Honoring 60 years, BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT.
We’ve come a long way in the past 60 years.
We’ve built strong partnerships with local businesses, supported nonprofits and stayed committed to helping our clients and community thrive. As we look to the future, we continue to set new goals, reach new heights and invest in the success of our team and neighbors. Because getting to NEXT … is what we do.
WHERE YOUR
FOREVER BEGINS
Imagine saying “I do” overlooking the lake at The Madison Club, celebrating with family and friends in one of Madison’s most iconic settings and creating memories that last a lifetime. More than a single day, our platinum package includes membership, making your wedding the beginning of a lifetime of possibilities. As a Best of Weddings winner by The Knot, The Madison Club offers elegant event spaces, exceptional cuisine, personalized service, and an on-site coordinator to bring every detail together so you can focus on the moments that matter most.
Learn more at madisonclub.org
Meet
Take
frolic and enjoy the outdoors as you make the most of the season.
Pembroke Welsh corgi Mesa at Vilas Park Beach
MONEY SMARTS
BY KIM SPONEM
A friend of mine lost her husband unexpectedly and had very little information about their money. What do I need to be thinking about? This is a good question. Admittedly, I thought my husband and I had this figured out. We have a revocable trust and keep a list of our accounts that we update regularly. But as I thought about it more, I realized we were ill-prepared for a tragedy — like if one of us was injured or worse, what if we both died in an accident? Would our children know where to find things? In digging into this topic with others, I discovered many of us are in the same boat.
The “If Something Happens” Binder
A few friends told me they keep a binder that they update on a schedule — and their family knows where to find it. This seemed to be a great method as long as the binder remains secured. A few security basics:
• Keep the binder in a home safe.
• If you use an online password manager or digital “vault,” ensure someone can access that too.
I put together the list below to get started on the binder system.
Financial Accounts and Where Your Money Goes
• List all financial accounts and where you have them. This includes checking, savings, loans, investments, retirement, crypto and person-to-person payment apps like Venmo.
• List monthly payments and approximate amounts. Don’t forget about cell phone and autopay subscriptions. This helps to know how much money is needed so bills can get paid.
Don’t get stuck in perfection — this is about creating a roadmap.
Digital Details We Forget
So much of our financial lives is digital and tied to a login. What about... Who has access to your phone?
Do you have money stored in phone apps like Starbucks or Amazon?
Which online shopping accounts have your credit card info stored? Your loved ones will want to close those accounts. Who has the ability to shut down your social media accounts?
One thing that stood out to me was tuition payments. Looking back, I paid tuition online and realized my husband would have had no clue these existed or how to access the system.
Peace of Mind Particulars
These are a few of the life management essentials that are important not to overlook.
• List all insurance policies along with the provider, cost and payment schedules and agent information.
• Note where your will or trust is kept. If you have a safe deposit box, include where and how to find the key.
If you and your spouse or partner manage finances separately:
Are you listed jointly on accounts?
Would you have enough to live on while an estate is settled?
Have you built up your own credit history by being a joint account holder on at least one loan or credit card? Credit bureaus track individuals, not couples. Don’t be invisible.
Business and Employment Essentials
If either of you owns a business, then all of this applies to that as well. What would someone need to know to access and operate it — at least temporarily?
Or if you work for a company, include who you report to and how to contact them. Human Resources departments can help with benefits, but someone has to know where to start.
Maintenance Plan
Then, of course, there is the updating of all of this. We find it easiest to do when we are pulling together information for taxes. We try to do a second check at the end of summer, around Labor Day.
Yep, it’s one more thing on the long to-do list. But once it’s compiled, updating is not as time consuming. You will be giving a great gift of clarity, organization and reduced stress during what will already be a very difficult time.
Kim Sponem is CEO and President, since 2002, of Summit Credit Union, an $8.6 billion, member-owned financial cooperative with more than 280,440 members. Kim has a passion for empowering people to improve their financial well-being for a richer life.
Ask Kim your money questions at MoneySmarts@SummitCreditUnion.com.
