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Several wheels of cheese aging on a wooden shelf.

3 Incredible Cheese Tours in the Madison Area

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

A silver 2020 Toyota Sienna parked in a street at night.

Say Hello to the 2020 Toyota Sienna

If you're looking for a stylish minivan for the whole family, check out the 2020 Toyota Sienna. This powerful minivan is ready to take the family on your next adventure, whether it's across town or across the state. Keep reading to learn more about the 2020 Sienna's stylish and practical features. Exterior The 2020 Toyota Sienna comes in five base trims: L, LE, SE, XLE, and Limited. Both the LE and XLE trims accommodate accessibility needs by providing an additional configuration with the Auto Access Seat feature. If you want to turn heads wherever you go, check out the Nightshade Edition Package, available only on the SE trim. This package gives the Sienna a dipped-in-black look, which includes a black sport mesh grille, black wheels, black door handles, black mirror caps, and a black spoiler. If you want a sportier exterior design, check out the SE trim with its mesh front grille and 19-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires. more Interior The interior design of the 2020 Sienna includes several features that make for a comfortable and relaxing drive. For example, the 2020 Sienna has available leather-trimmed seating with the option for contrast stitching if you want a bolder look. Your hands will appreciate the soft-touch materials throughout the cabin and on the dash. The Sienna is also equipped with three separate climate control zones, so the driver, passenger, and those in the rear can all set different temperatures. Performance Under the hood, the 2020 Sienna is equipped with a powerful engine and transmission duo. The 296-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission can efficiently transport the family from school to soccer or wherever your travels may take you. The sporty SE trim includes sport suspension for improved steering and handling. An excellent, practical feature of the 2020 Sienna is the available all-wheel drive, so you can take the family anywhere despite inclement weather conditions. Technology Since the 2020 Sienna is designed to fit the whole family, it's also got entertainment for the whole family. You can connect your iPhone to the Sienna with Apple CarPlay, and the 7-inch touch-screen display allows for easy access to your phone's apps, so you can stay focused on the road. The 2020 Sienna is also compatible with Amazon Alexa. Another practical technology feature in the 2020 Sienna is Driver Easy Speak. When turned on, a microphone relays the driver's voice through a microphone and sends it to the rear speakers. This feature allows you to efficiently communicate with rear passengers without having to turn your head to be heard. Safety The 2020 Sienna is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P to help you and others stay safe while on the road. Included standard features are lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Drive in style and safety in the 2020 Toyota Sienna. You'll love driving the Sienna everywhere and appreciate the little things that make your drive easy and comfortable. Come check out and test drive a 2020 Toyota Sienna at Smart Motors Toyota today! Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

A board filled with Italian cooking ingredients including pasta, garlic, and basil.

Best Italian Restaurants in Madison, WI

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

Cars stopped at a dreary winter stop-light.

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Winter is a beautiful time of year. The snow often adds a peaceful look to the grounds and lets our minds wander and relax. Yet, behind all the beauty, it is also a hazardous time of year to drive. However, with a few tips, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty while safely arriving at your destination, whether you are heading for work or a holiday celebration. 1. Make Sure Your Car is Ready for the Road The most important safe winter driving tip happens before you start your vehicle. Take the time to make sure your car is ready for the road. Check your tires for any potential soft spots or wear and change them as necessary. Make sure your battery is good. Ask your mechanic to check for any leaks or other hidden issues under the hood before your trip. Charge your vehicle if it is electric. more 2. Clear Off Any Winter Debris Once you know your car is ready for the winter, keep it clear. If you park outside during a storm, give yourself enough time to clear off the debris. Not only do you need to clear the windshield and back window so you can see, but check the roof. If there is any snow or ice built up, clear it off. It keeps your fellow drivers safe on the road. Make sure you de-ice your side windows, as well. In many states, this is required by law. 3. Create A Winter Kit While no one wants to think about it, the reality is winter weather often changes with very little warning. Create a winter survival kit for your car in case the unexpected happens. Put everything in a small tote for easy access. Some items to keep in the kit include at least one blanket for each person, a first aid kit, snacks and water, a flashlight, and a snow brush or small shovel. 4. Slow Down If the road looks wet, there is a chance it is ice, not water. Slow down as you approach wet areas. Remain alert for changing weather conditions and reduce your speed as needed. If you do find yourself dealing with black ice, do not speed. Instead, take your foot off the gas. Do not slam on the brakes and remember to slide with the skid, not against it. 5. Give the Equipment Plenty of Room Winter driving conditions mean there is a good chance you are sharing the road with large pieces of equipment. Give the snowplows and trucks enough space to maneuver. Remember, they cannot stop quickly, so don't cut them off. Stay behind a snowplow to enjoy a safer road, but stay alert as they stop often. Remember, as you prepare for your next winter driving trip, check your car for ice and snow. Keep a winter kit in your car. Give yourself plenty of time. You may arrive early, or the extra time comes in handy if traffic or the weather takes a turn for the worst while you are on the road. Image via Pixabay by . Used with permission via Pixabay License / cropped from original

The street view of the Madison Children's Museum.

