Arrive in Madison and drop your bags at your hotel near the Capitol Square, then ease into the city with a leisurely walk around the Wisconsin State Capitol — take the free guided tour if timing allows to admire the rotunda and learn about local history. After the tour, grab a late-morning coffee and a pastry at Marigold Kitchen or Chocolate Shop on State Street and watch students and locals filter into the shops and cafés.
Spend the afternoon exploring State Street's eclectic shops and galleries, popping into the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for a quick exhibit and browsing independent bookstores like A Room of One's Own. Pause for lunch at The Old Fashioned for a classic Wisconsin meal or try Graze for inventive Midwestern plates with Capitol views, then stroll the Capitol grounds and snap photos of the lake-dotted skyline to orient yourself for the days ahead.
As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxed evening dinner at Sardine or Forequarter, both a short walk from the Square, then take a twilight stroll along the Capitol Square to see the building illuminated. If you're up for live music, check the Overture Center's schedule for a show or pop into a nearby bar on State Street for a drink and people-watching before an easy night to recharge for tomorrow's Capitol-focused museums and Monona Terrace visit.
Start your day back at the Wisconsin State Capitol for a deeper dive — join a free guided tour to climb to the observation deck, hear stories about the building’s architecture and politics, and linger in the rotunda to admire the murals and stained glass. After the tour, warm up with a coffee and breakfast sandwich at Colectivo Coffee on the Square before popping into the Wisconsin Veterans Museum or the nearby Wisconsin Historical Society exhibits to add historical context to yesterday’s orientation.
Walk east toward the lake and spend the afternoon at Monona Terrace, Frank Lloyd Wright’s lakeside community center; take a self-guided architecture stroll across the rooftop garden for sweeping views of Lake Monona, then grab a light lunch at the Monona Terrace Café or the rooftop terrace when weather permits. If you prefer art, detour to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for rotating installations, or visit the Chazen Museum of Art on the UW-Madison campus for classical and regional collections that broaden your cultural picture of the city.
For dinner, head back toward State Street and try Graze or The Old Fashioned for elevated local fare and Wisconsin specialties, followed by dessert from Chocolate Shop or Marigold Kitchen. Cap the evening with a performance at the Overture Center if there’s a show, or enjoy a relaxed nightcap at the historic Union Terrace overlooking the Capitol — a pleasant way to reflect on the city’s history and arts before tomorrow’s campus walk.
Begin your day with a brisk walk across the iconic Bascom Hill to the UW-Madison campus, pausing to admire Bascom Hall and the Martin House. Pop into the Chazen Museum of Art for a quick look at regional and international works, then warm up with coffee and a toasted bagel at the Memorial Union’s Memorial Union Terrace café before exploring the lakeside paths.
Stroll down to the Memorial Union Terrace and soak up panoramic views of Lake Mendota, watch students ice skate or sail (season permitting), and take a guided campus tour if you’d like deeper background on UW traditions like the Bucky Badger statue and the Memorial Union’s Rathskeller. For lunch, grab a casual plate at The Daily Scoop or the Terrace’s on-site eatery, then wander through the Henry Mall toward the agricultural campus and the Geology Museum for a compact, enlightening diversion.
As evening falls, head back toward State Street for dinner—try Ian’s Pizza for a local favorite or Forequarter for a more intimate meal—then return to the Memorial Union for a sunset lakeside walk or catch live student performances at the Memorial Union Theater if scheduled. End the night with a warm drink at Colectivo Coffee or a nightcap near the Capitol, reflecting on the campus culture and lakefront charm you explored today.
Start the day with a lakeside stroll along Picnic Point, enjoying sweeping views of Lake Mendota and the UW sailing fleet; if it's chilly, bundle up and follow the boardwalk toward the Lakeshore Nature Preserve to spot waterfowl and local winter flora. After the walk, warm up with coffee and a pastry at the Memorial Union Café or Colectivo near the Terrace, then pop into the Geology Museum or Arboretum visitor center for a quick local-nature primer.
Spend the afternoon renting snowshoes or cross-country skis (season permitting) from a local outfitter like Trek Bicycle’s rentals or Badger Sports Park and explore the trails in Shorewood Hills and the University Hill Farms area, or opt for a guided ice-fishing experience on Lake Mendota if conditions are safe and you want a true Wisconsin winter tradition. For a hearty midday refuel, head to The Old Fashioned or A Pig in a Fur Coat for classic Midwestern comfort—both make good bases before returning to lakeside paths.
