How Madison stays fit outside the gym!
NO GYM MEMBERSHIP?
NO PROBLEM! MADISON HAS LOTS TO OFFER TO STAY FIT THIS WINTER!
It is January and it’s the month with the most beginnings and the most giving-ups. Gym memberships are booming at their highest and everyone tries to get the best deal. Why not look outside the box and see what else Madison has to offer to stay fit. Here’s our TOP 10 list of winter activities and ways to stay fit, get a little vitamin D, fresh air and stay healthy and away from viruses and busy banter.
1. Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding or Tubing at Tyrol Basin, Mount Horeb
3487 Bohn Rd., Mount Horeb, (608) 437 4135
Spend your weekend days or week nights to ski or tube, including rental, lift ticket and a hot yummy meal at the tavern. This local family-owned business has specials that are hard to top:
Ski:
Tyrol Tuesdays: $20 lift tickets All Day! $20 Rentals All Day!
Late Night: $30.00 Lift tickets 6-11pm!
College Night: $25.00 lift tickets & rentals 6-11pm on Fridays, January & February!
Kids Ski Free Every Day: Kids 5 yrs old and & under ski free!! Rentals are $40.
Student Ski Lessons: $59, 90min. incl. rentals
Tube:
Tyrol Tuesdays: $20, incl. tube for 4hrs.
2. Ice Skating at the Edgewater Hotel, downtown Madison
1001 Wisconsin Pl., Madison, (608) 535-8200
Another winter activity that is fun is ice skating. There are several free ponds to go daily but have you tried the Edgewater Hotel downtown Madison with breathtaking views of lake Mendota? It's Madison's top address to skate, plus it's guaranteed. Ice skate rentals are available or bring your own! Fire pit rentals $100, 90min., skates $3.
3. Wellness & Sauna at Sauna Day, Madison
315 S. Blount St., Madison, (608) 460-0435
Check out Madison’s newest day spa and relax, unwind and unplug after a workout. Sauna Day offers a bath house with cedar salt scrub showers, steam saunas, cedar dry saunas, cold plunges, a relaxing lounge and hot tubs (extra charge). The experience is offered for $55/2hrs and you don't need a membership. Although inside, sauna is a perfect way to tend to body and mind during winter months.
4. Cross Country Skiing at Elver Park, Madison
250 McKenna Blvd., Madison, (608) 266-4711
Try to cross country ski this year - it’s fun and works your whole body! The largest community park in Madison Parks, Elver Park, offers a variety of trails to ski, for beginners or advanced. Warming huts are available and the park offers equipment rentals and ski passes.
5. Snow Shoeing at Donald County Park or the UW Arboretum, Madison
1945 State Highway 92, Mt. Horeb, (608) 224-3730
&
207 Seminole Highway, Madison, (608) 263-7888
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore many of Madison’s parks during the winter months and is easy to learn. It’s a great activity for any age and much easier than snowboarding or skiing, plus it’s a great cardio workout! We recommend the groomed trails at Donald’s County Park or the UW Arboretum. To get the right gear, check out places like: UW-Madison’s Hoofers has snowshoe rentals available through its location at Memorial Union, including for students, Union members and guests. You can also purchase locally or online from local stores like: Fontana Sports, LL Bean, REI, and Cabela’s.
6. Running, Hiking & Walking on Madison’s Capital City Trails
3102 Lake Farm Rd., Madison, (608) 242-4576
One step at a time. Start to jog and run on Madison’s city trails and combine your workout with brisk walking. Every time you step outside, you will go a bit further. Enjoy the outdoors, bundle up and get your cardio on. The Capital City State Trail in Madison offers excellent running, a scenic 17-mile paved path connecting forests, prairies, and downtown views, linking to other trails like Military Ridge, suitable for all levels with gentle grades in parts and offering year-round access for runners.
7. A Workout on the UW Madison Fitness Trail, Madison
Lakeshore Path, UW Madison, (608) 262-8244
Why going to the gym when you can workout outside, breathe in fresh air and be away from crowds? The Fitness Trail along Lakeshore Path features nine stations, each with a piece of equipment optimal for targeting specific muscle groups. Go ahead and step out of the gym and onto the Lakeshore Path for a fresh and fun outdoor workout. The website features all workout stations with explanations and videos on how to use them.
8. Meditating at Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton
4200 Co Hwy M, Middleton, (608) 836-1631
Immerse yourself in nature on beautiful meditation trails at Holy Wisdom. Walk the meditation trail, taking time for contemplation and meditation at each platform. You may use the guided meditations provided by Healthy Minds Innovations, or a practice of your own. It’s a beautiful place to use on your own to meditate, walk, hike and reflect or join in at many of their in- and outdoor activities, nature walks and guided meditation retreats.
