Summer fun in Madison

By Bill Malcolm*

Madison from the air, on an isthmus

Madison, Wisconsin shines during the summer. Situated on an isthmus between two lakes, the city is full of things to do: swimming, kayaking, bicycling, exploring, or just enjoying the sunset at the UW Memorial Union Terrace. It makes for a great visit and is very welcoming.

Do

Swim at one of the many beaches on Lakes Mendota, Monona, or Wingra. I like BB Clarke Beach near Capitol Square on Lake Monona.

Rent a kayak or canoe at Brittingham Bay Boat House and enjoy the Bay or go over to Lake Monona nearby.

Rent a B Cycle electric bike and ride out the Lakeshore Path to Picnic Point along Lake Mendota. B Cycle is the name for their electric bike system. Be aware you can only keep the bike for 30 minutes or an hour.

Grab a bite at the new City Market on the near east side. It just opened.

Woof's outdoor bar, with a view of Wiscon's State Capitol Building

Enjoy the Sunday beer bust at Woofs bar on King Street just off Capitol Square. Woofs is also having their annual cruise on Lake Monona and has lots of other fun events. And they own the Italian restaurant next door. I like sitting on the patio facing the street.

Woof's Bar in Madison

Taste some "cheese orphans" at Fromagination on the Square. These are mini versions of various gourmet Wisconsin cheeses.

Explore Owen Park (R Line on the MetroBus) and see the prairie wildflowers and wild turkeys.

Enjoy the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the newly re opened Thai Pavillion.

Watch the Mad City Water Ski show Sundays at Law Park on Lake Monona (or view it from the rooftop of the Monona Terrace Convention Center. (The Center was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and has magnificent views of Lake Monona.) The show starts at 6 p.m.

Grab some ice cream at Good News across from Woofs on King Street or at the Babcock Hall stand at the UW Memorial Union or at Babcock Hall.

Catch a show at the Overture Center.

Have a sandwich made with home made bread or some great Italian tomato sausage soup at Casettas at 222 West Washington. Pick up a coffee across the street at Barriques.

Stay

I like the new Embassy Suites downtown on Pickney Street. Handy to all the attractions. Great omelets for breakfast and a free happy hour 5:30 pm to 7 pm.

Other great choices downtown include the Doubletree, Hampton, and Concourse Hotels. The Fluno Center is also nice. Bargain hunters will like the AmericInn or Best Western West Towne Suites on the west side. Beware: hotels have gotten expensive.

Eat and Drink

Lucille has great pizza. Nearby Merchant features outdoor seating.

Have a burger at the Shamrock Tavern, Madison's oldest LGBTQ bar (and right on the Square).

The UW Memorial Union Terrace has great brats and corn on the cob.

Garver's Feed Mill is a new food hall on the east side. Try the pizza or home-made ice cream which are many of the choices. Then walk it off at nearby Botanical Garden.

Hang out with the urban hipsters on Williamson (Willy) Street, grab a salad, or enjoy the hot food bar at the Willy Street Coop. You will swear you are in Portland.

The Old Fashioned on Capitol Square features Wisconsin's staples like cheese curds, walleye pike, and of course the state's signature cocktail.

Marigold Kitchen is your spot for breakfast and lunch.

Getting There

I took Delta through Detroit. They tried to force me to check my bag even though there were plenty of open overhead bins. The flight attendant admitted they did this to help leave on time. However, the annoying forced bag check process added delays. Do not lie to passengers, Delta. And let those that want to carry on their bags to do so-especially when the overhead bin space is not full.

Getting Around

Madison Metro takes you everywhere you need to go. Take the D Line from the airport to your hotel on the Square. Uber not needed much less rental car.  (And avoid Uber. They signed me up for UBER One twice now at $9.99 per month without my knowledge or consent.)

Good to Know

Isthmus is the monthly alternative weekly with plenty of ideas of events.

Our Lives is the bimonthly LGBTQ magazine (also online).

Madison is booming as Epic (medical software and billing company) now has 13,000 employees.

I am from Madison and love visiting my home city - especially in the summer. You will too.

*Bill Malcolm is North America's syndicated travel writer influence. He pays his own way and avoids hotels with resort fees. He loves going local, taking transit, and checking out what is new. He resides in Indianapolis.

About the Author

Bill Malcolm Bill Malcolm is North America's only syndicated travel columnist. He focuses on value and pays his own way. He takes local transit and seeks to go where the locals go. He has appeared 100 times in LGBTQ publications and on websites including the IGLTA travel blog. You can find his work in GRAB Chicago, Erie Gay News, Seattle Gay News, and other places. He does this as a volunteer and does not charge for his work. He boycotts hotels and hotel chains with resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees, and other made up junk charges. He resides in Indianapolis. Follow him on Facebook.