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Five Reasons to visit Madison, Wisconsin via EpicureanTravelerBlog.com

Five Reasons To Book Your Trip To Madison, Wisconsin Now

Though Madison, Wisconsin, is the capital of the Badger State and home to the University of Wisconsin, you probably haven’t thought to book your next trip there.

In May, I spent two nights there as part of my Midwest Epicurean Adventure. During my stay, I pinpointed five reasons why we should all be planning our next vacation in Wisconsin’s second largest city.

So, why should you visit Madison?

Three Words: Fried Cheese Curds

Fried cheese curds at The Old Fashioned in Madison, Wisconsin
Fried cheese curds at The Old Fashioned are reason enough to visit Madison, Wisconsin. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

I know. This sounds very stereotypical, and you were expecting me, a travel and food writer, to dig a little deeper, right?

Well, it’s not that the Madison food scene is lacking. In fact, I had refined comfort food at The Wise Restaurant & Bar and Graze that proved chefs in the Midwest speak to our souls with their cooking.

I wouldn’t say Madison surprised me with its elevated comfort-food scene. Living across one of the Great Lakes from Wisconsin, I knew what America’s Dairyland was capable of producing. But, the state capital and college town still managed to impress me as a food-travel destination.

Grilled Jim's Blue Ribbon summer sausage topped with a brown mustard, Muenster cheese, and shaved red onions on rye bread at The Old Fashioned in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)
The grilled Jim’s Blue Ribbon summer sausage topped with a brown mustard, Muenster cheese, and shaved red onions on rye bread with thinly sliced haystack onion rings and fried cheese curds at The Old Fashioned in downtown Madison showcases some of the traditional Wisconsin comfort foods. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

For my fellow culinary travelers, these are the restaurants where I dined:

  • Graze — This gastropub from chef Tory Miller has stunning views of the Wisconsin State Capitol. If you order the burger, it’s served on an English muffin. Unique, right?
  • Marigold Kitchen — This casual breakfast eatery and cafe makes everything from scratch. They use local eggs and bread, too. I highly recommend the daily scramble, and the potatoes are not to be missed. Both savory and sweet breakfast fare available!
  • The Old Fashioned — If you want cheese, beer and brats, this is the traditional Wisconsin restaurant for you.
  • The Wise Restaurant & Bar — Located inside HotelRED, this isn’t your average hotel cuisine. Here you’ll find Midwest comforts with the chef’s New Orleans influence.
  • Mickies Dairy Bar — A Madison staple and favorite among University of Wisconsin students, this cash-only 1950s diner serves heaping breakfast portions and chocolate shakes about which locals absolutely rave.
The Wise Restaurant and Bar review via EpicureanTravelerBlog.com
A delicious vegetarian dish of charred cauliflower with Aleppo pepper, golden raisins, raw cocoa nibs, and sliced almonds over candied lemons at The Wise Restaurant and Bar in Madison, Wisconsin. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

Since I’ve clarified that I did my duty of learning all that I can about Madison’s food scene in less than 48 hours, let me explain why you need to have fried cheese curds — and where to find them.

What is a cheese curd, you ask?

Well, it’s a by-product of making cheese. Naturally, areas with cheese factories — like Wisconsin — are where you’ll find them.

Eating fresh cheese curds, you’ll notice a spongy texture, cheesy flavor, and a little squeak noise when you bite down.

Why eat cheese curds deep fried?

Because they’re sinfully delicious. And addictive.

The cheese softens, but it’s not oozing out of its fried batter encasement. It is almost like eating mozzarella sticks, but with nugget-sized cheddar curds instead.

Fried cheese curds at Graze in Madison, Wisconsin
The Hook’s cheese curds are fried in a vodka batter and served with house-made ranch at Graze in Madison, Wisconsin. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

Deep-fried cheese curds are truly a Wisconsin staple. Once relegated a state fair food, fried cheese curds are now found on the menus of Madison’s finest gastropubs.

So, where will you find the best deep-fried cheese curds in Madison?

  • The Old Fashioned — Tried by yours truly, these house-made beer-battered Wisconsin cheese curds are highly addictive. You have a choice of dipping sauces — paprika, buttermilk ranch, roasted garlic, and Tiger Blue. You really can’t go wrong, and for the extra 50 cents per sauce, it’s worth trying them all!
  • Merchant — Highly toted by locals I met, these locally sourced cheese curds are fried and can be served “buffalo style” with buttermilk ranch. Pair them with a hand-crafted cocktail!
  • Graze — When I tweeted this picture of me eating my first cheese curds, a local tweeted back that I’d already found the best in Madison. Sourced from Wisconsin cheesemaker Hook’s, these cheddar curds are fried in a vodka batter and served with house-made ranch.

