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Italian food is comforting, filling, and flavorful. Even the pickiest eaters love Italian food. If you're trying to decide where your family should have dinner, an Italian restaurant is always a safe bet. Whether you're a fan of pizza, pasta, or seafood, there are plenty of Italian food options throughout Madison, Wisconsin. Naples 15 Naples 15 calls itself the "gateway to Southern Italy." The authentic Italian cuisine is crafted from fresh and flavorful ingredients. The owner and executive chef of Naples 15, Salvatore Di Scala, spent much of his life in Italy with his family, where he learned to cook traditional Neapolitan cuisine. He uses his understanding of classic regional culinary skills to bring outstanding Italian food to Madison. more Novanta Everybody loves pizza. At Novanta, you can grab a slice of delicious Neapolitan pizza. You can build your own pizza, order a specialty pizza off the menu, or you can order an insalate or caprese. If you're craving Italian, Novanta brings you all of the flavors you are seeking. Novanta even sells wine that pairs perfectly with its menu. Porta Bella Porta Bella serves up all of your favorite signature Italian dishes. Their food is comfortable, fresh, and filling. Some of the most popular menu items include the Garibaldi sandwich, which was named one of Madison's best sandwiches by Isthmus magazine; the Porta salad with garbanzo beans, ham, salami, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese; one of the 11 specialty pizzas or a build-you-own option; and lasagna made with Italian-seasoned beef and homemade tomato sauce. Ian's Pizza Looking for creative and innovative pizza options? You can find a variety of unique pizza variations at Ian's Pizza. Ian's all-time best seller is the Mac n' Cheese pizza, which is made from creme, mozzarella, macaroni noodles, and cheddar. Another one-of-a-kind choice is the Smoked Brisket and Tots pizza made from house-made barbecue sauce, mozzarella, smoked brisket, and Tater Tots. Osteria Papavero You can stop by Osteria Papavero for a delicious Italian lunch during your break at work, or you can spend the evening at this restaurant for dinner. Some of Osteria Papavero's dinner menu options include a braised lentil soup with paprika, cumin, carrot and onion called lenticchie, the Antipasto di Pesce made with octopus, calamari, scallops, gigante bean salad, and other ingredients; or the daily risotto. Lombardino's If you're hungry for some gourmet Italian food, but don't feel like getting dressed up for dinner, visit Lombardino's. This friendly neighborhood restaurant serves up mouthwatering Italian food in a casual atmosphere. It serves everything from brick oven pizzas, to pasta, to meat prepared on a wood-fired grill. Don't forget dessert: At Lombardino's, you can finish off your meal with an olive oil, almond, and rosemary cake, bocca nera, pumpkin budino, or several other tasty treats. Whether you're looking for a formal Italian meal or a casual bite to eat, there is an Italian restaurant in Madison for you. If you want to try all of them, you will need a vehicle to drive around town. Shop at Smart Toyota to find new and used vehicles that can help you get from here to there. Image via Pixabay by Couleur. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

When the weather is less than desirable and the kids can't go outside to play, head to one of the best indoor places in Madison, Wisconsin, for a day of fun. Madison Children's Museum Let your children's imaginations run wild as they explore Madison Children's Museum. The museum includes three floors that are filled with interactive exhibits where kids can get hands-on and learn about science, history, art, and more. Additionally, they can wander around the rooftop garden and step inside an authentic log cabin. Madison Children's Museum is located at 2116, 100 N Hamilton St. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. more Escape in Time Test your family's skills to work together and find clues to solve puzzles to escape the room before time runs out at Escape in Time. This full-immersion experience features several rooms that are intrinsically designed to give you the full experience. Choose from such rooms as Bunker 57 where zombies lurk and Cryosleep, where you've been kidnapped and taken on a space journey. Escape in Time is located at 6527 Normandy Lane, Suite #203. It is open Thursday from 1:15 to 9 p.m., Friday from 1:15 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9:15 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. PlayN Wisconsin At PlayN Wisconsin, kids can burn off energy as they run and play in the enormous indoor play showroom. The 12,000 square-foot facility features trampolines, play sets, slides, climbing walls, swings, basketball hooks, trainers, and more. While the facility sells the equipment, families are invited to play during open play times throughout the week. PlayN Wisconsin is located at 3919 Parmenter Street. Open play is offered Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sky Zone Trampoline Park At Sky Zone Trampoline Park, kids can jump to their heart's content on the massive wall-to-wall trampolines. They can test their strength and agility on the ninja warrior course, try to scale the warped wall, climb the boulder wall, or slowly work their way up the skyladder. Sky Zone Trampoline Park is located at 2134 W. Beltline Highway. It is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Chuck E. Cheese Kids can enjoy a delicious slice of pizza and have fun playing arcade and carnival games at Chuck E. Cheese. As they play games, they can earn tickets to cash in for prizes to bring home as well. In addition to pizza, they can also dine on a salad bar, cotton candy, and more. Chuck E. Cheese is located at 438 Grand Canyon Drive. