We covered a lot of territory, this girl and I.
We explored art and architecture (that of Frank Loloyd Wright, Madison's favorite son, as well as period cottages and extravagant mansions of the Victorian era lining the streets), meandered through museums and gardens (the botanical society's and neighborhood plots), strolled State Street (the pedestrian mall), toured the capital, savored the farmer's market, lulled by the lake....all the while fueled by more local culinary delights than we should confess and coffee from cute shops that kept calling our names.
Facts (formerly) little known (to me):
Madison is nestled between two lakes, Mendota and Monona. One can actually walk a few blocks from one lake to the other. Pictured below is Mendota Terrace, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, where we spent a glorious Sunday afternoon.
On a less sunny day, we happened upon a guided tour of the Unitarian Church, also designed by FLW, that was quite interesting. The triangular shapes and angles of the facade, we were told, suggest the bow of a ship or perhaps an airplane, moving forward into the landscape. Repeated triangles and large glass panels inside encourage views that integrate the structure with the environment.
The current exhibiton at the historical museum boasted water colors by a native Wisconsin artist depicting rural life around the turn of the century. I found it fascinating that many Madison intersections included triangular-shaped buildings where six streets converged. We tried to figure out the lay of the land that made this happen, but decided to just enjoy the architectural details of the pie-piece structures,
It was a bonus this year to enjoy two springs and the tulips are, let me just say, ROBUST, in Wisconsin. Lily-of-the valley and lilacs, favorites from my Yankee childhood, were peeking out from winter-hiding everywhere. The botanical gardens with acres of winding pathways and cute li'l signage announcing things-to-come promises to be worth a return visit.
Absolutely, positively fell in the love with this state's capital. Magnificent architecture. Marble and granite from fourteen countries. The hub of town, surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants, museums, benches and pedestrians all times of day. Host to the influx of farmers who bring their wares to town each Saturday during unfrozen months and circle the block. And user-friendly. No metal detectors or security inspection upon entry,
Okay, and owning a book shop might be on my bucket list. I could have stayed happy for days in the archives of any of the several vintage bookstores we discovered. So many good haunts in which to squirrel away during those blustery winters.
Was the bread more scrumptious or the trio of quiches we sampled at the French bakery? The farm-raised beef burger or Friday fish (a prevalent tradition in restaurants around town)? Sweet potato fries or fried cheese curds? We tried 'em all. (Back on the bike next week!)
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