THE REAL SCOOP
Recently I had two full-circle moments.
The first was that my 12-year-old son and I got to meet several of UW Health’s Caring Canines, a group of trained pet dogs and community volunteers that provide a calming influence and cuddle time for patients and families at the American Family Children’s Hospital.
I was introduced to Caring Canines, along with UW Health’s Canine Health and Medical Pals (CHAMPs) program when we featured both in our first-ever Pets Issue a year ago. (CHAMPs’ specially trained dogs help pediatric patients and their families cope with stressful medical situations.) Meeting Xela, Yola, Rain, Izzy, Leo (shown with my son, Ethan, above), Ginger (and more — 11 pups total!) brightened my son’s five-week stay. Thank you to UW Health and all of its volunteers for hosting both of these amazing programs.
Capital City Dogs feature (P. 31) was so fun to pull together this year — BRAVA readers waxed poetic about what makes their dog special and why we should feature him or her. Flip through this photo essay and get ready to smile.
My second full-circle moment was when I contacted Stella Buckley of Stellie’s Ice Cream to feature her in our Summer Fun Guide (P. 54). I met Stella three years ago in a tennis league. After one of our matches, she told me about a side hustle she had making ice cream. At the time, she was working as a scientist, but she hoped to turn her ice cream venture into a fulltime career. I told her, “When you do that, we’ll feature you in BRAVA!” Her hard work paid off. In June 2025, Buckley opened her storefront at 1815 E. Washington Avenue, officially making the business her full-time focus. We had so much fun at the shoot and sampled some of her delicious ice cream.
This issue invites you to escape — by exploring our city in new and different ways — or by venturing outside of Madison to nearby locales to indulge in a girls’ getaway (P. 44).
For me, I’ll be sticking close to Madison for now to aid my son’s recovery. But I can guarantee that one of our stops coming up will be a trip to Stellie’s Ice Cream for a sweet scoop of summer in a cone.
Young Entrepreneurs
I love that we’re featuring two young business owners in this issue: Stella Buckley and Kenzie Beam. Buckley owns Stellie’s Ice Cream (see main column) and Beam owns The Shop by Every Bitch Needs a Scrunchie (P. 11). Both women are good friends and are supportive of one another’s businesses. Beam credits her friends, family and the Madison community for her business’ success thus far: “Connection is at the root of my small business because I don’t think I would have gotten this far without the support of those around me and the Madison community,” says Beam.
A Cool Camp
This summer, my daughter is attending Camp Girls on the Run. The camp is a collaboration between Creative Soul Camp, owned by Jamie Gale (who we featured in our September/October 2025 issue), and Girls on the Run. We love seeing our past Women to Watch (hi, Christine Benedict!) and amazing entrepreneurs such as Gale team up to bring meaningful programming to our next generation of young women.
A Brew City Jaunt
Pups truly are therapeutic companions for humans. That’s why our second
Shayna Mace Editorial Director @shaynamace
I think Milwaukee is a fantastic getaway — and it’s so close. In our “Girlfriend Getaways” feature (P. 44), writer Katie Vaughn outlines all of the must-dos in the Cream City. My personal favorites are the 3rd Street Market Hall, which I visited for the first time back in March, and Lakeshore State Park, an idyllic slice of greenspace and rocky shoreline nestled next to Lake Michigan.
BUSINESS
PUBLISHER
Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com
VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLICATIONS
Becky Peck bpeck@ntmediagroup.com
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Shayna Mace shayna@ntmediagroup.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Jim Nissen jim@commandshiftoption.com
Meredith Johnson meredith@ntmediagroup.com
FACT - CHECKER
Mason Braasch
DIGITAL
DIGITAL DIRECTOR
Kristen Rouse krouse@ntmediagroup.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
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Photo
Madison Real Estate
By Mary Whitcomb and Maddie Richgels
Is It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market?
Surprisingly, it can be both.
