College Visit: University of Wisconsin

In the second installment of our guide for college visits, 15-year Scarsdale resident Mara Perlmutter has contributed this guide to visiting the University of Wiconsin in Madison. Her older daughter Marni graduated from “Wisco” in 2011, and her younger daughter Erica is now a freshman at the school. Just back from a mother/daughter sorority weekend with Erica, Mara shared the following with Scarsdale10583.com. If you would like to send us details about a college town you know, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.

Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, is one of the most picturesque universities and college towns -- surrounded by two sparkling lakes and recognized for their arts, culture and diversity. The wide range of notable Wisconsin alumni include former Vice President Dick Cheney, renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, author Joyce Carol Oates, aviator Charles Lindbergh, naturalist John Muir, and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

How to Get There:

Delta has daily non-stop 2 1/4 hour flights to Madison from La Guardia airport. United flies direct to Madison daily from Newark airport. Once in Madison a taxi from the airport to the main campus is 15 minutes, and costs approximately $15. Several hotels also have free airport shuttle services. It is not necessary to rent a car during your college visit as everything you will visit is within walking distance, or a short cab ride away.

Another option is to fly non-stop into Milwaukee (on Delta or United) and then rent a car and drive 1 1/2 hours to the university. During very big football and basketball weekends, this may be your best option.

Where To Stay:

For the majority of our visits we stay at the recently refurbished Madison Concourse Hotel and Governors Club. I highly recommend booking a room on the Governors Club level which includes access to a private club serving breakfast, cocktails/appetizers and desserts in the evening. This hotel provides free airport shuttle service plus free shuttle service throughout Madison. Ph- 608-257-6000. Another good option is the Hilton Doubletree which also provides free airport shuttle service and is located near State Street, the main street in town. Ph- 608-251-5511. The Campus Inn, which is the most conveniently located hotel -- right in the center of town and across from the most popular freshman dorm, is great for location, though the rooms are not as nice as the other two hotels. Ph-(800) 589-6285

Where to Eat:

Breakfast and Lunch

The famous Sunroom Cafe serves delicious fresh naturally prepared dishes and is a perennial favorite. The line may be out the door but it does move fairly quickly and is worth the wait. Ph- (608) 255-1555

Another great choice is Marigold Kitchen located by the Capital. Ph- 608-661-5559

Dinner

For Steak Lovers:

The Capitol Chop House-Though they do serve seafood and have vegetarian dishes, they are known for their wide variety of delicious steaks. Ph 608-255-0165

Flemings- good steaks paired with a fine wine list and famous flemings potatoes on the side are a must. Ph 608-233-9550-

Farm to Table Favorites

Fresco-our personal favorite for seasonal entrees made with the freshest ingredients – in a beautiful setting on top of the contemporary art museum. Ph 608-663-7374

Graze- By the Capitol, a new favorite of many, serving all local farm raised ingredients in a wide array of entrees. Brunch is also popular here. Ph 608-251-2700

43 North- Also by the Capitol serving beautifully presented contemporary American cuisine. Also good for brunch. Ph 608-255-4343

Italian

Frescesca's- a favorite of the students - delicious simple rustic food in a comfortable atmosphere with a well-priced and varied wine list. Ph 698-255-6000

Other points of interest: