As the name suggests, The Old Fashioned keeps it old-school through dishes like fried cheese curds, haystack onion strings, and, you guessed it, a killer old fashioned. This Madison favorite is known for their laid-back take on Wisconsin fare, from potato chips drenched in Wisconsin cheese sauce, chicken-fried steak, and poutine with a creamy sausage gravy. 

Though The Old Fashioned is as local as it gets, they invite other flavors onto their menu. Stop by for their daily fish fry to order off of the Amelia’s Cocina menu, old-world Mexican favorites cooked up by one of the restaurant’s long-time chefs.

Sip on hand-crafted cocktails just one block off Madison’s historic Capitol Square. Though Capitol Square is the seat of Wisconsin-state government, neighboring Heritage Tavern is a place to cut loose. Their farm-to-table food and relaxed atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience, whether that’s for the thoughtful dishes or dark-stained wooden bar. 

Dine in at the cozy eatery or take their culinary creations to go, be that for a picnic at the Capitol or a night in at Graduate Richmond.

Treat yourself to a night out at the theater. The Overture Center for the Arts is Madison’s answer to Broadway, welcoming everything from award-winning musicals to stand-up comedy. Sit back and watch the more than 700,000 arts and educational experiences the center hosts each year, some of which swing by from around the country, others of which are put on by ten resident companies. 

Though the shows are awe-inspiring, the theater itself is equally swoon-worthy. The Overture Center for the Arts opened in 2004 and features several theaters including the beloved Capitol Theater. Capitol Theater brings with it almost 100 years of Madison history and is an icon in Madison’s arts district. 

Curious minds will meet their match at Madison Children’s Museum. This colorful and engaging museum features exciting educational experiences ranging from permanent exhibits to rotating programming, all of which emphasize sustainability. 

Bring the kids to wander the Wonderground outdoor play space, learn about architecture by walking in the footsteps of Frank Lloyd Wright, or get up close to the composting process at the Urb Garden.

Students gather at the Memorial Union Terrace. Sun-burst chairs and lake views create the perfect backdrop for summer hangs, whether that’s settling in for an outdoor film or digging into some campus-favorite foods. Though the chairs may be the most iconic part of the Terrace, the experience is also unique to the University of Wisconsin. 

Order a meal and soak up the sun or attend one of their live events. Alumni and campus newcomers alike will enjoy this UW-Madison staple.

For 30 years, Little Luxuries has welcomed Madison visitors and locals alike to emphasize the little things. Their little luxuries range from cookbooks to candles to handbags, all of which have the power to liven up any outfit or living space. Peruse the shop’s packaged shelves to discover new favorite wares, then bring something home to remember your time in Madison. 

Owner Amy Moore is also an interior designer, and her experience shows through in the thoughtful home goods. If you’re on a stroll down State Street, don’t forget to pop in and see what gifts and goods they have in store.

Madison Modern Market is your go-to for thoughtful and of-the-moment lifestyle goods. Hats, mugs, macrame plant hangers, and more line the shelves at Madison Modern Market. Their carefully-curated selection has something for everyone, so you’ll be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed. 

Remember your trip with an illustrated map of Madison, or detail your trip in a luxurious journal. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find something to love at Madison Modern Market.

As the name implies, Fromagination is all about cheese. Their name plays on the French word for cheese, “fromage,” just like the store plays out your biggest cheese dreams. Shop 60 artisanal Wisconsin cheeses and the sides that go with them, from crackers to cocktail syrup to rich, local chocolates. 

Fromagination isn’t just a place to buy cheese, but also a place to learn about it. Take a peek into charcuterie board making, the secrets of beer cheese, and all the tips you’ll ever need to entertain with cheese. Whichever class you take, we dare you to leave without a block of five-year-aged cheddar, moody blue, and more.