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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

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

While family vacations and weekend outings are great, it's often hard for busy families to get away. The answer could be a day trip. You can find many interesting destinations the kids will enjoy near Madison, Wisconsin, and you won't have to shell out money for lodging. Check out these ideas for fun day trips. Devil's Lake State Park The largest park in Wisconsin, Devil's Lake State Park is 35 miles northwest of Madison featuring huge bluffs and pink quartzite cliffs along the lake. It's a favorite among geologists, rock climbers, botanists, hikers, and birders, drawing 1.3 million visitors each year. Scuba divers love the lake for its incredible clearness. There's something for everyone in the family in this beautiful and spectacular park. You can also visit the nature center, view American Indian mounds, and swim at the beach. You can find so many more fun day trips for the whole family in the beautiful areas around Madison, but these will get you started. If you're really pressed for time, embrace nature right in the city with 16 acres of beauty at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. more Wisconsin Dells Just an hour from Madison, Wisconsin Dells offers fantastic waterparks such as Noah's Ark Waterpark, the fifth-largest in the United States and 17th-largest in the world. You can also choose from a number of amusement parks that offer go karts, zipline tours, rides, and much more. As exciting as these parks are, Wisconsin offers more. Railfans will appreciate the Mid-Continent Railway Museum and the Riverside and Great Northern Railway living museum, kids can pan for gold at Dells Mining Company, and the whole family will enjoy the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum. The House on the Rock, originally built as a retreat on top of a rock chimney, grew into a huge attraction with unique collections such as maritime displays, a calliope, a Japanese garden, an intricate miniature circus, and much more. You can go on a boat tour and take a stop for the Witches Gulch Canyon Hike, a 2-mile trek through a narrow canyon where you'll see beautiful views of sandstone. Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area offers beautiful views of cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. Mount Horeb You'll get a unique look at Norwegian heritage when you visit Mount Horeb, about a 30-minute drive from Madison. Dubbed "Troll Capital of the World," Mount Horeb's main street boasts life-size trolls carved from tree trunks, and you can find many specialty, gift, and antique shops, as well as wineries and artisan farms. From there, you can go on a tour of Cave of the Mounds and enjoy nature at Blue Mound State Park. Both are named for the Blue Mounds, a pair of nearby hills. Circus World Museum Baraboo, the childhood home of the Ringling brothers, was also their circus' winter home. There, you can enjoy the Circus World Museum and see performances by clowns, aerialists, and magicians all summer. The exhibit hall is open all year, as is the Wagon Pavilion, which boasts a huge collection of restored circus wagons. And don't miss the 7-mile trip to the Land of Evermor, a unique scrap-metal sculpture park.     “ Devil’s Lake” via Flickr by philbencomo. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

If there's one thing that Wisconsin is famous for, it is cheese. The state is known for making (and eating) tons of cheese each year, of all varieties. Where is all of this cheese made? In cheese factories, of course. There are hundreds of cheese factories all over Wisconsin that provide tours that illustrate how the cheese is made. Here's a list of some incredible cheese tours in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. more 1. Fromagination Located in Madison, Fromagination has been open since 2007 and provides guests the chance to view, smell, and taste a wide selection of cheeses. This specialty cheese shop supplies different local cheeses as well as cheese from all across the United States and the world. However, most of the products found in the shop are local Wisconsin cheeses. With a cheese tour, visitors can discover how the cheese is made. Tasting sessions are held both in-shop and sometimes off-site. During a cheese tasting, a Fromagination cheesemonger will discuss the cheese and its flavor, so you'll have all the information you need to try the cheese for yourself. 2. Alp and Dell Cheese Store (Emmi Roth Cheese Factory) The Alp and Dell Cheese Store and the adjacent Emmi Roth Cheese Factory in Monroe, Wisconsin, specializes in producing fresh and locally-made cheeses. Some varieties of cheese at this store include cheddar, Swiss, and artisan cheeses, as well as unique cheeses made using sheep and goat milk. With over 125 specialty cheeses available, customers will surely want to set up a tour to observe the cheese making process and to sample different cheeses. Free tours are provided at 10 a.m. on Monday through Friday and on Saturday at 11 a.m. Additionally, if you have a large group, guided tours are available with a reservation. To register for a cheese tour, you will need to call the Alp and Dell retail store in advance. 3. Cedar Grove Cheese Cedar Grove Cheese makes its home in Plain, Wisconsin, and is a family-owned cheese factory that has been in business for more than 140 years. At its start, Cedar Grove Cheese made only Colby and cheddar cheeses. However, this establishment has since expanded. This cheese factory currently produces a broad selection of cheese including several kinds of cheddar, Butterkaese, muenster, Havarti, farmer, and Monterey Jack. Cedar Grove Cheese also has a variety of reduced fat and low sodium cheeses as well as an organic selection of cheese. All cheeses at this cheese factory are made using cow, sheep, and goat milk. If you're interested in learning more about the cheese at Cedar Grove Cheese, cheese tours are available for individuals or groups. It is recommended that you call in advance to book a tour. On any of these cheese tours around Madison, Wisconsin, you'll have the opportunity to taste a wide range of delicious cheese and learn about the cheese-making process firsthand from the experts. So, what are you waiting for? Pick a cheese factory or two and register for a tour today. Image via Pixabay by PublicDomainPictures. Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

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