The Dane County Farmers’ Market is America’s largest producers-only market, meaning that all products on offer must be made directly by the farmer or artisan selling them.It’s no surprise that the popularity and prevalence of farmers’ markets has surged in recent years—there are currently almost 9,000 USDA-registered markets around the country—but it may come as a surprise that one of the biggest and buzziest isn’t in a trendy locavore-obsessed locale like Brooklyn, but rather in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dane County Farmers’ Market is America’s largest producers-only market, meaning that all products on offer must be made directly by the farmer or artisan selling them. And on Saturdays from April until November, roughly 150 producers descend on Madison to sell everything from hand-dyed yarn and heirloom produce to a Wisconsin favorite—gooey cheese curds. The market started humbly in 1972 with just five farmers selling their goods, but by the following year, dozens were taking part. Since then, it has grown in size and gone to wind around the Wisconsin State Capitol building. This choice location makes for a beautiful view as you fill up your tote with heritage chickens and crunchy green stalks of asparagus. Set aside a couple of hours to wind your way through the massive market. It’s obviously the perfect spot to stock up on groceries, but for an out-of-town visitor, there are some wonderful stalls with ready-made foods that are not to be missed, like Stella’s Bakery for its famous spicy cheese bread or Bushel & Peck’s for its fermented veggies and beet ketchup. Pay a visit to San-Kor-Tea Herbs for medicinal herbs, Sylvan Meadows Farm for sheepskins and yarns, Tietz Family Farms for a variety of homegrown popcorn, Sunborn Gardens for stunning and unusual blooms—and if you’re in the mood for meat, Cherokee Bison Farms for its bison summer sausage and burgers. While the market alone is worth a visit, the town of Madison (which might be best known for its namesake university) will not disappoint. Here’s what you should do when you’re not perusing the market stalls: Where to Stay Arrive a bit early to the Mansion Hill Inn—a stately stone mansion with views of Lake Mendota and within walking distance of Capitol Square—and borrow a bike from the hotel to pedal over to the market. The inn has 10 rooms, ranging from suites featuring fireplaces, hidden bookshelves and lake views to cozy spaces with garden views. If you’re staying at the inn, don’t bother making brunch plans anywhere else; downstairs in the parlor you’ll find freshly baked breads and pastries, an assortment of meats and cheeses, juicy berries and organic yogurt, and artisanal loose teas for a bit of a pick-me-up before heading out on the town. And the nightly turndown service includes a delectable house-made cookie. Where to Eat After stocking up at the farmers’ market, head over to the Terrace at Memorial Union; it overlooks the lake and has ample brightly colored tables perfect for a picnic. If you’re looking for an afternoon treat, go to Colectivo Coffee, a Milwaukee-based coffee shop that roasts its own beans and makes a killer latte. And be sure to make dinner reservations at a spot like Heritage Tavern if you’re still craving a seasonal, local nosh, and L’Etoile for an elevated tasting menu. Or choose the more casual Salvatore’s for craft pizza. And you can’t go to Wisconsin—let alone Madison—without grabbing a beer: Check out the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company, where you can sample a variety of locally made brews like the rich Black Earth Porter or a classic IPA. Where to Play If you find you have some free time, head over to the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum; it’s a lush space of about 1,200 acres to stretch your legs between meals. The Chazen Museum of Art is a free museum with a thoughtful collection of everything from contemporary art to Dutch masters. And if you’re looking for something to do after dark, stop in at the university’s Union Terrace for concerts and movies from May until September.
POST: 2024-04-17