This year has been busy for home sales. Over 1,400 homes have sold or gone under contract since January 1 in Madison, Verona and Middleton (1,600 if you include Sun Prairie).
That is a lot of demand that has been met. Luckily Madison's buyer pool is fairly consistent. People are coming here for jobs, renters are becoming owners and families are looking for more space.
Peak market in Madison generally runs from February to June. After that, things begin to slow down as demand is met. School is out, people vacation and summer activities take over. Unlike in spring, when properties sell for crazy amounts in a matter of days, after June, sale prices don’t spike as high, and it takes longer for the accepted offer rider to appear on your yard sign.
But sellers who put effort into preparing their home for sale (think decluttering, painting and completing all repairs) and price appropriately will still sell for a good price within a few weeks.
Buyers are out there, but in fewer numbers. Less competition means they are more selective and not as willing to overpay. Come fall, holding on to a home until peak market in the coming year is worth considering, but that decision needs to be weighed against the carrying costs, such as taxes, heating and shoveling.
For buyers, the spring housing inventory is equivalent to swimsuit shopping in January — the selection is great! But wait a few months and you're settling for your second or third picks. The upside to this is that things go on sale. By mid-summer it becomes easier to write offers that include contingencies like full inspections and appraisals; you may be able to offer at the asking price or even less depending on how long a home has been on the market.
If price trumps selection in your book, now is a great time to shop. Get pre-approved, line up an experienced agent to set up a search and start looking.
Until late fall, both buyers and sellers can still achieve great results. The key is setting realistic expectations. Do that, and you'll be well positioned to accomplish your goals.
What is your home worth?
Until next time, Mary Whitcomb and Maddie Richgels
FROM SIDE HUSTLE TO STOREFRONT
What started with handmade hair accessories has blossomed into a downtown destination for gifts, drinks and bites.
BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF
When Kenzie Beam cheekily named her business Every Bitch Needs a Scrunchie (EBNS) during her senior year of high school, she started out small and made and sold — you guessed it — scrunchies. In the ensuing years, she added stickers, shirts and cups to her offerings. Beam also worked her way from pop-up events at her home to vending at events and craft shows.
In 2024, Beam opened The Shop by EBNS on the ground floor of The Roundhouse apartments on Langdon Street — the perfect stop for UW students and anyone else strolling downtown. In addition to selling her
The Shop by EBNS
own wares, Beam serves iced drinks (chai, matcha, cold brew, fruit teas), bakery items (from Stella’s Bakery, Madison Sourdough and Miggy’s Bakes), paninis and burritos.
“Although I originally envisioned iced drinks to be a small portion of sales, it has quickly [become] many [of our customers’] daily routines,” says Beam.
Though this is Beam’s first foray into a brick-and-mortar retail shop (she graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work), she’s already racked up an impressive array of retail items from women-owned businesses. Find Pandanas’ T-shirts and sweatshirts, Golden Hour Knots’ macramé pieces, Bold Blossom Shop’s earrings and bag charms, and suncatchers by Ten by Ten. The merchandise, similar to the shop’s aesthetic, is all upbeat, stylish and cheery with a Gen-Z bent — though anyone will enjoy a stop here. The friendly vibe is reflective of the business Beam has built.
“I believe my business has been successful thus far because of my passion, which is creating community. Connection is at the root of my small business because I don’t think I would have gotten this far without the support of those around me and the Madison community,” says Beam. “I knew I wanted this to be a space that would feel comfortable and inspiring — a place where people want to spend time with their loved ones or to meet someone new.”
626 Langdon St., shopebns.com/the-shop-by-ebns
Wilson Aesthetic Company, led by Nurse Practitioner Becky Berkan, provides personalized aesthetic care with natural-looking results.
Wilson Aesthetic Company
990 Janesville St., #5 Oregon, WI 53575
608.219.0654 | wilsonaestheticcompany.com
Wear your love of plants. Shop stunning botanical jewelry at Olbrich today!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704
608.246.4550 | olbrich.org
| katharismacleaningllc.com
THE FREELANCE LIFE
Tips, tools and insights for thriving as a small business owner, freelancer or entrepreneur.
