Speckled Hen Inn

Author: Heather Shannon

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About us, Awards, News From Speckled Hen Inn, Things to do in Madison

Madison was rated #1 in the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America

Livability Logo

So I received an email the other day.  Just another email, I thought, trying to get business.  But apparently not – they just wanted to inform us that we have bragging rights by living here in Madison. And here’s what they said: Livability is the go-to resource for anyone looking to discover the best places to live, work, and visit. Each year we release a data-driven list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. The big news – your city has made our list for 2022! Madison, WI is ranked #1, which is an amazing feat! With over 19,000 cities in the US, being in the Top 100 means you’re in the top 1% of best places
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Christmas, Fall, Fireplaces, Holidays, Outdoor Activities, Things to do in Madison, Whirlpool Tubs, Winter

Madison’s Top 10 Things to do in Fall and Winter

Madison Wisconsin is a lovely place for a spring or summer getaway but don’t forget just how charming this city can be in the cooler, even frigidly cold, months of the year.  Here is a list of the top or first 10 things that the innkeepers at The Speckled Hen Inn recommend to their visiting guests. As you contemplate visiting Madison this fall or winter, you may want to consider booking your trip with us to take advantage of our rooms with fireplaces, jetted tubs, great views, and a cozy gathering room with a wood stove that will keep you comfy and content in the colder months.  And don’t forget about exploring our own property with snowshoes – complimentary for our
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Madison Red Bikes
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Info for Foodies, Shopping, Summer, Things to do in Madison

4 Hours of Summer Fun in Madison

Madison Red Bikes

So you’re in Madison for the weekend and you want to do something fun and make the most of your time while you’re here.  First, book a stay with us at The Speckled Hen Inn for great farm to table breakfasts to get you off to a great start in the morning!   If you love the outdoors, Madison BCycles, or Red Bikes,  are a great way to get around and they’re only $5/30 minutes.  Plus, you can check them in and check them out at any red-bike station around town.  A nice trek is renting them on the corner of Williamson and Blair and riding the bike trail southwest along Lake Monona.   There’s usually activity out on the lake, and there are baby
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Outdoor Activities

Where to go Hiking near Madison WI

Are you wondering where to go hiking near Madison WI?  We have some great suggestions for you. Where could there possibly be hiking in the Madison area? When people visit Madison, they expect the urban landscape of the university, the well-known restaurants gleamed about in magazines and the water sports the Madison lakes provide. One aspect that is often overlooked is the wide variety of best walking and hiking trails enjoyed by thousands every year.     One of the best-known and highly anticipated hiking spots is a short drive to Devils Lake.  Whether you are a novice or advanced hiker, you will find trails to fit your experience level and remarkable beauty in the views here. The glaciers that dominated
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Fall, Info for Foodies, Summer, Things to do in Madison, Tours

New Glarus Day Trip

New Glarus Spotted Cow Logo

If  you love beer, you’ve no doubt heard of Spotted Cow, the legendary beer that is so good you can’t buy it across the State line because it’s illegal.  Yep, it’s true – Wisconsin State pride runs deep here.  So if you’re visiting Madison, it’s so worth a day trip to visit the New Glarus Brewery, where the legend began.   You can take a free self-guided tour Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 12pm-5pm.  Tasting room samples are available and we love the 3 samples for only $8.00 which include a commemorative tasting glass.  This Wisconsin brewery has an amazing story, a first class facility, and a rich variety of the finest beer around.  A great stop along the way is the little town of Paoli which hosts a variety
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Wollersheim Winery Sign
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Fall, Info for Foodies, Summer, Things to do in Madison, Tours

Wollersheim Winery Day Trip

Wollersheim Winery Sign

As innkeepers, we are usually so busy running the inn and maintaining the property we don’t have a chance to go and just explore ourselves.  However, when we get a good tip from our guests, we love to take advantage of the opportunity- especially when it’s a known winner.  And sometimes it’s so good we even write about it – like now!   When it’s a beautiful day and you just want to take a leisurely drive and enjoy a little bit of Wisconsin, jump on Highway 51 North to Highway 19 West through Waunakee.  As you are passing through Waunakee, you’ll want to stop at The Red Barn Company Store on Main Street.  It has a wonderfully eclectic collection of household
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The Great Cheese Hunt Route
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Fall, Info for Foodies, Shopping, Special Occasions, Spring, Summer, The Great Cheese Hunt, Things to do in Madison, Tours, Uncategorized

The Great Wisconsin Cheese Hunt

The Great Cheese Hunt Route

  When visiting Wisconsin, one of the main attractions, besides the beer, is definitely the cheese.  And when you’re visiting Madison, here’s a day-trip route for The Great Wisconsin Cheese Hunt that will not only give you great insight into how cheese is uniquely made, but the scenic drive alone is relaxing and worth it. Fromagination – Located at 12 S Carroll St. Madison on Capital Square The MouseHouse Cheesehaus – Located at 4494 Lake Circle, Windsor (Madison) Edelweiss Cheese – Located at 529 1st St., New Glarus Maple Leaf Cheese Store – Located at W2616 State Rd 11 & 81, Ste C, Juda Decatur Dairy – Located at W16768 County Hwy F, Brodhead National Historic Cheesemaking Center – Located at
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The Boathouse Restaurant
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Fall, Info for Foodies, Spring, Summer, Things to do in Madison

Waterfront Dining in Madison

The Boathouse Restaurant

    Who doesn’t love dining on the water???     Pier Side Service: Recent renovations at The Edgewater hotel brought a bigger pier with 40 slips and pier attendants so Lake Mendota boaters can tie up worry-free while enjoying its eateries. The Boathouse is located at lake level, and features fish fry, burgers, brats and a selection of craft brews. Or, get grab-and-go pizza and snacks at The Icehouse, located at the base of The Plaza. Seafood by the Lakeshore: It’s no secret that Sardine is known for its oyster happy hour, which takes place every day from 4-6 p.m. But its bistro-style dining also features French and American fare for dinner—and brunch on both Saturday and Sunday. All
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The Old Fashioned Restaurant
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Fall, Info for Foodies, Romance, Special Occasions, Spring, Summer, Things to do in Madison, Winter

Great Restaurants in Madison

The Old Fashioned Restaurant

Madison Restaurants Fun and Casual  The Old Fashioned – we love this place.  It looks to be a former drug store/soda fountain establishment and has a great menu with lots of Wisconsin foods, including the best cheese curds I have personally ever had.   Also, great cheese trays and the prices are amazingly low for the quality and quantity provided. Graze – This is a sister restaurant to the popular L’Etoile, with a similar menu, but at half the price and they don’t take reservations so be prepared for a wait no matter what time you go.  Eclectic menu, great dishes for sharing, and the chefs really love matching color, texture, and taste to their dishes. Sardine – the next on
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About us, Info for Foodies, Outdoor Activities, Romance, Special Occasions, Spring, Summer, Things to do in Madison

To Those Who Wisconsin

Travel Wisconsin Logo

Travel Wisconsin announced their upcoming 2022 summer campaign, “Here’s to Those Who Wisconsin”.   This new campaign highlights Wisconsin’s spirited and celebratory nature, encouraging travelers to experience shared moments of joy in a way that is unique to Wisconsin. The 2022 summer advertising campaign runs April 4 – July 23 and includes digital advertising, online video, TV, connected TV, radio, online radio, social media, paid search and billboards. The advertising campaign is complemented with ongoing public relations efforts and influencer campaigns too. Check out the 30-second commercial and view a full overview of the summer campaign here. The WBBA (Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association) will weave the message of “Here’s to Those Who Wisconsin” in some of their marketing and The Speckled
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