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Madison is a beautiful place to call home, thanks to its scenic views and community-oriented atmosphere. Even so, life in this Wisconsin city can get stressful at times, just like it can anywhere else. For times such as those, you should consider letting all your stress fade away during a nice spa day. In the city, you'll find quite a few different options for your spa day, with each of them offering a memorable experience that's sure to leave you feeling relaxed and satisfied. Check out these three feel-good places for a relaxing spa experience in Madison, and learn more about each location. more 1. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Open seven days a week to reservations and walk-ins alike, the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa just might be your go-to location for stress relief and relaxation. They offer massages, facials, and spa treatments that will have you looking and feeling your best. You can even find a couple's massage here, as well as a one-hour pumpkin facial special offer available for a limited time in the fall. When you step inside this spa, you'll notice the welcoming atmosphere right away. The entire experience is uniquely tailored to your individual needs. Your time starts with a medical questionnaire to ensure you stay safe, followed by a one-on-one consultation with a professional massage therapist. Once your needs have been established, your personalized spa experience will begin, and you're always free to make requests for alterations at any time. 2. Indulge Spa When you stop by Indulge Spa, you'll enter a world that's designed to nurture both your health and your beauty. While you can find common services like massage therapy and skin care here, Indulge Spa also offers body and nail treatments for that extra bit of relaxation. You can always be sure your treatment is up-to-date with all the latest trends. The atmosphere at Indulge Spa is designed to invigorate all your senses, give you a harmonizing experience, and to elevate the mental clarity so many often lack in their everyday lives. Treatments here are specially crafted for the individual to maximize both the mind and body benefit, leaving you feeling fresh and more beautiful than ever before. Balancing the mind and body is the mission at Indulge Spa, and they always deliver. 3. The Haven Spa Since 2003, The Haven Spa has been a comforting getaway from the hustle and bustle of Madison. With a focus on comfort and safety since its inception, this spa has proven itself to be an excellent choice for people looking for a relaxing experience — especially if it's their first time going to the spa. You'll find a variety of services here, including massage therapy, facials, and even waxing and eyelash extensions. The professional massage team has years of experience customizing their services to clients' unique needs. Using Phytoceane for facial services and other techniques that have been proven to be effective, you'll be well on your way to renewed health and well-being. If you're looking for a relaxing retreat in Madison, any of these spa experiences will help you purge the stress from your body and put you on the path to wellness. And if you need a reliable and relaxing way to get to the spa, come to visit us at Smart Motors Toyota, and we'll help you find the stylish and comfortable vehicle that fits you and your lifestyle. We proudly serve customers throughout the greater Madison area, including Middleton, Sun Prairie, and beyond. “ Massage 21 b/w” via Flickr by Kirsty Topping. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

Halloween is getting closer and closer, and the city of Madison, Wisconsin, is more than prepared for this exciting holiday. As a kid, Halloween plans were easy to come up with. All you did was go trick-or-treating, but as someone older, you have a lot of options for how you want to spend that spooky night. Here's a look at some of the best Halloween happenings in and around Madison. Screamin' Acres If you're a fan of haunted houses, Screamin' Acres might be exactly what you've been looking for. There are five distinct attractions here that are sure to fill you with thrills and chills. The Slaughter Haus is the most brutal experience, as you navigate the shop of a deranged butcher. Crawl Space puts you in some tight situations that may leave more claustrophobic visitors running the other way. For a more visual experience, The Last Resort puts you in contact with some of the most interesting — and most twisted — personalities around. Meanwhile, the Side Effects experience offers a 3-D journey that will show you a new definition of weird. Finally, for one night only, the Screamin' Acres experience can be enjoyed with just a simple flashlight to light your way during their Blackout event on Nov. 3. more Freak Fest Nothing offers an experience quite like a music festival, and Freak Fest manages to blend the best parts of Halloween and music together in one spectacular event. For six hours, you can enjoy over 15 artists, both local and national, playing across three different stages until about 1:30 in the morning. You'll find this music festival happening on State Street on Saturday, Oct. 27. State Street has become particularly popular due to the numerous bars and restaurants located there, but ever since the