A panoramic view of a vibrant city skyline along a waterfront at sunrise, showcasing modern buildings and lush greenery.
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Ashley Pettay

Ashley loves walking her dog, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and baking. She's a former journalist and ice cream enthusiast who loves all things pop culture. You can catch her working as the Content Manager at Destination Madison.

Answering Madison FAQs from Chicagoans

I live in Chicago. Why should I visit Madison? Great question. We're so glad you asked. Chicago is connected to nearly the entire world by plane and almost the entire Midwest by car or bus. With that many options, how does a Chicagoan choose where to spend their travel time? Time off is at a…

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Badger Weekends: Your Pre and Post Game Guide

Jumping around at a UW–Madison Badger football game is an experience like no other, but it is just a slice of Madison's best things to do in fall. Gameday is a great anchor for a weekend-long trip to the capital city. Here's a list of experiences to include before and after your journey to Camp…

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Best Road Trip from Minneapolis: Madison, WI

You've felt it on your Instagram feeds, around the watercooler and even during your daily morning news watch: road trips are so back. Romanticizing that feeling of being on the road, an arm's length from your favorite people, as anticipation builds for your next few days of adventure is all we're…

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Top 10 Spots for Fall Colors in Madison

Stunning views. Now in fall hues. Visiting Madison in fall means experiencing the richness of fall color in a city studded with glittering lakes and surrounded by state parks and natural areas. Exploring Madison's fall colors can take on any form you choose. Want to take a relaxing stroll? There's a…

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Best Road Trip: Chicago to Madison, WI

Let's be real. It's time to get out of the city. Planning a huge vacation might not be on your BINGO card this year, and that's OK because the perfect, easy road trip from Chicago is waiting for you in Madison, WI. Madison is a great getaway from Chicago because it's affordable, easy to get to and…

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Verona's Farley Center unveils Live Art Exhibit

A marriage of nature and art is coming to life at the Farley Center in Verona, inviting viewers to challenge their ideas of toxicity and decomposition. The Farley Center will kick off its seventh annual land art installations series titled "Peace Songs 2025" on August 9 in the Natural Path…

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What's New in Madison in 2025

The new year is a great time to seek out new experiences. Fortunately in Madison, you'll be able to do that all year long. 2025 is set to be an exciting year for the capital city filled with new sports teams, events, restaurants and some big anniversaries worth celebrating. New things are happening…

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Middleton Itineraries to Match Your Friend Group

Is your group chat buzzing with anticipation of your next great hangout? Middleton has a solution. There's no uniform way to experience Madison's neighbor to the west, which is why we broke down our recommended Middleton itineraries based on what kind of trip your group is looking for. Whether your…

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Dining Around the World in Madison

Madison's diverse community and its love for fresh, quality food come together to create a beloved global food scene. You can find authentic international food all around town, from James Beard award-winning restaurants to hidden gems in unsuspecting locations. The amount of global fare in Madison…

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