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Regardless of the weather, there's always something fun and entertaining for kids to do in Madison.   “ Madison Children’s Museum” via Flickr by puroticorico. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Wisconsin is known for cheese. There's no shortage of excellent cheese shops that make their own cheese and supply it to the masses in and around Madison. Whether you're in the mood for a slice or wheel, here's where to try the tastiest cheeses in the area. more Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet has been family-owned and operated for more than 49 years. Specializing in Wisconsin-made cheeses, Ehlenbach's has more than 400 types of cheese products available in 15 different categories. Have a seat and sample their specialty cheeses that are truly unique, such as chocolate cheese fudge, blueberry cheddar, and baked bread cheese. They carry cheddar cheeses that range from mild to those that have aged for 14 years, giving them a deep, delicious flavor. They even create their own specialty blue cheese and smoked cheeses on-site. In addition to local cheese, Ehlenbach's also offers locally-made beef summer sausage, gourmet candy, wines, state memorabilia, beef jerky, and more. Ehlenbach's Cheese Chalet is located at 4879 County Road V in DeForest, about 15 miles north of Madison. It opens at 8 a.m. daily; closing times vary by season. Fromagination For a taste of some of the finest artisan cheeses around, head to Fromagination. Here, you can try a number of Wisconsin cheeses, such as varieties made with cow milk, goat milk, and sheep milk, as well as blue, cheddar, and stinky cheeses. Their Wisconsin Mountain cheese is made from the milk of animals that graze in the highest pastures. Fromagination's bloomy-rind cheeses are exposed to mold spores, which create a fuzzy rind and add to the stinky, yet mouth-watering, flavors. If you're looking to expand your cheese knowledge, take one of their classes that are taught by a cheesemonger and learn how to perfectly pair cheese with cocktails, wine, crackers, and beer. Fromagination is located at 12 South Carroll St. It is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Mousehouse Cheesehaus Whether you're looking for a small taste of cheese or a bulk order to take home, The Mousehouse Cheesehaus has you covered. The family-owned and operated shop supplies quality Wisconsin cheese to those who crave the nutty, creamy, and stinky dairy delight. Their cheddar is aged anywhere from one to 15 years and is perfect for slicing and eating plain or with a platter of appetizers. The aged Asiago cheddar spread has a wonderfully nutty flavor that is delicious smoothed over bread or crackers. Like the stinky side of cheese? Top your salad with aged Gorgonzola or for a sweeter taste, try the apricot honey cheddar spread. If you prefer a tasty kick for the ball game, order a container of Asiago and jalapeno cheddar spread. The Mousehouse Cheeshaus is located at 4494 Lake Circle in Windsor, Wisconsin, which is about 16 miles north of Madison. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift, there's a variety of tasty cheeses that are locally-made in and around Madison, Wisconsin.   “ Cheese cave at uplands” via Flickr by Jonny Hunter. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

When the days are short and cold and the snow begins to fall, celebrate the winter at one of these exciting winter festivals in Madison, Wisconsin. From wintry outdoor sports and magical, flickering lights to creamy, frothy treats, these unique winter festivals in Madison have something for every member of the family to enjoy. more 1. Holiday Fantasy in Lights Pack up the kids and take a drive through colorful lights at Holiday Fantasy in Lights, November 10 through January 1. Presented by the Electric Group of IBEW Local 159, this holiday treat features tunnels, sculptures, and displays of flickering lights that are sure to get in you into the holiday spirit. The Electric Group founded this festival in 1989 and uses the skills of local electricians and contractors, along with local resources, to create this magical gift for the city, its citizens, and its visitors. Each year the displays increase in size and there are now more than 15,000 LED bulbs in use. By using LEDs instead of the former incandescent light bulbs, the group has been able to dramatically reduce the overall energy consumption at the event. In addition to the light display, participants can also take part in a 5K run and 2M walk. Be sure to stick around for food, drinks, and live musical entertainment. Holiday Fantasy in Lights will be held at Olin Park. 2. Madison Winter Festival