We want to thank Destination Madison for helping to sponsor our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

2) University Life

We are slowly adding state capitals to our collection, as each has its own unique vibe. Madison is also home to the largest university in the state. Since the mid-1800s, the University of Wisconsin has brought Badger Pride to Madison. After settling in, we made our way over to the campus to see what was shaking. Summer classes were in session, so the attendance was far below the roughly 42,000 students who regularly attend. It was easy to spot the badger mascot, as we made our way to Alumni Park to enjoy the relaxed vibe. The warm sunshine enticed us to grab a seat along the lake and enjoy some people-watching. While our itinerary beckoned us to get back to exploring, we lingered in this scenic setting for a while longer.

3) Leisurely Vibe

The University of Wisconsin is situated on the shore of Lake Mendota. With summer in full blaze, we spotted lots of activity. Sailboats and kayaks floated among the waves. Sunbathing was definitely high on the list of leisure activities. As we enjoyed our time on the patio, we soaked up some of those rays for ourselves. Later we would learn about the many firsts that have taken place at the University of Wisconsin. Some notable firsts are: a magnetic observatory, developing standards for testing milk quality, an experimental breeding program, and the country’s first speech clinic.

4) Free Museums

Being a history lover, I enjoy adding museums to our itineraries. Capitals are usually home to the state museum, which offers a broader perspective than many of the local sites. This helps us get a better feel for how things have changed over the centuries. The idea that museums are FREE makes them all the more attractive. During our visit to the Wisconsin Historical Museum, we were surprised to see their openness about past issues in the state. While peddling political influence has been around for many generations, it has usually been done in secret. Their willingness to face past problems was one of the 7 reasons to visit Madison.

5) Honoring Our Heroes

Just a short walk from the history museum is the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Another FREE attraction, it also has a commanding view of the state capital. This museum showcases the participation of Wisconsin citizens during the past 150 years of wars. We were impressed at the high quality of exhibits found inside this place. So many of the artifacts and images evoke memories that we remember from our younger years. It is a solemn site that reflects on the sacrifices made by so many. The availability of free or low-cost attractions makes Madison an affordable vacation destination.

6) Cheese!

Let’s face it, Wisconsin’s know their cheese. There is a myriad of cheese shops around Madison, but our limited time only allowed us to visit one. Fortunately for us, Fromagination sits on the square that surrounds the capital. This made it an easy destination to visit during our day at the museums. Stepping through the door, our noses picked up the exquisite aromas of tart and tangy cheeses. Once inside, we found ourselves afloat in choices. The staff was more than happy to walk us through their wide variety of cheeses, as well as plenty of accompaniments. We found tons of locally created merchandise, perfect for gift giving. There were even a few specialties that will add some extra zest to our homemade charcuterie boards.

7) Affordable Eats

Travel wouldn’t be the same without the chance to sample some of the local cuisines. We love this part of our job and take the task seriously. Our itineraries are always jammed full of interesting eateries that allow us to get a feel for the restaurant scene. Madison has lots of options and many are quite affordable. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you will find it here. Along the capital square, we enjoyed burgers from DLux and tacos from The Canteen. As we moved closer to the university, we discovered an amazing breakfast at Short Stack Eatery. Even closer to the school is a street filled with student-friendly eateries, like Parthenon Gyros.

7 Reasons to Visit Madison

Our whirlwind adventure in this university city may have only lasted a couple of days, but we packed a ton of fun into our time. After hitting the ground running, we soon discovered that our exploration would have to be concentrated on the heart of the city. With lodging at Double Tree Hilton Downtown, we were able to park our car and walk everywhere. This is a huge plus in our books, as it allows us to work off a few of the calories we pick up during our exploration. While we are only showcasing 7 reasons to visit Madison, we’re sure you’ll find plenty more. Tell us about some of your discoveries in the comments section below. This will help other readers create a robust itinerary for their next Madison, Wisconsin adventure!

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We want to thank Destination Madison for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Capital Eats

Like most metropolitan cities, Madison is chocked full of dining destinations. Within sight of the capitol rotunda, we spotted over a dozen choices. Almost every cuisine imaginable can be found here, but this evening we were hankering for some beef. After wrapping up our visit to the Wisconsin History Museum, we strolled around the square to DLux. We had identified this restaurant during our planning phase, and I couldn’t wait to try it out. While we have tasted burgers from all around the country, it’s not often that we find smash burgers so far North.