See what I mean about the upscale nature of Madison’s comfort-food scene? Now, if you want to take a break from deep-fried cheese, check out my next foodie reason to visit Madison!

Madison Hosts One Of The Nation’s Largest Farmers’ Markets

The smaller Wednesday market takes place just two blocks from the Wisconsin State Capitol. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)
The smaller Wednesday market takes place just two blocks from the Wisconsin State Capitol. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

Flowers, vegetables, cheese — you’ll find it all at the Dane County Farmers’ Market!

On a typical Saturday, 175 booths wrap around the Wisconsin State Capitol square at the largest producers-only farmers’ market in the United States, market manager Sarah Elliott told me.

Visitors will find baked goods, snack sticks, fresh produce, herbs, cheese (curds too, of course), and flowers — all from local Wisconsin producers. You could eat from stall to stall, or start your day like a local with brunch at nearby Marigold Kitchen and then browse the market.

Fresh produce and goat cheese at the Dane County Farmers' Market in Madison, Wisconsin (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)
Fresh produce and goat cheese at the Dane County Farmers’ Market in Madison, Wisconsin (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

The market is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. almost every weekend from mid-April through early November. It moves indoors for the late fall season.

In addition to the Saturday market, there is a Wednesday market with about 40 vendors on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard with views of the capitol building. This market is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday from late April to early November.

Flowers for sale at the Dane County Farmers' Market in Madison, Wisconsin (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)
Flowers for sale at the Dane County Farmers’ Market in Madison, Wisconsin (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

If you don’t happen to be visiting on a Saturday or Wednesday, my next reason to visit Madison has you covered.

Madison Has It All: Art, Culture, Politics, Nature And Sports

Madison visitors can take free guided tours of the Wisconsin Capitol. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)
Madison visitors can take free guided tours of the Wisconsin State Capitol. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

As the home of the University of Wisconsin, Madison exudes that cool college-town vibe I’ve also noticed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Boulder, Colorado. It’s also a very “walkable” and scenic city with five inland lakes, more than 200 city parks, and a variety of attractions.

So, if you are not a foodie, no problem. It seems Madison has something for everyone:

  • Sports fans: Cheer on the Wisconsin Badgers (or your team) at a Big Ten collegiate athletics event!
  • Politicos and architecture buffs: I recommend touring the Wisconsin State Capitol. You can take a free guided tour or pick up an information packet in the rotunda and wander on your own. Either way you tour the Capitol, make sure you walk onto the terrace for the bird’s eye view of Madison.
  • Architecture buffs: So much for you in and near this city! Renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright had childhood ties to nearby Spring Green and designed several Madison-area buildings and homes. Visit Madison put together this day-trip itinerary for touring local Wright landmarks.
  • Art appreciators: Explore the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s 5,000 pieces. For a more historically broad collection, head to the University of Wisconsin’s Chazen Museum of Art, which has 20,000 works collected since 1885.
  • Outdoors enthusiasts: You can stroll through the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens, bask in the summer sunshine at one of Madison’s 13 beaches, bike Dane County parks, or kayak Lake Wingra.
  • Patrons of the performing arts: I had a few laughs at the Comedy Club on State’s open mic night, but Madison has a number of other performing arts options too — including theater, improv comedy, ballet, opera, and symphonic music.

Now, you know where to eat and what to do in Madison, but where will you stay? Well …

You Can Relax In Luxurious Lodging

Review of HotelRED, a boutique hotel in Madison, Wisconsin via EpicureanTravelerBlog.com
HotelRED is a boutique luxury hotel across from the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium. (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

When you think of Madison, do you think of contemporary and trendy hotels?

Trust me, you should.

I stayed one night at HotelRED, a hip boutique hotel. Conveniently located for dining and exploring around Madison, HotelRED also offers a variety of amenities — grocery pick-up, complimentary on-site parking, airport shuttle, and complimentary seasonal boat rentals for nearby Lake Wingra — that make a guest feel welcome and stress-free.

The Madison area also has charming bed & breakfast options and offers fantastic deals during Madison Hotel Week.

