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 friends love to get active, eat, shop or are looking for a true Wisconsin experience, there's a way to spend the day in the good neighbor city.
Middleton is proud to offer all the amenities of a city with the allure of the outdoors while delivering real small-town charm, making it great for your next getaway with your people.
Jump around to find your perfect itinerary:
For the active friend group
Nothing brings people together like fresh air and elevated heart rates. This itinerary is for the people who never worry about getting bored because they bond over their shared love of thrill seeking.
Activities
Biking
The greater Madison area has a reputation for being a haven for cyclists. Middleton embraces bike culture and is home to one of the areas largest and most developed parks for recreational biking. Social cyclers will love spending a day at the Middleton Bike Park, featuring nearly four miles of public trails that range from beginner to experienced with jumps, obstacles and an advanced climb.
The Pump Track at the Middleton Bike Park is one of the largest pump tracks in the state, with more than 15,000 sq. ft. of space, 6,000 sq. ft. of asphalt surface and 455 linear feet of ride lines.
Cross-country skiing
Outdoor adventure is a four-season mentality in Middleton. The CXC Outdoor Center features just over 8 miles of maintained trails for cross-country skiing and diagonal striding making it an easy place to gather with your group and make a day of trouncing the trails.
Places to eat and drink
Stop in to Middleton's own Hidden Cave Cidery for locally-made craft cider to unwind after your day of heart-pumping fun. Fuel your adventures at Taza, an authentic Mediterranean restaurant making meals from fresh ingredients and rich flavors.
Bonus
Connect with nature while still being active at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Explore 682 acres of protected natural area where you can hike, bike, snowshoe, bird watch or simply enjoy the serene surroundings.
For the culinary companions
Nothing brings people together like food. The table is where we gather to share our greatest stories and make some of our fondest memories. If your posse loves finding new flavors, this is the list for you.
Activities
Experiential dining meets social sustainability at Frostwood Farms. Join Frostwood for one of their monthly dinners, a fine dining experience where you get to interact directly with the chef and learn more about what's on your plate. The kitchen hosts private and public dining events as well as charitable give backs where groups make lasagnas to give to local charities and people in need.
Places to eat
Middleton's culinary landscape is rich and varied. We've picked out several spots to help you get the greatest variety out of your dining experiences.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a light but deeply delicious start to your day at Vitruvius Coffee and Tea serving James Beard recognized pastries from Madison Sourdough and coffee made from the acclaimed beans roasted by Wonderstate Coffee.
- Lunch: The full farm-to-table menu at Longtable Beer Cafe is a delight but we especially recommend stopping in to enjoy an artisanal cheese board made by some of the most awarded and delicious cheeses made in the Dairy State.
- Dinner: Savoring a meal over good conversation is the cornerstone of Villa Dolce's philosophy. The authentic Italian restaurant is known for its artisanal pizzas, homemade gelato and wine selection.
- Dessert: The team at Miggy's Bakes has taken the greater Madison area by storm with their out-of-this-world baked goods. The baker also hosts cake workshops and events to help you take your baking skills up a notch.
Bonus
Niche. Quirky. Bold. Yellow. All apt words to describe one of the greatest gems to call Middleton home. The National Mustard Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction dedicated to everyone's favorite golden condiment. Aside from being a safe space to embrace your inner silly, the Mustard Museum is a great spot for food enthusiasts. You can sample dozens of artisanal, unique and award-winning mustards and shop from a gift store full of local snacks and culinary gifts to make your kitchen sing.
For the shoppers
Admit it. Your friend group is aching for its very own movie montage shopping moment complete with trying on bold outfits, gazing at home decor that wows and handing your card to the cashier without a care in the world. You can have that experience in Middleton at these shopping destinations.
Activities
It's shopping or bust for you and your friends and we have so many recommendations.
A short stroll through downtown Middleton goes a long way for a shopping day. The historic downtown is home to a lineup of great locally-owned shops where you'll find clothing, local art, gifts, NA spirits, party supplies and more at these stores:
- Regal Find: A collection of art and gifts, many made by local artisans. The store's displays are curated by animal and nature themes making for a wonderfully whimsical experience.
- Little Pop Color Shop: You will feel pretty in pink when you step into this store filled with high-end party supplies and curated home goods.
- Tradition Market: Located in Middleton's charming downtown, this shop features a curated selection of apparel, toys and accessories for children.
- Journeyman Co.: This store specializes in made-in-the-U.S. men's clothing from specialty brands.
- Sober Social: Wander into a collection of non-alcoholic beverages curated with the goal to bridge the gap between sobriety and society.
No shopping trip is complete without a stop at Greenway Station, a 46-acre outdoor shopping center home to many of your favorite national shopping brands including Land's End, J. Crew, Golf Galaxy, World Market and more.
Places to eat
The key to a successful shopping day is making sure nobody gets hangry. The Free House Pub is a cozy downtown gastropub with a little something for everybody, making it a great place to drop in for lunch in between shopping destinations. For dinner, punctuate your day with a delightfully indulgent diner meal at Hubbard Avenue Diner complete with a slice of their famous pie.
Bonus
Unwind after a day on the go and celebrate your shopping wins with a glass (or two, we aren't judging!) of wine at Grape Water Wine Bar, a self-service wine bar offering more than a dozen varieties of wines.
For the Sconnies
We are proud of our Wisconsin culture and we aren't afraid to show it. Follow this itinerary and you'll be saying "ope" and "you betcha" before you know it.
Activities
There is no natural beauty in the world that compares to a glittering, blue Wisconsin lake. A summer lake day feels like joy mixed with bliss mixed with love. It's just that awesome. Marshall Boats allows you the magic of a lake day without needing to bring any of your own equipment. Rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards right on the shores of Lake Mendota for an easy, breezy day on the water.
Places to eat
Cheese curds. Brandy Old Fashioneds. Fish fry. The three pillars of any Wisconsin diet. Enjoy those classics (including an award winning fish fry) and more at Mid Town Pub. For dinner, head over to 1847 at the Stamm House to dine at the historic former service station turned hotel turned restaurant and enjoy elevated Wisconsin classics.
Bonus
You certainly cannot forget beer while on your quintessential Wisconsin adventure. Capital Brewery in downtown Middleton is known for its well-decorated German style lagers and for its massive biergarten that hosts several events throughout the year including the iconic winter celebration Bockfest.
