Start your day here
9 AM
Bike the Lake Monona Loop. (BCycle e-bike rentals aplenty along the path.)
45 – 60 min bike ride
Bike elevator? Don't mind if we do
Local secret
Take the bike elevator (located off the Lake Monona Bike Loop at Monona Terrace) to get directly to the farmers’ market from Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Next up: 2 min bike ride
Find goodies at the farmers' market
10:30 AM
Stop by the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S. for fresh, squeaky cheese curds and local delights to fuel your next adventure.
Next up: 5 min walk
Capitol chill time
11 AM
Grab a coffee and stroll inside the State Capitol Building and/or relax on the Capitol Lawn.
20 min stroll
State Street strolling
Noon
Shop local and eat local as you make your way down State Street to Library Mall.
Next up: 3 min walk
Artsy exploration
2 PM
Explore the expansive (like 23,000+ works in the collection expansive!) Chazen Museum of Art. PS — It’s free.
Next up: 5 min walk
Lively vibes and a view at the Terrace
4 PM
Cold and refreshing — try some famous Babcock ice cream or craft beer at the lakeside Memorial Union Terrace.
Next up: 1 min walk
Unmistakably Madison Moment
4:15 PM
Take (or maybe even dip your toes) in the glittering waters of Lake Mendota, as you reconnect with those who matter most.
Next up: 20 min walk
From eatery to streatery (street + eatery)
5:30 PM
Enjoy dinner at one of the 120+ restaurants downtown on State Street, the UW Campus, and near the Capitol. Or, head down Willy St. (Williamson Street) for even more local food and drink.
Next up: 5 – 25 min walk
Check out Madison's Newest Spot: Capitol East
6:30 PM
Realize that Madison breaks the Midwest mold and that innovation and counterculture don’t only live on the coasts. Within a few blocks in Madison's newest scene along East Washington Ave., you'll find The Sylvee, a Google Campus, an Art+Literature Lab and even an art bar!
Next up: 5 min walk
Always time for craft cocktails
7 PM
Craft cocktails taste better when they're made of only-in-Madison small-batch liquor from Old Sugar Distillery or State Line Distillery — just two of many in the area.
Next up: 5 – 15 min walk
Catch a vibe
8 PM
Vibe like a local at a show at The Sylvee.
Next up: 20 min walk / 4 min drive
Not ready to go home yet?
11 PM
End the evening your way. Head to the bars on the Capitol Square and State Street for craft beer, dancing (wrong moves only?!) or even a quiet rooftop bar.
Things to do
EVENTS
From the farmers' market to your favorite beer festivals, these are what make moments — big and small — into lasting memories.
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