Best Indoor Places to Play in Madison, WI

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

A pair of 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid's.

Everything You Need to Know About Toyota's Hybrid Sedan Lineup

Choosing the perfect hybrid vehicle can be tricky when there's so many options and styles available. To make it easier, here is everything you need to know about Toyota's hybrid sedan lineup for 2020. Toyota Avalon Hybrid The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is available in three trim levels: XLE, XSE, and Limited. The sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter dynamic force four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine that gets 176 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 43 miles per gallon in the city and 44 miles per gallon on the highway and combined driving. The Avalon Hybrid has a super ultra-low emission vehicle rating and the dual zone automatic climate control with an air filter keeps the air inside clean, too. SofTex-trimmed heated front seats wrap make for a comfortable ride. A customizable 7-inch multi-information display has an energy monitor and keeps you in the know about your fuel economy and other important hybrid system information. more Toyota Prius L Eco The 2020 Toyota Prius L Eco is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve engine. The hybrid system has a net power of 121 horsepower and gets 105 pound-feet of net torque. It has a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and lithium-ion battery under the hood as standard equipment. You'll get 58 miles per gallon in the city and 53 miles per gallon on the highway. The Prius L Eco is front-wheel drive and has electric power steering. Inside, you'll find fabric trimmed seats and chrome accents on the upper door trim. The armrest area features soft touch materials with chrome accents as well. Toyota Camry Hybrid The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid is available in three trim levels: LE, SE, and XLE. The Camry Hybrid gets a high level of efficiency by combining a dynamic force engine with an electric motor and electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The Hybrid Synergy Drive uses a sophisticated battery and lightweight materials to help reduce the overall weight and lend to the sedan's efficiency. The LE trim gets an EPA-estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city, 53 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 52 miles per gallon. The SE and LXE get 44 miles per gallon in the city, 47 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 46 miles per gallon. The Camry has an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension. Toyota Corolla Hybrid The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve engine that gets 121 horsepower. The engine is paired with an ECVT and gets an EPA-estimated 52 miles per gallon combined driving. The Corolla Hybrid has a California LEV 3 emissions rating. There are three driving modes to select from depending on your driving conditions and needs. Choose from EV, ECO, and Power. To increase the throttle, simply press the Power Mode button to enjoy an exciting ride. The front-wheel drive sedan has an independent MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar, giving you a smooth ride, even around sharp curves.   With Toyota's lineup of hybrid sedans for the 2020 model year, there are a number of great options to choose from selecting your next ride. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Cheese wheels aging in the Cheese Cave at Uplands.

Where to Try the Tastiest Cheeses Near Madison, Wisconsin

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

The back end of a red Toyota Mk5 Supra.

3 Reasons You Need to Test Drive the 2020 GR Supra

After a 21-year hiatus, the Toyota GR Supra is back and ready to take on all comers. The 2020 GR Supra shares a platform with the BMW Z4 Roadster and packs in some serious power and performance. Whether you're looking for something to zip around town in style or race down the track, the GR Supra is a fully capable sports coupe and one you should definitely test drive. more 1. It's a Beauty The 2020 Toyota GR Supra is available in three trim levels: 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and Launch Edition. The coupe has curvy lines and a wide, aggressive stance that make it look mean, yet classy. If you're looking to really turn heads, opt for the GR Supra Launch Edition. Available in a limited availability of only 1,500 units, the Launch Edition features a numbered carbon-fiber dash insert. This limited-edition trim has red mirror caps and rides on unique 19-inch matte-black wheels that are constructed from forged aluminum. Red leather trim encompasses the driver's area, and when combined with the car's carbon fiber accents, it makes for an outstanding interior. 2. It Has a Powerful Engine That Performs The sporty GR Supra is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. It cranks out 335 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365-pound feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even with all this power, you'll still get an EPA-estimated mileage of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The GR Supra has a combined rating of 26 miles per gallon. The powerful engine in the GR Supra is racetrack-ready. The coupe is rear-wheel drive. The low center of gravity paired with the Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires provide plenty of grip to take on curvy roads. The electric power steering makes it easy to handle. Adaptive shock absorbers are standard and alternate between normal and sport driving modes, depending on driving conditions. All 2020 GR Supra models come with a free one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association. This gives you additional benefits such as one complimentary high-performance driving experience and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events around the country. 3. It Has a Sporty Interior The interior of the 2020 GR Supra features refined amenities and sporty accents that make it feel both luxurious and aggressive at the same time. There's room for two people and taller drivers will appreciate the extra headroom, courtesy of the double-bubble roof. The 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat also includes side bolsters. The 3.0 Premium and Launch Edition trim levels include leather seats and a head-up display. Standard equipment includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A 6.5-inch touch screen display with Bluetooth and iPod capabilities is standard and allows you to access your favorite apps with the touch of a button. Step up to the 3.0 Premium or Launch Edition and the display is 8.8 inches and includes Apple CarPlay integration and navigation. With so many exciting amenities under one roof, there's plenty of reasons why you should test drive the 2020 GR Supra.   “ Mk5 Supra” via Flickr by Jon Meunier. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

John Benson creating an ice sculpture with a chain saw during the Madison Winter Festival.