As daylight fades, drive or walk back toward the Memorial Union Terrace for a sunset view over the lake and, weather allowing, cozy up with a hot chocolate or local beer at the Union’s Rathskeller or nearby State Street pubs. Cap the night with a relaxed dinner at L’Etoile or Graze for seasonal, locally sourced fare, and reflect on the day’s outdoor discoveries while watching the lights across the water.
Wake early and head to the Dane County Farmers' Market on the Capitol Square while vendors are setting up — sample local cheeses from Widmer’s, grab fresh-baked pastries from Honeypie Bakehouse (or a warm scone from Marigold Kitchen if it’s chilly), and chat with growers about seasonal produce and preserved goods. Pop into the Capitol Square neighborhood cafés like Colectivo or Chocolate Shop for a second round of coffee and to plan which food stalls or nearby specialty shops to return to during the trip.
Spend the afternoon turning your market finds into a casual tasting tour: visit Rainbow Grocery and A Room of One's Own for foodie gifts, stop at Fromagination for a guided cheese tasting, and enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Old Fashioned or Graze featuring market-fresh sides — or build a picnic from vendor purchases to eat on the Capitol steps or by the Memorial Union lakeshore. If you want a deeper culinary experience, book a midday tasting or cooking class at a local spot like Madison College’s culinary department or a pop-up chef demo often held near Monona Terrace.
As evening approaches, take your appetite to State Street and Willy Street to explore Madison’s lively restaurant scene — savor a seasonal dinner at Forequarter or Sardine, or opt for innovative small plates at L’Etoile if you’re celebrating local ingredients. Finish the night with a craft cocktail at Merchant or sample local beers at Karben4 or Capitol Brewery, reflecting on the flavors you discovered and noting shops to revisit later in your stay.
Start your day at the free Henry Vilas Zoo where indoor exhibits like the Tropical Rainforest and African Journey offer warm, close-up animal encounters — be sure to catch any keeper talks or feeding times posted at the entrance. After exploring the zoo, stroll across to the nearby Vilas Park for a quick walk around the pond or warm up with coffee and a pastry at Glass Nickel Pizza’s nearby café or a local spot on Northport Drive.
Head to the nearby Madison Children’s Museum for hands-on exhibits that delight kids and adults alike, or choose the Madison Public Library’s North Branch for seasonal story times and community displays; both are excellent rainy/winter-day options. For lunch, pop into Classic Café or The DeForest Corner for family-friendly comfort food, then swing by the Olbrich neighborhood shops or the Madison Mallard’s arena area (season permitting) for a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
Return toward campus-area dining with a casual dinner on State Street or the Willy Street neighborhood — consider Ian’s Pizza for a crowd-pleasing slice or The Old Fashioned for hearty Wisconsin fare if you want local flavor. Cap the night with a cozy hot chocolate or dessert at Chocolate Shop on State Street or a quiet stroll along the Capitol grounds if daylight allows, reflecting on a family-friendly day of animal encounters and interactive learning.
Begin the day at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, stepping into the Bolz Conservatory’s tropical warmth to admire orchids, exotic palms and the free-flying birds — a perfect cozy contrast to Wisconsin winter outside. Afterward, stroll the outdoor gardens (bundled up) and visit the Thai Pavilion and Garden, then grab a mid-morning coffee and pastry at the nearby Marigold Kitchen to refuel for the day.
Head into the Monona neighborhood for a cultural double-feature: explore the small but charming exhibits at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or the Chazen Museum of Art if you prefer more classic collections, then cross over to Monona Terrace for a rooftop walk that offers sweeping views of Lake Monona and Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture. Pause for lunch at The Waterfront on Monona or the Monona Terrace café, sampling seasonal Midwestern dishes before wandering the lakeside promenade to connect today’s garden tranquility with the city’s lakeshore vibe.
As evening settles, return toward State Street or Willy Street for dinner — try Sardine for seafood-forward small plates or Forequarter for an intimate, locally sourced meal — then catch a performance or lecture at the Overture Center or a smaller local venue if anything is scheduled. End the night with a relaxed drink at the Union South or a quiet lakeside walk along Monona’s lit paths, reflecting on the day’s blend of botanical calm and Madison’s cultural pulse.
