Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Madison is built on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Surrounded by over 15,000 acres of lakes, this geographically unique natural setting boasts many romantic activities for couples to enjoy.
The City of Four Lakes has hundreds of parks with ten beaches, several boat launch piers, and four golf courses. The premier golf courses include picturesque Glenway, opened in 1927, and two challenging championship 18-hole courses at Yahara Hills. Swimming beaches are popular in the summer and parks offer lifeguards, various levels of facilities and picnic areas. Beach destinations include Bernies Beach, Esther Beach, and Hudson Beach with its own effigy mound.
Olbrich Park sits on Lake Mononas Northeastern shoreline on Atwood Avenue. Stroll through Olbrich Botanical Gardens sixteen acres of outdoor gardens including a Thai Pavilion and an award-winning Rose Garden. Enjoy the indoor Olbrich Bolz Conservatory with tropical flowers and free-flying birds enclosed in a stunning glass pyramid structure. In the winter ice-skate on a rink at Olbrich Park and cross-country ski at several of the city parks. Parks such as Turville Point and Owen Conservation Park boast miles of trails for cross country skiing in the winter and wandering through prairie fields of wildflowers in the spring and brilliant foliage in the fall. Renting a paddle boat or kayak for two on a private lake setting is a romantic attraction offered at Wingra Park on Knickerbocker Street. The most popular of Madison parks is one of the United States few free zoos. Henry Vila Park Zoo on Randall Avenue was established in 1904 and houses over six hundred animals including endangered spectacled bears.
The Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison is a Roman Renaissance-style white structure sitting at the east end of State Street, dominating the skyline. Take a free tour of the granite buildings rotunda and visit the observation deck for views of the crystal lakes and city skyscrapers. Take the time to stand outside the massive building and appreciate the statues on the capitol dome and the Wisconsin bronze on the top. Soak in this mid-west regions Native America history at the nearby State Historical Museum.
In the summers, Dane County Farmers Market is a busy open-air market in Capitol Square. Each Wednesday and Saturday mornings vibrant vendors sell their food and crafts. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra plays popular summer concerts seen and heard from a blanket on the Capitol lawn. Capitol Square is a happening area in the heart of downtown buzzing with eclectic shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Two blocks from the State Capitol building is the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The spectacular piece of architecture sits on the waters edge and is one of Frank Lloyd Wrights final works. Enjoy a romantic picnic and panoramic views of the east and west side of Madison and Lake Monona from the William T. Evjue Rooftop Garden. The twelve mile Lake Monona Bike and Pedestrian Path passes by the building and is a romantic place to walk or take a bicycle ride.
While in Madison, you can not help but visit the public University of Wisconsin campus which dominates the city streets. Diverse cafes, bookstores, and brewpubs surround the academic institution. Ethnic restaurants line West State Street close to campus. Students crave the bratwurst sandwich and a microbrew from the long standing State Street Brats. The large campus boasts scenic views of the city and Lake Mendota from your car traveling down Observatory and Willow Drives.
For some cultural enrichment tour Elvehjem Museum of Art with impressive collections of ancient paintings and sculptures. For beautiful natural scenery take a walk through the Universitys Arboretum and view the wildlife indigenous to the state. The Allen Centennial Gardens is another peaceful horticultural atmosphere to wander. Share a delicious ice cream from Babcock Dairy at Memorial Union or Union South. At Washburn Observatory learn about and observe the celestial sky through a telescope.
A romantic way to enjoy a Madison sunset is from the water on a yacht. Betty Lou Cruises dock at the Mariners Inn on Lake Mendota and at Machinery Row on Lake Monona and offer dinner cruises from April through October. The cuisine is high quality and magnificent views include the city skyline and capitol building, Governor Nelson State Park, and outstanding lakefront homes such as the Governors Mansion.
Romantic lodging accommodations vary from cozy Bed and Breakfasts to upscale resorts and everything in between in Madison. The luxurious Edgewater Hotel on Wisconsin Avenue sits on Lake Mendotas shoreline offering outside pier dining or fine dining with views at The Admiralty. The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is attached to the convention center by a skywalk and close to shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, and nightlife. The beautiful lakefront hotel was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Canterbury Booksellers near bustling State Street is a unique caf, bookstore, and inn. Canterbury Inn is a bed and breakfast with a literary feel and charming rooms.
Diverse activities and atmospheres can be enjoyed touring Madisons impressive buildings and natural settings. Glacial waterways, acres of parks, Capitol Square, and a lively campus make The City of Lakes a beautiful, fun, and romantic destination.
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