festival's inception in 2006, State Street has taken extra safety precautions for Halloween night. With plenty of security and a prohibition on weapons, you can enjoy the music worry-free. Chamber of Horrors The Chamber of Horrors at Thunder Ridge Mansion has been a staple of the Wisconsin haunted house scene for 11 years, and this is its final season. You can be sure these scare experts are going out with a bang, so don't miss out on anything this Fall River attraction can offer. While there will be plenty of scares, you can also take pleasure in knowing that this entire attraction is benefiting the local Fall River Chamber of Commerce, which helps local commercial and civic interests. Experiencing this haunted house is best when you don't know what to expect. Just know that the Chamber of Horrors has been voted to be the best haunted attraction in southwestern Wisconsin more than once. Are you brave enough to venture through this house of agony and madness to face the undead that await? You can embark on your journey every Friday and Saturday in October. The Halloween season offers unique attractions you won't find any other time of year in and around Madison, Wisconsin. Whether you're looking to be scared at a haunted house or just dance the night away at a music festival, this city has more than enough to make your Halloween the best one yet.   “ The Halloween Spirit” via Flickr by JD Hancock. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Farm-to-table dining is a trending food experience that uses only the freshest ingredients to create a delicious meal. The thriving local farming industry in Madison, Wisconsin, makes this a great place to try some of the best farm-to-table dining experiences. 1. Graze Graze has successfully created a unique dining experience that pairs the high culinary expectations of New York City-inspired meals with the fresh ingredients that can only be found in a small farming town. Graze is also community-focused, aiming to provide Madison locals with a comfortable and welcoming spot to gather and enjoy good food together. Because of this, many of the menu items are family-style, allowing you to try multiple flavors and share with your neighbors. Be sure to try the Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs, the Pork Buns, or the Beet and Walnut Burger. Graze is also willing to incorporate any dietary restrictions or preferences. more 2. Old Feed Mill Old Feed Mill is just a short drive outside of Madison and offers diners a unique country-inspired menu that is sure to remind you of your favorite home-cooked meals. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local farmers and the bread is baked daily on the premises. Just a few of the must-try items on the menu include a Tender Pot Roast, Cider Roasted Chicken, and Chicken Pot Pie. Make sure you save room for dessert. The Old Feed Mill bread pudding is made with fresh honey wheat bread, topped with raisins, walnuts, and a rich warm caramel sauce. 3. Merchant Madison Merchant Madison has a simple goal: to provide the locals of Madison with fresh ingredients, simple cooking, and American-inspired craft cocktails. This casual farm-to-table restaurant works directly with local Madison farmers to create a menu that is simple, yet delectable. You are also able to buy any of the liquor, wine, and beer displayed on their drinks menu at their liquor store and enjoy it at home. Their new American menu includes items like the Pan Seared Mahi-Mahi and Steak Frites. Come by on Tuesday nights for Cheap Date Night. For just $40, diners can order two entrees, a full bottle of wine, and a dessert to share. On Saturdays, Merchant Madison serves farmer's market-fresh brunch until 3 p.m. 4. Harvest Harvest is a lovely American-Italian restaurant that also collects all of its ingredients from local farmers. They have won many awards, including a top award for Wisconsin farm-to-table restaurants. The menu is constantly changing in order to offer ingredients and dishes that are fresh and in season. Just a few of the items that you will find on the menu include the Pan Seared Scallops and the Vegetarian Seared Artichoke. Dessert is a must at Harvest, and it includes delectable items such as Orange Chiffon Cake or Carandale Farm Persimmon Ice Cream. Harvest is only open for dinner, opening at 5:30 p.m. until close every day of the week and they are closed on all major holidays. Experience some of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Madison, WI. With fresh ingredients and constantly changing menus, each of these restaurants is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience. “ Farm to Table TERRA – Presented by snow peak. “ via Flickr by mujitra. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Lake Mendota is the largest of the lakes that surround Madison, Wisconsin. Plan the perfect day trip to Lake Mendota with these exciting activities. Watch a Sunset There is a reason that the locals of Madison rave about the Lake Mendota sunsets — it is something to behold! The surrounding area contains many public picnic areas and park benches that are perfect spots from which to watch the sun set. Bring along your camera, because you are going to want to capture the sun just as it sets into the waterline. Also pack your own picnic items, or grab carry out from the nearby Mid Town Pub or The Old Fashioned restaurant. more Fishing Lake Mendota is also a popular local fishing spot. Some of the fish you will find in this large lake include crappie, walleye, bass, and bluegill. You can try your skill fishing off one of the public docks, or you can sign up for a fishing charter. Madison Fishing Charters is just one of the charters that will take you to some of the best fishing spots on Lake Mendota. They have available fishing charters for all ages and all skill levels. Also check out Lake Mendota during the winter months for ice fishing. Ensure that you register for a Wisconsin fishing license before fishing in Lake Mendota, as it is required. Boating Sometimes feeling the wind on your face is all the entertainment that you need. Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, or sailing along on a sailboat, Lake Mendota has it all. There are many rental places around the lake that offer day and weekly rentals. If you prefer to sit back and let someone else drive the boat, sign up for a boating experience with Betty Lou Cruises. You can also grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink on one of Betty Lou's boat charters. Grab a Bite to Eat Because Lake Mendota attracts many visitors each year, there are many delicious restaurants nearby worth trying. The Boathouse is a waterfront option that serves an American menu of burgers, brats, and craft brews. Check out The Edgewater Hotel for pier-side service. They can deliver your meal right to your boat, or you can tie your boat up at one of the piers and enjoy a waterside patio meal. They serve a menu of upscale sandwiches and burgers. Another great option, also located right on the lake, is The Mariner's Inn. From their spacious patio you can catch the famous sunset on the lake, while enjoying some of the best steak dishes in the entire area. If you need a break from the heat, be sure to check out the indoor dining room which is decorated with unique antiques. The Mariner's Inn also hosts sunset dinner cruises. Whether you have only a few available hours to explore, or you are able to spend all day, Lake Mendota is a great place to visit. You are sure to enjoy the views, entertainment, and the many food options on offer.   “ Sunrise over Lake Medota, Aug 2011” via Flickr by JimAnderson1972. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Nowadays there's almost no fruit or vegetable that you can't find at your local supermarket. Although getting everything you need all in one place is very convenient, there's nothing like fresh produce that you choose and pick yourself. Luckily, if you live in or around Madison, Wisconsin, there are plenty of great farms where you can do exactly that. So gather your family, and head down to one of these farms. You'll find people with a strong passion for farming, and you'll discover the truth in the old saying, there's no tastier produce than what you pick yourself. more Blue Skies Farm Opened by Paul and Louise Maki back in 1991, the Blue Skies Farm has been a wonderful place to pick your fruit and vegetables ever since. Their main crop is fall raspberries, and the season where you can visit them and pick your own fruit lasts from min-August to late-September. They don't only grow raspberries, as they have a wide variety of tomatoes, tropical ginger, and turmeric. Although they are only open to the public for a short time every year, it's well worth the wait. During the rest of the year, their produce can be found at local farmers markets. Creek Bed Country Farmacy About 30 minutes North of Madison, you'll find this lovely farm that's been open to the public since 2012. Their first available produce was 20 acres of corn mazes and a huge pumpkin patch, but they have grown a lot since then. Three acres of strawberries were added in 2014, with sugar snap peas and sunflowers completing a wonderful crop. Their plans for expansion for the immediate future include adding peach and cherry orchards, so odds are this farm will become more and more popular in the years to come. The Berry Farmer A little more than 2 miles West of Baraboo, you'll find this family business that started 20 years ago. Their main crop is strawberries, and there are 10 acres of them to pick, along with some pre-picked ones for those in a hurry. The farm also has blueberries available for picking, as well as more than an acre of peas. They do a great job of keeping their crops as chemical free as possible by picking fruit varieties that are naturally resistant to pests and diseases. They constantly monitor their fields to make sure their crops are kept healthy with as little chemical assistance as possible. Apple Holler If a good apple is what you're after, then this is definitely the place for you. Apple Holler is not only a farm, but also a restaurant, gift shop, bakery, and orchard, so you have all the ingredients for a fun day with your family. Along with more than 30 different types of apples, you can also pick and enjoy a delicious variety of peaches, pears, and pumpkins. No matter what your favorite fruits and vegetables are, there are plenty of places in and around Madison where you can pick them yourself and make a fun day out of it.     “ Fresh berries on a wooden table” via Flickr by Ajithpoison. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Donuts have a huge place in American tradition and popular culture. Although nowadays more and more people are careful about their diet, the world would be a sadder place if we didn't have our guilty pleasures. Luckily for people in or around Madison, Wisconsin, they have some amazing donut shops to choose from to satisfy their sugary needs. From chocolate glazed to vanilla, caramel or fruit flavors, you're sure to find exactly what you like, and you can be sure they're every little bit as delicious as they look. Greenbush Bakery Founded more than two decades ago by Madison locals Barb and Marv Miller, Greenbush Bakery prides itself on being the only certified kosher bakery in the entire area. Their delicious donuts, made entirely with fresh ingredients, are a hit among locals. They are so popular that supermarkets all over Wisconsin buy them wholesale so they can sell them throughout the state. more Although they have grown over the years, Greenbush Bakery never forgot the quality that all small businesses must have if they wish to succeed: hard work, good ethics, and a full dedication to customer service. They also haven't forgotten their debt to the community around them, so they do their best to support local charities. Lane's Bakery Also a family business, this local bakery was founded back in 1954. Now run by the family's third generation, they have never lost sight of their original values. First and foremost, they always only use natural ingredients, so you can be sure that processed ingredients will never take the place of real eggs and butter, at least not in this place. The best proof that Lane's Bakery makes incredible donuts is the fact that they have regular customers that have been coming for years. Most of them are on a first name basis with the owners, and they all have their favorite flavors. So if you're looking for that authentic small town local store feel in the era of supermarket chains, this place will make you feel right at home. The People's Bakery If you want amazing donuts but also a full meal, this will be the perfect place for you. Initially, it was a donut-only place, appropriately named Go Nuts for Donuts. Then, around the turn of the millennium, a change in management took place. The new owners kept the bakery's tradition of making incredibly tasty and fresh donuts but added a twist. Now, it is also an award-winning Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant, getting top prizes year after year for its gyros and falafels. So, if you're up for a mix of traditional donuts and exotic food, this place will definitely not disappoint you, and the atmosphere will make you feel right at home. They also cater for parties and events. A fresh and tasty donut has the power to brighten someone's mood and give them the energy to navigate through the day. Luckily for the residents of Madison, a great donut is never far away. Image via Flickr by Mark Bonica /Under use by CC BY 2.0

Madison, Wisconsin, is perhaps best known for its university, college football, and politics, but it's also one of the top places in the state to find one-of-a-kind boutique shops. Many of these shops are lumped together throughout the city, making it easy to visit several stores in just one journey. Whether you're searching for places to find furniture, knickknacks, decor, clothes, or a hidden gem, you're sure to find it at one of these places in Madison. more West Towne Mall Although brick-and-mortar stores and malls have been on the decline for years, the West Towne Mall proves that the business model isn't done yet, especially with respect to boutique shopping. With over 70 stores under one roof, this mall has plenty of options to find high-end goods including Coach, Express, Eddie Bauer, Nordstrom, and Yankee Candle Company. If you're feeling famished, West Towne has a typical mall food court, but if you're feeling a bit classier, you might want to hightail it over to the Cheesecake Factory. State Street Connecting the Wisconsin State Capitol with the University of Wisconsin, State Street is the city's thriving pedestrian mall that's home to nightlife, restaurants, and many of the most popular local retail stores. Dozens of these stores have been part of the fabric of the neighborhood for decades, while several other places have popped in over the last five to 10 years. What separates State Street from some of the other malls and options in town is that most businesses are locally owned, giving them an inventory and customer service experience unlike any other. If you don't find the mall a fun shopping opportunity, State Street is probably more your style, and there's a place for everyone. For high-end men's fashion, stroll into Jazzman, where knowledgeable staff will get you dressed to the nines. The culinary person in your life will love the strange, yet helpful kitchen doohickeys at Tellus Mater, while Sacred Feather provides a hat for every taste and occasion. Regardless of your particular needs or style, chances are State Street will have something you'll love. Hilldale Shopping Center Located on the western edge of Madison, Hilldale Shopping Center is a shopping mall and lifestyle center combined into one. Macy's, Target, an AMC Theater, and Metcalfe's Market are the anchor stores of this shopping center, which features over 50 specialty and boutique stores in total. If you're in need of some clothing, Hilldale has popular brands including L.L. Bean, the North Face, Anthropologie, Lululemon, and Kate Spade New York. An Apple store is onsite to help you troubleshoot any iPhone problems or pick up the latest gadget, while the locally owned Jim's Coins and Precious Metals provides excellent gift opportunities or that one-of-a-kind item. In between, you'll find services such as a florist, market, tailor, barber, and even a dentist, making Hilldale almost like a small self-contained city. From top national stores to eclectic, locally owned joints, Madison has a boutique shopping option that's sure to satisfy your urge for a bit of retail therapy.     “ Shopping” via Flickr by Roderick Eime. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Located in the heart of the state capital, the University of Wisconsin (UW) is the state's largest university, home to nearly 44,000 students. While football and basketball games are certainly the biggest draws during the year, summer offers a number of events that are open to both students and the public. If you're searching for something exciting to do on your next trip to Madison, make sure to put these UW events and activities on your radar. more Little Shop of Horrors From July 12 through July 29, see the university's best and brightest musical theater stars in " Little Shop of Horrors." This comedy-sci-fi-horror-musical classic features the story of a struggling plant store employee who finds that one of the plants in the store can talk and think, albeit with a taste for humans. Sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Drama, this musical is one you shouldn't miss. The show takes place at the Mitchell Theatre on the campus of UW. Tickets are $40 for the opening night gala on July 13, but admission on other dates is $30 for adults (19 to 61), $25 for seniors (62+), $20 for UW students, $15 for children (5 to 18), and free for children under 5. Show times vary by day. Print in Protest From now until Sept. 16, the Chazen Museum of art on the campus of UW invites you to explore the printmaking history of the university at Print in Protest. During the 1960s and 1970s, this department of the university printed many intriguing posters that protested poverty, war, and other social issues. At this event, you can see the finest examples of art and anti-government propaganda from the time. Admission is free, and you can find the prints on the second-floor hallway or the Object Study Room of the Chazen Building. Terrace After Dark From May through September each year, the UW Student Union invites both students, their guests, and Wisconsin Union members to enjoy the Terrace After Dark event. (If you want to become a member, it's easy). Over the course of 20 weeks, Terrace After Dark offers free movies and concerts, including upcoming new bands and new releases. There are also special nights that include DJs, open mic nights, talent shows, and more. Instead of dropping $30 for a show or $10 at a movie, hop over here to get it all for free. YALI Tuesdays On July 10, 17, and 24, join some of the Mandela Washington fellows at UW for discussions about global health at YALI Tuesdays. Standing for Young African Leaders, this group addresses health concerns domestically, as well as in Africa. Each of these sessions outlines topics such as universal health care in Nigeria, malaria, and health care equality in the United States. These fellows hope to earn an education in the United States and apply their skills back home, giving them a unique insight into the global health care crisis. With art, music, culture, and entertainment, the events coming up at UW are sure to please. All you need to do is find your way over to the campus.   " University of Wisconsin-Madison " via Flickr by Phil Roeder. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Looking to get your blood pumping this weekend in Madison? Check out some of these adrenaline-filled activities. more Zip Lining Over Wisconsin Dells Want to get up above the treeline and see how beautiful the lush valleys of Wisconsin Dells really are? Consider taking a Chimney Rock Park Zip Line tour. Wisconsin Dells is a short drive from downtown Madison, but far enough away that you feel like you're out in the wilderness. The tour takes you on 18 different zip lines. You'll be able to see up to 100 miles away on a clear summer's day. You should have a moderate level of fitness as you'll be hiking for 25 minutes before you get to the zip line course. Once you're on the course, you'll be required to do a little bit of uphill climbing and will need to be able to get onto the platforms easily. Log Rolling Test your balance at Madison Log Rolling. During the summer months, head down to Lake Wingra and join one of the many log rolling classes offered throughout the day. It's a great activity for kids as well as adults who want to do something unique to get fit and get your heart rate up. They also offer something for those that are even more confident with their balancing skills, boom running. The logs are chained to one another and you have to attempt to run across all of them as they balance on the water. The fastest person across the logs without falling into the lake is the winner. Skydiving There's nothing that'll get your blood pumping more than strapping yourself to a stranger and jumping out of an airplane. The Wisconsin Skydiving Center has an office in Madison where you can dive