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French-American Center Newsletter

Don't Miss Madison

By Jeff Hellenbrand

I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have grown up in the beautiful, mid-sized city of Madison, Wisconsin. Considered a college-town by many, Madison boasts everything a city possibly can. I had the opportunity to experience living in, according to the rankings, one of the best places to live in America, both as a child and as a college student at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

The Midwest is often overlooked by coast-dwellers and travelers alike, overshadowed by more famous cities like New York and San Francisco as well as the gorgeous, sprawling landscapes of the Grand Canyon or the Rockies. But you can't really get to know a place from looking out of a tiny window at 35,000 feet on a direct flight from say, Los Angeles to Boston. Madison has something for absolutely everyone, whether you're looking for a place to settle down or just passing through. If you are thinking about traveling, you should seriously consider coming to Madison in the fall.

For the athletes out there, events abound to suit every passion. The University of Wisconsin is considered one of the best places to watch a college football game. Be sure to show up early on Saturday for tailgating and sampling the obligatory fare of beer and brats - football is an all day affair. If you'd rather participate, you're welcome to compete in the Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon, an extremely challenging race of swimming, running and biking - personally, I'd rather watch.

If you're more interested in food, like me, then head on over to the annual Dane County Farmer's Market, reportedly the largest producer-only market in the country. The city center overflows with fresh, locally grown produce, all sorts of delicious food, and every kind of craft.

To the delight of art-lovers throughout the Midwest, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art finally opened its doors this spring. The museum is currently displaying the works of Chuck Close, a printmaking virtuoso from America. I haven't even had the chance to see it myself, but it's the talk of the town, so to speak.

When people, at least Americans, think of romantic cities, Paris is always the first on the list. Well, they may be right, but I would prefer the quieter streets of Madison any day. The State Capitol is the tallest building in the city, by law, and stands directly at its center. Throughout the rolling suburbs, you will find stunning views of the capitol against the treelined night sky. Downtown Madison is sandwiched in between two beautiful lakes - often cluttered with sailboats, windsurfers, and fisherman - and beholding the sunset over either of them is breathtaking. Once night falls, the city comes alive with concerts ranging from local garage bands to international sensations who sometimes even perform at the same venue. There's nothing better than walking hand-in-hand down the charming and always-bustling State Street, window-shopping and perhaps dipping into one of the endless string of quaint stores to purchase some taffy, a regional favorite candy.

There's no season quite like autumn in Madison - it is the fond remembrance of a scorching summer, and the moment's hesitation before a terribly cold winter. When the leaves fall from almost all of the trees, their vibrant hues of red, yellow, orange, and brown conquer the city. I can still hear the sound of leaves crunching under my feet on my way to school, smell the luring scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery, and feel the crisp chill in the air. That cold wind serves as a constant reminder to enjoy the moment, because fall is short in Wisconsin, and the winter is almost upon us.

For more information, check out:

• City of Madison Official Web Site
• Madison Tourism
• Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

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