Trendy Vibe

Entering into DLux, we were greeted by a funky vibe that reminded us of a 1970s lounge. The bar occupied the center of the space and offered a comfortable place for enjoying a local Happy Hour. The color scheme was muted, which made the colorful artwork pop off the walls. It was the art that caught our attention. An assortment of iconic creations, that are easily recoginzable, filled the canvasses. It certainly provided plenty to examine as we perused the menu.

DLux Dishes

The menu at DLux isn’t limited to burgers, but that’s what we were seeking. We passed right over the soups and salads and headed straight for the beef lovers section. There were six versions to choose from during our visit. Each one was packed with its own unique flavor combinations. We noticed that diners could substitute chicken breast or a vegan option, but it didn’t influence our final selections. We chose the Smoke Show for its combination of cheddar cheese, bacon, onion straws, and BBQ sauce. Everything we would expect from the name. Our second burger was Black & Blue, which uses blackened smash burgers that are topped with bacon, onion jam, and chunks of tangy blue cheese.

Smashed to Perfection

The concept behind smash burgers is crispy outside edges with juicy interiors. DLux has perfected this approach and we were shocked at the size of our servings. When you toss in the substantial sides, it was a lot of food. We knew immediately that we wouldn’t finish our meals, but we gave it a valiant effort. In the end, we left the restaurant plump and happy. Since Madison is such a walkable city, we decided to stroll around and let our dinner settle. This was a meal that we would remember for quite some time and one we are pleased to share with you. When you make your vacation plans for Wisconsin’s capital city, be sure to add DLux to your itinerary. You’ll be glad you did.

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Call to Arms

One of the most notable conflicts in America was the Civil War. This is in part due to it being one of the few wars that took place on American soil. While the majority of the skirmishes took place in the southern half of the country, the cost of battle was felt throughout our young nation. While the Wisconsin Veterans Museum focuses on the impacts of war on people from the state, it also includes plenty of general information about the various conflicts.  They also portray the cause and effects with an unvarnished approach that doesn’t take away from the reality of war, which is that they are violent and brutal.

Life in the Fields

While the impact of war is felt throughout a nation, it is the soldiers who suffer the most. Besides the obvious threat of life ending injury, there are other issues that come with battle. Life in camp was filled with hours of drills, inadequate shelter and supplies, and disease. Many Civil War soldiers were farmers who were called into service. Their day-to-day life did not require the same level of discipline that was pushed on them in camp. Long stretches of boredom led to increased alcoholism. One day they may be scavenging for firewood, while the next day may bring the sheer terror of conflict. The ill feelings developed during the Civil War would impact the nation for generations to come.

A World at War

The early 1900s brought a new kind of war to the globe. Horse power had been the means for mobilization for centuries. Industrialization was sweeping the globe and countries raced for dominance. Recent advancements had brought motorized vehicles to the forefront and allowed easily movement of goods and services. Britain had long been the leader of world power, but an arms race was silently growing. The infrastructure improvements across Europe were priming the region for an explosive change. One of the largest underlying reasons for World War I was political instability. The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand is often considered the spark that set off a chain of events, which led to the conflict. As various countries worked behind the scenes, to form alliances, the stability of Europe began to erode. The beginning of the war revolved around aggression between Serbia and Austria-Hungary. Russia backed Serbia, while Germany threw its weight behind Austria-Hungary.

Different Perspectives

The siege cannons of Germany were rolled out in August, 1914. French and British troops were pulled into the conflict as the world was pushed into war. The United States had adopted a wait-and-see attitude, at the beginning of the war. Doing business with both sides forced America to choose neutrality. Germany’s unfettered aggression, against neutral ships, would be part of the reason for the United States involvement in WWI. While the war was still in its early stages, the United States was in the throws of the Mexican Border War. To divert America’s attention from the European theater, Germany attempted to convince Mexico to attack the U.S. southern border. The expectation had been that this would divert America’s attention away from what was taking place across the Atlantic, but it merely increased the United State’s resolve. While WWI would be called “the war to end all wars”, the truth is it was only the precursor of things to come.

