Shopping
What better way to commemorate your visit to Madison than with a unique treasure from one of our many retail establishments? The greater Madison area offers a wonderful mix of stores, with diverse offerings from antiques to high-end fashion.
STATE STREET
The heart of downtown Madison offers an intriguing blend of character, culture and charisma all on one street. State Street is a colorful pedestrian mall connecting the magnificent Wisconsin State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It is filled with interesting art galleries, bookstores, eateries and small boutiques selling everything including high-end fashion, Bucky Badger souvenirs, funky jewelry and specialty hats. There are almost 100 shops and services on State Street alone as well as 60 coffeehouses, bars and restaurants serving everything from Eastern Mediterranean to Thai, Italian and Nepalese. State Street is also bookstore heaven. Ten new and used bookstores are also located in the vicinity of the street. The Capitol Square and State Street are great places to meander, and even when a festival isn't taking place downtown, street musicians and outdoor cafés make the street one of the liveliest in the city.
MONROE STREET
This near-west side street features over one mile of locally owned specialty shops and businesses. It is bordered by a historic neighborhood and conveniently located near UW-Madison's Camp Randall Stadium, Henry Vilas Zoo, Edgewood Campus, Vilas Park and the UW Arboretum. The majority of businesses are between the 1500-1900 blocks of Monroe Street and the 2400-2800 blocks. Shopping on Monroe Street offers a diverse sensory appeal, where you'll find a wide selection of fine arts and crafts, unusual home decorative items, natural-fiber clothing, delicious locally-roasted coffees and many specialty restaurants.
MAJOR MALLS & SHOPPING CENTERS
Madison's two largest shopping centers feature many national retailers, especially in women's and men's apparel. Both malls feature more than 100 stores offering athletic apparel and equipment, jewelry, books, toys, coffee, clothing and more. Each mall also has a sizable food court. East Towne Mall is located off E. Washington Avenue near I- 90/94, 608.244.1501.West Towne Mall is at the corner of Mineral Point Rd. and Gammon Rd., 608.833.6330.
Upscale, one-of- a-kind and locally owned shops are anchored by Macy's department store. Hilldale also sponsors a farmers' market in the parking lot from May to October. 702 N. Midvale Blvd. 608.238.6640.
Westgate is home to T.J. Maxx and several specialty shops. This is also a great place to catch an independent movie that would be hard to find at any of the other area theaters.
Madison's only open air lifestyle center offers a fine selection of shops, restaurants and entertainment. All year round, Greenway Station is your premier destination for everything you want to find and anything you want to do. From a quick meal to an elegant dinner and from the hottest styles to classic looks in apparel and home furnishings, Located in Middleton, just ten minutes from downtown Madison off Highway (12/14) and Greenway Blvd.
This outlet center features an impressive collection of the finest brands, with more than 60 brand name outlets including The Gap, Nike, Nautica, Mikasa, Bath & Body Works, Springmaid Wamsutta and Tommy Hilfiger. Enjoy savings of 20-75% every day. Located 30 miles east of Madison on I-94.
NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES
Downtown Middleton offers many shops, restaurants and sights with a small town feel. From a distinctive piece of jewelry to a beautiful floral arrangement or a fine collectible figurine, The Good Neighbor City is a wonderful place to pick up that perfect gift and maybe find something for you along the way. Visit the World Famous Mustard Museum, at the corner of Hubbard Ave and Parmenter St (7477 Hubbard Ave) in Middleton, WI. The Museum features an extensive collection of prepared mustards - more than 5,000 jars, bottles, and tubes from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Stop in at the City of Middleton Tourism Commission at 7507 Hubbard Ave. or call 608.831.5696, for a list of the best spots in Middleton.
The troll-way of the Midwest! Enjoy the colorful annual events like the summer Art Fair and the Fall Festival. Contact the Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. 1st St., 1.88.TROLLWAY.
A scenic treasure filled with hills and valleys on the Wisconsin River, Spring Green is the home of Frank Lloyd Wright. Whether it's that perfect book or the antique you've been searching for, you're sure to find that special little something at one of Spring Green's unique specialty shops. Spring Green Chamber of Commerce, 1.800.588.2042.
Discover Stoughton's rich Norwegian heritage and interesting past by touring its historic districts. Shop and dine in the historic downtown, then head out to Lake Kegonsa State Park for stimulating outdoor recreation.
Stoughton is always teeming with community activities and is home to the annual Syttende Mai Festival in May and Victorian Holiday celebration in December. Contact the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce, 532 E. Main Street, 1.888.873.7912, for more information.
Northeast of Madison you'll enjoy Sun Prairie, which offers a unique shopping experience featuring small town service and values. This birthplace of Georgia O'Keefe provides magnificent posters displaying her world-renowned artwork and gifts for all occasions. For more information contact the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, 109 E. Main St., 608.837.4547.
