Madison, Wisconsin is a diverse city filled with residents from different backgrounds and faiths.
It’s a collection of worldly influences, flavors, and green spaces that will make you feel like you’re traveling the world, without ever leaving the city.
Flying across the ocean is expensive and time consuming, so it’s not always feasible. If you want to feel like you’re getting a rich getaway during a long weekend at a domestic destination within the United States.
Madison is less than 3 hours driving from Chicago and is safe for solo female travelers. It is welcoming for guests of all background and orientations.
Here are some of the best global experiences I had in Madison to enhance your future visit.
Experience India at Kosa Spa
Kosa Spa is a serene retreat in the middle of Garver Feed Mill, a renovated space that hosts different shops, restaurants, and businesses.
The owner and founder, Shilpa Shankaran, says she was drawn to the space precisely because of its former use, and the fact it had been abandoned for many years.
It felt like part of nature, a feeling she wanted to channel into the space.
One of the unique offers at this spa is private steam rooms and sauna. You get to rent a room for a half hour at a time and have these amenities all to yourself.
As someone who’s shy about being in these spaces with others (both because of the clothing situation and being self conscious about opening and closing the door too much) this was the perfect way for me to enjoy both rooms.
The steam room had different water spouts throughout, and a scented mist you could spray to enhance your experience. You also had your own drinks and snacks set up, as well as robe and slippers provided.
I got an Ayurvedic massage while I was there and it was very relaxing. I also enjoyed meditating in the designated space and reading from their wellness library.
Taste the flavors of Laos at Ahan Restaurant
Ahan is a Lao restaurant and brainchild of James Beard nominated chef Jamie (formerly Hoang) Brown-Soukaseume and her husband Chuckie Brown-Soukaseume.
Together, they aim to bring Asian-inspired cuisine to Madison. The result is flavorful and complex recipes that still manage to feel like you were invited for a family dinner.
I went for lunch and found myself wishing I could order extra dishes to go with me for the next day. We tried pork dumplings, spring rolls, red curry udon, and more.
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Visit a Latin American market at El Mercadito
Put on by Centro Hispano, El Mercadito is a Latin American market with local vendors set up to provide food, flowers, toys, gifts, and other items.
It takes place on Thursdays from 4pm-7pm and is a great way to support and learn about Madison’s Hispanic community.
When I was there, I saw people jut hanging out, listening to music, and chatting. It seemed like a great community space.
Parking is tough and limited to what you can find on the street so go early.
Try an elevated take on a German supper club at Harvey House
Harvey House is an elevated take on a traditional German supper club, popular in Madison, Wisconsin.
For instance, they offer a Relish Tray, a traditional appetizer at a supper club, that has seasonal credit vegetables, applewood smoked salmon dip, homemade pretzel crackers, deviled eggs, B&B pickles, and whipped ranch.
Pictured above is the chicken schnitzel with golden chanterelles, corn pudding, charred scallions, and caramelized onion jus.
This venue was a set for Top Chef while they were in Madison and there’s a train car out back that can seat and host people for dining upon request for special events.
Get views like you’re in D.C. at the Park Hotel
The Park Hotel is the only hotel located on Madison’s Capital Square, and has unbeatable views of the capital building.
At first glance, you feel like you’re in Washington, D.C.
Would you believe me if I told you this was a Best Western property? It’s part of the Best Western Premiere brand and has nice local touches.
For instance, the downstairs restaurant is named after the architect who designed the capital building.
There’s a custom mosaic of the city behind the check-in desk.
It also holds and displays doors preserved from the poriginal capital when it burned down in 1896.
There is parking on site but it’s valet only.
I appreciated that they had free water downstairs infused with a different item every day, from lime to oranges to pineapple.
Shop like an Italian at Alimentari
Alimentari is a European deli and market that makes fresh pasta, cut charcuterie, and cheese to order.
They aim to supply you with quality ingredients to make your own meal.
The owner, Daniel Bonanno, is a James Beard Award semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2013 and owns the Madison restaurant, A Pig in a Fur Coat.
Bonnano’s dad ran Tenuta’s Deli is Kenosha for 50 years, inspiring his love of cuisine.
Alimentari is run by his brother Enrico and features fine Italian imports, wine, and even cooking tips for aspiring home chefs.
Travel to Thailand at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The Royal Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a highlight of the property.
The landmark gold structure shines against the lush green setting and was a gift from the Thai royal family to the University of Madison and bears the seal of the Thai Crown.
The garden was chosen as the location for the pavilion because it’s close to water, implying good health and prosperity in the Thai tradition.
It is only one of 4 pavilions found outside of Thailand — the other 3 are in Norway, Germany, and Hawaii.
It recently underwent renovation for new roofing, golf leafs, and paint to ensure it remains a highlight of the gardens and city in general for generations to come.
It’s great for pictures from afar and walking through it. Not to mention, you can have a reflective moment in nature after.
One of the best parts of visiting Madison, Wisconsin is that you have a range of worldly influences represented in the diversity of its people and businesses.
Even if you can’t don’t have the opportunity to travel overseas right now, you can bring the world to you at this vibrant domestic destination.
Till next time, safe travels!
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This post was sponsored by Destination Madison. All opinions are my own.
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A visit to the Terrace at the UW Memorial Union is a must during the summer months for great lake front views, drinks and often times live music.