January 17, 2022

Tell me you’re from Madison without telling me…

There’s a certain pride that comes with living or growing up in Madison. Often, that manifests itself in quirky ways, like specific city knowledge, trends, and colloquialisms. Think: Do you know what Willy Street’s proper name is? We’ll get into that.

While none of these rules are official or written down, they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community. If you’re lucky enough to call the City of Four Lakes home, here are a few unwritten rules that you may already know.

Walking on the frozen lakes is a right of passage. | Photo by @behmtography

We’re a pretty thrifty crew…

“Madisonians hate to see something good go to waste, so put old furniture and other usable items out on the curb several days before trash collection to give someone else a chance to reuse or repurpose them before they end up in the landfill.” – Julie Y.

And love to support local.

“Get to the farmers market as soon as it opens to avoid heavy foot/stroller traffic.” – Joel and Leslie S.

Madison is a college town through and through .

“Badgers pep song to the tune of ‘Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny’” – Frank M.

“Do not try and go to Trader Joe’s — or really anywhere on Monroe Street — on a game day. You won’t find any parking within 2 miles.” – Editor Audrey

Our city is pretty quirky at times…

“Williamson street is always Willy street. Which messes up the GPS systems of out-of-town visitors.” – Betsy W.

“It’s easier to get a dental checkup than a bike tuneup.” – Editor Ryan

And is constantly developing.

“East wash right after the capital is known as the Epic dorms.” – Matthew R.

Above all else, we embrace the seasons.

“There is no such thing as a bad winter, only bad preparation.” – @nkloconte

Can you think of any other unwritten rules? Share them with us, and we might put your response in next week’s Wrap!

SEND YOUR RULES

Educate your out-of-town friends, or send this newsletter to your new neighbors using the buttons below.

EVENTS

Today

Monday Group Run | Mon., Jan. 17 | 5:45-6:45 p.m. | Movin’ Shoes, 528 S. Park St. | Free | A 3-5 mile community run at a 9-12 min/mile pace. 👟

Tuesday

2022 Dairy Day at the Capitol | Tues., Jan. 18 | 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Wisconsin State Capitol | $20 | Share real-life agricultural experiences that will inform elected officials about potential legislation.
Executive of the Year Awards 2022 | Tues., Jan. 18 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Overture Center | $50 | Join IB Madison for a cocktail reception honoring the winners of the 2022 Executive of the Year awards. 🏆
Rays A Glass: Solar Happy Hour | Tues., Jan. 18 | 6 p.m. | Hop Haus Brewing Company, 231 S. Main St. | Free | Learn about the future of solar + enjoy free drinks. ☀️

Wednesday

Brass Ring Trivia | Wed., Jan. 19 | 7 p.m. | The Brass Ring, 701 E. Washington Ave. | Free entry | Play in-person for competition over drinks or join in virtually. 🍻

Thursday

Steve-O: The Bucket List Tour | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 7 p.m. | Overture Center | $39.50+ | The stand-up comedian and NYT best-selling author on tour. 🎭

Friday

Chris Lane | Fri., Jan. 21 | 8 p.m. | The Sylvee | $32.50+ | A night of music with the country singer. 🎼

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.

AN ITINERARY FOR YOUR WEEK

Note: COVID-19 protocols are changing rapidly to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in Chattanooga. Please make sure to check event listing pages + venue websites for the most up-to-date information.

NEWS NOTES

Today Is

Martin Luther King Jr. Day. County offices, post offices + drop-off sites will be closed in observance. Check out the Wisconsin State Journal’s list of service days + events to celebrate.

Announced

The owners of the Harvey House — a modern supper club that opened over the summer — are planning to open a family-oriented, fast-casual restaurant. The new eatery will take over part of Budget Bicycle Center at 1124 Regent St. We’ll keep you updated as plans progress. 🍽️ (Wisconsin State Journal)

Community

Calling all writers, authors, and those who know their prose. The Little Book Project WI — a community art project that publishes underrepresented communities in Dane County — has opened submissions for its 5th edition until Mon., Jan. 24. If you’re looking to read the latest edition, you can email [email protected] for a free copy. 📚 (Isthmus)

List

Leopold’s Books, Bar, and Caffe has been picked as part of Eater’s round-up of coolest bookstore bars. A place where you can get a cocktail or coffee and browse books, owner Sam Brown has created a space where drinking + reading alone is “more approachable.”

Kids

Starting to think about school options for your little one in the fall? Madison Mom has this year’s updated guide to preschools in + around Madison to help you find the perfect fit. 🎒

History

Take a trip down memory lane to 1965 with a vintage ice boating photo from Madison Magazine. The sport requires near-perfect conditions — think 6-8 inches of ice, no snow, mild winds, and warm enough temperatures to keep your eyelashes from freezing — which means there are only has a few good days a year to practice. ❄️ (Madison Magazine)

Eat

Looking for a treat to whip up on this blustery Monday? Try edible Madison’s Chocolate Caliente paired with a cup of hot cocoa. If you’re looking for more ways to stay warm + cozy, pick a Madison hygge activity.

*This paid content, brought to you by our advertising partners, helps make this newsletter free.

POST OF THE DAY

Calling all sales rockstars

📸@608today

We’re hiring a Sales Executive to lead our advertising relationships in Madison. We’ve seen 608today’s audience and engagement grow by leaps and bounds.

This executive would oversee the entire Madison territory, pitching the most relevant and modern media offering in town while earning $100,000+ with unlimited PTO.

If you’d like to be considered or know someone who should, learn more and apply.

#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?

Just use #608today on social media.

REWARDS

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THE WRAP

Editor’s pick: The 608today team was in Milwaukee over the weekend, checking out coffee shops like Fairgrounds, visiting the Public Market, pursuing the art museum + eating 1 lb mozzarella sticks. We’re thinking about writing a little bit more about our *kwik* trip, but wanted to know if there were any other towns close to Madison we should write about?

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Plan your next brunch outing with our timeline of Madison brunches + ice rink updates.