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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

"Summertime, summertime, sum, sum summertime" are lyrics from an upbeat 1950s song that inspires folks to want to get up and go out and find some fun in the summertime. In Madison, there are plenty of options to choose from for all ages to enjoy the day and soak up some rays. Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum Put on your walking shoes and sunglasses in preparation for enjoying the beauty of nature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. For hiking enthusiasts, you'll have access to 17 miles of scenic trails along boardwalks, fire lanes, and footpaths. Along the way, you'll observe different landscapes from wetlands and woodlands to prairies and savannas. Save time to visit the natural areas, too. These are undisturbed areas that show Wisconsin landscape in its original form. Anyone who likes to grow plants, trees, and flowers will want to take one of three garden tours. The 35-acre Longenecker Horticultural Gardens is a palette of visual color with thousands of vines, trees, shrubs, plants; some native to Wisconsin. The Viburnum Garden hosts three acres with multiple varieties and species of arborvitae and Viburnum. The third area is the four-acre Wisconsin Native Plant Garden that is home to 15 gardens filled with native Wisconsin species. The visitor center is open Monday through Sunday, for information on seasonal hours of operation and events. more Henry Vilas Zoo Get in touch with the wild side of life with a visit to Henry Vilas Zoo, which is home to more than 650 animals from around the world. From aardvarks to yellow-banded poison dart frogs, and nearly everything in-between, you'll observe and learn about 115 interesting and intriguing species. The zoo is home to mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, arthropods, and fish. Among these are 20 endangered species. Your visit will take you through several continents that include Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America and a variety of exhibits. Throughout the year, the zoo hosts events in support and celebration of the wildlife. The zoo is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ice Age National Scenic Trail For hikers and backpackers who want to experience the challenge of a trail while enjoying panoramic views and scenic landscape, add the Ice Age Trail to your summertime itinerary. With over 1,000 miles to traverse, you'll walk along the edge of a continental glacier. The trail is entirely in Wisconsin and winds its way through multiple counties and parks. The views are spectacular, and the landscape offers opportunities for taking photos, viewing wildlife, and observing many bird species. Along some parts of the trail, bicycles are allowed but no motorized vehicles or ATVs are permitted. At certain state, national, and county parks, camping is available including primitive and full-facility campsites. Take your summertime fun to another level of excitement by visiting Madison's great outdoor attractions. They're sure to make memorable impressions.   “ Big Spring-UW Arboretum 10-07-2012 169” via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 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

Summer is the season for doing things outdoors. What better way to enjoy the summer than by visiting a local festival. Music, arts, food, and fun await at these festivals in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. Dane County Fair The Dane County Fair will be at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison from July 18 through 21. Special shows like Lady Houdini will amaze fairgoers and you can check in on the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, packed with friendly competition from professional lumberjacks. Both events are free with your fair admission. The fair offers unique daily theme-related activities for the whole family. Youth exhibits in the Exhibition Hall show off the bright young minds of Dane County. The pavilions and arena building are packed with all types of animals. There's even a Kiddie Farm where you can see the cutest baby animals in the county. Nightly concerts will provide great music after the daytime fun is finished. Of course, the fair features a carnival as well, full of rides and games the whole family will enjoy. Check the Dane County Fair website for carnival specials. There are lots of vendors selling handcrafted goods, t-shirts, and so much more. And a fair wouldn't be a fair without those delicious food vendors. There will be barbecue, Asian grills, tacos, funnel cakes, and other fair fare. Admission to the fair is only $8 per person, $3 for ages 6-11, and kids under 6 are free. Parking is free and the gates open at 9:00 a.m. and most everything runs until 11:00 p.m. more Art Fair on the Square The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art brings you the 61st annual Art Fair on the Square. Held on the Capitol Square in Madison on July 13 and 14 this year, the outdoor event promises to be better than ever. The Art Fair on the Square is one of the Midwest's most popular events. This highly regarded gathering features over 500 artists displaying their designs. From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and photographs, this event is always a great way to check out what's new in the art world. You can browse the collections for fun or buy something that catches your eye. Take a break and have some food at one of the many outdoor dining venues. The fair also features live entertainment. It is sure to be family-friendly fun for the whole weekend. Yum Yum Fest Dubbed the most delicious day of the summer, Madison's annual food festival is aptly named the Yum Yum Fest. Held every August, the event is a joint effort between the Madison Area Chef's Network and Breese Stevens Field. The goal is to raise money for local charities while showcasing the fine culinary talent that lives in and around Madison. Great music, food tastings from the finest chefs, and more will provide a full day of fun that the whole family can enjoy. Madison has some of the best art, food, and culture in the Midwest. As you plan your summer events, be sure to check out these fine festivals. The fun is there for the enjoying.   “ Ferris Wheel” via Flickr by sarae. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

Summer is quickly approaching full-strength and soon you'll be looking for the top ways to beat the heat. Of course, one of the most classic ways to do this is to go for a swim. The Madison area is home to several great swimming holes and locations, and it can be hard to decipher which ones are the most worth your while. If you're wondering where you can go for a swim around Madison, check out these incredible locations below. 1. Amnicon Falls This State Park offers several refreshing waterfalls and plunge pools to swim in. The falls include the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Now and Then Falls, and Snake Pit Falls. The drop at the Upper Falls location is about 15 feet, and water levels do fluctuate, so care should be taken before leaping in. The park has designated camping areas for outdoor adventurers looking for a place to stay. more 2. Eau Claire River The excitement of Amnicon Falls can bring a lot of visitors to the park, making for a noisy, crowded day of swimming. If you're looking for something a bit more secluded, you'll want to give the Eau Claire River a shot. The words eau claire translate from French to clear water, and there's no better way to describe this wonderfully secluded swimming hole. Once you've arrived, you'll be greeted by a relaxing, slow-moving river with sandy beaches and a sandy bottom. It's a real surprise that more people aren't heading down to these refreshing waters. There is no camping or other amenities at this location. 3. Pebble Beach It's hard to leave Lake Michigan out of the equation when it comes to the best area swimming holes. This quiet bay is tough to find, but the reward is worth it. You'll almost always have the area to yourself, and who doesn't want that? If you have a hiking GPS, you can plug in latitude 45.18522 and longitude 87.15166. While it's a longer trek than some of the other swimming spots on our list, the views and seclusion are second to none. 4. Salmo Pond Sitting much closer to home is Salmo Pond. It's an abandoned quarry that has been converted into a sandy beach and sandy bottom body of water. It's also fed by the Black Earth Creek, which is teaming with trout and perfect for fishing. The water is always cool and refreshing, even on the hottest days of the summer. 5. Devil's Lake State Park Sometimes, you just need a quick retreat to beat the heat, which means you won't be taking road trips to the most fabulous spots in the state. In these cases, you'll want to make your way to Devil's Lake State Park. It's a recreational behemoth with two large beaches, excellent fishing opportunities and more. Because of its size and convenience, it is frequently very crowded. Whether you're looking to drive a bit for nature's incredible splendor, or you're looking for a quick and easy way to cool off, you'll wind it all within driving distance of Madison, WI. Check out some of the top spots above for an amazing summer retreat. “ 20140718_Amnicon_Falls_State_Park_0009.jpg”via Flickr by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

Summers in Wisconsin can come and go quickly. It's important to make sure you squeeze the maximum amount of fun out of every opportunity you get. This July, there are dozens of events you can attend to help you achieve your wildest summertime dreams. If you're unsure of just how much is going on in Madison this year, here's a quick guide. 1. Fourth of July Celebration and Festival You can't have a list of the best Fourth of July events without throwing an Independence Day event near the top of the list. Kick off your July with a fun-filled community festival and a fireworks show in the evening. The Monona Community Festival celebrates everything that makes summer a special time of the year. Events and attractions at the festival include arts and crafts tents, carnival games, food and beer tents, live entertainment, and a fireworks display. Those brave enough can enter the wife carrying tournament. There's no better way to start your July then heading over to the Monona Community Festival. more 2. Wisconsin Wild Things Camp Those with little ones between the grades of one and three can spend July 8 through 12th at this exciting day camp. If your kids love the outdoors, the Wisconsin Wild Things camp is the perfect experience. Each day they'll explore all kinds of area wildlife from furry critters to tiny insects. This day camp will give them an outlet to explore and give you a little bit of R&R for the week. 3. Concerts at McKee Every third Monday of the month in June through August, you can catch a free concert held at McKee Farms Park. Grab a spot and enjoy exciting live music and munch on your favorite entrees from several local food carts. Slide Food Cart and Taqueria MariMar are both wildly popular options. The picnic begins at five p.m. and music beginning at six. Headliners will hit the stage an hour later at seven p.m.. Admission is free so it's a great way to enjoy all the community has to offer and spend some time in the more tolerable summer evening weather. 4. Two Awesome Art Fairs, One Awesome Day There are two art fairs held in mid-July. If you have the time, try to hit it both the Art Fair on the Square and the Art Fair off the Square (yes, those are the names!). The Art Fair off the Square is held on Martin Luther King Boulevard and features collections from over 140 local artists, designers, craft makers and more. There will be opportunities to purchase food as well. This event is held on July 13th and 14th. The Art Fair on the Square is held on Capitol Square on July 14 and 15th. Madison offers dozens upon dozens of exciting events in July. Some of them are recurring weekly events while others you only have one chance to catch. No matter what you decide to attend this summer, make sure you're getting all the fun and excitement you deserve.   “ Fireworks” via Flickr by bayasaa. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

We know that Madison always gets compared to Milwaukee, but there's no need for that! Both cities are great in their own right, and you won't struggle to create memorable experiences in each one. Today, we're going to talk about the fun experiences Madison has to offer. 1. Explore a Museum Although Madison isn't huge, it's stuffed full of great museums. Whatever your interests, you'll be able to find one that will satisfy your cultural craving. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) is a visitor favorite. The sculpture garden on the roof can't be missed, and they frequently host a variety of events that are open to the public. If you've experienced enough art recently, you may want to try out the Wisconsin Historical Museum or the Geology Museum. The National Mustard Museum is a particularly fun choice. more 2. Watch the Badgers If you live in Madison, you know that the UW-Madison Badgers are a big deal and that their games can often turn into an event for the entire day. If braving the crowds to attend the game isn't for you, you may be interested in watching from a bar with other fans. Regent Street is home to many bars that air the Badgers' games, and fans say that the atmosphere can sometimes be even more fun than actually going in person. 3. Attend a Food Festival Madison is well known for its love of food and drink so, of course, it hosts a bunch of festivals that are dedicated to filling people's stomachs. Bratfest, which takes place Memorial Day weekend, can always be counted on to have excellent entertainment and, like you would expect, to sell a ton of brats. If you love beer, Great Taste of the Midwest is the festival for you. Although it's difficult to get tickets, the large selection of craft beers is worth the effort if you do. Another option is Yum Yum Fest, which appeals to upscale foodies and raises money for charity each year. 4. Support the Performing Arts Madison has a robust performing arts community. The Overture Center for the arts hosts 10 different companies alone, and that's not all Madison has to offer. Nationally touring comedians frequent the Comedy on State club, and when famous comedians aren't available, open mic nights on Wednesdays are a fun way to spend an evening. Alternately, if you're not in the mood for jokes, Wednesday evenings during the summers are when the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra plays concerts on Capitol Square. Attendees are invited to bring picnic blankets and relax while listening to the soothing sounds of a stunning orchestra. This list is just a taste of what Madison has to offer. State Street, the Capitol, and The Majestic Theater are other fabulous options that are worth exploring. Don't miss your chance to see as much of the city as possible. However you spend your time in Madison, you're sure to get a unique experience that you won't soon forget. Street Food Festival via Flickr by StateofIsrael. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original