Bring the family out for a day of snowy fun at the Madison Winter Festival. Held February 1-2, 2020, this community festival celebrates winter sports, art, outdoor recreation, and healthy lifestyles. Join in one of the competitions, such as Nordic skiing, snowshoe races, and the fat bike race. Kids will get a kick out of playing in the Activity Corner, where they have snow fort battles, go sledding or cross-country skiing, play a round of mini ice golf, or even paint on ice canvases or a Subaru. Grab some tasty morsels and head to the ice carving demonstrations to be amazed by the sculptures created by talented artists or listen to live music. When night falls, take a candlelit ski tour, then gather around the campfire to warm up with s'mores and hot chocolate. The Madison Winter Festival will be held at Elver Park. 3. Isthmus Beer and Cheese Fest Warm yourself up this winter by sampling local brews and cheeses at the Isthmus Beer and Cheese Fest on January 18. Meet with local cheesemakers and brewers and learn about their craft, then vote for your favorite beer and cheese. Take a seat and enjoy the music at the Piano Fondue Dueling Pianos while you sip on your libations. Take a free shuttle to and from the festival to avoid traffic or ride your bike along one of two major bike paths to the festival: the Wingra Creek Bike Path and Capital City Trail. Isthmus Beer and Cheese Fest will be held at the Alliant Energy Center. Whether you want to don your skis and join the competition or vote for the best brew in town, there's plenty of great winter festivals in Madison, Wisconsin.   “ Fun with a chain saw” via Flickr by John Benson. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Over the past couple of years, Madison has seriously raised its hamburger game. No longer will you find floppy fries, poorly-cooked patties, or limp lettuce with so much healthy competition and high-quality grub to be found. But what exactly makes a good burger? We searched high and low on the streets of Madison to create the ultimate list of burger joints in town that tick all the boxes for burger lovers on a mission. more Dotty Dumpling's Dowry If you're looking for a relaxed and friendly place with a pub atmosphere (and a great selection of local craft beer to boot), head on down to Dotty Dumpling's Dowry. The burgers here are super fresh and made to order, so you can have medium-rare, well done, or however you like it best! And although we're all about the burgers, you simply can't leave Dotty's without trying the cheese curds. We also highly recommend the Heart Throb burger for those who like to spice things up a little. Deliciously juicy, and loaded with Pepper Jack cheese and bacon - a true match made in burger heaven. Come hungry, leave satisfied. Graze We love Graze, not only for its outstanding food but for its ethical and forward-thinking outlook, too. As suggested by the name, grass-fed animals and rotational grazing are championed by this restaurant, which sources pretty much all of its meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables locally in Wisconsin. A happy cow makes for a very tasty burger. The Double Cheese Smash Burger proved to be just as good as its name promises, and you can even go along with your vegan pals, as Graze is happy to substitute meat for The Impossible burger. So, the local farmer is happy, your vegan friends are happy, and believe us, you will be very happy too. The Old Fashioned You may casually drop in to The Old Fashioned, enticed by the name and in search of a well-muddled Old Fashioned (which, coincidentally, you are sure to find), but one of the most pleasant discoveries of this Madison restaurant is its delicious burger selection. We were crazy about the olive oil mayonnaise in burger no.28 (yes, they're numbered), and the char-grilled flavor of the patties. The Old Fashioned celebrates simple yet high-quality food, just like your Grandma used to make. Oh, and if you're a fan of bargains as well as burgers, drop by on Monday night for buy one, get one free on cheeseburgers. You can thank us later. After eating our way around Madison, burger by burger, we have narrowed down what makes a burger stand out above the rest. Starting with high-quality protein, it needs to be cooked to perfection in order to leave that juiciness (read: messiness) that is essential to the burger-eating experience. Locally-sourced meats are a plus to ensure optimal freshness, and although we like to keep it simple, quality cheese and condiments give it the make-or-break factor. Top it all off with a bun (we love a shiny brioche) and tuck in - no cutlery, please!   “ Mushroom Swiss Burger 1” via Flickr by Mosespreciado. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

