The Mason serves up craft beer and classic cocktails. | Photo by 608today
Valentine’s this, Galentine’s that. Sometimes the best time spent is time spent alone. We’ve rounded up a few solo activities in and around the 608 great for independent endeavors.
🪑 Sit at the bar
No need to reserve a table when you’re flying solo. Here are a few of our favorite bar seating options downtown:
Forward Craft and Coffee, 2166 Atwood Ave., Madison
Bring your laptop to get some work done with the help of some caffeine or craft beer.
Harvey House, 644 W. Washington Ave., Madison
Be sure to select “Bar Stools” on your reservation to snag one of the best seats in the house, which share a room with the exposed kitchen.
The Mason Lounge, 416 S. Park St., Madison
You may be one person, but you can drink for two since all drinks are poured as doubles (and cost $10 or less).
🗺️ Play tourist
How much do you know about UW-Madison’s campus? | Photo by 608today
Don’t feel too proud to explore tourist destinations as a local. Check out these tours:
Campus Tours, UW-Madison campus
You don’t need to be a student to participate in a campus tour. Check out the tour app for a self-guided option.
Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr.
Learn something new about Madison’s favorite architect (Frank Lloyd Wright) and how he created one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
State Capitol, 2 E. Main St.
Free tours are available to the public every Monday through Saturday. Stop by the information desk at the top of every hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding 12 p.m.
Unearth a new passion, or hone your craft at one of these classes:
Crimson Artist Collective, 1031 N. Edge Tr., Verona
City Editor Ally suggests the adult wheel-throwing class for a fun introduction to pottery.
DelecTable, 3248 University Ave., Madison
Upcoming classes include Southern Comfort Brunch, Cooking with Wine, and Puff Pastry Perfection.
Madison Circus Space, 2082 Winnebago St., Madison
This is your chance to run away and join the circus, kinda. Classes include flying trapeze, tumbling, and aerial ballet.
Asked
Where is your favorite place to hang out solo around Madison?
DCSC Youth Apprenticeship Information Night | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Monona Grove High School, 4400 Monona Dr., Madison | Free | Young people can find educational opportunities related to career exploration.
Wisconsin Men’s Basketball vs. Ohio State | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 8 p.m. | Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison | $23+ | The Badgers will tip off against the Buckeyes in this Big Ten game.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Midweek Meat Raffle | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Lone Girl Brewing Company, 14 E. Main St., Waunakee | $1/paddle | Meat and beer prizes are awarded during each of the 10 rounds.
Couples Cocktail Class | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Garver Feed Mill, 3241 Garver Green, Madison | $170/couple | Garver bartenders will teach you how to make five drinks.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Virtual Meditation | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 12-12:45 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Find your center from the comfort of your own home.
Sydnee Washington | Thursday, Feb. 15-Saturday, Feb. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Comedy on State, 202 State St., Madison | $5-$20 | The Emmy-nominated actress and writer stands up to the mic.
Friday, Feb. 16
Our Town Everywhere | Friday, Feb. 16 | 3-6 p.m. | Pinney Library, 204 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison | Free | Create self-portraits to be displayed around the community as part of a public art project.
On a Winter’s Night | Friday, Feb. 16 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St., Stoughton | $40 | Veteran singer-songwriters sing folk in all its forms.
Saturday, Feb. 17
Mad City Model Railroad Show and Sale | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Wy., Madison | $14 | This family-friendly show features 100,000 sqft of model railroads.
5 Year Deltaversary | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 12-9:30 p.m. | Delta Beer Lab, 167 E. Badger Rd., Madison | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the fifth birthday of this local brewery.
Shop exclusive + custom gear at the Harley-Davidson® Museum
Ride in style with exclusive apparel, collectibles, and accessories straight from the Harley-Davidson Museum. | Photos provided by VISIT Milwaukee; GIf created by 608today
Vroom, vroom... that’s your signal to head to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The museum campus is home to two premium retail experiences, including:
The Harley-Davidson® Shop: Guests can create their own one-of-a-kind items that stand out from the crowd (think: custom jean jackets, archival reproductions, and more).
The H-D® Factory Outlet: The go-to destination for end-of-season gear and discontinued products.
Luna’s Groceries, in the Allied-Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood, is expanding by opening a second location on Madison’s South side. Opening in 2025 in the former Yue-Wah grocery space at the Village on Park Mall, owner Mariam Maldonado plans to bring high-quality food products and community service to the area.
Development
Thanks to a $14.3 million gift from UW-Madison alumnus Jerry Frautschi, Picnic Point will be getting a brand new visitor and education center. The 9,000-sqft facility, which will include meeting spaces and sweeping views, is scheduled to open in 2026. (Channel 3000)
Community
The Madison Police Department is accepting applications for this year’s Community Academy. Designed to give citizens a deeper understanding of the department, the free sessions will take place at the department’s training center on Femrite Rd. It runs six consecutive Thursdays starting Feb. 29.
Sports
When Madison’s professional women’s soccer team kicks off its inaugural season at Breese Stevens Field, it will be playing in a top-tier league. The US Soccer Federation recently approved Division One sanctioning for the USL Super League, of which Madison will be a part. (Channel 3000)
Civic
The Wisconsin Civics Games will take place this spring. The competition, aimed to promote civics education and encourage Wisconsin high school students to develop an interest in public service, takes place April 11-12. Volunteer, donation, and sponsorship opportunities are available. (In Business)
Cause
Are you a former 4-H member? The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation wants you to be part of their new “Ambassador Team.” The volunteer position, with a yearly stipend and travel costs paid, will assist the foundation at events and create donor recognition opportunities. (We Are Green Bay)
Health
Level up your heart health game with these simple tips from SSM Health: Boost fiber intake, opt for lean proteins, cut back on sodium and added sugar, and embrace enjoyable exercise. Read more about heart disease prevention.*
Holiday
A reminder that tomorrow, February 14, is Valentine’s Day. Sending flowers? Shop bouquets at Red Square Flowers, or get one of 1-800-Flowers’ Valentine’s Day bouquets delivered to that special someone.*
Travel and Outdoors
🌲 Go outside, win a prize
Join the Wayfarers in exploring the outdoors in Madison and beyond
Picnic Point is a 608today favorite for a casual stroll with great views. | Photo by 608today
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRFW) is inviting Wisconsinites to explore the outdoors. The Wayfarers are a subgroup of the NRFW consisting of young adults committed to getting other young people excited about Wisconsin wildlife.
Each year, the Wayfarers put on 250+ adult field trips which are available to members (the 2024 season will be announced in March). Non-members are invited to browse the general events page to find outdoor happenings nearby, including Winter Nature Bingo.
✏️ How to play
The spaces on the bingo card include:
Hug a tree
Night hike
Identify a new bird
Bonfire
Write a nature poem
... and more.
Once you finish a row, column, or diagonal line on the card, fill out the completion form. Submissions must be made before Friday, March 1 to be eligible for a chance to win a prize.
This margarita mixers bundle, since National Margarita Day is coming up on Thursday, February 22 and we’re trying to be as prepared as possible, thank you very much. Get four margarita flavors to play with including “Simple Margarita” and “Blood Orange Margarita.”
Answered
In yesterday’s newsletter, we asked our readers what their alcohol of choice is. Here’s what you said:
Gasp, wine beat beer by 20%? Don’t worry, we won’t be revoking any Wisconsinite cards from those of you who didn’t vote for beer.
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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (and again, and again) — The Mason has the best spicy marg in town. Call ahead and they’ll even can some 12 oz. “crowlers” for you to take home.
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