It’s here: that brilliant time of year when the sunlight lingers longer. Schedules are slower. And stress levels are wayyy lower. 

Looking for a new spot to find your summer state of mind? Try Verona, Wisconsin. 

Its nickname—“Hometown USA”—is a not-so-subtle giveaway to everything that makes this city shine: a focus on community. Tons of family-friendly activities. And small-town charm that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. 

While Verona starts its summer in May with a three-day festival called Hometown Days, it’s most certainly not the end of their summer story. Verona is packed with outdoor fun, making it one of the liveliest early-summer spots to experience all the best things summer brings, all at one time: outdoor dining, active adventures, live music and more.  
 
Jump around to find Verona’s summer vibes: 

Familiar Faces + Gathering Places 

Community is at the center of so many experiences you’ll find in this small town situated along the banks of the Sugar River. Even if you’re not a local, you’ll immediately feel a sense of belonging everywhere you go. 

The “all is good” origin story at Alice Good Coffee brings a meaningful start to any morning. Whether you order an espresso tonic or a traditional macchiato from their specialty drink menu, you’ll love everything about this Latinx and women-owned shop that celebrates sustainable Colombian coffee and meaningful contributions to the community. 

Just down the block is where you’ll find The Sow’s Ear. You only need to spend a few minutes inside before you’re immersed in cozy community vibes. It was the Midwest’s first café and yarn shop, and for 25 years has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike who are passionate about fiber arts—whether they’re at knitting club, crochet classes or fun collabs with community organizations like the Madison Mallards. 

When it’s time to enjoy sun-drenched patios, you’ll find the biggest at Wisconsin Brewing Company, which offers a dozen different beers daily. Food carry-ins and dogs on-leash are permitted on their patio so you can linger longer at events nearly every day of the week.  

In downtown Verona, you won’t want to miss Toot & Kate’s Wine Bar, a self-serve spot with more than 24 rotating reds and whites, plus outdoor seating. Then stop down the block at Hop Haus Brewing Co., which makes its own beer (with an emphasis on IPAs) served on its large outdoor patio. There’s an outdoor patio at nearby Orchard, too, which also offers farm-to-table fare like Smash Burgers from Seven Seeds organic beef, Mac & Cheese made with Hooks aged cheddar and ciders from The Cider Farm. Bonus: there are many gluten-free options on the menu—even their beloved Friday Fish Fry. 

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Iconic Hiking + Biking

If your ideal summer vacation leads to ultimate relaxation, consider this: Verona is home to some pretty iconic spots for family-friendly, fresh-air fun.  

There are only 11 National Scenic Trails in the U.S. and the Ice Age Trail, contained entirely in Wisconsin, is one of the longest and most diverse. This 1,000-mile footpath was carved during the Wisconsin Glaciation period that ended 12,000 years ago. And one of the trailheads is in Verona, where you can easily hike a  6.3-mile segment that passes through three county parks and features several kettle ponds, including the Moraine Kettles Preserve. 

You can also put in some miles on the Military Ridge State Trail, a 40-mile crushed limestone trail that connects bikers from Madison to Dodgeville. It features easy-to-navigate routes—some of which run right through the residential part of town! Tip: A State Trail Pass is required for cycling on this trail (available for just $5 per day or $25 annually). 

If you’re looking for a more low-key way to enjoy the warm weather, there are plenty of parks that offer gorgeous greenspaces for picnicking, walking and casual recreation. There are 10 different Natural Areas to explore in Verona, from parks and preserves to prairies and savannas. Visit them all and you can earn a commemorative patch!  

Every one of these spaces offer a quieter, unhurried vibe with plentiful parking, spacious trails and drop-in opportunities so you can decide how to spend your day in a spontaneous way. 

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Live Music, Fairs + Fests 

If you love a little live music and family-friendly fun, you’ll love the lineup of outdoor events and festivals you’ll find in Verona and its surrounding towns this season. 

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Places to Stay 

The best part of staying in a walkable town? There are plenty of hotels around. Plus, many have shuttles that will take you to events in nearby communities. 

As the big mural says in the downtown Murals & Main Street collection: Do More of What Makes You Happy. You’re certain to find it this summer when you stay in Verona. 

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