When the family budget doesn't quite stretch to an all-inclusive vacation in the Riviera Maya or intrepid exploration of the Chichen Itza pyramids, the second-best option will have to do. What is that option, you ask? Why, heading to a deliciously authentic Mexican restaurant in Madison to get your fill of tacos, chilaquiles, and queso, of course! We've hunted down our favorite Mexican eateries in Madison, WI, for you, so the hardest decision you'll have to make is choosing where to go first. more Taqueria Guadalajara One thing we love about Taqueria Guadalajara is its extensive menu, which boasts not only veggie-friendly options but also traditional Mexican fare, and not just your typical Tex Mex grub. Okay, maybe that is more than one thing, but we love it here! The mole is a must-try, and with flavor-rich tacos starting at $2 a pop, you can feed the masses without breaking the bank here. The horchata is sweet and cinnamony enough to conjure distant childhood memories of the comfort drink Abuela used to make. Eldorado Grill We highly recommend Eldorado for those who prefer high-quality Mexican fusion. Here you can find deliciously crafted Southwestern food, such as their famous Baby Back Ribs, alongside mouthwatering Mexican classics such as pork adobo with queso fresco. Ask for it extra spicy! Wash it all down with a margarita, made with 100% agave tequila. Head over on a Tuesday to try their Top Shelf Tuesdays and have the chance to taste test some of the best tequilas they offer at a discounted price, perfectly paired with tasty tacos. Tex Tubb's Taco Palace If you're looking for a trendy, colorful restaurant with plenty of food options for the whole family, head on down to Tex Tubb's. We loved the bottomless chips and homemade salsas, and vegans will find bliss with the vegan nachos and queso. The service is quick and friendly, and the happy hour will keep you entertained at a low price - why not try one of each of their specialty margaritas?  Eating at Tubb's is a unique experience, and truly one to be repeated. Tacos served in a vintage toy car, anyone? La Mestiza At La Mestiza, you're sure to find fresh, authentic, and flavorful food. It's almost as good as a trip to Mexico City! With a wide range of enchiladas available on the menu, we dare you to try something different from your usual chicken taco. We absolutely loved the spicy shrimp enchiladas. While we've got you out of your comfort zone, do not leave without having eaten nopales - that's cactus to you and me. A truly delightful culinary experience! Wisconsin, despite being geographically distant from Mexico, still packs a punch in terms of spice, flavor, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Madison sure didn't disappoint us on our taco pilgrimage, and we loved the variety of ingredients and gastronomical styles we experienced along the way. As connoisseurs of Mexican cuisine, Madison has our seal of approval!   “ tacos Sinaloa selection” via Flickr by scaredykay. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

As the capital of Wisconsin and the second-largest city in the state, Madison offers a variety of interesting things to do and see. If you're planning to visit the city and you want to discover everything it has to offer, make sure you don't miss these top attractions. 1. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a stunning 16-acre outdoor garden display that features an incredible mix of hearty Midwest plants and colorful tropical greenery. Every season offers something new to see. Stop by in the spring to check out the blooming bulbs. Come in the summer to experience the bright annuals and perennials. Fall showcases colorful mums and brilliant red, orange, and yellow trees, and winter has pops of color with evergreens and berries. Winter is also the perfect time to check out the year-round tropical paradise in the Bolz Conservatory. more 2. Henry Vilas Zoo If you want to learn more about exotic animals and those that are native to Wisconsin, plan a trip to the Henry Vilas Zoo. The zoo is home to over 650 animals from around the world, including 20 that are considered endangered or vulnerable. Some of the popular exhibits at the zoo include the Arctic Passage, Big Cats Exhibit, North American Prairie, Primate House, Tropical Rainforest Aviary, Savanna and High Plains, and Discovery Center and Herpetarium. Best of all, the county owns the zoo, which means it doesn't charge an admission fee. 3. Wisconsin State Capitol Wisconsin's Capitol building reaches over 265 feet in the sky and is topped by an elegant gilded bronze statue, making it one of the most eye-catching parts of the city's skyline. The best way to experience the beauty and history of the building is to take a tour. Free tours of the Capitol are offered daily except on certain holidays. The tour lasts between 45 and 55 minutes and lets you check out special rooms in the building and learn more about daily operations. During the summer, the sixth-floor museum and observation deck are also open. 4. Chazen Museum of Art The Chazen Museum of Art located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a collection of more than 20,000 works of art that represent the entire spectrum of art history. As you tour the museum, you'll see paintings and sculptures from a variety of cultures, periods, and genres. Some of the popular artists displayed at the museum include Salvador Dali, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, and Grandma Moses. 5. Dane County Farmers' Market The Dane County Farmers' Market is one of the largest producer-only markets in the United States. The popular Saturday on the Square market is held on the beautiful tree-lined grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol building. During the winter, the market moves indoors to the Madison Senior Center. No matter when you visit, you'll find an incredible selection of fruits, vegetables, honey, cheeses, bakery items, and more straight from the growers and makers. When you want to experience the best that Madison has to offer, you know you can't go wrong when you check out these top attractions around the city.   “ olbrich_005” via Flickr by kfcasper. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

