Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 608-238-2981;
www.arbor-house.com
;
3402 Monroe St; r incl breakfast $135-230; )
Arbor
House was a tavern back in the mid-1800s. Now it's a wind-powered, energy-efficient-
appliance-using, vegetarian-breakfast-serving B&B. It's located about 3 miles southwest
of the State Capitol but is accessible by public transportation. The owners will lend you
mountain bikes, too.
University Inn
HOTEL$$$
( 800-279-4881, 608-285-8040;
www.universityinn.org
;
441 N Frances St; r $99-129;
)
The rooms are fine, though flowery-bedspread dowdy; the inn's greatest asset is its
handy location right by State St and university action. Rates are highest at weekends.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
FISH FRIES & SUPPER CLUBS
Wisconsin has two dining traditions that you'll likely encounter when visiting the
state:
Fish Fry
Friday is the hallowed day of the 'fish fry.' This communal meal of beer-
battered cod, French fries and coleslaw came about years ago, providing locals
with a cheap meal to socialize around and celebrate the workweek's end. The con-
vention is still going strong at many bars and restaurants, including Lakefront
Brewery (
Click here
)
in Milwaukee.
Supper Club
This is a type of time-warped restaurant common in the upper Midw-
est. Supper clubs started in the 1930s, and most retain a retro vibe. Hallmarks in-
clude a woodsy location, a radish- and carrot-laden relish tray on the table, a surf-
and-turf menu and a mile-long, unironic cocktail list. See
www.wisconsinsupperclub.com
for more information. The Old Fashioned (
Click
here
) in Madison is a modern take on the venue (it's named after the quintessential
brandy-laced supper-club drink).
Eating & Drinking
A global smorgasbord of restaurants peppers State St amid the pizza, sandwich and
cheap-beer joints; many places have inviting patios. Cruising Williamson ('Willy') St
turns up cafes, dumpling bars and Lao and Thai joints. Bars stay open to 2am.
Isthmus
(
www.thedailypage.com
)
is the free entertainment paper.
Food Trucks
INTERNATIONAL$