Launch the day with a brisk bike ride along the Capital City State Trail, renting a bike from B Cycle or Trek Bicycle Madison if you didn’t bring one, and follow the paved path through meadows and along the Yahara River toward the scenic Southwest Commuter Path. Pause at the Elver Park stretch for lake glimpses and a coffee break at Colectivo near the Arboretum entrance before continuing past the lush Conservation Park, enjoying locals out walking their dogs and the quiet winter landscape that contrasts with yesterday’s lakeside strolls.
Ride into the Brewery District around Willy Street for a leisurely brewery hop—start with a tasting at Karben4 Brewing for creative IPAs, then pop into One Barrel Brewing for seasonal small-batch pours and light bites; grab a relaxed lunch at The Old Fashioned or nearby A Pig in a Fur Coat to refuel. If you prefer a guided behind-the-scenes experience, book a short tour at Capital Brewery or check if Ale Asylum has brewer talks today, then stroll the nearby local shops on Willy Street to pick up a growler or souvenir glass.
As dusk falls, settle in for a dinner-and-pint pairing at The Malt House or Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., where hearty Wisconsin comfort food and live-music nights often complement the taproom vibe—try sampling a flight to compare local styles. Finish with a slow ride or walk back toward the Capitol, stopping for a nightcap at Merchant or a cozy brewpub on State Street, reflecting on a day that blends outdoor exploration with Madison’s thriving craft-beer scene and setting you up for the art- and performance-focused day ahead.
Start the day at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) on State Street, taking time to wander rotating contemporary exhibits and the rooftop sculpture terrace before a mid-morning coffee at Colectivo nearby. Pop into a few of the small galleries along State Street and the adjacent Marquette neighborhood—look for local photography shows or student work that echo the UW campus energy you explored earlier in the week.
After a light lunch at Graze or The Old Fashioned, head to the Chazen Museum of Art on campus for contrasting classic and global collections, then stroll back toward the Capitol through the isthmus to visit boutique galleries like A Room of One’s Own and local art shops where you can pick up prints or handmade gifts. If time allows, drop into the UW Memorial Union’s galleries or the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s public programs for artist talks or short workshops that deepen your connection to Madison’s creative scene.
Reserve the evening for a performance at the Overture Center—check the schedule for theater, dance, or orchestral shows and arrive early to enjoy a pre-show drink at the Overture Center’s lounge or nearby Merchant for a craft cocktail. After the performance, cap the night with a late dinner at Sardine or Forequarter on State Street, swapping impressions of the show while soaking up the lively downtown atmosphere before returning to your hotel.
Drive an hour northwest to Wisconsin Dells after an early breakfast—stop for coffee and pastries at Marigold Kitchen before leaving Madison—then arrive mid-morning to take a signature Duck Boat tour or a Dells boat cruise to admire the dramatic sandstone bluffs and frozen winter river scenery. If you prefer a small-town alternative, head to nearby Baraboo to visit the Circus World Museum and stroll Main Street boutiques for a quieter, historic vibe.
For lunch, warm up with classic diner fare at Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. or grab comfort food at the Del-Bar in Baraboo, then explore indoor highlights like the Tommy Bartlett Show complex, the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, or the Wisconsin Deer Park for close-up animal encounters when the weather is brisk. If conditions allow and you’re seeking seasonal outdoor adventure, strap on snowshoes at Mirror Lake State Park or hike the scenic Devil's Lake trails for panoramic bluff views before heading back toward town.
Return toward Madison in the early evening, timing your drive to arrive for a relaxed dinner on State Street—consider Forequarter or Graze for a cozy, celebratory meal after a day of exploration—then enjoy a low-key nightcap near the Capitol or a leisurely walk along the lit lakeshores to compare the day-trip landscapes with Madison’s intimate urban-lake character. If you’re still energized, check local listings for live music at a Willy Street tavern to end the day with a local note.
If conditions allow, start the day with a guided winter paddling session or a calm early-morning kayak on Lake Monona through a local outfitter such as Paddle & Port or Lake Monona Boat Rentals — instructors provide dry suits and tips for staying warm while you take in the crisp lakeside light and Capitol views. If water activities aren’t feasible, swap to a lakeshore walk from Brittingham Park toward Tenney Park on Lake Mendota, stopping for a warming coffee and pastry at Colectivo Coffee by the Memorial Union to refuel and enjoy views of the frozen expanse.