Unparalleled Changes

The end of WWI was signified by the Treaty of Versailles, which laid the guilt heavily on Germany. The levying of excessive reparations left Germany feeling unfairly punished. The smoldering resentment would fester over the next couple of decades. Instability still remained across Europe and tenuous treaties were difficult to maintain. Nowhere was this instability more prevalent than in Germany. This void would allow Hitler and the Nazi Party to gain control of the nation. Still angered by their loss in the first World War, Germany formed alliances with Italy and Japan, against Russia. With memories of the previous war still fresh on their minds, Britain and France were hesitant to engage again. While Germany began their march across the European continent, the United States and Russia were focused on their own internal politics.

Bringing War to the Homefront

When the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact was signed in 1938, it threw Europe into a panic. When Poland was attacked from both sides, it forced Britain and France to respond. By 1941, Germany had launched a push to invade Britain. It was the Royal Air Force’s defeat of the Luftwaffe, in the Battle of Britain, that would cause Germany to shelf this plan. This war would be examined, in retrospect, more than any military action in history. WWII would prove that the horrors of the First World War were only the tip of the iceberg in human suffering. As we explored the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, we were impressed with the details displayed in the exhibits. Each diorama tells a story about the conditions faced by the troops and details how they responded to the situations.

The Forgotten War

Part of the fallout, from the end of WWII, was the division of the Korean peninsula. The Soviet Union and the U.S split the territory in response to Japan’s aggression during the war. Within a few years, two new states had formed with a dividing line along the 38th parallel. Neither side was content staying within their borders and soon war broke out on the peninsula. America had grown wary of the “Communist Threat”, and the U.S. launched into war to prevent its spread. The “Cold War” was the subject of conversations in the war room, as well as the dining table. While the Korean War ended as a stalemate, the Cold War would continue heating up.

Changing Opinions

By the mid-1950s, the attitude about war was changing in America. The Cold War was continuing to escalate and once again the United States looked at trying to stop the spread of communism. Over the next few years, U.S. involvement in the growing conflict would increase. What began as a mission of supplying and training, had grown into a full-scale involvement by the mid-1960s. Back home, there was a growing anti-war movement, which left the troops between a rock and a hard place. Protests painted a negative picture of all combatants, which followed them when they returned home. For the first time in our country’s history, veterans of a foreign war were shunned when they returned home.

New World Perspective

There is no glory in battle worth the cost required to attain victory. As our world’s political environments continue to evolve, we will face unknown threats. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum details how the battlefield has morphed from open fields of engagement. These days, the fight has moved into the cities and left our soldiers facing an unknown enemy. We can be assured that American troops will rise to the occasion, as they have in the past. It is also obvious that the political aspirations of various leaders will continue to create wars well into the future. If only we could change our direction and give peace a chance.

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We want to thank Destination Madison for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Down on the Corner

Our morning had already been filled with activity, including a visit to the Wisconsin Historical Museum. The afternoon would gear up with another museum and a tour of the capital, so our time was limited for lunch. The choice of The Canteen had been made long ago, during our planning phase. Tons of positive reviews had piqued our interest in sampling some South-of-the-Border dishes. We landed on the doorstep just as the staff was unlocking the door for a new day of service. I’m sure we looked anxious, but the truth is, we were!

First Dibs

Sure enough, we were the first customers of the day. Our server led us to a table in the galley-shaped dining room. Bright colors and decorative accents surrounded us from all angles. The use of handwoven bowls adds an extra pop of color, as does the flower-themed wallpaper. Heavy wooden tables and chairs lend a comfortable feeling to the space. Our first surprise came when our server brought out a serving of Duritos instead of the traditional chips & salsa. These crispy wagon wheels of puffed wheat are kicked up with the addition of chili-lime tajin spice. It’s a light and airy snack that quickly became addicting.

Seafood Success

We would have loved to linger over our mealtime, but the clock was ticking. I was looking for a filling meal that brought some interesting flavors to the table. The Canteen offers nearly a dozen options of tacos-by-the-twos. (A fun way to call out a pair.) Being just a stone’s throw from Lake Monona, I opted for Fish Tacos. This particular choice can be grilled or Tecate beer-battered, which I preferred. Red cabbage slaw, citrus salsa, cilantro, and Morita crema add their unique flavors and textures to the dish.  Each taco is served on a pair of white corn tortillas, which is helpful to hold in all of the flavors. A squeeze of lime and I was ready to devour these twins.