over the stunning lakes that surround Madison. If you love it that much, you can sign up with the skydiving center to take lessons and become a certified skydiver yourself. They offer lessons that are certified by the United States Parachute Association. The lessons will help you get your skydiving license in as few as 25 jumps. Scuba Diving Think you can't go scuba diving in land-locked Madison? Think again! There are several options available depending on your skill level and what you want to see. Head to Madison Scuba Center to learn how to dive or to head out into the nearby lakes. They are the only scuba center in all of Wisconsin that offers both SSI and PADI dive certifications. For a truly heart-pumping experience, check out one of the night dives at different sites around the city's dive sites. Nearby Pearl Lake is one of the best dive sites in the city where you can swim through different shipwrecks and it has spectacular visibility. Whether you want to find an adrenaline activity that you can do with the whole family like zip lining or log rolling, or you want to do something solo like jump out of a plane, there are plenty of activities to get your heart racing in the Madison area.     “ skydive” via Flickr by joebaz. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Monona Terrace is located along the shores of Lake Monona in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The convention center has huge, floor-to-ceiling glass windows that face the lake, which means any events that take place have one of the most stunning backdrops in the entire city. As summer begins, you can bet that Monona Terrace is planning some exciting upcoming events to keep you busy. more Festival Foods Shake the Lake The Festival Foods Shake the Lake is a party that will take place on June 23 at Monona Terrace. It's the perfect way to start the summer and, weather-permitting will actually be on the rooftop of the convention center. Tickets are on sale now and are $17 until June 22. If you purchase after June 22, the tickets will be $20. There will be music and entertainment by iHeart Radio and local restaurants will set up stalls selling their top menu items alongside craft beer, wine, and soft drinks. Mindful Movement Mindful Movement is an ongoing, bi-weekly yoga event that takes place on the rooftop at Monona Terrace. There's nothing more relaxing than practicing yoga while you face Lake Monona and feel the cool breeze off the water. This stand-up yoga class takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 to 12:45 p.m. The class integrates classic yoga moves with tai chi, stretching, and simple twists, and finishes with helpful meditation techniques. Concerts on the Rooftop This June and July, enjoy weekly concerts on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. The upcoming dates for the concerts are June 28, July 5, July 12, and July 19. Admission to the event is completely free, but you do need to get your tickets reserved in advance. Some of the acts you can expect to see are BritBeat, a Beatles tribute band, The Jimmy's, a Chicago blues band, and Totally Neon, an 80's cover band. The concerts run from 7-9 p.m., but doors and bars open at 5:30, so you can come and enjoy the atmosphere and watch the sunset with your friends before all of the music begins. Unfortunately, if it rains, the concerts will not take place. BrickUnivserse Lego Fan Experience The BrickUniverse Lego Fan Experience is a two-day event that will take place on June 30 and July 1 at the Monona Terrace convention center. The event is open to the public. Tickets are sold on a half-day basis. You can either opt for the morning or afternoon session for each of the days. The morning sessions run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the afternoon sessions run from 2-5 p.m. Half-day tickets cost $15. The event will be fun for both children and adults. There are special guests and character meet and greets, there are Lego zones where you can attempt to build various landmarks. There are also model galleries where you can see what the professionals are capable of building. Whether you're interested in music, food, games, or even yoga and meditation, you'll find something to keep you busy this summer at Monona Terrace.     " Monona Terrace Sign and Walkway " via Flickr by Eric Kilby. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original

Summer in Wisconsin's capital city can really bring the heat, with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s and occasionally climbing into the 90s. Use this short list of water activities in and around Madison to find a way to stay cool this summer. more Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center Visit this outdoor water park with your kids in tow for a truly memorable way to beat the heat. Children will be thrilled with the interactive play equipment and sand playground, and there is even a zero-depth pool entrance for the youngest children to ease their way into the water. Adults can test themselves in an eight-lane competition pool or play a game of volleyball on one of two sand courts. The main attraction of the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center, though, is the two waterslides. Both of the slides are 134 feet long. The park is open from June through August. Madison Log Rolling This is one fun activity you probably