9. Fat Biking at Quarry Ridge, Fitchburg
2740 Fitchrona Road, Fitchburg, (608) 270-4285
Maybe this year it is time to try something completely new! Maybe it’s fat biking? There are many trails you can choose in Madison but check out Quarry Ridge in Fitchburg. Just minutes from downtown, this system offers technical features, rock gardens, jumps, and steep terrain, popular for both mountain biking and fat biking in winter. You don’t have to own the bike to try it. Madison has several places to rent a fat bike for a small fee. Try Machinery Row Bicycles, Motorless Motion, or ERIK'S Bike Shop. For more places to ride, explore local parks like Badger Prairie, or even our frozen downtown lakes.
10. Stair Climbing & November Project, Madison
Take the stairs! The vertical movement of climbing stairs increases resistance from gravity, which helps build leg strength quickly. Stair climbing is great cardio. It burns more calories than running, so if you're looking to challenge yourself this winter, give it a try! Check out November Project Madison which is a bunch of fun, active people of any ages working out together outside, no matter the temperatures and there is plenty of step climbing involved every time they meet. This group welcomes everyone and it’s free to join. They meet every Wednesday (UW Madison. Bascom Hill) and Friday (Capitol Square, Lady Forward Statue) from 5:45-7:15AM for a free 45min.-90min.-workout. Drop in any time! Join November Project on Social Media to get weekly updates on workouts and events.
Cozy Spots Not to miss to Sit, Sip, Read & Chat
Happy New Year! It’s winter in Wisconsin and the days are long but daylight is short. What do you do when you need to get out of the house and you want to meet a friend for a cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee? Or would like to read a book with peace and quiet in a cozy nook that is not your sofa, where your family demands you every second of your free time? Somewhere you would simply like to have a nice conversation with a friend-where do you go in Madison? We found the TOP 10 cozy spots and we will tell you why …
Any coffee shop is often times nice, has your favorite beverage and pastries, and has a spot to charge your laptop. But we found a couple of local coffee shops that have comfy chairs, sofas and a fireplace to warm-up and feel like home. Comfy and cozy at the same time. Our top favorites are:
- Collectivo Coffee Shop, 2530 Monroe Street, Madison
& - Firefly Coffee House, 114 N. Main Str., Oregon
When it comes to absolute cozy-ness, try this establishment which is super unique combining books, a bar and a coffee shop in one. Where else can you read at the bar and drink a cocktail or browse for a book with a coffee in your hand? Whether you are diving into a novel or enjoying a beverage with your friend, Leopold’s is a must to try as your next cozy retreat.
- Leopold’s, 1301 Regent Str., Madison
When it comes to cozy and a soothing vibe, the Weary Traveler is a great place to check out, plus it’s been in Madison for a long time. The place features a “vintage hideaway’ with cozy lighting, eclectic decor and comfortable seating. It’s recommended to read or work on late afternoons, early evenings and then meet friends for a casual drink or bite to eat. It’s definitely a perfect place to feel cozy in the winter.
- Weary Traveler Firehouse, 1201 Williamson Str., Madison
Get cozy by the fire! Located in the heart of downtown Madison, discover the Edgewater Hotel with its Icehouse, an ice rink overlooking Lake Mendota to skate and inside and outside fireplaces (fee) to feel cozy, enjoy a beverage or a hot pizza with a friend or relax with a book. It doesn’t have to be expensive to enjoy a cozy nook at this absolutely beautiful hotel we call our own.
- The Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison
It was a special outing during the pandemic but this place still has them: The “winter globe”! Cafe Hollander at Hilldale, Madison offers a few seasonal heated domes for cozy, private outdoor dining, featuring heat, fresh air, and absolutely cozy-ness. With a blanket and a hot beverage, this is the perfect place to meet a friend and talk. We recommend to call ahead to make a reservation (fee).
- Cafe Hollander, 701 Hilldale Way, Madison
Where else could you go that is not your own office or living room to sit cozy by the fire and work or read? Exactly, our own university. Check out the Wisconsin Union, Rathkeller which is also called “the living room of the campus". It offers murals and fireplaces and ample seating to read, work or have a chat with a friend. It’s really cozy and right by the lake. It’s a top address for warmth and atmosphere for sure.
