Hope you’re hungry. Each dumpling kit will yield around 40 dumplings. | Photo by @humbling_dumpling (Monique Lu)
We hope you’re not having to keep the tissues too close to you, Madison. We’re one of the several US cities currently seeing a spike in the number of flu cases.
Being sick is nothing to sneeze at. And even if you’re able to stay home and recover, it’s no fun sitting around with a sore throat and cough. Here are some local ways to take care of your body during these sniffly times.
Chicken noodle soup
Chicken noodle soup is one of the fundamentals of any “get well soon” effort for a plethora of reasons: it hydrates, has a valuable source of protein, soothes sore throats, and it just tastes good. Grab a cup (or enough for the week) from spots like Dumpling Haus or Crostini Sandwiches.
Juice
Vitamin C is a known cold-killer for its ability to give your immune system a bit of a boost. Try out Blended Madison or Beneblends for a fresh-squeezed dose. Pro tip: keep an eye out for ingredients like ginger and turmeric that have beneficial anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea
Hydration is the name of the game. Relax and get cozy with blends from shops like Teasider, Telsaan Tea, or Rusty Dog Coffee. Herbs like echinacea, peppermint, elderberry, or nettle can all help if you have a cold.
Events
Events
Thursday, Feb. 13
Valentine’s Drop in Wine & Chocolate Pairing | Thursday, Feb. 13-Saturday, Feb. 15 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | WineStyles Tasting Station, Sun Prairie | $25 | Bring your sweetheart or a good friend for five different delicious pairings.
Friday, Feb. 14
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” | Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 23 | Times vary | Overture Center | $51 | Bippity boppity boo — whisk the kids away to a magical land of pumpkin carriages, princesses, and sparkling glass slippers.
Blind Pilot | 8 p.m. | Majestic Theatre | $25+ | The folksy indie band is touring with their latest album “In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain.”
Valentine’s Day Disco Skate | 7-9 p.m. | The Icehouse | $4 | Bust out the bell bottoms for a night of groovy fun on the ice.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Battle of the Barrels! | 12 p.m. | Wisconsin Brewing Company, Verona | $10+ | Watch local breweries duke it out to see who’s the best while you chill by the fire pits with a snack.
Best Date, Worst Date: A Comedy Show | 8-9:30 p.m. | Madison’s Restaurant & Bar | $15+ | If Valentine’s Day ended up breaking your heart, you can always find solace in laughing about other people’s bad dates at this multi-comedian show.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Coffee Painting Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Carnelian Art Gallery | $45 | It turns out coffee can energize your paintings as well as your mornings.
Alan Walker | 8 p.m. | The Sylvee | $79+ | A few resale tix are still available for those who want to catch this EDM artist.
Hang on tight — we’re in the middle of another snow emergency. Parking rules have gone into effect to make way for snow plows. But, it won’t stop there. Another wintery weather system will move in on Friday to give us an even thicker white blanket. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Award
It’s time to put your vote where your mouth is — we’re talking about the annual Best of Madison Awards, naturally. It’s time for Madisonians to nominate their favorite local businesses and organizations across 150 categories to celebrate the best of what our city has to offer. Nominations close Friday, Feb. 28 before final voting reopens in June. (Madison Magazine)
Closing
Time to pull out the mourning black yarn — we now know exactly which Joann craft stores are closing. Sixteen locations will close across Wisconsin with one of those locations in Madison. No exact timeline for the closures has been announced. (WMTV)
Development
The new Center for Black Excellence, which is intended to create a cultural space to celebrate and support the Black community, is getting even closer to completion. Those involved with the construction just held a steel topping ceremony to celebrate the completion of its structural framework. The development is expected to open later this year. (WKOW)
Travel
Pack your bags — GOGO Charters is opening a new bus route between Chicago and Madison, Sun Prairie, and other nearby cities. Daily service to these locations will launch this summer. Amenities will include reclining seats, a restroom, power outlets, TVs, and WiFi. (Channel 3000)
Fun Fact
Planning a wedding? You’re in luck — Taco Bell recently launched a $777 Vegas-themed wedding package featuring all the bells and whistles, like an Elvis impersonator and a Taco Bell hot sauce bouquet. For those who don’t see the vision, we’ve got a guide to local venues. (People)
Finance
Out for 2025: High-interest debt. In for 2025: This balance transfer card, featuring cash back on purchases, zero annual fee, and 0% intro APR into 2026.*
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off their plans. See important disclaimers on web.*
Community
Thousands of engaged subscribers are reading this right now — just like you. So why not make it about your business? With our easy-to-use self-service ad portal, promoting your business, event, or brand has never been simpler. Get premium visibility in our trusted local newsletter.
City Guide
City Guide
🌹 We found love in a local place
The Mint Mark’s design aesthetic is perfect for date night. | Photo by 608today
Looking for love in Madison? 608today makes the perfect sidekick, and we’ve found date ideas that will help you write your love story — whether this is the first chapter or a later page.
Impress your date with a meal at one of The New York Times’ top 50 restaurants in America: Harvey House. Customize the experience by indicating on your reservation whether you’d like to sit at the bar, in the main dining room, or in the more private upstairs dining area.
Play games (just not with your heart)
As home to one of the state’s largest collections of pinball machines in addition to over 150 arcade games, NerdHaven is excellent for double dates.
Le Creuset’s Signature Round Dutch Oven in the color Berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the Signature Oval Dutch Oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
$200+ — that’s how much a one-day adult pass to Disneyland costs now. Consider spending that money closer to home with these kid-friendly activities around Madison.
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