Life In Madison

Life in Madison: neighborhoods, opportunities and events in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area

Found 190 blog entries about Life In Madison.

Today officially marks the start of fall, which means we're also in the midst of Oktoberfest. And whether or not you own a pair of lederhosen or know how to drink from a boot, you can still get in the gemuetlichkeit spirit.

The Isthmus OktoBEERfest is already in the books for 2017, but there are many other celebrations throughout the Madison and Dane County area that will highlight the German flavors and sounds of the season. Be sure to click on the event name for more details.

New Glarus Oktoberfest
When: September 21-24
Where: Downtown New Glarus
Live music, beer tent, food stands, craft vendors, farmers market, tractor pull, 5K/10K and 2-mile walk

Essen Haus Oktoberfest
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, September 23
Where: 514 E. Wilson St., Madison

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The idea of opening a winery has been planted in David Korb's mind for a long time. It finally came to fruition in spring 2017 with the opening of Drumlin Ridge Winery, located just north of Madison between Waunakee and the town of Westport.

Korb, his wife Brenda, and their son Keenan eliminated their work commute by building the nearly 6,400-square-foot winery on one of the four neighboring parcels where they have lived for 27 years.

"Our home is just right out the back door," Korb said. And it's been the perfect spot to grow his dream.

He started making apple juice from their orchard in the early 1990s, and soon a friend suggested they make wine. Now there are over a dozen varieties of grapes growing on 3 1/2 acres of vineyards on the

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Summer is winding down, but festival season isn't quite over yet. Especially when it comes to Madison's longest-running neighborhood gathering.

Bring the whole family to the 40th annual Willy Street Fair for free this weekend, from 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.

You'll find a variety of music, food vendors, and eclectic entertainment along the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of Williamson Street. Get there at 11 a.m. Sunday for the parade, and hang out for the raffle drawing later at 6:30 p.m. at the Third Lake Market lot.

There will be over 30 acts between the Main, Folk, Willy Beats, Kids, Culture, and WORT Underground stages, with something for everyone. For a full lineup, click here. All are welcome to join

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One of the fantastic features of many Madison neighborhoods is the conservation parks that are designed nearby. Prairie Ridge Conservation Park is a perfect example. Located on the city's southwest side, Prairie Ridge offers just over a mile of natural trails, and connects Skyview Meadows/Westhaven Trails and Ice Age Falls.  The neighborhoods are built around it, but the views make you feel like you're out in the country.

The trail opens next to Raymond Ridge Park. It offers a mowed walking space between natural prairie. The views change with the seasons, as different plants bloom and grow.

Trails are open for hikers, but signs ask you to leave pets at home. The trail turns in a few different directions.

You can make it a short walk, and arrive

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If someone asked me to go for a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26-mile run, I'd maybe be able to over the course of a year. Or two. 

And yet thousands of triathletes from around the world are about to accomplish that feat in just one day. They've been training for the Ironman Wisconsin, which returns to Madison on Sunday, Sept. 10.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the event without actually signing up, but you may still break a sweat.

Cheer them on!

Whether or not you personally know an Ironman, tens of thousands of fans show up each year to cheer them on during the grueling race. It starts Sunday at 6:40 a.m. and goes all day, ending on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., where there will be a finish line party from 10 p.m. to

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Joe Hanauer, owner of Landscape Architecture LLC, started the Madison-based business 21 years ago. A graduate of UW-Madison, he is a licensed landscape architect and also has a degree in horticulture.

"I'm well-versed in the issues that involve design, construction and engineering in the landscape architecture side of things, but I'm also really well-versed in the plants, what they need and what grows well where," he said.

He spent the first seven years of his career working in the Chicago area, where he learned a lot about design on a large scale. Moving back to Madison revealed a difference in companies, customers and style in regards to the landscape architecture industry, which took some getting used to. Unlike many contractors who have a

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This weekend, make room for some delicious food from Madison area restaurants. The 2017 Taste of Madison will be open both Saturday and Sunday on the Capitol Square. With more than 200 menu items, provided by more than 80 restaurants, there is sure to be something for every age and appetite. 

The event is designed to allow you to sample a wide range of delicacies, family favorites and restaurant specialties, but at a modest price. Serving sizes are 6 oz. or less, and the cost for each item ranges from $1-$4. You can build full meals out of the variety of options, with appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts of all kinds.  Don't forget to stop at some of the 26 beverage stands scattered throughout. All tips you give at these stands, and all proceeds

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A community tradition that spans more than 50 years returns this weekend in Middleton. The Good Neighbor Festival runs from Aug. 25-27 at Fireman's Park, featuring plenty of food, fun and music for the whole family to enjoy.

"The Year of the Volunteer" is meant to honor and appreciate all individuals and volunteer groups who dedicate their time, talents and resources to give back to their community. The theme is fitting for an event that's the biggest fundraiser for many of Middleton's nonprofits and charities, which rely and thrive on volunteers.

Some of the groups that will be represented include Boy Scouts, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists and local VFW Posts. They are working together to provide a food court in the park shelter featuring

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Wisconsin is known as the Badger State, but aside from Bucky have you ever seen the burrowing animal? Henry Vilas Zoo in the heart of Madison is home to three badgers that are easy to spot if they're not too sleepy or shy. 

The Wisconsin Heritage exhibit, the newest at the zoo, is definitely worth a look, but there are plenty of other things for all ages to do while there.

See the animals, of course 

While the zoo family recently had to say goodbye to Cyber, an amur tiger, among its additions are a polar bear, rhinoceros and pair of lion cubs.

If it slithers or swims and has hooves or wings, you're likely to find it there. Most animals are behind glass or fences, but people do have the opportunity to touch and feed goats.

Go for a

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This week from sunrise to sunset, The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy in the Town of Middleton invites the public to attend its annual Sunflower Days. 

Bring the whole family and your camera to the free event, which runs from Aug. 12-20. Just be sure to leave your dog at home and refrain from touching the flowers.

Hundreds of thousands of sunflowers grew on the 9-acre field between Old Sauk and Blackhawk roads on a hill that overlooks Lake Mendota in the distance.

While most people pick a direction and walk around the field, this year there is also a trail that carves into one of the corners so they can get a closer look.

From a distance it may seem like all the sunflowers are alike, but as you walk the perimeter you'll notice

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