- The Rathkeller, 800 Langdon Str., Madison
Check out this gem of downtown Madison with a view of the Capitol. Lucille's offers a cozy bar experience with comfortable seating to meet a friend or be solo enjoying a drink while reading a book. Lucille has a unique, vintage LL lounge built in a former bank vault from 1920 with velvet seating, offering great cocktails and amazing pizzas.
- Lucille Restaurant and Bar, 101 King Str. Madison
Now check out Madison’s neighborhood taproom for coffee, cocktails and craft beers. Stay a while and feel at home at this cozy place. Get there early and save yourself a spot to read or work on your laptop. Forward Craft is known for its relaxed vibe and varied seating, including couches, ample outlets, and a quiet atmosphere.
- Forward Craft and Coffee, 2166 Atwood Ave., Madison
Do you look for a cozy lounge with plenty of different nooks and spaces that reminds you of your own house? Check out Gib’s bar. Gib’s is a craft cocktail bar built into a two-story Victorian house in the Willy Street neighborhood. Offering a charming, relaxing environment to enjoy a drink and conversation with friends. When you get hungry, you order a pizza from next door’s Grandpa’s Pizzeria.
- Gib’s Bar, 1380 Williamson Str., Madison
Lastly, of course we wanted to point out a couple of our favorite and most cozy libraries. Check out Verona’s Public Library with its reading room, featuring a private and quiet atmosphere with a cozy fireplace. It's the perfect place to study, read or work outside your office or home.
- Verona Public Library, 500 Silent Street, Verona
And of course, visit our Madison Public Library with its lots of different locations. If you have the time, grab a good book or your laptop and spend some hours at the newest beautiful downtown location right by the Capitol Square. When it gets warmer, people particularly love the third-floor patio for sunny reading with city views, plus you will find ample possibilities, comfortable chairs and reading nooks throughout the library.
- Madison Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin Str., Madison
Keep calm & SPA on! Discover Madison's day spas
Are you dreaming about a self-care day that leaves you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and pampered? Enjoy a “It’s all about Me” day and step away from daily stressors and embrace a tranquil, restorative experience for body and mind. Dive into a day just for you! 50 places to relax ...
*Not including pure MED spas!*
Anaala Salon & Spa, 4506 Regent St & 2929 Atwood Ave / Madison
Two different locations of a day spa offering hair services, waxing, skin care, facials, lashes, brows and nail services.
AnIu Salon & Spa, 2275 Denim Way / Middleton
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care, facials, hair services and extensions, nail services, light therapy, brows, lashes and waxing.
Atelier, 924 E Johnson Str / Madison
A day spa offering hair services, skin care, facials, brows and lashes.
Barefoot Hands, 600 Williamson Str / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, healing work, acupuncture and cupping.
Bergamot Massage & Bodywork, 8302 Globe Dr / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, red light therapy and sauna series.
Blue October Spa, 6213 Middleton Springs Dr / Middleton
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, facials, skin care, infrared sauna services and hair removal.
Blue Turtle Day Spa, 2960 Triverton Pike Dr / Madison
A day spa offering body treatments and massage therapy.
Bohemian Oasis Healing Center, 1956 Atwood Ave / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, bodywork, meditation and sauna series.
Cornerstone Spa & Salon, 213 S Division St / Stoughton
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care, facials, body treatments, nail services, makeup, hair services, light therapy, waxing, brows, lashes and tanning.
Curated Aesthetics, 6333 University Ave / Middleton
A day spa offering skin care, facials, waxing and light therapy.
The Edgewater Spa, 1001 Wisconsin Pl / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care and facials, nail services, hair salon services, body treatments, wellness and fitness, waxing and full meal and drink services.
Elements Massage, 6316 McKee Rd / Fitchburg
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care and facials.
Facial Collective, 426 W Gilman Str. / Madison
A day spa offering skin care and facials.
Float Madison, 312 E Wilson Str / Madison
A day spa offering warm therapy pool floatation therapy to relax, lessen anxiety and improve sleep.
Genesis Hair & Day Spa, 148 Market Str / DeForest
A day spa offering hair and nail services, skin care, body piercing, waxing, brows and lashes.
Harmony Aesthetics, 271 S Main Str / Verona
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care, facials, laser hair removal and weight management.
A Healer’s Hand, 600 Williamson Str / Madison
A day spa offering body treatments, massage therapy, physical therapy and healing services.
Healing Hands Day Spa, 15 N Butler Str / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care, facials, sauna with cold plunges, brows, lashes and waxing.
Indulge Spa, 4339 East Town Way / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care, nail services, hair removal, brows and lashes.