For a hands-on winter-lake experience, book an guided ice-fishing excursion on Lake Mendota with a local guide who supplies gear and teaches basics, or rent snowshoes near the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and hike the Picnic Point trails for panoramic vistas across the frozen water. After working up an appetite, warm up with a hearty midday meal at The Old Fashioned or stop into The Memorial Union Rathskeller for casual fare and lakeside atmosphere before heading out for more afternoon exploration.
As daylight fades, return to Monona Terrace for a rooftop stroll if the deck is open, then cozy up indoors with a hot chocolate or craft beer at the Monona Terrace Café or nearby Merchant on State Street. Finish the night with a relaxed dinner at Graze or L'Etoile to savor seasonal fare while reflecting on the day’s active lakeside adventures and preparing for holiday events and neighborhood walks ahead in your itinerary.
Begin your day with a slow, architecture-focused walk through the Marquette neighborhood, starting near the Capitol and heading up West Washington Avenue to admire Victorian storefronts and restored row houses; pause for coffee and a pastry at Colectivo on State Street before turning onto Mansion Hill. Wander the tree-lined streets around Mansion Hill to study ornate Queen Anne and Italianate facades, peek at historic plaques, and stop by the Warner Park / Mansion Hill area to photograph stately mansions and learn about the neighborhood’s turn-of-the-century prominence.
After a leisurely lunch at The Old Fashioned or Graze—both conveniently nearby—take a guided or self-led architectural tour that includes highlights like the Harlow House and other preserved 19th-century homes; pop into boutique shops and galleries along State Street and the Marquette area for handcrafted gifts and local art. If the Chazen Museum of Art or the Wisconsin Historical Museum has a relevant exhibit, swing by to tie the neighborhood’s architecture to Madison’s social history, then warm up with a mid-afternoon treat at Marigold Kitchen or Chocolate Shop.
As twilight falls, stroll back toward the Capitol Square along the isthmus to see Mansion Hill’s illuminated facades and enjoy dinner at Sardine or Forequarter for a refined meal in an atmospheric setting; alternatively, pick a cozy neighborhood pub on Willy Street for a casual bite and local beer. Cap the night with a reflective walk around the Capitol grounds to compare the city’s grand public architecture with the intimate scale of Mansion Hill—a fitting close to a day spent tracing Madison’s architectural layers before tomorrow’s holiday-focused café crawl.
Wake to a crisp holiday morning with a leisurely stroll around the Capitol Square to enjoy festive decorations and any seasonal vendor booths; pop into Marigold Kitchen for a warm scone and coffee or grab a hot chocolate at Chocolate Shop on State Street to fuel your walk. If the Overture Center or local churches host a morning concert or holiday service, take a short detour to catch carols and community traditions that bring Madison’s winter spirit to life.
Spend the afternoon café-hopping along State Street and the isthmus—settle into Colectivo on the Square for a long, cozy latte and people-watching, then wander to Graze or The Old Fashioned for a holiday-inspired lunch with local flavors. Afterward, browse the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for a quiet gallery escape or hunt for unique gifts at A Room of One’s Own and Fromagination, pairing cheese samples with a stop at Rainbow Grocery for artisanal finds.
As dusk falls, join an intimate holiday performance at the Overture Center if available or enjoy seasonal cocktails and small plates at Merchant or Sardine for a festive dinner near the Capitol; alternatively, savor a cozy meal at Forequarter and linger over dessert at Marigold Kitchen. Cap the night with a peaceful walk around the illuminated Capitol and lakeside views, reflecting on the week’s explorations and the warm, small-town holiday charm that defines a Madison Christmas Eve.
Start Christmas morning with a peaceful walk at Token Creek Park—bundle up for a loop along the frozen creek and through pine stands, watching for winter birds and the soft hush of snow on the trail; pause at a scenic overlook to take in the quiet prairie and snap a few photos. After the hike, drive back toward the isthmus and warm up with a hearty brunch at Marigold Kitchen or Colectivo Coffee on the Square, savoring a local pastry while planning a gentle lakeside afternoon.
Spend the afternoon strolling the Memorial Union Terrace and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve along Lake Mendota, following the boardwalk toward Picnic Point to enjoy sweeping water views and the UW sailing fleet silhouettes even in winter; if conditions allow, rent snowshoes from a local outfitter or join a guided winter-walk program for a different perspective on the lakeshore. For a cozy midday stop, tuck into the Memorial Union Rathskeller or Monona Terrace Café for a warm bowl of soup and people-watching across the frozen water.
