Madison, Wisconsin

My wife and I spent two days in Madison, Wisconsin.  She had been to a conference at UW many years ago, but had never spent any time touring the city.  Everyone I have ever met that has either gone to school or lived there loves the city and I can understand why.  I had to show her Madison. 

The night before, we had dinner at the home of my wife's friends from China.  Their 14 year old daughter, a food network junkie, prepared a multi-course dinner that was fabulous.  Such a talented young woman.

After sleeping in late, we went to tour the State Capitol building.  I had been there on school tours as a child, but not since.  The marble work is incredible and the views of the city from outside the rotunda are amazing.

My daughter-in-law and son, both UW alums, suggested we eat lunch at Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry.  Dotties has the best burgers and we looked forward to the lunch.  When we arrived, workers were renovating the building and the owner was standing outside supervising.  He apologized and said they were closed until the following week.  We had no plan B, so we walked towards State St. and had lunch at State Street Brats.  The weather was nice and we sat outside drinking local beers, eating bratwursts and deep fried cheese curds.  A more Wisconsin lunch you cannot find.

Montee Ball, the University of Wisconsin’s Heisman award hopeful running back, was badly beaten by five men after leaving State Street Brats late at night.  It wasn’t my wife or me; we were both sleeping at our hotel at that time.  The beating is alleged to be revenge for an earlier fight involving Ball.  Again, it wasn’t us; we did not fight with Montee.

After lunch we walked to the Memorial Union on the lakefront for an ice cream.  We sat on the patio watching the sailing students launch their boats and people ordering brats and beer from the outdoor stand.  It was very relaxing.

Later we went to Monona Terrace, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed conference center, built 40 years after his death.  The views were incredible and a FLW history pictorial was interesting.  I borrowed some photos from the website.

Madison is a very livable city and a great place to visit.