Kneaded Relief Day Spa & Wellness, 5500 E Cheryl Pkwy / Fitchburg
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care and facials, nail services, body treatments, waxing and personal training.
KOSA Spa, 3241 Garver Green / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, wellness consults, skin care, facials, meals and steam/sauna rituals.
Loure Aesthetics & Wellness, 1001 Arboretum Dr / Waunakee
A day spa offering skin care, facials, sauna services, light therapy, body treatments, waxing, hair removal, brows and lashes.
Massage Envy, 8301 Murphy Dr / Middleton
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care and facials.
New Life Foot and Body Spa, 2102 Zeier Rd / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy and body treatments.
Oasis Spa, 6733 Odana Rd / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy and cupping service.
Om Mantra Spa, 620 Grand Canyon Dr / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care, nail services, waxing, body treatments, brows, lashes, tanning and makeup.
Opal Beauty & Wellness, 5201 Old Middleton Rd / Madison
A day spa offering skin care, facials, brows, lashes and makeup.
Pura Skin and Body, 5808 Hwy 51 / McFarland
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, facials and skin care.
ReDruvenated Bliss Spa, 6701 Seybold Rd / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care, facials and waxing.
Refresh Skin Spa, 300 W Main Str / Madison
A day spa offering skin care, facials, hair removal, LED light therapy, lashes and brows.
Rejuvenation Spa, 7420 Mineral Point Rd / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, waxing, hair services, nail services, skincare and facials.
Relaxation Destination, 978 Park Str / Oregon
A day spa offering massage therapy, red light therapy, sauna services, meditation, oxygen lounge and sound therapy.
Renu Massage & Bodywork, 1701 Deming Way / Middleton
A day spa offering body treatments, massage therapy and cupping therapy.
Renewed Spirit Day Spa & Academy, 756 Lois Dr / Sun Prairie
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care, facials, brows, lashes, waxing, and serves as a teaching academy.
Revive Salt Room & Spa, 214 W Main Str / Cambridge
A day spa offering Himalayan salt rooms (halotherapy), sauna services and skin care.
Rooted Culture Salon,
957 Liberty Dr / Verona & 1812 Springdale St / Mt Horeb
A day spa with two locations offering hair services, skin care, facials, waxing, makeup, hair removal, brows and lashes.
San San Day Spa, 501 S Yellowstone Dr / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, skin care, facials, waxing, lashes and hair services.
Saunaday, 315 S Blount Str / Madison
A day spa offering bathhouse rituals and sauna services.
The Skin & Co, 536 Southing Grange / Cottage Grove
A day spa offering skin care, facials, lashes, red light therapy and waxing.
Skin Sanctuary, 300 W Main Str / Waunakee
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care and facials.
Soleil Wellness and Day Spa, 130 N Main Str / Oregon
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care, light therapy, tanning and sauna services.
SolEscape Healing Arts, 1148 Williamson Str / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care, facials, waxing, sauna services, body healing services and light therapy.
The Spa at Autumn Organics, 804 Liberty Blvd / Sun Prairie
A day spa offering organic and vegan massage therapy, skin care, facials, nail services, spray tanning, waxing, brows, lashes, body treatments, hair services and sauna.
Le Spa, 550 Grand Canyon Dr / Madison
A day spa offering skin care, facials, body treatments and waxing.
Studio Z Salon & Spa, 6025 Monona Dr / Monona
A day spa offering hair services, nail services, tanning, waxing, skin care, facials, and massage therapy.
Sundara Inn & Spa, 920 Canyon Rd / Wisconsin Dells
A day spa offering massage therapy, body treatments, skin care, facials, pool rituals, nail services, outside hot tub & pool, full meal & drink services,
Timeless Design Salon & Spa, 1804 Parmenter Str / Middleton
A day spa offering skin care, facials, hair services, hair removal, brows and lashes.
Urban Rituals Spa, 5910 Monona Dr / Monona
A day spa offering massage therapy, wellness, body treatments, skin care, facials, hair removal and waxing.
William Jon Salon & Spa, 2701 University Ave / Madison
A day spa offering skin care, facials, hair services, nail services and make up.
Yuan Foot and Body Spa, 6618 Mineral Point Rd / Madison
A day spa offering massage therapy and body treatments.
Madison Area Sweet Spots: Bakeries You Knead to Know
Madison is known not only for its lakes, watersports, UW-Madison and its fit communities; we also like our pastries for all occasions! From the perfect croissants to the most extravagant birthday and wedding cakes, yummy treats and pastries, donuts, gluten-free baked goods, delicious cookies and crusty breads, Madison has everything a sweet tooth might want and more. Check out our Top 60 Bakery Guide to everything sweet, delicious and homemade!