BY AMANDA WEGNER
Workers are trading the traditional office for independent work: writing, designing, consulting and building businesses on their own terms. According to the Upwork Research Institute, 28% of skilled knowledge workers have gone independent as freelancers.
“I’d be honest about it being a significant adjustment,” says Maggie Thorison, a freelance content writer and strategist. “But I absolutely love creating my own schedule and the ability to have my aging rescue dogs snoring at my feet while I work.”
Adds Morgan Counts, owner of toldwell marketing: “There is absolutely nothing like being your own boss.”
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE START
The most common early mistakes small business owners make aren’t about finding clients, but skipping business basics.
“Almost all freelancers start with an informal business agreement, because they are working with friends or family,” says Carolyn Jahnke, founding
attorney and CEO of Athena Legal Solutions. “[But] to protect yourself, you need a clear contract that outlines expectations on both sides.”
Jahnke recommends talking with a lawyer to have an “educated understanding of your risks” as a freelancer.
Victoria Thayer, president of Novii CPA, adds that opening a dedicated business bank account is “the single most important thing to set up in year one.”
FINDING CLIENTS
Referrals are a primary source of new business and they start with relationships — not marketing.
“A surprising amount of clients come from simply having conversations,” says Counts. “I’ve gotten clients from chatting with boutique owners while I’m shopping or introducing myself to someone at a coffee shop.”
For Rochelle Ratkaj Moser, owner of Ratkaj Designs, it’s about exceeding expectations so clients recommend her to others.
“Find one client and exceed their expectations,” she says. “You want to be the one that they recommend.”
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Many freelancers admit this work can be isolating and community is one of the most underrated tools available. American Family Insurance’s DreamBank is highly recommended for its free expert talks. (Note: In late June, American Family announced DreamBank will be closing its physical space in The Spark building and offering only virtual events.)
Madison Business Collective, co-founded by Counts, is a free group offering twice-monthly meetups focused on strategy and peer support. It meets at various locations around Madison.
Another option is The Grove, which small business coach Katy Ripp describes as “an open coaching community of female small business owners.” Ripp offers several membership tiers.
There are also national organizations, such as SCORE, a nonprofit and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, that’s specifically for small business owners. The nonprofit provides mentors, education and free resources to entrepreneurs.
TAXES WITHOUT FEAR
Thayer recommends setting aside 25% to 30% of every payment for taxes — immediately — into a separate account.
“Taxes were definitely a challenge during my first couple of years,” says Thorison. “Do your future self a favor and save for your quarterly taxes!”
Thayer and Counts also recommend tracking income and expenses monthly rather than scrambling at year end. This simplifies tax filing and surfaces potential deductions more easily.
For business structure, most freelancers start as a limited liability corporation (LLC). However, if you’re consistently earning a net income of more than $100,000, an S-Corp election may reduce your self-employment tax burden.
“You can always change your tax status as you grow your business,” Thayer says.
OPTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE
The Affordable Care Act marketplace at healthcare.gov is the most common starting point and, depending on income, you may qualify for subsidies, says Thayer. Freelancers can also deduct health insurance premiums on their tax returns, helping offset the cost.
Importantly, review your plan annually during open enrollment, because subsidy eligibility and plan costs shift as your income changes.
SECURE YOUR RETIREMENT
No 401(k)? No problem. Two common accounts for freelancers are the Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) individual retirement account (IRA) and Solo 401(k). The Solo 401(k) has extra flexibility because you can contribute as both employer and employee.
“Retirement contributions can be a powerful way to lower current-year
TOOLS TO WORK SMARTER
Recommended tools include:
• HoneyBook for contracts and invoicing; alternatives include Dubsado and 17hats
• Wave has a free starter plan for invoicing (and paid plans for more add-ons).
• Asana and Trello are popular project management tools.
• MileIQ tracks mileage for tax deductions.