With one of Madison’s luxurious accommodations as your home base, you can take a …

Day Trip For Delicious Wisconsin Beer And Cheese

Beer and Limburger cheese in New Glarus, Wisconsin (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)
Beer and Limburger cheese in New Glarus, Wisconsin (Erin Klema/The Epicurean Traveler)

Located about 1.5 hours from Milwaukee, 2.5 from Chicago, and four hours from Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Madison is conveniently positioned for a Midwest road trip. It also sits right in the heart of America’s Dairyland — perfect for cheese lovers looking to visit Wisconsin’s creameries.

Less than 30 miles from Madison are the rolling hills, sprawling farmland, and traditional Alpine architecture of Monroe County — home to the Swiss Cheese Capital of the United States. Stop for a pint of Spotted Cow at New Glarus Brewing Company and cheese at Edelweiss Cheese Shop!

Are You Ready To Plan Your Trip To Madison, Wisconsin?

  • Visit Madison and Travel Wisconsin are great resources for planning your trip.
  • You’ll find more Wisconsin itinerary ideas on my Pinterest board.

Pin this post for later!

Five reasons to visit Madison, Wisconsin
Five reasons to visit Madison, Wisconsin via EpicureanTravelerBlog.com

If You Liked This Post About Madison, You Might Also Like …

Hotel Review: HotelRED, a hip and contemporary boutique hotel in Madison, Wisconsin via EpicureanTravelerBlog.com

Review: The Wise Restaurant & Bar in Madison, Wisconsin via EpicureanTravelerBlog.com

Why would you like to visit Madison? Tell me about it in a comment below!

Click on the photo to go to the Weekend Wanderlust linkup!
Click on the photo to go to the Weekend Wanderlust linkup!

Disclosure: I’d like to thank HotelRED for hosting me for one night and dinner at The Wise Restaurant & Bar and Visit Madison for their itinerary suggestions and lunch at the Old Fashioned. I was not otherwise compensated for this post.

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Written by:
Erin Klema
Published on:
July 18, 2016
Thoughts:
13 Comments

Categories: WisconsinTags: Cheese Curds, Dane County Farmers' Market, Farmers' Market, Madison, Madison Dining, Midwest Epicurean Adventure, Midwest Travel, Things To Do In Madison, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Cheese

About Erin Klema

Erin Klema is the founder and editor of The Epicurean Traveler, combining her journalism background with her passion for culinary travel. When she isn't exploring the world through unique, local culinary experiences, she enjoys cooking with her husband, planning her next trip, and reading or watching a good rom com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Arnie

    July 24, 2016 at 8:43 am

    You had me with the cauliflower! Man that looked so tasty. I’m going to have to try adding some of those ingredients the next time I make it. And, Madison has always appealed to me.

    Reply
    • erinklema

      July 25, 2016 at 7:26 am

      That cauliflower was delicious, Arnie! Have you been to Madison?

      Reply
  2. Brooke of Passport Couture

    July 23, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    Food, architecture and art are enough reasons for me to visit any place! Madison looks like a fantastic place to visit, thanks for bringing it to my attention. 🙂

    Reply
    • erinklema

      July 25, 2016 at 7:22 am

      You’re very welcome, Brooke. I hope you make it to Madison someday!

      Reply
  3. Buddy The Traveling Monkey

    July 21, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    I think Wisconsin isn’t generally high on people’s bucket list, but it has been on mine since I was little simply because of how much I love cheese!! I can’t wait to finally try cheese curds for myself!

    Reply
  4. Kaylene Chadwell

    July 21, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Fried cheese curds sound amazing, I need to try those! I’d love to visit Wisconsin, sounds fun!

    Reply
  5. melody pittman

    July 21, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Sausage, cheese curds, grilled cauliflowers, say no more. I’m there!

    Reply
  6. McCool Travel

    July 19, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    I hear Madison is a fun and quirky place. The food is quite the bonus!

    Reply
  7. RonRon

    July 19, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    The foods looks really heavenly. Would love to visit and go there soon!

    Reply
  8. Crystal (The Imperfect Mom)

    July 19, 2016 at 7:55 am

    I LOVE cheese curds. I just had them at Vinsetta Garage for the first time. I would love to try the sausage sandwich.

    Reply
    • erinklema

      July 19, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      Ooh, I’ve been wanting to try Vinsetta Garage. Now I know where to find cheese curds in the Detroit area!

      Reply
  9. Eileen True

    July 18, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    I get deliriously starving when I read your posts. And I start thinking: “Road Trip”!!!

    Reply
    • erinklema

      July 18, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      Haha, sometimes I get hungry writing my posts. All I wanted yesterday was a fried cheese curd!

      Reply

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