As daylight fades, head back toward Monona or the Capitol Square for a relaxed holiday dinner—many neighborhood restaurants offer special holiday service, so check ahead and consider L'Etoile, Forequarter, or Graze for seasonal, locally sourced fare. Finish the evening with a leisurely lakeside stroll along Lake Monona’s lit promenade or a quiet visit to the Capitol grounds to see the building illuminated against the winter sky, reflecting on the tranquil mix of nature and city you enjoyed today.
Ease into the day with a visit to the Wisconsin Historical Museum on the Capitol Square, where interactive exhibits trace the state’s natural history, industrial past and seasonal traditions—don’t miss the Hands On History family area and the rotating galleries that often spotlight regional science stories. After exploring the museum, grab a warming coffee and breakfast at Colectivo on the Square and stroll across to the Isthmus to connect today’s historical themes with the city’s built environment.
Drive or take a short excursion west to the Paine Art Center & Gardens (in Oshkosh or the nearby Paine House-confirm local opening hours) to admire period architecture and curated natural-history-inspired exhibits or, if you prefer to stay local, visit the UW Geology Museum and the Chazen Museum of Art for science-meets-art displays and geological specimens that add scientific texture to your Madison experience. For lunch, stop at Ian’s Pizza or The Old Fashioned back in town for a hearty, local meal, then continue with a hands-on afternoon at the Wisconsin Historical Society’s library or special exhibit spaces to dig deeper into artifacts and archival stories.
Return to downtown Madison for an early-evening lecture, museum talk or film screening often hosted by the Wisconsin Historical Museum or the Overture Center—check event listings for after-hours programs that tie history, science and culture together. Cap the night with dinner at L’Etoile or Graze for a refined meal using local ingredients, then take a reflective post-dinner walk around the Capitol Square to see the city lights and consider how today’s discoveries connect to the broader Madison story you’ve been unfolding all week.
Begin the day downtown with a guided or self-led tasting loop: stop at Fromagination on Willy Street for a curated cheese flight (ask for seasonal Wisconsin selections), then pick up fresh sourdough or pastries at Honeypie Bakehouse or Marigold Kitchen to enjoy on a bench by the Capitol Square. Pop into Rainbow Grocery for local preserves and artisan snacks, and swing by A Room of One’s Own to browse edible gifts and specialty cookbooks that celebrate the region’s food culture.
After a market-style lunch—try a composed cheese plate at Graze or a hearty sandwich at The Old Fashioned—head to a nearby distillery or tasting room such as Great Lakes Distillery (check hours) for a tour and small-batch spirit sampling, or book a midday tasting at Driftless Glen for craft spirits a short drive away. Continue the afternoon with a stop at Fromagination’s upstairs tasting counter or a scheduled cheese class/workshop if available, pairing local crackers and honey from Dane County vendors to deepen your appreciation of Wisconsin’s dairy traditions.
As evening falls, savor a farm-to-table dinner at L’Etoile or Forequarter that puts Wisconsin cheese and local ingredients front and center, then unwind with a nightcap at Merchant or a cocktail featuring local spirits from a recent distillery visit. If you’re still peckish, pick up a slice from Ian’s Pizza or share late-night pastries from Chocolate Shop while strolling the lit Capitol Square—reflecting on the day’s delicious discoveries before tomorrow’s outdoor adventure.
Head out early to Military Ridge State Trail for crisp winter air and peaceful mileage—rent classic or skate skis from Trek Bicycle Madison or Badger Sports Park if needed, then follow the groomed sections through rolling farmland and birch stands toward Mount Horeb, pausing for scenic photos and a warming thermos break. The quiet trail and occasional rail-bed vistas make a perfect active morning that builds on your lakeside and trail explorations earlier in the trip.
After a hearty midday refuel at a Mount Horeb café (try the Grumpy Troll for sandwiches or a warming bowl), drive to Governor Nelson State Park for varied terrain—snowshoe or cross-country ski the park’s ridge-top loops for panoramic views of the Wisconsin River valley, or switch to a wooded winter hike along the park’s trails to spot deer and winter songbirds. This afternoon’s mix of groomed trail and parkland complements your earlier Capital City Trail ride and lakeshore walks with a more rugged, natural setting.
