Madison

Chazen Museum of Art

A classic art exhibit inside the University of Wisconsin's art school, containing several different sections ranging from ancient sculptures to modern-day photography. The exhibits are changed regularly, and the museum is quiet and uncrowded.

Free

Dotty Dumpling's Dowry

If you're looking for a good burger in Madison, this is the place to be. Dotty's serves one of the best burgers in Madison, if not the very best.

Mon-Wed 11AM-11PM, Thu-Sat 11AM-1AM, Sun noon-10PM·$8-15

East Towne Mall

A standard shopping mall on the east side of Madison, not far from I-39/I-90/I-94.

Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-6PM

Glass Nickel Pizza

On the corner of Whitney Way and University Ave. A large menu to choose from including: pizza, salads, pasta, and numerous appetizers. The fetalicious is a Madison favorite.

Governor's Mansion

The mansion of the governor of the state of Wisconsin is located in nearby Maple Bluff, right on Lake Mendota. Tours are offered every Thursday during the summer and several times during the month of December.

Free

Greenbush Bakery

Excellent doughnuts, which just happen to be kosher. Must try the cream filled doughnuts, and the apple fritters are literally big enough to feed the whole family.

Greenbush Bar

In a town of many great pizza places, this is one of the best thin-crispy-crust pizzas you'll find. It's in the basement of the Italian Workman's Club building in what was Greenbush, Madison's long-gone Italian district.

Harvest Restaurant

M-Th 5:30PM-close, F Sa 5PM-close. Next door to L'Etoile, it is nearly as good and more likely to offer a reservation on the same day.

Harvey House

Dinner and cocktails in this remodeled train depot and train car surely will not disappoint. The menu is comprised of modern takes on Wisconsin supper clubs with a 1920s-1940s aesthetic throughout the restaurant. It is highly recommended to get reservations more than a couple weeks in advance as reservations fill up quickly.

Tue-Thu 5-9PM, Fri Sat 4:30-9:30PM

Henry Vilas Zoo

Founded in 1914, this is one of the few free zoos left in the country. The zoo houses over 40 species within its 30-acre (12-hectare) grounds, and additional attractions include a zoo train, carousel and a children's play area complete with tree house.

Daily 9:30AM-5PM·Free admission and parking, donations welcome

Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House

One of eight buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright to be listed as a world-heritage site.

Hilldale Mall

Lots of independent stores, Morgan's Shoes, Playthings, Fair Indigo, etc. Also has some bigger more well known stores; Macy's, Anthropology, The North Face, Bath and Body Works. Has a grocery store, and also one of Robert Redford's Sundance Cinemas. Many restaurants, sit-down or to-go. Also nail and hair salons are present. Very nice, upper-scale mall.

Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-6PM

Himal Chuli

Excellent Nepalese food, cozy atmosphere. Some of the most delicious food in Madison and you always feel good after you have eaten here because it is healthy as well. Try the momochas or anything else.

Ian's Pizza

And 115 State St. Campus favorite with a gourmet twist. Excellent New York-sized pizza by the slice, featuring old standards like pepperoni and new variations like mac and cheese (don't knock it until you've tried it — it's the top seller!), Black Bean Feta Avocado and Steak 'n' Fries. Daily and monthly specials served by the most charming staff in town.

L'Etoile

Open M-Th at 6PM, F at 5:30PM, Sa at 5PM. Nationally-acclaimed restaurant focusing on locally grown ingredients, often found at the Farmer's Market. While pricey, it is worth it. Make reservations in advance.

L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum

Hands-on physics museum with exhibits demonstrating basic physical concepts, from mechanics to atomics, some historical instruments on display. Closest parking lot is Lot 20.

Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM, closed on public and school holidays·Free

Madcity Music Exchange

An independent music store featuring a very large selection of new and used vinyl records. A diverse selection of new and used CDs are also on hand for a healthy sized non-vinyl inventory.

Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM

Madison Children's Museum

A children's museum next to the State Capitol. The whimsical and mind-bending interactive exhibits will delight both adults and children alike.

$12

Madison Mallards

Collegiate summer baseball team that is part of the Northwoods League. A number of Mallards have gone on to play in the Major Leagues. Tip: If you catch a foul ball, return it and get a free hot dog.

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

A unique three-story collection of works created by artists based in Madison and beyond, containing many interactive exhibits and free tours which you can listen to on your cell phone. The fourth floor houses an upscale restaurant and bar, and offers a magnificent view of State Street.

Free

Madison Sourdough Bread Company

Breakfast and lunch are served until 2:30PM daily. Excellent, fresh sourdough bread can be found here. Try their baguette - artisanal bread at its best. It can be found at some local grocery stores, including Willy Street Co-op.

Mon-Sat 6:30AM-5PM, Sun 8AM-5PM

Mediterranean Cafe

This narrow room is a Madison gem and a favorite with the university crowd. Great Middle Eastern food, such as shawerma (similar to gyros) and felafel (fried chickpeas). Almost always busy, but it moves fast.

Michelangelo's Coffee House

Every day 7AM-11PM. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee and other drinks make up the menu at this comfy downtown meeting and reading spot.

Mickies Dairy Bar

A classic diner close to the University, and right across from the football stadium. It has among the best shakes in town. If you think you can eat a lot, try the scrambler. It is cash only and is always packed full of people on game day.

Monona Terrace

From the roof of Monona Terrace, one can see views of downtown Madison, including the Capitol and a panoramic view of Lake Monona. There are weekly events during the summer, including Dane Dances, concerts on the rooftop, and free Tai Chi.

Daily 8AM-5PM

Nam's Noodles

Excellent Chinese food close to the university. Their "Nam's Fried Rice" is outstanding. Sit-down or take-out, no delivery.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

These 16 free outdoor gardens have many ponds and greens, as well as the only Thai Pavilion in the continental United States. There is a $6 fee to enter the conservatory, which houses over 650 exotics and tropicals.

Overture Center

This venue is home to Madison's most prominent performing arts organizations, including the Madison Ballet, Opera, Symphony, Repertory Theater, and Children's Theater. The facilities also include the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and galleries housing work by local visual artists. The building is gorgeous — the rooftop garden is particularly impressive — and well worth a stop as you meander down State street. Private tours are available.

Samba Brazilian Grill

Just off of State Street, Samba delivers table-side meat service, in the churrascaria fashion, and a massive gourmet salad bar. Rather pricey for Madison, but it is all-you-can eat. Pace yourself and practice self-control!

$40

The Esquire Club

Another fabulous all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry place with a great Wisconsin supper-club atmosphere. Very busy on Friday nights, so you may want to make a reservation and/or plan to hang out in the bar for a while.