It's true, summer is coming to an end in Madison, Wisconsin, but that doesn't mean the good times have to stop as well. Instead, it's time to start looking forward to a variety of exciting fall activities. When you're ready to get outside and see what the area has to offer, make plans to check out one of these fun things to do in the fall near Madison. more 1. Eugster's Farm Market and Petting Farm To experience all those classic and exciting fall activities, travel 15 minutes south of Madison to Eugster's Farm Market and Petting Farm. If you come for the Fall Festival Weekends, you can head out to the U-Pick apple orchard to fill a bag with your choice of apples, stop by the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin, explore the 8-acre corn maze, walk through the haunted house, take a wagon ride, or stroll through the petting zoo to meet the farm animals. 2. Dane County Farmers' Market Held on Saturday mornings on the Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmers' Market is one of the largest producer-only markets in the country. If you're looking to fill your basket with some of the freshest fall produce from local farms, this is the place to go. You'll find apples, corn, eggplant, melons, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, berries, and more. In addition to fresh produce, you'll also be able to stock up on honey, nuts, jellies, jams, maple syrup, plants, cheese, meat, dairy, and baked goods. 3. Cherokee Marsh Hayride During the fall, the City of Madison Parks Division offers a schedule of hayrides for everyone to enjoy. One popular option is the Cherokee Marsh Hayride, which tours the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. If you decide to take this hayride, you'll climb aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon to view the beautiful sights of the park. After the ride, volunteers from the Friends of Cherokee Marsh will offer a free, short nature hike. While you're there, you can also enjoy free marshmallows to roast on the fire and hot cider. 4. Olbrich Botanical Gardens Olbrich Botanical Gardens is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but it's especially lovely in the fall. As you stroll around the 16-acre outdoor display garden, you can take in the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves. The garden also hosts a variety of special fall events. This year, GLEAM: Art in a New Light is back by popular demand. This exhibition features stunning light installations around the gardens. 5. Schuster's Playtime Farm Another fun place to visit this fall near Madison is Schuster's Playtime Farm. During the fall season, you can ride the wagon out to the 14-acre pumpkin patch, practice your aim firing an apple cannon, get lost in the 8-acre corn maze, take a thrilling walk through the Haunted Forest, and enjoy savory treats that include caramel apples, cider donuts, kettle corn, and hot apple cider. When you're interested in having some fun around Madison this fall, be sure to check out a few of these outstanding events.   “ Fall color Madison, WI, October, 2011” via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Sometimes visiting places off the beaten track is the perfect way to explore interesting locations that are aren't your typical everyday attractions. In Madison, consider these quirky destinations for intriguing and memorable adventures. 1. Cave of the Mounds The Cave of the Mounds is definitely off the beaten track when you're looking for natural beauty that has stood the test of time. The cave was discovered in 1939 and listed as a National Natural Landmark. Inside the cool recesses of the cave, a rainbow of crystal formations casts colorful hues along paved walkways. Take the guided tour and learn about the centuries-old cave and its history from the tour guides. Enjoy additional activities, including digging for fossils, mining for gems, hiking scenic trails, and relaxing in the Butterfly Gardens. While visiting, you'll have access to the rock and gift shops for a souvenir, a snack bar for refreshments, or you can pack a lunch and relax at the picnic area. Cave of the Mounds is open year-round with tours starting every 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the season, rain or shine. Tours last about one hour. more 2. House on the Rock For a truly astounding example of architecture, the House on the Rock tops the list. The home is unique in more ways than one. Construction on the home began in 1945 by Alex Jordan, who had a vision of creating a retreat that would be perched upon the rock formation, providing a panorama of scenic views. The tour of the home is broken down into three sections. You will be guided through 13 creative rooms featuring beautiful decor amid soft colors and hues, treasures and collectibles, exquisite fireplaces, handcrafted dolls, music machines, and much more. The tour includes the Gate House, Spirit of Aviation, Music of Yesterday, Streets of Yesterday, The Mill House, Organ Room, Inspiration Point, Doll House Room, Circus Room, The Galleries, The Doll Carousel Room, the 218-foot Infinity Room comprised of over 3,000 pieces of glass, Indoor Carousel, and the Heritage of the Sea complete with a 200-foot tall denizen of the deep display. Outside, the Japanese Gardens features a 14-foot waterfall. 