SPA DAY

Self-care isn’t a buzz word — it’s a lifestyle to promote personal health and happiness. Book a spa day for one or a group of friends. Gift cards are also available online. Check out Happy Nails & Spa, Le Nails Salon & Spa, ANiU Salon & Spa, Studio 262 Salon and Timeless Design Salon & Spa to view services.

CHEERS

Capital Brewery & Bier Garden, Hidden Cave Cidery, Grape Water Wine Bar and Barriques are just a few of the popular spots to try local and regional flavors. Capital Brewery is an award-winning local craft brewery, and Hidden Cave Cidery is an award-winning local cidery which only uses Wisconsin-grown apples, and they are hosting their own Valentine’s Day event, a Valentine’s Dinner paired with the release of their Chocolate Hazelnut Cider (Feb. 10, 2023). Free House Pub and Craftsman Table & Tap also offer a wide selection of beers, cocktails and food.

BRUNCH, LUNCH & DINNER OUT

Enjoy more than 70 restaurants, diners, cafes and ice cream shops in Middleton! Whatever you are craving, you will find minutes from your hotel. See our extensive menu of restaurants here.

Looking for a very special brunch option? Sofra Family Bistro offers cocktails, breakfast classics and specialty crepes. There are several cafes that also do an amazing brunch services, like Grace Coffee Co. and Prairie Cafe.

TREAT YOURSELF

Special Valentine-themed treats are available at Hubbard Avenue Diner’s bakery counter — cakes, cookies and pies, oh my! Clasen’s European Bakery’s displays of chocolates, cakes, heart-shaped brownies and candies will delight any sweetheart.

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a perfect place for a winter hike. Take in tranquil woodland trails or take a trek up Frederick’s Hill. The view is expansive — you can even see the state capitol.

You’ll find some of the area’s best cross-country skiing at CXC Outdoor Recreation and Sports Center (CXC Center). There is skating and classic skiing. Facilities are open through March 13, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with the purchase of a trail pass. City of Middleton residents receive a 50 percent discount by purchasing tickets at City Hall or via online. Only cross-country skiing is allowed on the cross-country ski trail system.

Click here to view a map of the cross-country ski trails.

CXC bike trails are free and open to the public.

Somthing unique

Immersive Van Gogh is being shown in Middleton through Feb. 20, 2023. The lobby gives visitors a glimpse at Vincent Van Gogh’s style, but the exhibit is stunning. Sit or stand quietly while Van Gogh’s art fills the walls, ceiling and floor around you, set to music to accentuate its meaning.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Middleton is filled with unique local shops and stores as well as popular national retailers. Head to Greenway Station and explore 51 acres of stores and restaurants, linked by covered walkways. Venture to Middleton’s beautiful downtown filled with old and new shops to explore, including many located in charming historic buildings.

SOMETHING SPICEY

Spice up your life with America’s favorite condiment. The National Mustard Museum is a shrine to all things sweet and spicy. The museum is one of Wisconsin’s most popular tourist attractions, holding more than 6,000 mustards from around the world. The museum and retail shop are open for visitors and offer mail orders and delivery. Learn more about the museum.

Middleton is conveniently located within an hour of many regional attractions. We welcome you to stay at one of our nine hotels, all minutes from downtown Middleton and Madison, and EXPLORE.

Make us your home base as you embark on day trips all around and discover all that Middleton has to offer.

Right here in Middleton, enjoy 70 restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops, and 55 places to shop between the Downtown district and Greenway Station. And don’t forget our amazing outdoors spaces, from the award-winning Pleasant View Golf Course, to 519 acres of protected land at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, and getting on the water at Lake Mendota.

Speaking of award-winning, Capital Brewery & Bier Garten, and Hidden Cave Cidery, are local gems, along with the super relaxing Grape Water Wine Bar.

Check out our free 2022 visitor guide, download, view or order one by mail HERE. This illustrated map appears on pages 40-41.

Here are just some of the places you’ll find less than an hour away!

This map may not be reproduced or resold and is the sole property of Visit Middleton

View all nine of our hotels here.

