Pick Your Own Produce Around Madison,WI

August 30, 2018 · 3 min read

Three small baskets of berries (raspberries, cherries and blueberries) on a wooden table.

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.

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

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Feb 12, 2021 in Exploring Madison

5 Hidden Gems of Madison, WI

Madison, WI is a beautiful city that is well known for putting on spectacular outdoor events during the summertime for people of all ages to enjoy. But with many places closed for the moment due to COVID-19, you'll have to find some alternative activities. Here are 5 of the best-hidden spots we found around the Madison area for you to enjoy. more 1. The Cliffs at Lake Mendota If you're searching for a place that's easily accessible but still feels hidden and out of the way, then visit the cliffs located within Wally Bauman Woods. The vantage point is secluded and looks out onto the beautiful scenery of Lake Mendota. If you're looking to seek out a little more thrill from this location, there are pathways that branch off to the right of the lake and lead to cliffs that are suitable for cliff diving and a rope swing that reaches out over the water. 2. The Lakeshore Nature Preserve With Wisconsin such a rich state in regards to preserved land and wildlife, it would be a shame to not explore some of the natural beauty Madison has to offer. The Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a great place to engage in nature, with a 4-mile stretch of accessible forest that is located on the shore of Lake Mendota, the largest and debatably the most stunning of all the lakes around Madison. 3. The Orchards at Picnic Point Picnic Point is a mile-long peninsula on the shore of Lake Mendota and is located within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. This historical piece of land was made famous for its large apple orchard that was planted in the 1920s by a lumberman named Edward Young. The orchard has diminished with time, but you can still expect to see some trees bearing fruit and you might even spot some remnants of Youngs' mansion that burned down back in 1935. 4. Sunset Point Overlook in Hoyt Park If you're trying to find the perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day and enjoy the natural scenery around you, then we highly suggest visiting Sunset Point located within Hoyt Park. The overlook gives some great views of the surrounding woods, and there are some great picnic spots within the park where you can relax and enjoy a meal. 5. Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Pavilion The Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Pavilion is certainly one of the prettiest places to visit within Madison due to its array of tropical-like plants and bamboo that are normally never seen in northern states like Wisconsin. The pavilion stands as a symbol of unity between the Thai government and the University of Wisconsin, and the garden boasts some beautiful plants to admire as well as a reflection pool of water. With all of these hidden gems to choose from, we hope you found a spot that you can enjoy. Stop by Smart Motors Toyota today and we'll get you set up with a vehicle that'll allow you to go out and find even the most hidden of places. The dealership is located in Madison near Sun Prairie and Middleton, WI.

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Jan 16, 2021 in Exploring Madison

5 Favorite Walking Paths and Hiking Trails in Madison, WI

Did you know there are over 200 hiking trails near Madison, WI? Many of them are close to the city, ensuring that you can always get out and experience natural beauty. 1. Lake Monona Loop This popular trail is appropriate for walking, jogging, and cycling. The main pathway runs alongside the lakeshore, but there are plenty of side trails to keep the journey fresh. Along the way, you pass by Monona Terrace, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Olin Park is also accessible from the trail, a great place to catch your breath while you take in the view of Madison's skyline. Another fun stop along the loop is Olbrich Park where you can kick off your sneakers and run on the sandy beach. more 2. Devil's Lake State Park The park's 29 miles of trails are sure to challenge all levels of hikers. Beginners will enjoy the easy trail leading down to the base of the bluff. On hot days, a grotto awaits those who want to cool off. More experienced hikers will want to climb the bluffs. These rocky trails can be challenging and steep, but the views that await are some of the most rewarding in the region. Just remember that trails are not maintained during the winter and to use extra caution. 3. Lower Yahara River Trail This 2.5-mile trail connecting Madison to McFarland is scenic. The path begins as a paved one and winds through woodlands, farmlands, and prairies. Wildlife enthusiasts should be on the lookout for eagles, cranes, and other waterfowl. The path soon reaches the longest pedestrian and cyclist boardwalk bridge in the state. Constructed alongside the railroad track, this boardwalk bridge crosses the northern shore of Lake Waubesa. The trail ends at the village of McFarland, where hikers can replenish at one of the many local eateries. 4. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum The University is known for conservation and reconstruction and visitors can see some of their efforts on the 1200 acre grounds. Start with the visitor's center to learn about what the University does. Then pick from 17 different trails that wind through various types of terrain. Visitors can hike through woodlands, wetlands, and savannas all while observing native plants and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see owls, turkeys, and squirrels. While the main road can be crowded, you can have many of the smaller side paths to yourself. 5. Ice Age Trail This trail is wonderful to visit in all seasons, especially during the winter when folks enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The entire trail spans 1,200 miles, but there is a 3-mile segment near Madison. Steeped in history, the trail follows the edge of where a prehistoric glacier once existed. Nowadays, the only evidence left behind is the region's lakes, river valleys, and hills. After a long hike, there's nothing better than driving comfortably home. If your car isn't getting the job done, consider a new or used Toyota. Stop by Smart Toyota today and test drive one of our many exciting models. Come and experience our award-winning service today. We proudly serve drivers throughout the greater Madison, WI area, including Sun Prairie, Middleton, and beyond.

Dec 19, 2020 in Exploring Madison

5 Tips for Planning Your Trip to the Wisconsin State Capitol

A visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol can now be scheduled. Groups of ten or more can set up a tour of the historic building, and we've listed a few things to keep in mind. 1. Keep up With City Covid-19 Guidelines The highlights are that cloth masks are required indoors, feeling sick is a reliable sign that you should stay home, and public water fountains and restrooms are closed. These city guidelines are subject to change, so check before you head out. more In addition to making sure you know the requirements, make sure your group does too. Regardless of personal views, the rules will need to be followed. Don't be the group that's asked to leave for breaking them. 2. Keep an Eye Out for Fossils Several naturally occurring fossils can be found in and around the capitol building. From starfish to gastropods, you won't want to miss these ancient artifacts in the halls. To be exact, there are eight fossils. How many can you find on your tour? You don't need to worry about missing any, because your guide will know exactly where they are. 3. Pictures Are Allowed Art and beauty fill the grounds. A picture lasts forever, so take one! Take as many as you like and show off to your friends and family who miss the trip. You may be tempted to relive your college Intro to Photography class when capturing images of the iconic statues and architecture. Pictures are allowed, but if you don't want to run out of space, you may need to have a spare memory card. There's nothing more frustrating than being halfway through your tour when you get the 'low memory' alert. 4. Ask Questions The guides are trained to answer any and all questions you might have. If you're curious about something it's their job to know. Keeping questions to yourself means you're going to be left unsatisfied with your experience, and your guide underutilized. If you're looking for things to ask about, there are decorative pediments on all four sides of the building. A fire destroyed most of the building, but most of the library was saved. You can ask about the restoration that took 24 years to complete. There's so much history here that an endless supply of questions can be found with minimal research. 5. Show up in Style Nothing says VIP visitor like pulling up in a gorgeous car. The best way to accomplish this is with a brand new one, with that new car sheen. If you are looking for a vehicle that will impress or just need an upgrade, then head down to Smart Motors, the Toyota Dealer of Wisconsin, to pick up your new car. An arrival that will impress is waiting for you!