Choose Middleton for Your Next Friendcation

When looking for a place to travel with friends, look no further than Middleton. From days spent outdoors, on the water or along a trail, to afternoons in charming boutiques, to nights filled with endless dining opportunities, Middleton is a destination for any friendcation. Here are a few ideas to get the planning started:

For some retail therapy…

Whether looking to shop at a charming boutique filled with local gifts and unique apparel or at a 51-acre outdoor shopping center home to name-brand stores, there are plenty of shopping opportunities here. Two of Middleton’s largest shopping areas, Downtown and Greenway Station, are conveniently located near plenty of dining and parking options. There are more than 50 shops to choose from throughout the city and all parking is free.

For the foodies…

For the self-described “foodies” in the group who enjoy seeking new experiences, find more than 70 restaurants and cafes offering various cuisines from around the world. You’ll find all the American favorites — and Wisconsin favorites — alongside exotic dishes from countries such as Albania, Japan, Italy, China and India, to name a few.

For the lake lovers…

Lake Mendota is the perfect place to head to on a hot, sunny day.  Whether paddling in the water, cruising on a pontoon, or floating on an inner tube, there are multiple ways to enjoy the water in Middleton. Marshall Boats, on Allen Boulevard, provides plenty of boat rental options, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, standup paddleboards and pontoon boats that hold up to 12 people. If you plan to bring your own boat, head to Marshall Park boat launch to access water for a minimal fee. Mendota County Park & Campground is also an excellent place for water enthusiasts to go if looking for a place to swim or launch a small boat.

For the golfers…

If your group enjoys fitting in a round of golf, then schedule a tee time at Pleasant View Golf Course. This course provides a complete golfing experience with 27 holes of well-maintained championship golf, a nine-hole scenic par three course and an outstanding practice range. The entire course offers spectacular panoramic views of Middleton and Madison’s west sides. Not much can top this golfing adventure!

For the art enthusiasts…

From colorful murals and sidewalk paintings to unique sculptures, Middleton’s Outdoor Art Trail takes visitors on an adventure through the city while taking in the beautiful outdoor art. Choose to stop at one or all 14 art installations; view a map and learn more here. Multiple shops in Middleton sell great local art that makes the perfect memento of your visit. Check out The Regal Find for local and regional artisan gifts and pieces, and Gary’s Art & Framing Shop for a fine art gallery filled with original paintings and limited-edition prints, offset lithographs, antique prints, and fine American crafts. John/Christine Designs is a local jewelry artist working with metals and precious stones, and Cloth & Metal sells locally-made metal jewelry, as well.

For those with a sweet tooth…

What friend group can turn down something sweet? Multiple bakeries and restaurants in Middleton offer delicious and unique dessert options. If looking for flavorful cookies, cookie cups, brownies or bars — that are almost too pretty to eat  — head to Miggy’s Bakes, located off Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue. Clasen’s European Bakery offers more than 40 handcrafted loaves of bread and rolls and various chocolates, cakes and candies, as well, the dessert case at Hubbard Avenue Diner will make anyone’s eyes pop — especially when checking out their iconic pie varieties. To indulge in a unique dessert experience, head to Villa Dolce, a modern Italian café and Gelateria, to try the “Gelato Experience”: three scoops of homemade gelato topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

For the outdoor lovers…

Get outdoors in Middleton. Whether it be exploring the pristine 549-acre Pheasant Branch Conservancy, taking in the city’s 27 miles of multi-use trails, or elevating your thrill level up a notch at the Middleton Bike Park, there’s a trail for every level of adventure seeker to embark on in Middleton.  

For the beer connoisseurs…

The craft beer scene in Middleton includes fantastic spots like Longtable Beer Cafe’s 300-plus beer cooler full of local, regional and worldwide beer options, World of Beer’s wide selection, and of course,  the award-winning Capital Brewery & Bier Garten downtown. For more than 37 years, Capital Brewery has specialized in German-style lagers, as well as American-style ales, barrel-aged beers and several IPAs. During the warmer months, Capital Brewery’s Bier Garten is open and lined with picnic tables and often food trucks. On Friday nights in the summer, patrons can enjoy live music in the Bier Garten.  

For the wine lovers…

If looking for something red, white or sparkling, Middleton has multiple places to raise a glass and enjoy great wine. Head to Grape Water Wine Bar on Hubbard Avenue, where you’ll find more than a dozen wines on tap, including varietals from California, France, Spain and South America. Additionally, Barriques is a combination café and bottle shop in downtown Middleton that offers a wide variety of wine, spirits and beer, and Grace Coffee also has a wine menu available.

For some relaxation…

Adding some self-care into your day is never a bad idea; in fact, we highly encourage it. If wanting a little extra pampering, book a spa day for your group of friends. Check out Happy Nails & Spa, Le Nails Salon & Spa, ANiU Salon & Spa, and Studio 262 Salon to view services.

For the quirky at heart…

Stopping by the National Mustard Museum is a must for any trip to Middleton. This free museum and gift shop, located in the heart of downtown, offers the best kind of quirky there is. The museum is free and home to more than 6,000 jars, pots and tubes of mustard, as well as antique mustard pots and other memorabilia. Suppose you are looking for a unique gift or want to sample some mustard before a purchase? Head to the upstairs gift shop, where you can sample dozens of different mustards and choose from hundreds to buy, as well as hilarious novelty gifts for all ages. Mark your calendars for National Mustard Day, the first Saturday of every August, and this year’s event is Aug. 5. This local festival takes up a whole street with food, games, live music, and of course — mustard!

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