Return to Madison in time for a restorative dinner on Willy Street or the East Side—consider The Old Fashioned for stick-to-your-ribs Wisconsin comfort or Forequarter for a seasonal, locally sourced meal—then warm up with a craft beer at Karben4 or a hot chocolate at Marigold Kitchen. Cap the night with a quiet stroll around the Capitol Square or a soak in your hotel’s hot tub (if available), reflecting on a full day of outdoor adventure before tomorrow’s shopping and neighborhood brewery explorations.
Ease into the day with a slow stroll down State Street, popping into A Room of One’s Own for literary finds and local zines, then browse the curated cheeses and Wisconsin gifts at Fromagination to pick up edible souvenirs. Stop by Rainbow Grocery for preserves and artisan snacks, and warm up with a coffee and a pastry at Colectivo on the Square while you plan the afternoon’s shopping list.
After a casual lunch at Graze or The Old Fashioned, spend the afternoon hunting for unique keepsakes—visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art gift shop for artist-made goods, seek out vintage treasures on Willy Street, and check out local crafts at the Madison Public Market satellite vendors if they’re set up near the Capitol. Pause for a tasting at Fromagination’s upstairs counter or pick up handcrafted chocolates at Chocolate Shop to round out your souvenirs before heading back toward the isthmus.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner near the Square at Sardine or Forequarter, then return to State Street for any last-minute shopping under the Capitol’s glow—many shops keep later winter hours and the lit storefronts make for a festive browsing atmosphere. Cap the night with a craft cocktail at Merchant or a pint at a nearby brewpub, reflecting on the souvenirs and stories you’ve collected throughout your Madison stay.
Ease into the day with a relaxed East Side coffee and pastry at Marigold Kitchen before wandering Willy Street’s indie shops and murals to soak up neighborhood character; pop into Rainbow Grocery for artisanal snacks and Fromagination on Willy for a quick cheese tasting to plan evening pairings. If you’re feeling active, take a short walk along the nearby Capitol East Isthmus or through Brittingham Park to compare a quieter city-side vibe with the lakeside scenes you explored earlier in the trip.
Spend the afternoon on a self-guided brewery crawl—start with a pint or flight at Karben4 Brewing for inventive IPAs, then stroll to One Barrel Brewing for small-batch seasonal ales and light bites; stop for a late lunch at A Pig in a Fur Coat or The Old Fashioned to recharge between tastings. Pop into Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. or Vintage Brewing Company for cellar-room vibes and to pick up cans or merch, keeping an eye out for midday tours or brewer chats that deepen your appreciation of Madison’s craft scene.
As night falls, settle in for live music at a local venue—check the schedule at The Frequency (East Side) or nearby venues on Willy Street for indie bands, funk nights, or folk sets, and pair the show with a final stop at The Malt House or Karben4 for a nightcap. Finish with a slow walk back toward the Capitol Square or a short rideshare to your hotel, replaying favorite brews and tunes from the evening and savoring the lively, neighborhood-focused energy that rounds out your Madison experience.
Savor a final Capitol Square breakfast—grab a leisurely coffee and pastry at Marigold Kitchen or a hot sandwich from Colectivo on the Square, then take one last walk around the Wisconsin State Capitol to photograph the rotunda and the winter-lit skyline you’ve come to know. If you have time, pop into the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art for a quick gallery revisit or pick up any last-minute edible souvenirs at Fromagination or Rainbow Grocery before returning to your hotel to pack and check out.
Leave your bags with the hotel concierge and spend a relaxed afternoon revisiting favorite spots: stroll the Memorial Union Terrace for one more lakeside view of Lake Mendota, duck into State Street bookstores like A Room of One’s Own for a souvenir read, or enjoy a farewell lunch at Graze or The Old Fashioned to toast the trip’s highlights. Fit in a short stop at the Chazen Museum of Art or the Overture Center gift shop if you’d like a cultural keepsake, then collect your luggage with plenty of time to reach the airport or train station.
If your departure allows for a New Year’s Eve celebration or a final dinner, reserve a seat at L’Etoile, Forequarter or Sardine for a memorable last meal and seasonal tasting menu; otherwise, cap the evening with a warming cocktail at Merchant or a casual pint at Great Dane Pub before heading to your transit. Take a final twilight stroll around the illuminated Capitol and the frozen lakeshores to reflect on the 20-day exploration of Madison’s parks, food scene, culture and lakeside escapes as you depart.