Big ‘Ole Burrito

Crystal had been snacking on some Chips and Queso Dip while perusing the menu. When she selected the Classic Burrito, it was no surprise to me. Packed to bursting with Mexican rice, refried black beans, and savory chicken; it was calling her name. The flavors don’t stop there, as they also toss in avocado, Chihuahua cheese, and creamy poblano sauce. A cup of salsa verde is provided for those wanting to kick it up a notch. This over-plump offering was sure to challenge her appetite.

Madison’s Tempting Taqueria

If only time would have been on our side, we could have swung back by for their Happy Hour. We would have enjoyed sampling one of their signature margaritas, as well as checking out more of the taco variations. Unfortunately, the life of travel bloggers does come with its own burdens to bear. Still, we were thrilled to have this opportunity to enjoy Madison’s tempting taqueria on the square. With lunch under our belts, it was time to return to our explorations. So much to see and do, but so little time. Perhaps you will have a chance to linger and enjoy this downtown destination.

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Life Up North

The Wisconsin Historical Museum is nestled in a multi-story building on the capitol square. Visitors can begin on a higher floor, which takes you back the farthest in time. The early days of settlement, in Wisconsin, were comprised of fur trading and lead mining. As immigrants flowed into the state, they brought with them their customs and skills. Learning to coexist in nature required the construction of communities, which surged with even more newcomers. It was an abundance of natural resources that drew the first settlers to the area.

Tourism Growth

As the state grew in population, word got out of the impressive natural beauty that could be found here. Tourism would blossom in the late 1800s, as affluent citizens looking for ways to escape their urban settings. Hunting lodges and fishing villages became meccas for sports enthusiasts. The Wisconsin Dells would draw throngs of visitors with its surreal landscapes. When the automobile finally arrived on the scene, it increased the availability of access to these recreational sites.

Power of Politics

During this same timeframe, the landscape was also changing on the political scene. All of the big business growth would lead to the rise of an oligarchy of wealthy businessmen. Wielding their riches as a motivator, these business leaders influenced the political leaders to create policies that favored industry. By the late 1880s, the state had reached a tipping point, which would require reform to correct.

Wisconsin Historical Museum

As we made our way through the displays, the history of Wisconsin politics was laid bare in front of us. By the later part of the 1800s, the dynamics of the state had changed drastically from its agricultural beginnings. The explosive growth of industry and technology fueled the rise of city populations. Dangerous working conditions and poor pay were commonplace. The voting public demanded reform and this ushered in an opportunity for ‘Progressives’.

Stirring the Pot

In 1891, a political leader attempted to bribe attorney Robert La Follette, to fix a court case. This infuriated the lawyer, who became a leading force in the movement to reform the political landscape. La Follette spent the next few years traveling the state to speak out against the corruption that came from lumber and railroad barons, as well as corrupt politicians. In 1900, he was elected governor on his pledge to bring reform to Wisconsin. Within a few years, progressives had won races in a variety of political positions. With this newfound support, La Follette was able to institute changes that broke the painful hold of corruption.

Beyond the Politics

While the Wisconsin Historical Museum has plenty of details about political issues, it also provides a glimpse at other aspects of daily life. An annual event that draws visitors from far and wide is the Wisconsin State Fair. This event began in 1851, which is only 10 years after the first fair in America began in New York. Since its origin, it has only been canceled six times. The early days focused primarily on agricultural activities. Over the years, it has expanded to include entertainment events that range from musical guests to a carnival midway. In 2011, the Guinness Book of World records certified the world’s largest Cream Puff. We have to wonder how many people were able to get a taste of the 126 lb. creation.

Another Capital City

Our tour of the Wisconsin Historical Museum opened our eyes to a wide array of stories from the past. This FREE museum is a great start for gaining a perspective of the progression of advancements in the state. Armed with all of this newfound knowledge, we were ready to head out into the city for some in-depth exploration. Madison has the distinction of being the capital city, as well as home to the University of Wisconsin. With so much to see and do, and all easily walkable, we knew this visit was going to be historic. While we may not be badgers, we can certainly appreciate the laid-back vibe of this city. Have you ever visited Madison, Wisconsin?

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