Feel like getting back to nature? The beautiful Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail runs through the heart of Middleton and Pheasant Branch Conservancy presents more possibilities for tranquil walking. More trails wind through picturesque parks that are located throughout the city – discover why Middleton’s trails have earned national recognition.

Also near hotels: Greenway Station is an open-air shopping and dining complex that’s perfect for a walk – businesses are linked with tranquil walkways. Explore more than 25 shops and restaurants.

Click here for the full press release.

The tournament will be split into two groups:

• Group A, consisting of the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden, will play their preliminary round games at LeBahn Arena.
• Group B, which features Czechia, Switzerland, Germany and Slovakia, will play its preliminary round games at Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena.
• The medal round, including bronze and gold-medal games, will be staged at LaBahn.

Ticket/schedule information:

Ticket information and the schedule are now live on the Capitol Ice Arena website. Click here.

Lodging:

Middleton is home to nine hotel properties with easy access to Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena, and only 25 minutes from LaBahn Arena.
*Indicates kitchenettes available

Country Inn & Suites Madison West

Courtyard Madison West/Middleton

Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison West/Middleton

Hilton Garden Inn Madison West/Middleton

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison West-Middleton

Madison Marriott West

Residence Inn Madison West/Middleton *

Staybridge Suites Middleton/Madison West *

TownePlace Suites *

THE COUNTRY INN & SUITES, Madison West

Located near several trails, Greenway Station and downtown, this hotel offers plenty of amenities. Enjoy a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, a heated pool, free hot breakfast and access to a Read It & Return lending library.

COURTYARD MADISON WEST/MIDDLETON

This hotel is also close to trails, Greenway Station and downtown. It offers high-speed Internet in every room, a pool and fitness center. Relax in the hotel’s Bistro restaurant and bar.

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES MADISON WEST/MIDDLETON

Fairfield is located next to Greenway Station and offers free deluxe continental breakfast, an indoor pool and complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access. It also has a business center and meeting room. Also next door to a Starbucks and Five Guys restaurant.

HILTON GARDEN INN MADISON WEST/MIDDLETON

Located almost within Greenway Station, this hotel’s rooms have free Wi-Fi access, spacious desks and ergonomic chairs, microwave ovens and mini-refrigerators. Enjoy yourself at The Garden Grille & Bar.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

This hotel opened in 2020 and offers 106 rooms, with free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, a pool, and airport shuttle service. The Holiday Inn Express also offers a fitness center equipped with Matrix Fitness equipment and is open 24 hours. The hotel is within walking distance of Monk’s Bar & Grill, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Taco Bell and IHop.

MADISON MARRIOTT WEST

Close to Greenway Station, five minutes from downtown Middleton, and 10 minutes from downtown Madison, the Marriott is perfectly situated. The area’s largest convention hotel, and newly remodeled in 2020, the Madison Marriott West-Middleton is close to shopping, dining and more. This hotel offers a newly renovated fitness center, indoor pool and innovative Fit for You in-room exercise packages. Relax in the Falling Water Cafe, utilizing one of the many dining/meeting areas that are situated near multiple outlets. An ideal event location, the Marriott boasts more than 60,000 square feet of accommodating space.

RESIDENCE INN MADISON WEST/MIDDLETON

This hotel is just north of Greenway Station and offers room to relax with studios, and one-and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, high-speed Internet access and an outdoor sport court. Also next door to a popular steakhouse, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse.

STAYBRIDGE SUITES MIDDLETON/MADISON-WEST

Located in the heart of downtown Middleton and a favorite with business travelers, this hotel offers temperature-controlled, underground parking, 24-hour fitness and business centers, free guest laundry facilities and an indoor pool and whirlpool. Visitors are within walking distance of more than a dozen restaurants.

TOWNEPLACE SUITES madison West/middleton

TownePlace Suites opened in 2021 and is a beautiful edition to Middleton’s hotel scene. With pet-friendly suites, an indoor pool, fitness center and suites including kitchenettes, this hotel is perfect for an overnight or extended stay. Also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Get out and play

As long as they’re on a leash, your dogs are welcome on all trails in city parks and conservation areas. (Find more information about Middleton’s parks here.)

