It seems like no time at all since my trip to Nova Scotia, but I've headed out again, this time to America's Dairyland (better known as Wisconsin). I'm finishing up a five week stint in Madison, and I've made some excellent discoveries. First and foremost has got to be the Dane County Farmers' Market (http://dcfm.org/). Being the veritable connoisseur of farmers' markets that I am, I feel confident saying that Dane County is the stuff of legends. It is reported to be the largest producer-only market in the country, and I think I would buy that. On Saturday and Wednesday mornings during the summer, vendors line the sidewalks surrounding the state capitol building. Being Wisconsin, a large number of the vendors sell dairy products (easily some of the best cheese I've ever eaten), but an equal or larger number peddle fruits and vegetables of every ilk. The rest are a smattering of fresh flowers, potted plants, baked goods, canned foods, honey, and at least one rather notable pasta vendor. If you get your week's fill of produce but you're not quite ready to leave the atmosphere of the market, the opposite sidewalk is dotted with artists, musicians, and food carts. The local stores, restaurants, and museums continue the vibe and offer air-conditioned retreats from the Midwest summer. If there are any drawbacks to the DCFM, they would be a lack of free parking due to the downtown location and the crowd. To avoid the crowd, arrive early.
While walking around the market, I came across two local businesses that I feel obligated to share. The first is a funky little clothing store called City Shuz at 106 S Webster Street. It carries a beautiful selection of vintage-inspired shoes, Tom's shoes, and even some clothes I've seen at Modcloth.com. The second is a great restaurant called The Coopers Tavern at 20 West Mifflin Street (http://thecooperstavern.com). I had really high expectations for this establishment, but all of them were blown away when I took my mom there for brunch! She had the ham sandwich with stout grained mustard, red pepper mayonnaise, and Gouda on a pretzel roll. I had the Scandinavian Benedict, a version of eggs Benedict with Bourbon-curred salmon instead of Canadian bacon. The most incredible thing about my selection was that you actually noticed the English muffin! What kind of English muffin grabs your attention away from perfectly poached eggs and a creamy dill Hollandaise? The perfectly fresh, soft, and made-in-house kind! Top to bottom, both dishes took relativity ordinary offerings and elevated them with subtle but complex twists and fresh ingredients. Being a tavern in Wisconsin, there was also a very nice selection of beers to accompany any meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you're in the area.
A third local business that I want to highlight looks out on the downtown area from across the breadth of one of Madison's several lakes. Lakeside Fibers at 402 West Lakeside Street has a beautiful selection of yarns and patterns for any knitting or crocheting enthusiast (http://www.lakesidefibers.com/). Not into that sort of thing? Go to Lakeside Fibers anyway. The coffee shop in the back looks out on the lake with a beautiful view and peaceful, arty vibe. Their coffee, loose leaf tea, or cheese platter are sure to satisfy.
On one of my last weekends in Wisconsin, I drove up to Baraboo to visit the home site of Aldo Leopold and the famed Sand Counties of Wisconsin. Down the road from "the shack" is a beautiful education center and gift shop. You have to go there first to pay your admission. Then, you can hike around the home site, remembering the places described in Leopold's work, and see the beautiful Wisconsin River. If you're not familiar with Leopold's writings, please see my April 2010 blog "Books that Change Your Life."
I guess that's about it for my time here in Wisconsin. It's been a good trip, but I'm glad to be heading back to the South. The garden's been going crazy with tomatoes, and I think it will be time to tackle some canning when I get home.
While walking around the market, I came across two local businesses that I feel obligated to share. The first is a funky little clothing store called City Shuz at 106 S Webster Street. It carries a beautiful selection of vintage-inspired shoes, Tom's shoes, and even some clothes I've seen at Modcloth.com. The second is a great restaurant called The Coopers Tavern at 20 West Mifflin Street (http://thecooperstavern.com). I had really high expectations for this establishment, but all of them were blown away when I took my mom there for brunch! She had the ham sandwich with stout grained mustard, red pepper mayonnaise, and Gouda on a pretzel roll. I had the Scandinavian Benedict, a version of eggs Benedict with Bourbon-curred salmon instead of Canadian bacon. The most incredible thing about my selection was that you actually noticed the English muffin! What kind of English muffin grabs your attention away from perfectly poached eggs and a creamy dill Hollandaise? The perfectly fresh, soft, and made-in-house kind! Top to bottom, both dishes took relativity ordinary offerings and elevated them with subtle but complex twists and fresh ingredients. Being a tavern in Wisconsin, there was also a very nice selection of beers to accompany any meal. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you're in the area.
A third local business that I want to highlight looks out on the downtown area from across the breadth of one of Madison's several lakes. Lakeside Fibers at 402 West Lakeside Street has a beautiful selection of yarns and patterns for any knitting or crocheting enthusiast (http://www.lakesidefibers.com/). Not into that sort of thing? Go to Lakeside Fibers anyway. The coffee shop in the back looks out on the lake with a beautiful view and peaceful, arty vibe. Their coffee, loose leaf tea, or cheese platter are sure to satisfy.
On one of my last weekends in Wisconsin, I drove up to Baraboo to visit the home site of Aldo Leopold and the famed Sand Counties of Wisconsin. Down the road from "the shack" is a beautiful education center and gift shop. You have to go there first to pay your admission. Then, you can hike around the home site, remembering the places described in Leopold's work, and see the beautiful Wisconsin River. If you're not familiar with Leopold's writings, please see my April 2010 blog "Books that Change Your Life."
I guess that's about it for my time here in Wisconsin. It's been a good trip, but I'm glad to be heading back to the South. The garden's been going crazy with tomatoes, and I think it will be time to tackle some canning when I get home.
Photos by Letitia King and Jenn Ballard
