08.16.2023

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Today’s Forecast

35º | Cloudy | 15% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 4:39 p.m.

💕 60(date)

We’re helping you plan your next 60(date) night in Madison

The Mint Mark’s design aesthetic is perfect for date night. | Photo by 608today

Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to 608today.

Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got plenty of local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

Mint Mark | 1929 Winnebago St. (Moving soon to The Standard)
This eatery serves up small plates that are great for sharing. This makes for an engaging meal full of food-centric conversation starters and even better meal starters — try the biscuits.

Turnkey | 1344 E. Washington Ave.
If you like Settle Down Tavern, you’ll love its elevated sister restaurant. Not ready for your date to end? Stick around after dinner for a game of shuffleboard.

Seating area at Turnkey — Some friendly competition could make or break your date. | Photo via Turnkey

If you love the great outdoors

Marshall Boats | 2101 Allen Blvd., Middleton
Rent a tandem kayak and paddle into the sunset with your date. If you really want to get cheesy, opt for the swan paddle boat over at Wingra Boats.

Allen Centennial Garden | 620 Babcock Dr.
While strolling through this outdoor garden tucked away on the north side of campus, you’ll forget you’re just minutes away from the heart of downtown. Love can still bloom in the winter months, but you’ll have to head over to Olbrich’s indoor conservatory to see living flora.

Allen Centennial Garden — Allen Centennial is the perfect backdrop for your meet-cute.| Photo by 608today

If you want an “old fashioned”-style date

The Old Fashioned | 23 N. Pinckney St.
It doesn’t get more old fashioned than drinking an old fashioned at The Old Fashioned.

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner | 2089 Atwood Ave.
Transport yourself to the 1950s at this diner that’s known for its ample vegan options and stellar dessert menu. Order one milkshake with two straws to have your own “No Strings Attached” moment.

More great dates

Asked

What’s your go-to activity for a memorable date?

A. Romantic candlelit dinner
B. Cozy movie night at home
C. Adventurous outdoor activity
D. Other

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Breakfast with the Bus | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 7:30-9 a.m. | Madison Reading Project, 1337 Greenway Cross, Madison | Free | Get a tour of both the Big Red Reading Bus and the Book Center as well as a continental breakfast.
Bird and Nature Adventures | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Dr., Monona | Free | Join a naturalist for an easy, family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into Edna Taylor Conservation Park.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Words with Nerds | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 7-8:45 p.m. | Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave, Madison | $10-$15 | Think: TED Talks, but funnier. This week’s topics include soil microbes, 3-D printing, and graphic art.
Madison Contemporary Dance Gratitude Project | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 7-8 p.m. | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison | $15-$18 | This family-friendly show will feature a combination of street-style and contemporary dances.

Friday. Aug. 18

Psychic Tarot Card Readings | Friday, Aug. 18 | 4:30-9 p.m. | Starkweather Brewing Company, SwBC, 2439 Atwood Ave., Madison | $25 | See what your future holds.
Good Vibes | Friday, Aug. 18 | 10-11:30 p.m. | Robinia Courtyard, 829 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $10-$15 | Enjoy a laid-back, outdoor comedy show.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Movies with Madison Parks | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 7:45-10 p.m. | Peace Park, 452 State St., Madison | Free | Catch a free outdoor screening of “Selena” right off of State Street.
Eken Park Festival | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Eken Park, 700 Mayer Ave., Madison | Get to know your neighbors over local food and music.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Transit

Starting this Sunday, Aug. 20, Madison Metro Transit will be implementing some changes to its bus routes. Schedule tweaks, stop frequencies, and added trips are all included on the list of adjustments.

Try This

The Milwaukee Bucks will hold auditions for this season’s national anthem singers. Auditions are Monday, Sept. 11 in the Fiserv Forum Atrium during these time slots: 8-10 a.m., 12-1 p.m., and 4-7 p.m. No registration is necessary, and audition order is determined by arrival. (Channel 3000)

Development

Cedar Falls’ Harmonic Hospitality Group proposes three establishments for the oLiv Madison. The main attraction, the Roxxy, is a retro nightclub with a 1980s-1990s theme. Accompanying it are Double Tap, an arcade bar, and the Stuffed Olive, a martini and tapas restaurant. (Madison.com)

Kids

Stop by Warner Park today at 11 a.m. for the grand opening of Madison’s third accessible playground. Some of the 50 play features promoting inclusivity are a wheelchair-accessible swing, interactive musical panels, and communication boards.

Sports

Forward Madison FC’s Jayden Onen clinched the Player of the Week title in USL League One for Week 22. Onen’s performance included his first League One goal in the team’s 2-1 victory over Richmond. Fourth in the league, Forward Madison FC faces South Georgia Tormenta next. (Madison 365)

Pets

Hilldale’s first Yappy Hour of the year is taking place tomorrow, Aug. 17, 5-7 p.m. at the shopping center. Bring your pooch for a day of fun benefitting the Dane County Humane Society. Activities include splash pads, photo-ops, live music, and shopping specials.

Arts

Congratulations to Diyah Dhawal, Hazel Krueger, and Eliza Thwing, this year’s We Read Voices contest winners. The theme “Moving Forward - Together” prompted local students to submit a piece of writing that encapsulated human connection and empathy.

Health

Nothing is more important than prioritizing your health. When you take time for your routine health visits, you can keep doing the things you really want to do. Here’s why.*

Events

🗓️ It’s almost September already?!

Get ready to go back to school in Madison

Madison East is known for its castle-like appearance. | Picasa

The fall semester begins on Tuesday, Sept. 5 for the Madison Metropolitan School District and Wednesday, Sept. 6 for UW-Madison. Gear up for school at these local events.

MMSD Library Discovery Fair | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Calling all librarians. Use this as an opportunity to network with fellow librarians and meet book/tech vendors.

Back to School Bash | Thursday, Aug. 31 | Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Ave. | 3-5 p.m. | Soon-to-be Badgers and local Madison students are welcome to stop by for tote bag decorating, and a UW scavenger hunt.

Back to school Bevs and Breakfast | Tuesday, Sept. 5 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Lone Girl Brewing, 114 E. Main St., Waunakee | Stop by after dropping the kids off on the first day of school to ~~celebrate~~ commiserate with other parents.

Shop

Drink

Start your morning off right with Matcha Nude. This matcha powder is made with premium-grade organic, non-GMO ingredients, perfect for a tasty, energizing drink.

Travel

It’s Going’s biggest sale of the year. Buy an Elite membership and finally get notified when first + business class flights are 40-90% off. The sale ends Thursday, Aug. 31.

Read

The latest Kindle model — the Kindle Paperwhite — boasts a glare-free display, warm light options for night, and is waterproof from the beach to the bath.

Wellness

Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

While date nights are great and all, does anyone else enjoy solo dates? Let me know where you like to go for some “me time” in the city. I’m always looking for new places to get some work done on my laptop, or just enjoy a good meal in solitude. I’ll include some of your suggestions in Friday’s newsletter.

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