3. Lamp House For architecture enthusiasts, the Lamp House is a "must-see" in Madison. The home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for his childhood friend, Robert Lamp. Located at 22 North Butler Street, the three-story home was built in 1903. The house features squares, tiered rectangles, a diamond pattern in the brickwork, casement windows with leaded glass, and atop the third story, a roof garden. The Lamp House is set back from the street amid a landscaped garden designed back in the day with decorative urns, detailed curbs, and stone walls to evoke a solitary environment. Although the impressive home is privately owned, it continues to draw artists, architects, and history buffs for its historical importance. Take a walk on the wild and unusual side, get up-close to ancient natural formations, and step back into a time when a legendary architect made dreams come true. Enjoy visiting these unique destinations that will take you off the beaten path.   “ Cave of the Mounds 15” via Flickr by minnemom. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

On a hot summer's day, few things beat delicious ice cream. Madison, Wis., boasts many great ice cream parlors; here are some of the best. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream From humble beginnings in 1962, the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company now has four stores and a manufacturing plant in Madison, and supplies over 400 small businesses nationwide. The ice cream is made from the milk of Wisconsin cows and the company uses real ingredients for the flavors. The Chocolate Shoppe offers more than 70 flavors of ice cream, some sporting names like Exhausted Parent (with Bourbon-spiked espresso); Fat Elvis, featuring banana ice cream with peanut butter ripple; and “This $&@! Just Got Serious” (with salted caramel ice cream, sea salt fudge, and salted cashews). It also sells frozen yogurt and no-added-sugar and vegan options. more Babcock Hall Dairy Store The Babcock Hall Dairy Store is located on Linden Drive and attached to the dairy plant so the ice cream is always fresh. As well as standard flavors, this on-campus store has feature flavors that may be made only once, seasonally, or for special events. It also serves a variety of ice cream pies, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and malts and shakes. You could try Berry Proud Parent with vanilla ice cream, raspberries, and chocolate chips; Pomegranate Greek frozen yogurt; Blue Moon (yes, it's blue!); Mocha Macchiato; or Grapefruit Mango sherbet. The store also has a second-floor observation deck overlooking the dairy plant. La Michoacana For ice cream with a taste of Mexico, La Michoacana has two eateries in Madison on Odana Road and East Washington Ave. The ice cream and other frozen products are made in house using only fresh fruit and local ingredients. The high fruit content means less sugar and fewer additives are used. Some of the unusual ice cream flavors offered include coconut, cajeta made from caramelized goats' milk, queso (yes, cheese!), and tequila, which tastes just like a margarita. Mangonada is the house specialty and is mango ice cream with chamoy, a pickled fruit sauce. Also popular here are paletas, which are popsicles made with pieces of fresh fruit frozen in juice. Kilwins In this quaint store on State Street, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store. There are so many choices, you won't know where to start. Kilwins might be a chain, but all the goodies are made in the store. You'll find candy apples, chocolate treats, creamy fudge, and of course, ice cream. Kilwins offers more than 40 flavors with large scoops served in fresh-made waffle cones. Alongside the old favorites, they offer flavors such as Cake Batter, Turtle Cheesecake, Raspberry Greek Yogurt, and Key Lime Pie. Seasonal offerings include Pumpkin Pie and The Perfect Apple Pie. If you're not sure what to try, you can get a free tasting sample. One of these Madison ice cream stores is bound to become your new favorite.   “ Blueberry ice cream cone” via Flickr by m01229. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Summertime is festival time and in and around Madison, Wisconsin. You'll find some awesome events to help celebrate the season. Here are some of the best festivals in 2019. more Dane County Fair - July 18 to 21 The family-friendly Dane County Fair dates back to 1851. The four-day event is held at the Alliant Energy Center and features nightly concerts, daily stunt shows, the lumberjack show, and  more. The Kiddie Farm gives young ones the chance to see, meet, and touch farm animals, and learn about farming. Special events include Thursday's Hometown Hero Day, Friday's kid's day activities, Saturday's agricultural-based farm fresh day, and Sunday's family fiesta activities. A wide variety of food is available, and vendors and exhibitors will be offering their goods. The gates open at 9 a.m. and the carnival operates from noon to 11 p.m. Midwest Fire Fest – July 27 and 28 The Midwest Fire Fest is held in scenic Westside Park in downtown Cambridge. It celebrates all things created from fire, smoke, and heat, such as metal art, forging, welding, pottery, and glass. Entertainment is provided by bands, fire dancers, 11 live fire demonstrations, and more. Approximately 10 food vendors offer tasty choices, and wine, cider, and craft beer are served in the beer tent. Dramatic displays include a 1,000-pound hot-iron pour, a seven-foot fire sculpture produced from a 13-foot flaming kiln, and live knife, iron, and metal demonstrations. You can also enjoy the Saturday night fire feast. The festival is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Middleton Good Neighbor Festival – Aug 23 to 25 Since 1964, the Middleton Good Neighbor Festival has been bringing the community together. Located in Firemen's Park, the event offers entertainment and activities for the whole family. You'll find your favorite food choices in the Food Court, which will also feature daily specials. Live bands perform on the stage and, on Friday night, family movies are shown on the big screen. Additionally, a carnival operates throughout the weekend and you can have fun playing laser tag. An arts-and-crafts show offers more than 100 booths showcasing a diverse range of products. The annual parade on Sunday has a SuperHero City theme. The event runs Friday 5 p.m. through Sunday 6 p.m. and is open late Friday and Saturday. Taste of Madison – Aug 31 and Sept 1 Capital Square hosts the Taste of Madison food festival, which has three entertainment stages, over 80 participating restaurants selling more than 200 menu items, and 26 beverage vendors with beer, wine, soda, and more. Details of the entertainment will be released in August. The festival is open 2 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; admission is free. Head out to these great festivals this summer and enjoy great entertainment, food, and drink while supporting local charities and worthy causes.   “ Fire Dancer” via Flickr by SteFou!. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concerts on the Square Series is an outdoor music series held every summer on the lawn of the Capital Square. Located at the King Street Corner of Capital Square, the series is a summer classic. Admission is free and there is plenty of food, music, and fun for everyone. You can reserve a spot with your blanket beginning at 3:00 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. show start. The concerts take place every Wednesday throughout the summer. Here's a look at this summer's lineup. more East Meets West On June 26 the series kicks off with East Meets West, a mash-up featuring WCO's Young Artist winner Sakurako Erikson on the piano. Enjoy Albeniz, Ravel's "Valses Nobles et Sentimentales," Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto" performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Finlandia On July 10 the Orchestra will pair with Madison resident and accordion virtuoso Sergei Belkin. They will perform a mix of forgotten works and popular favorites featuring selections by Dvorak, Giazunov, Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance," Piazzolla's "Oblivion," and closing the show with "Finlandia" by Sibellius. If you happen to miss the show, Sergei Belkin will be performing again that Friday, July 12 at Paquette Park in Portage. You can contact the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for ticket information. Film Night July 17 is Film Night featuring Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concertmaster Suzanne Beia on the violin. Move to the music from your favorite movies like John Williams' "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Schindler's List," "Magnificent Seven," Hess's "Ladies in Lavender," and more. Abbey Road Take a stroll down memory lane on July 24 with the return of guest artist Jeans 'n Classics. The event features works from the Beatles' Abbey Road album celebrating its 50th anniversary. Jeans 'n Classics is known nationwide for their faithful interpretation of classic works from all walks of musical life. This night you'll hear classic Beatles tunes "Penny Lane," "Hey Jude," and "Day Tripper" to name a few. Rockin' Rachmaninov The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra wraps up the summer concert series with Rockin' Rachmaninov. Rachmaninov's classic "Piano Concerto No. 2" will be performed by world-renowned Russian piano virtuoso Ilya Yakushev. Mozart's "Magic Flute Overture" and Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" are featured along with "Cornish Rhapsody" by Hubert Bath. If you are a music lover, you won't want to miss these shows. If you have never seen a performance of a classic by a professional orchestra, this is the series to get you hooked. Pick one or pick them all, they are free to enjoy. Come celebrate the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's 36th season of Concerts on the Square and enjoy the best music in Wisconsin. Image via pixabay by Russell_Yan. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original