison attractions. This weekend, make a plan to get out and explore the city. Image by Karen Arnold from Pixabay

If you're planning a trip to the capital city of Wisconsin, you're probably looking for somewhere to stay during your visit. Madison is home to a number of appealing hotels, each offering a wide range of amenities to keep you comfortable. more 1. The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club Located less than a block from Capitol Square, the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of downtown. Many of the rooms offer views of the capitol building. Guests who upgrade to stay in the rooms on the upper three floors get access to the Governor's Club, which includes an evening happy hour and daily breakfast. Each spacious room includes free wireless internet access, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV. For the ultimate in relaxation, upgrade to a room with a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. Additional amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, restaurant, and a complimentary airport shuttle. 2. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Madison When you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Madison, you'll be within walking distance of the shopping and dining options on State Street. It's about a mile from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and offers free shuttle service to several top attractions within 2 miles of the property. In-room amenities include microwaves, complimentary Wi-Fi, and coffee makers. Parking is free, while guests also have access to a fitness center, open 24 hours a day. If you're a Badgers fan, be sure to enjoy at least one meal at the hotel restaurant. It is themed around the local university's mascot and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also upgrade your stay to include access to the breakfast buffet, which is also served in the restaurant. 3. The Edgewater For an upscale stay, book a room at The Edgewater, a boutique hotel located in downtown. It is next to the university campus and within walking distance of Capitol Square. The hotel also sits at the edge of Lake Mendota, which is visible throughout many common areas and guest rooms. Each luxurious room features well-appointed decor elements, a spacious bathroom with a spa shower, and a plush bed to help you rest and relax. The Edgewater is also known throughout Madison for its spa and wellness facilities. Guests can enjoy a pampering facial, massage, or body treatment at the spa, stay active at the onsite fitness center, or even change their look with a visit to the beauty salon. 4. Courtyard Madison East For an affordable stay, check out Courtyard Madison East. This property is close to the East Towne Mall and the University of Wisconsin. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant, which serves breakfast, dinner, and cocktails, or head to one of the nearby restaurants. Additional amenities include a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and complimentary airport shuttle service. Each room has a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a fridge. Whether you're looking for a luxurious, upscale property or sticking to a tight budget, you can find a hotel in Madison that suits your needs. Image via Pixabay by Grungly. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

Are you struggling to find something to do over spring break or the summer that will keep your kids occupied? Fortunately, there are plenty of fun-filled destinations in Madison, Wisconsin, that both kids and parents alike can enjoy. Check out some of our favorite fun-filled destinations and get ready for an afternoon to fly by. more Henry Vilas Zoo The Henry Vilas Zoo was founded in 1904 when William and Anna Vilas donated 50 acres of land to the city in honor of their son Henry. Today, the Henry Vilas Zoo is one of only a few free admission, community-supported public zoos in the country. The zoo is home to 115 species of animals, from African lions to meerkats, giraffes, and rhinoceros. Visit the Big Cats exhibit, which mimics habitats you'd see in the wild, and the Tropical Rainforest Aviary. The zoo takes its commitment to sustainability and conservation seriously and has LEED-certified buildings. Kids will love special educational programs like Breakfast With the Animals or Snooze at the Zoo, a public sleepover for families featuring animal presentations and behind-the-scenes activities. Madison Children's Museum On a cold or rainy day when you have to be indoors, a visit to the Madison Children's Museum is just the thing to keep everyone occupied. The museum offers families the opportunity to move and play, learn, and engage with inspiring and imaginative exhibits. Visit the Bakke Art Studio, where kids can create masterpieces, from weaving to sculpture and drawing. With Stair Trek: Core to Cosmos, you can take an interactive journey from the Earth's core to the outer limits of the universe. The exhibit features the playful voices of children from the Madison community describing the smells, sounds, and experiences of each of these environments. The museum hosts around 200,000 visitors each year, including 300 school groups and hundreds of educational programs. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Spend a day strolling the paths and taking in the beautiful sights of the 16 acres of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The Bolz Conservatory, built in 1991, is a glass pyramid filled with over 650 tropical plants native to regions around the world that bloom year-round, surrounded by free-flying birds and a bubbling waterfall. Visit the Thai pavilion, or "sala," a gift from the government of Thailand and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Explore the Sunken Garden, built like a traditional English garden, and the Rose Garden, featuring more than 700 varieties. Babcock Hall Dairy Store For a treat and a one-of-a-kind experience, visit the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. Founded in 1951, the store currently offers 23 flavors of award-winning cheeses made on-site under the guidance of Gary Grossen, Master Cheesemaker, and featuring ice cream flavors such as salted caramel toffee and grapefruit mango sherbet. Visit the second-story observation deck overlooking the on-site dairy plant to take a guided tour and learn how the Babcock Hall Dairy Store makes cheese and ice cream. Kids will get a kick out of these exciting destinations in Madison. Check them out today. Image v via Pixabay by pasja1000 Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