Baked Lab - Madison/931 E. Main St. (online orders)
Batch Bakehouse - Madison/1402 Willy St.
Bestie’s Blissful Bakes - Pardeeville/N2289 Hwy 22
Bloom Bake Shops - Madison/1851 Monroe St. & 557 North St.
Bri’s Fresh Bakes - Sun Prairie/online orders
Cakes By Kendra - Jefferson/online orders
Cava Bakehouse - Madison/2926 Brandon Rd.
Clasen’s European Bakery - Middleton/7610 Donna Dr.
CocoVaa Chocolatier - Madison/10 Odana Ct.
Cordelia’s Sweet Shoppe - Sauk City/105 Phillips Blvd.
Craig’s Cake Shop & Bakery - Verona/604 W. Verona Ave.
Crema Cafe & Bakery - Monona/4124, Monona Dr.
Drift Bakehouse & Donuts - Mazomanie/603 W Commercial St.
Duck Donuts - Madison/3308 University Ave.
Dunkin’ Donuts
- Madison/801 S. Park St.
- Madison/1401 Emil St.
- Madison/1502 W Broadway
- Madison/739 S. Gammon Rd.
- Waunakee/404 W Main St.
El Hornito - Madison/705 S. Gammon Rd.
Far Breton Bakery - Madison/1924 Fordem Ave.
Firefly Coffeehouse & Bakery - Oregon/114 N. Main St.
Fosdal Home Bakery - Stoughton/243 E. Main St.
Gigi’s Cupcakes - Madison/554 N. Midvale Blvd.
Greenbush Bakery - Madison/1402 Regent Str. & 5225 High Crossing Blvd.
Heirloom Bakery & Kitchen - Madison/214 Waubesa St.
Just Bakery, A Just Dane Initiative - Mdison/128 E. Olin Ave.
Karen’s Dulce Encantos Bakery - Madison/online orders
Karen The Cake Lady - DeForest/117 Commerce St.
The Knocke Shoppe Wedding Cakes - Westfield/W4743 10th Rd.
La Baguette - Madison/7424 Mineral Point Rd.
La Brioche True Food - Madison/2862 University Ave.
Lazy Jane’s Cafe & Bakery - Madison/2358 Williamson St.
Le C’s Patisserie & Tea House
- Madison/411 State St.
- Middleton/7601 Elmwood Ave.
Level 5 Donuts - Madison/2086 Atwood Ave.
Little Sweet - Madison/313 State St.
Liv’s Drink Emporium - Sun Prairie/3140 Edmonton Dr.
Madison Chocolate Company - Madison/5521 Odana Rd. & 729 Glenway St.
Madison Sourdough Bakery - Madison/916 Williamson St.
Miggy’s Bakes - Middleton/6712 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave.
Monona Bakery & Eatery - Monona/4544 Monona Dr.
Nano Sweet Cafe - Madison/6636 Mineral Point Rd.
Neat-O’s Bake Shoppe - Baraboo/420 Oak St.
Nothing Bundt Cakes - Madison/7414 Mineral Point Rd.
Origins Breads - Madison/931 E. Main St.
Papa Brunk’s Bakery - Fort Atkinson/1220 Janesville Ave.
Pasture & Plenty - Madison/2433 University Ave.
Paleo Mama Bakery - Madison/961 S. Park St.
Quality Bakery - Dodgeville/154 N. Iowa St.
Reverie Baking Company - Madison/2021 Winnebago St.
Rolling Pin Bake Shop - Fitchburg/2935 E. Fish Hatchery Rd.
Stella’s Bakery - Madison/2908 Syene Rd.
Sugar Llama Cookies - Sun Prairie/online orders
Sweet Hartley’s Microbakery - Waunakee/online orders
Teamoji Donuts - Madison/502 State St.
Teasider Tea Bar - Madison/823 E. Johnson St.
Two Sisters Bakery and Cafe - Madison/5925 Riva Rd.
Wake N Bakery - Madison/517 State St.
Whole Foods Bakery - Madison/4710 Madison Yards Way
The Wildflower Styles - Madison/8110 Blakton Rd. (online orders)
Windsor Breads Bakery & Coffee House - Windsor/4446 Windsor Rd.
Yummee Treats Madison - Madison/5510 University Ave.
Zippy Lube Donuts - Madison/2013 N. Sherman Ave.