haven't tried before. You'll meet up with instructors at local Lake Wingra, where the company places synthetic “logs” in the water. Your challenge is to stand on these logs and roll them, maintaining your precarious balance for as long as possible. You'll almost definitely end up in the water, but that's just part of the fun. This unique sport pays tribute to the lumberjack history of Wisconsin, and it's also become a bona fide athletic event in its own right. Serious competitors now roll logs on ESPN. Bring the whole family for maximum laughs. Stand Up Paddleboarding Hop onto a board and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water when you take part in one of Madison's most popular up-and-coming activities. You can take your first lessons in stand up paddleboarding (or SUP, to those in the know) by booking a private lesson with organizations like Paddleboard Specialists. This is a great way to see if the activity is right for you without investing too much money into your own equipment. If you find out that you do have a knack for SUP, consider joining one of Madison's local SUP yoga or SUP polo groups for an added challenge. Madcity Flyboards Strap on a pair of specialized boots and fly nearly 30 feet into the air above Lake Mendota. The boots are connected to your instructor's personal watercraft by a long hose, and he or she will control the thrust that allows you to shoot straight up into the air as water rockets from your feet. You can even use the thrust to dive several feet under the water — before you know it, you'll be flipping in and out of the water like a dolphin. You'll have to tilt the flyboard with your feet to control your balance and direction, but most people get the hang of it in a few minutes. There are plenty of opportunities to swim or kayak on Madison's lakes, but these specialized water activities in our region offer an even more unique way to stay cool during the upcoming summer.     " Midwest Log-Rolling Championship 06-29-2013 060-1 " via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Ah, the allure of fine dining, where you're served grandiose dishes by tuxedoed waitstaff on white tablecloths, with a wine list any sommelier would be proud of. Who doesn't love to indulge the palate with bite-sized morsels of exotic cuisine artfully arranged by a first-rate chef? Whether it's a special occasion or a romantic meal for two, splurge on dinner at these top four upscale restaurants in Madison. more Samba Brazilian Grill Samba's is an upscale Brazilian eatery with a twist, where authentic Brazilian cowboys called gauchos slice churrasco-style meat right at your table. Sample the highly acclaimed sugar-and-cinnamon pineapple skewers, then visit the capacious salad and appetizer bar with more than 30 delectable items. Have a Caipirinha or Mojito while you wait for the first course of house-made salads, roasted vegetables, and artisan cheeses. Using a pillar with red and green lights, signal the gauchos that you're ready to start on the next course — rodizio meat. Located at 240 W. Gilman St., Samba's Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 5–10 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Tornado Steak House Experience your premier downtown steakhouse, Tornado's at 116 S. Hamilton St., where white-linen dining meets a timeless supper-club vibe. Try one of Tornado's award-winning house specialties, including the locally sourced, grass-fed steaks such as the peppercorn encrusted Filet au Poivre or a naturally raised, pan-fried breaded rabbit. Tornado serves their dinner menu from 5–10 p.m., and their late night menu until 1 a.m. in the Corral Room bar. A Pig in a Fur Coat You're in for a sumptuous treat when you dine at A Pig in a Fur Coat on 940 Williamson St. Start your meal with a delicious appetizer, such as duck fat fries, then move on to a small plate of lamb carpaccio with Parmigiano. If you're hungry for more, venture on to a large plate instead, featuring a wagyu ribeye with bone marrow. Cleanse your palate with a sugary treat from their trendy dessert menu. Our favorite is the chocolate and orange Sicilian sfingi. A Pig focuses on communal seating, which offers unique appeal, and likely means you'll sit with new friends at a shared table. They're open Monday through Thursday from 4–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m., and closed Sundays. L'Etoile Restaurant A phenomenal experience awaits you at L'Etoile Restaurant on 1 S. Pinckney St. with Owner/Chef Tory Miller, winner of the Iron Chef Showdown this January. L'Etoile offers an elegant atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic rendezvous. Pamper yourself with the seven-course Chef's tasting menu, including excellent farm to table choices such as veal sweetbreads, aged lamb, and Alaskan halibut in a bacon broth. Chef Miller is serious about his cheeses, and sources only the fresh chèvres, and cave-aged cheeses from artisan cheesemakers. L'Etoile Restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 5:30–9 p.m., and Saturday from 5–10 p.m., but closed on Sundays. No matter what you're celebrating, splurge on dinner at these top three upscale Madison, WI restaurants, sure to please even the most finicky gourmand. " Samba Grill Brazilian Churrascaria Food Sampling " via Flickr by Prayitno. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original