If you would have told me a few years ago that I would be leaving the balmy beaches and sunshine of Florida for "America's Dairyland" I probably would have told you that you were crazy! I have been coming to Wisconsin since I was little to visit family and have always loved the summers by the lake, friday night fish frys and down to earth Midwesterners. So, it's actually no surprise that it's been pretty easy to embrace my new hometown (now if only I can get use to shoveling snow!).
I have partnered with Apartment Guide to create a City Guide to Madison, WI. As an Apartment Guide Blog Partner, I will be sharing ideas to make your apartment feel like home & local tips from my new city. Madison is an amazing city, full of life, culture, fitness, and some deliciously midwestern meals (fried cheese curds anyone?).
Good Eats: The Old Fashioned is right next to the Capitol building and is famous for their uniquely wisconsin dishes like fried cheese curds (sort of like mozarella sticks, but BETTER). Mickies Dairy Bar is across from where the Badgers play & has been serving university students inexpensive & delicious breakfast for over 50 years. Sardine is a stylish seafood restaurant on the shores of the lake Downtown.
Shopping: Fromagination sells cheese-- which Wisconsin is famous for, a great place for souvenirs. Pop Deluxe sells fun decor & gifts like Jonathan Adler's Happy Chic collection- perfect for apartment decorating. Bop is the flagship store of Shopbop.com and gives you a chance to see some of the site's beauties in person.
Sights to See: The Memorial Union is beer garden at the University of Wisconsin campus on the lake, it's a Madison landmark and recognized by it's signature colorful chairs. Be sure to try local favorite, New Glarus' Spotted Cow! Vilas Zoo is a free local zoo, it's small, but a great inexpensive way to spend the afternoon! The Dane County Farmer's Market borders the capital square downtown in warm weather months, perfect for scoring fresh local & affordable produce.
Happy Hour: Merchant is a trendy bar with bartender mixologists that craft unique cocktails and a truly unique menu of local specialties. State St. Brats is the perfect college bar with great drink specials and close to the university, don't forget to take your picture with the cows outside! Vintage Brewing Co. features an array of house-made brews & outdoor paitos- craft beers are as good as they come in Wisconsin!
Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide offers tips on how to decorate your apartment and make the most of your space on the Apartment Guide blog.Moving to a new city is such an exciting opportunity. My best advice is to get yourself out there-- either find a local to show you around or find someone else new to the area that you can explore with!
I love adding little local details to give my new rental a homey feel whether it's specialty cheeses or a print from a local artist! If you’re ready for a whole new space or looking to move, Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect apartment community.
Like” Apartment Guide on Facebook, tweet at them @AptGuide on Twitter, “circle” them on Google+ and follow them on Pinteres for real-time tips and updates on how to make the most of your small space. And feel free to tweet me any questions as well on @lpfashionista!
What are your favorite things about the city that you live in?
xoxo, lauren
Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. partner with bloggers such as me to participate in blogger programs. As part of that program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any products and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.