What is Madison missing? 🔎

Answered: What is the city of Madison missing?

We asked, you answered, here’s what the 608 needs (according to our readership.) | Photo by @allipin

Earlier this month, we asked our readers: What is the city of Madison missing?

From enhanced pedestrian infrastructure + new outdoor venues to state-of-the-art public transportation and even more drinking establishments, Madisonians know what they want for our city. Here’s what we found.

🚆 You’re ready to travel at light speed

“A light rail system that allows me to commute into Madison from communities outside Madison i.e. Sun Prairie, Lodi, Deforest, Verona.” — Tammy A.

“Madison is missing a light rail from Minneapolis to Chicago. It was talked about years ago, with some promise. I wish the idea would be reconsidered.” — Bree B.

“This is crazy but not as much as many people think. Very expensive, but an investment in light rail could enable a huge number of residents to commute more sustainably and cheaply. " — David D.

🏗️ Plus, open a handful of new businesses

"An open-air concert pavilion with a permanent stage, shell, several thousand sheltered seats, and additional grounds for lawn seating.” — Casey O.

“A converter belt sushi restaurant.” — Sara B.

“A cat cafe!” — Kaley G.

“A classic Jewish deli. Think East-coast, pastrami, the whole works.” — Paige A.

“A full mocktail bar open near downtown.” — Corrin P.

🏖️ And live life on the lake

“We have views for days but very few waterfront dining options. I want a patio right off of the lake, maybe a rooftop choice, and a winter solarium?? We just need more!” — Haley H.

“With as much water as we have around here, why can’t we have more restaurants on the water??? That’s crazy.” — Linda V.

“A bike route around Lake Mendota and a frozen yogurt shop!” — Danny S.

Did we miss something big? Let us know, we’re still listening.

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Today

Downtown Madison Family Halloween | Wed., Oct. 26 | 3 p.m. | Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State St., Madison | Free | Enjoy treats and learn art-making and craft techniques inspired by the artwork on view at the Museum. 👻
Nerd Nite | Wed., Oct. 26 | 8-10:30 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free+ | Spend the night geeking out over brews and entertaining discussions + presentations about niche topics. 🍻

Thursday

El Mercadito | Thu., Oct. 27 | 4-7 p.m. | Centro Hispano, 810 W. Badger Rd., Madison | Free | Join the Centro community for tasty bites, live music, and community festivities. 🎉
Halloween Charcuterie Workshop | Thu., Oct. 27 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Hidden Cave Cidery, 2500 Pleasant View Rd., Middleton | Learn how to make an Instagram-ready Halloween charcuterie board.

Friday

Ashley Gavin | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Comedy on State, 202 State St., Madison | $15-$50 | Hear a set from the comic known from TikTok, Comedy Central, Hulu, and Netflix.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7 p.m. | Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison | $24 | Cheer on the Badgers hockey program as they drop the puck against PSU. 🏒

Saturday

Terror on the Turf | Sat., Oct. 29 | 5-10 p.m. | Breese Stevens Field, 917 E. Mifflin St., Madison | $10 | Madisonians are invited to celebrate Halloween with live music, a costume contest, a candy hunt, and more.

Sunday

Garver Pumpkin Party 2022 | Sun., Oct. 30 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | 3241 Garver Green, Madison | Free | Enjoy games, pumpkin carving, fall-flavored eats, crafts, and costume contests. 🎃

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

53º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

State

A new study finds that Wisconsin could eliminate greenhouse gases + drastically cut its carbon footprint over the next three decades. Using existing technology and infrastructure, the state aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. ♻️ (WKOW)

Civic

With early voting officially underway in Madison, Channel 3000 is rounding up everything you need to know about the process. Learn about voting locations, hours, and registration. 🗳️ (Channel 3000)

Open

Say hello to Amara, Hilldale’s newest coastal Italian eatery, now open at 670 N. Midvale Blvd. Want a closer look? Stay tuned for more coverage as City Editor Ryan attended opening night — for research purposes only, of course.

Trending

Woodman’s — Wisconsin’s employee-owned supermarket chain — is going viral. With more than six million social media views, the grocer is being recognized for its immense frozen pizza selection. Is this too much pizza? 📱 (Madison.com)

Environment

Grow-your-own + sustainable farming models are popping up all over the state. Learn more about the CSAs and other programs bringing year-round, affordable produce to Wisconsin. (Channel 3000)

Seasonal

Make a game plan for a week’s worth of Halloween fun with this listing of public trick-or-treating hours. Pro tip: Madison’s time slot is today, Wed., Oct. 26 from 3-6 p.m. 🎃 (Channel 3000)

Eat

Chef Gil Altschul of Bandit Tacos & Coffee and Grampa’s Pizzeria met up with Cap Times food editor Lindsay Christians at the Kessenich’s Innovation Center. See what they got up to + learn how to make smoked whitefish tostadas. (Cap Times)
Vintage Brewing Co. recently announced a new supplier for its beloved Vintage burger — UW Provisions. Never heard of “The Meat People?” We got you. 🥩

Shop

Cooler temperatures mean that it’s officially boot scootin’ season. Zulily is offering up to 40% off MUK LUKS boots + booties for a limited time. We love this pair of brown ankle boots that are on sale for $39.99. 👢*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Local chocolatiers worth melting for

Halloween sweets in Madison, WI

WM chocolates sitting on the shelf at Willy Street Co-op

Another hyper-local retail option is Wm. Chocolate — available at 12 Madison-area shops. | Photo by 608today team

Although kids are usually the ones trick-or-treating, that doesn’t mean the grown-ups can’t get in on the fun. Trick or treat yo’ self to some of the 608’s best candy makers + sink your teeth into these eerie-sistable sweets.

🍫 Infusion Chocolates | 2503 Monroe St.
Find more than 30 handcrafted chocolate concoctions made with Fair Direct Sustainable cocoa. Flavor infusions like honey lavender + pomegranate malbec make this a uniquely sweet spot. Pro tip: Craft an edible arrangement for someone special using Infusion’s flower pops.

🍫 Gail Ambrosius | 2083 Atwood Ave.
Taste a true labor of love in Wisconsinite Gail Ambrosius’ specialty chocolates, truffles, and caramels. Must-try: The tea-inspired truffle collection.

🍫 Madison Chocolate Company | 729 Glenway St.
An independent, woman-owned chocolate shop and café serving an array of sweets such as hand-made truffles + candied lemon peels. Pro tip: These local goodies make for great gifts, and Madison Chocolate Co. offers shipping.

🍫 CocoVaa Chocolatier | 1815 E. Washington Ave.
With international acclaim and the awards to prove it, this black, women-owned chocolatier offers ethically sourced, artisanal treats. Try one of nearly 40 flavors that rotate with seasonal ingredients, each with its own story.

Did we miss your favorite chocolatier? Let us know so we can ~~eat more candy~~ add it to the list.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ryan.

Editor’s pick: With regards to Wm. Chocolate, check out this store locator to find a retailer near you + give this local treat a try. My personal favorite? The Rum Barrel Aged Dark + Coffee Bar.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We got into the meat of things.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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