3 Unique Winter Festivals Around Madison, Wisconsin

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

A silver 2020 Toyota Corolla driving down the freeway at night.

Why Are Drivers Loving the All-New 2020 Toyota Corolla?

Toyota has a reputation for being a brand that delivers reliability, safety, and great value. With the new 2020 Toyota Corolla, it meets and surpasses the same high standards as its predecessors. Drivers will the car for its safety, design, and fuel efficiency. Safety Through the years Toyota has received numerous 5-star ratings for their vehicles safety features. The new Corolla has taken some of the existing features and using technology improved upon them. Toyota has incorporated Safety Sense 2.0 into all of their newer models. This utilization of smart tech can make these cars must more reliable in terms of driver safety. These new features include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Road Edge Detection. Having all of these additional sensors enables the driver to be fully aware of everything in the environment, making correcting for errors even safer. more Design The newer, sporty look of the Toyota Corolla will surprise many still expecting the boxy, mid-size economy car. The new Corolla looks poised to take a run on the race track instead of picking up children from soccer practice. The new lower body style has a sharper edge to it, giving it an angular look with an assortment of high-quality paint colors to choose from like Barcelona red and Blue Crush Metallic. High-grade LED headlights come standard also adding to the look of sporty elegance. The interior's design has been tweaked to conform to the driver's comfort and visibility also. Everything the driver needs to keep both hands on the wheel is accessible at the touch of a button on the steering wheel. The seats of cloth trimmed with leather and the additional room in the cabin allows for greater windshield visibility. There is an instrument panel cluster gauge also in front of the driver's seat above the steering wheel which means the driver doesn't have to look too far to find any critical information. Fuel Efficiency Toyota has been a leading brand in consumer value in terms of fuel efficiency for many years. This year is no exception either. No matter which package or trim option you pick with the new Corolla, there's going to be plenty of savings in fuel cost alone. The standard model's efficiency ranges from 26 to 32 MPG and Toyota also offers a hybrid in the new Corolla. The hybrid version gets an impressive 52 to 23 MPG. Just in fuel costs alone, this would be a worthwhile purchase to keep your family from spending too much at the pump as those gas prices increase with inflation. For the new driver buying their first car, or just an upgrade to the older family car, the Toyota Corolla is an excellent choice for anyone because it combines all of the things that makes Toyota successful. The company is dedicated to providing top quality and value. The 2020 Corolla delivers on that promise because of its new safety features, comfort, design,  and overall economical savings with astonishing efficiency. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

A juicy mushroom Swiss burger with thick cut fries.

Best Places to Grab a Burger in Madison, WI

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

Coworkers carpooling to work in the 2019 Toyota Camry.

3 Reasons to Buy a New Toyota Camry

Toyota is famous for its line of mid-size sedans which have brought a new level of quality to consumers. The Camry, one of its flagship models, still continues to provide the quality and craftsmanship that has become an expectation over the years. The reasons to buy a new Camry are similar to those in the past. A new Camry provides the same trusted safety, comfort, efficiency, and technology that has been loved for generations. more 1. Performance The new Camry brings some surprising power to the table this year with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6. Both options bring more than adequate power when navigating the open highway. This year the Camry uses a direct fuel injection system that is selected based on driving conditions. This allows either engine to be impressively fuel-efficient. To go along with the new powerful engine, the suspension has also been upgraded to a strut front suspension. What this means is, when cornering, or even handling on an open highway, there is less play in the steering column caused by road friction. This allows for smoother handling and tighter steering, allowing the driver more control over the car's trajectory. 2. Design This is certainly not your parent's Camry. The new Camry's exterior has a sleek, sporty look that could easily be mistaken for a luxury sedan or extravagant sports car. One of the new exterior features is a new Nightshade paint job. Everything on the car, including the wheels, is completely blacked out, with the exception of exterior LED lighting. With the new Camry, there is even a mesh-like grille with the Toyota logo visible, which gives the care more of a luxury feel. The interior design also features some new designs that will make your parent's Camry only a memory. There is an option for red leather cockpit seating, which blends flawlessly with the rest of the interior design. The incorporation of paddle shifters into the driver's cockpit also gives you the feeling of driving a sports car instead of a sedan. 3. Technology The Camry also delivers with driver convenience and technology. The design of the car allows control right at the driver's fingertips so that the technology doesn't compete with the road for attention. Everything the driver needs to control the audio and camera systems is placed directly on the steering wheel for optimal safety. The new Camry comes with a push-button start, bird's-eye panoramic camera, and rear cross-traffic sonar which allows for intelligent braking. This means that it will sense objects in the rear-view or around the side of the vehicle and make the necessary adjustments automatically. The new Toyota Camry is the perfect combination of luxury, efficiency, and power. Anyone who has experienced the quality that comes from Toyota will be impressed by the steps taken to upgrade the Camry for the next generation. This new model has guaranteed that the Camry is not just a smart choice, but is fun, responsive, and exciting to drive as well. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

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