Quick Stop in Madison, Wisconsin
📍 Madison, Wisconsin
Sweater (Also) || Jeans || Sneakers || Similar Tote Bag || Coat || Earrings || Bracelet
While I identify as a born and raised Floridian, a little known fact about me is that I lived in Wisconsin when I was a kid. While my family always called the Sunshine State home, there are a lot of fun memories from growing up in the Badger State. Many of them revolve around trips to Madison, about an hour away from where I lived. Home the University of Wisconsin, we frequently visited for shopping and swim meets. A few weeks ago, I flew back up to Wisconsin for a work conference and had a chance to revisit the city of my youth. Obviously, it’s changed so much, and I have a newfound appreciation for this state capital. Here’s a snapshot of my quick stop in Madison, Wisconsin.
Stay at the Graduate Hotel
While I didn’t stay here myself, I know my number one pick would easily be the Graduate Hotel. You can find this collection of hotels in many of the most loved college towns. What I love the most is that each of the 32 locations is uniquely designed with the college’s identity in mind. For Wisconsin, that means lots of plaids, nature photos, and an ode to the beloved cheese curd. Grab a bite at Camp Trippalindee, a rooftop spot with views of town.
Coffee at Wonderstate
I started my Madison morning with coffee and breakfast at Wonderstate Coffee. This coffee shop is absolutely wonderful! I was able to snag a spot by the window and had full views of the Wisconsin state capital building, which you can see below. Breakfast started with a White Chocolate-Peppermint Latte and ended with a Black Sesame Scone. Afterward, I had a chance to chat with the baristas behind the bar, who gave me a complete list of recommendations around the downtown area. If only I had more time to try them all out. I guess that means I need to make another trip to Madison soon.
Eat at the Settle Down Tavern
First off, what a great name! The Settle Down Tavern was the number one recommendation from my new barista friends. Better still, it was just around the corner from my coffee shop and open for lunch. I instantly had a good feeling when I entered the restaurant. I found a sunny corner spot at the bar, and I only wished I had come hungrier. They have an exclusive Toddy menu for cocktails in the wintertime, meaning hot drinks to warm up one cold Floridian. Since no trip to Wisconsin is complete without a healthy order of cheese curds, you know I had to order their rendition. Lovingly named Cheese Puppies, it’s safe to say I ate my body weight in cheddar. Want to order their burger? Good Idea! Seriously, that’s what they’re called, and for a good reason.
Madison, Wisconsin, is such an incredible town! Even though I was there for less than 24 hours, I quickly learned that I was only scratching the surface. If you happen to find yourself in Wisconsin or the Midwest, I cannot recommend experiencing this city enough! Madison, I honestly hope to see you soon!
Love from Wisconsin,
Katie
Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.