Visiting our local recreation areas is a great way to connect with nature and each other. Whether you prefer the land or water, there is something for everyone near Madison. Read on to learn about several Madison-area parks that are perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. more Capital Springs Recreation Area The Capital Springs Recreation Area covers almost 2,500 acres and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. The park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course and six miles of hiking trails. Bicyclists can enjoy the Capital City State Trail. Capital Springs includes a huge off-leash dog park with parking and trails to enjoy with your pup. If you enjoy the water, Lake Waubesa and Mud Lake offer opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. In the winter, cross-country skiers can enjoy several groomed trails. If you have family members with disabilities, be sure to check out the Jenni and Kyle Preserve in Capital Springs. The Preserve is a unique area with specially modified play areas, shelters, and trails. The Preserve is one of the few places for those with disabilities to enjoy fishing, thanks to its modified beaches and trails. Capital Springs offers a large number of individual campsites that include electricity. Rustic group campsites for up to 20 people are also available. Pheasant Branch Conservancy With over 160 acres of natural grasslands, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. The Conservancy includes open water, springs, prairies, and wooded areas. You can take in the many scenic overlooks while walking, hiking, and biking on the unpaved trails found throughout the park. Several trails are groomed in the winter months for cross-country skiing. Thanks to its varied landscapes, the Conservancy is a great place to go birdwatching as well. The Conservancy is dedicated to making the outdoors accessible to all. Those with disabilities can reserve an outdoor, all-terrain wheelchair perfect for taking out on the trails. Many volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the park and its animals. Special educational programs include Conservancy Days (every third Tuesday of the month) and Tunes on Tuesday (featuring local musicians). Lake Kegonsa State Park Lake Kegonsa State Park offers lots of outdoor activities. The park includes 96 family campsites, including two designated for those with disabilities. Group campsites capable of holding up to 20 people are also available. The park's five miles of trails are perfect for hiking or biking. Water activities include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. The park includes a designated swimming beach with bathhouse. Those with furry friends can enjoy the trails, camping areas, and special pet swim area. For picnics, check out the five picnic areas, each with its own shelter, sand volleyball pit, and horseshoe area. In the winter months, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing on Lake Kegonsa, and sledding. Spending time in nature is good for the body and soul. The next time you need a little nature time, check out the many amenities available at these Madison parks.     “ Sunset at Lake Kegonsa” via Flickr by ofthebeautyallaround. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Getting outdoors to go camping makes for an awesome weekend getaway. There are some vast camping areas where you can enjoy tent, trailer, or RV camping near Madison, Wisconsin. Let's explore a few of the best places you can camp out this weekend in the local area. 1. Mendota County Park Camping in Mendota County Park is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. You will find that this park has a 5-unit boat camping area and a 30-unit campground. Every campsite has a 30-amp electrical hookup, but you would need to supply an extension cord for hooking up an RV. Campers have access to amenities such as bathrooms, showers, an unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, two shelter facilities, play equipment, volleyball courts, and a shallow launch. The launch is suitable for canoes, small boats, and kayaks. Mendota County Park has something for all ages and you can make reservations. Book your next weekend excursion at Mendota County Park. more 2. Crystal Lake RV Resort and Campground If you're searching for a memorable camping experience that has more to offer than you could imagine, Crystal Lake RV Resort and Campground is the place for you. You can choose to stay in the on-site rentals that include cabins, an A-frame, and yurts, or you can reserve a seasonal site. If you're looking to camp, there are overnight RV sites and rustic tent campsites as well. Activities and events take place throughout the year, such as themed weekends, that will keep you and your family entertained. If that isn't enough, you can go swimming or boating, eat at the restaurant and bar, rent a golf cart or a boat, go fishing, or sit around the fire making s'mores. There are plenty of recreational activities to keep you busy, or you can just sit back and relax, the choice is yours. When planning to visit Crystal Lake RV Resort and Campground, it is always best to book your reservations in advance, as campsites, rentals, and seasonal sites go fast. 3. Viking Village Campground If you're more into "glamping" than rustic tent camping, Viking Village Campground is where you want to go. Though tent camping isn't permitted by itself, you can use a tent along with a camper. There are no pull-through campsites, and only one vehicle is allowed per site unless others are approved at the office. You may also have a boat if room permits. The campground offers 71 campsites, and it is located in the majestic countryside that surrounds Stoughton, Wisconsin. Playing some challenging golf courses and access to four of Wisconsin's most beautiful lakes are just a couple of the varied recreational activities you will have access to while on-site. You and your family are sure to enjoy your stay at this outdoor haven. These are just three of the many places you can camp near Madison, Wisconsin. Check out these locations or find the perfect place for you and your family in the surrounding area. There's a whole outdoor world to explore in Madison, so get out there and find the best spot to set up camp. Image via Pixabay by Pexels. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