There are also two off-leash dog exercise areas in the city. The MRD Dog Exercise Area, located on Highway Q north of Middleton, is a three-acre dog park that includes a fenced agility course. The park is open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. year-round. Daily visitor permits are $5 and available at a self-registration station at the park. Here is a map of both dog parks.

Penni Klein Park is a 34-acre community park in northwestern Middleton with a six-acre fenced-in area that will allow Rover to, well, rove. Visitors can purchase the $5 daily pass at a self-registration station at the park, which also features a trail system that connects to downtown Middleton.

Dog park permitting

All dog owners utilizing Middleton dog parks are required to purchase a permit. There are daily and annual permits available for Middleton’s dog parks, purchased at the park (look for signage) or at Middleton City Hall. Dane County dog park permits do apply to Middleton dog parks. More information can be found on the Dane County Dog Park information page. 

Grab a beer or hard cider

Middleton is home to the award-winning Capital Brewery, which has crafted delicious ales, pilsners, lagers and more for more than 35 years. On sunny days, head on over for a visit with your pup — leashed dogs are welcome at Capital’s outdoor Bier Garten (though not on nights with live music).

Enjoy a glass of Wisconsin-grown apple hard cider with your doggo. Hidden Cave Cidery welcomes dogs, as long as they are on a leash and well-trained.

Take care of your dog

Need someone to look after your dog while you explore all that Middleton has to offer? Let Fido play with some canine companions at Happy Dogz, a doggy daycare that offers your pooch outdoor fun and an indoor playground. Dogtopia, located on the north side of Middleton, also provides daycare for your dog in addition to spa services if your pupper needs some pampering. You can also find grooming and boarding services at Tabby & Jack’s.

Find a place to stay

If you’re staying overnight, don’t worry: Marriott Madison West, Residence Inn Madison West/Middleton, Staybridge Suites Middleton/Madison-West, Fairfield Inn & Suites and The Country Inn & Suites Madison West-Middleton are all pet-friendly, though additional fees may apply. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison West-Middleton welcomes service animals. Mendota County Park & Campground also allows pets.

Here are direct links to the FULL BLOGS for our most recent Instagram posts (if you can’t find what you’re looking for, just use our “search” engine and a list of related articles will appear!):

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Check out Middleton’s Nine Hotels!

Order/Download the 2023 Middleton Visitor Guide

Sign up for the free tourism e-newsletter

Esser Pond

Just a stone’s throw away from the Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison West/Middleton and the Hilton Garden Inn Madison West/Middleton is a beautiful little getaway spot known as Esser Pond. This kettle pond is connected to the Pheasant Branch Watershed and is surrounded by a restored prairie wetland and paved walking trail. Catch your breath after an exciting day by spending a little quiet time on the wildlife viewing platform. Cap off your walk with a pint of award-winning beer at Capital Brewery, just northeast of Esser Pond. To get to the brewery, follow the trail along Terrace Avenue, under the beltline and head north on N. High Point Road.

South Fork Trail

Not far from Esser Pond and just steps outside the Residence Inn Madison West/Middleton is the mid-point entrance to the South Fork Trail. This is a great spot for an outdoor workout, thanks to five ENERGI® stations located along the trail. The stations are free to use and combine functional fitness and body-weight training for an invigorating workout. Each has an illustrated sign, but users can also download a smartphone app for video instructions from a virtual trainer. The South Fork Trail is paved and ADA-accessible with benches, restrooms and fountains along the way.

Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail

If you’re staying at the Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, Madison West or the Courtyard Madison West/Middleton, you’ll have easy access to the gorgeous Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail. It follows a lush, wooded creek for just over a mile before leading you into the heart of the stunning jewel of Middleton, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Quiet and bustling with nature, it’s a great place to recharge your batteries, right in the middle of the city.

Downtown

For a different kind of stroll, check out the Staybridge Suites Middleton/Madison West. This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Middleton, and near a restaurants, stores and nightlife.

To learn more about Middleton’s award-winning trail system, click here.