There's no place like State Street in downtown Madison, it is always alive with the roar of Wisconsin. The street is packed with specialty shops, bars, art galleries, gift stores, bars, women's boutiques, bars, ethnic shops, theaters, bars, museums, restaurants, bars and outdoor sidewalk cafes.  

State Street links the Capitol Square area with the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus.   The street is a pedestrian mall lined with over 200 unique shops and specialty stores.  It is a great place to shop or stagger around in a stupor. 

Madison is said to have more restaurants per capita than any other American city.  It is not just the number though, it is the diversity in types of cuisine.  Everything you can concieve is there. With over 80 dining establishments just on this street, your needs are served for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late liquid eves.

Ok, I will get heat for this, but as a self proclaimed "right of center" guy, I have to say that Madison swings pretty far left.  I love State Street, I love the Badgers and I love my friends there, but this is one of the most liberal cities in the US second only to Berkeley, CA.  If you are visiting or looking for fun, I admit you will most definitely find it.  The University of Wisconsin has always ranked in the Top Ten party Schools in the USA. Including the new Princeton Review that ranked UW #1 Party School. (Aug. 2005)  That said, it's dark side is that it is a breeding ground for the left extremist hoards.  I love you Madison, but damn!

The bad news is, if you are planning on sending the kids off to college in Madison they may be exposed to liberal thinkers and bleeding hearts.  The good news, is they will probably remain drunk for 90% of the nine years it takes to get their undergraduate degree and it will all just be a big blur anyway!  Ok, let the hate mail commence! Easy......humor is allowed here.

It is also the State Capital of Wisconsin and despite my rantings, it has a very rich flavor. There are great places to eat and the party life on State Street rivals Bourban Street in New Orleans!  (yes I see this, I am leaving it because if you know New Orlean's, you know it will not die. Our hearts are with you Big Easy!)

 

Madison was built on an isthmus between lakes Monona and Mendota, Madison is renowned for its gorgeous seasons and its awesome surroundings. A total of five area lakes and over 200 parks provide a stellar visual all year-round and the option of outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, swimming in the summer, and sailing along with cross-country skiing, snow sailing, and ice fishing in the winter.

Our Capital is worth the visit, too. It is extremely stately and well maintained. Feel free to throw a rock or tomato at one of the many clowns that keep creating new ways to push the working man down and send our taxes through the roof!  Wow, that did not sound too right of center huh?  Just talking about Madison made me more liberal!

  

WISCONSIN BADGER'S HOCKEY

2006 National Champions!

 

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 THANKS BARRY YOU WILL BE MISSED!