Breakfast is thought of as the most important meal of the day, and there are plenty of places in Madison, Wisconsin, to satiate your hunger. Everyone has their own unique taste, and with a little exploration of the local area, you're sure to find a favorite breakfast spot. Here are three eateries where you can stop in for a great breakfast. 1. Crema Cafe This restaurant provides a casual atmosphere where you can find unique sandwiches and breakfast dishes. Each menu item uses thoughtfully sourced ingredients that are sure to excite your taste buds. Crema Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, and the menu consists of real fruit smoothies, a full espresso drink menu, and an excellent in-house bakery. For breakfast, you can indulge on menu items such as lake edge eggs and hash, farmer's scramble aged cheddar, breakfast burger housemage, sweet potato hash, blueberry oat pancakes, crema oatmeal baked, along with many more delicious items to choose from. more 2. Marigold Kitchen If you're looking for food that is creative and healthy, you have located the right place. Marigold Kitchen is an upbeat urban restaurant situated in the heart of downtown. Founded in 2001, Marigold Kitchen works hard to serve its customers the best possible breakfast, brunch, and lunch in the Madison area. Only the finest local ingredients are used to prepare daily items that include fresh-baked pastries, made from scratch soups, bottomless cups of coffee, and creative espresso drinks. For breakfast, you can choose from different pancakes, French toast, eggs, omelets, Marigold breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, avocado toast, duck confit hash, and much more. 3. Short Stack Eatery No matter what time it is, you can get breakfast at Short Stack Eatery. Grab a menu, get in line, order and pay, choose a table, display your number, sit tight, help yourself to drinks and anything else you may need, and finally, relax so you can enjoy your meal. You will be able to choose from menu items that are categorized as sweet eats, savory eats, and sides. From these three categories, you have the option to order assorted pancakes, pecan streusel French toast, pulled pork and cheesy grits, corned beef hash, Cajun biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict, breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwich, eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, ham, three-cheese grits, and other indulgent selections. If you decide to visit the Short Stack Eatery on Saturday or Sunday morning, be prepared to wait. However, everyone in Madison knows, the wait is totally worth it. When you choose this eatery, you're helping to support your local community. These are only a few of the best breakfast eateries to try in the area. Finding a place to grab breakfast in Madison, Wisconsin, is as simple as driving around the block. There's no reason for you to miss the most important meal of the day and there are plenty of places to explore along the way as you search for your favorite breakfast spot. Each of this places is sure to keep you coming back for more. Image via Pixabay by Free-Photos. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

Yoga is a health and fitness activity with benefits that include better strength and flexibility, decreased stress levels, improved heart health, and much more. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, you can find a yoga studio that's right for you in Madison, Wisconsin. The Studio The Studio blends the physical with the mental, combining yoga classes with discussions to expand both body and mind. In addition to classes such as fit, circuit, yoga barre, yoga strong, Prana Vinyasa flow, and more, you can also attend workshops and events. Fitness training is also available. The Studio Downtown is in the historic Machinery Row Building at 625 Williamson St. A second location, The Studio West, is at 701 N. High Point Road. more Earthview Yoga Earthview Yoga offers a huge space in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood with a wide variety of classes for all levels. The studio uses the Bhakti Yoga tradition and stresses community, movement, color, and sound for a positive atmosphere. Classes include waking yoga, vitality flow, Earthview flow, yin, pure energy flow, and more. You'll find Earthview Yoga at 834 E. Washington Ave., above Festival Foods. Inner Fire Yoga Inner Fire Yoga gets its name from tapas, a yoga philosophy that means "fiery discipline" or "internal flame." It stresses a passionate focus and a strong commitment to removing obstacles to one's true nature. Classes are available in hot, power, yin, and sculpt yoga, among others. The studio has three locations: 5003 University Ave., 773 University Ave., and 1813 E. Washington Ave. Yoga Co-op of Madison Yoga Co-op of Madison teaches classical yoga in the Lyengar tradition and is the only studio that focuses on Lyengar yoga. You don't need to join the co-op to attend, but members get discounts on classes. The studio teaches students of all levels and abilities in a non-competitive positive environment. Drop-in classes are taught at three levels, and a class for women is also available. Students can also attend series of classes in Basics, Gentle, and Restorative, as well as Focused Practice, which features more challenging poses as well as discussions to guide students to deeper understanding of the practice. The studio is at 812 East Dayton St., just a few blocks east of the Capitol. Dragonfly Hot Yoga Dragonfly Hot Yoga prides itself on being warm, welcoming, and accepting, focusing on the journey rather than on competition and perfection of skills. You can take classes in fire, flow, yin, and fusion, with varieties such as chakra flow, yin and meditation, and flow and yin, along with prenatal yoga. The studio also offers barre and fitness classes. Locations in Madison are at 309 W. Johnson St. and 610 Junction Road, with other studios in Fitchburg and Sun Prairie. These are just a handful of the many quality yoga studios in Madison. Study these and other studios to find the best one for you. Most offer trial periods and drop-in classes, so you can spend some time doing your research while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of yoga. Image via Pixabay by shushipu. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original