Also, when administrative tasks start eating into work time, that’s the signal to hire a virtual assistant, says Rochelle Ratkaj Moser, owner of Ratkaj Designs.
taxes while building long-term financial security,” says Thayer.
Amanda Wegner is a local freelance writer, and communications and marketing professional.
BUILDING WEALTH IN BRICK AND MORTAR
What to know before making real estate part of your long-term investment strategy.
BY MARYBETH MATZEK
When thinking about investments, stocks, mutual funds, 401(k)s and bonds might come to mind. But there’s another investment that delivers both immediate rewards and long-term value: real estate.
According to realtors and investors Lynn Holley and Mari Slobounov of Living in Madison Real Estate Group powered by Keller Williams Realty, this goes beyond your primary residence and includes additional properties, whether you purchase a vacation home, a home you rent out for shortterm stays or a long-term lease, or a multi-family residence.
“Investing in real estate can be a lot of work, especially if you are managing a property yourself, but the upside is enormous,” Holley says.
That upside includes monthly income if you’re renting out property and an average property appreciation of 4.5% per year, according to the real estate website Zillow. Depending on where the property is located, that number could be a lot higher.
Real estate investors also benefit from multiple tax advantages, including deducting expenses such as mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance and insurance. Slobounov says investors utilize depreciation, a non-cash deduction that lowers a person’s taxable income on paper, but she says, “It’s always best to consult your accountant prior to making a purchase to fully understand any tax advantages specifically pertinent for you.”
People buy investment property for several reasons, whether it’s a vacation property, a property that
could be used as a short-term rental (like an Airbnb) or a long-term rental. Holley points out communities in the Madison area have different rules about Airbnbs, so investors need to make sure they understand them before any purchases.
“Airbnb has a lot of strict rules to keep that five-star rating so it could wind up being a lot more work than what you expect,” Slobounov says.
In the Madison area, there is a lot of interest from real estate investors, whether it’s long-term investors or first-time investors, Slobounov says.
“Properties are definitely getting more expensive, but people can still get a good cash flow from them,” she says. “Buying a property is an appreciating asset. I advise anyone interested in real estate to talk to a tax specialist or an accountant.”
Buyers of second properties should be prepared to put 25% down and have funds in reserve for any home issues that might come up after the sale.
Holley says that, while property prices are higher in Madison, they are often lower in surrounding areas.
“Most investors are excited and have a plan. If you buy right, you can later sell the property and make money on it that you can then put into your next property,” she says. “It’s important to surround yourself with people who have experience.”
SEEKING ADVICE
While real estate can be a good investment, Holley is quick to point out that it’s also not a one-anddone purchase, because a property requires constant maintenance.
“Some people have zero clue about owning investment property. If you’re managing the property — which is usually how it is when you start out — you need to understand leases, deal with tenants and answer midnight phone calls when the toilet doesn’t work …” she says.
Slobounov says investors should be able to handle minor fixes or have people on call who can help.
“One of the best pieces of advice I received when I got into investing was forming an LLC and getting an umbrella insurance policy,” she says.
Holley says her key advice to novice real estate investors is “to find a mentor with experience in investment properties who can walk you through the process and give you advice. You also need to think about the true cost of the investment. It’s not just the purchase of the property. It’s pest control, lawn care and how much of your time will it take to manage the property. These are all things to keep in mind.”
MaryBeth Matzek is a Wisconsin-based freelance writer and editor.
TRAIN FOR
GROW BEYOND SUMMER
With the right plants and timing, your garden can keep growing well into autumn.
BY MARYBETH MATZEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF
Jessica Burda Leslie wants gardeners to expand their thinking — and planting — when it comes to the local growing season.
“Most people think the growing season is from June through early September, but with the right plants, some preparation and frost protection, you can start in mid to late March or early April — and keep
Jessica Burda Leslie
going through November,” says Leslie, designer, garden coach and founder of Burda Growing Better. “We have cool seasons in the spring and the fall, and then a warm season in the middle.”
There are a number of kitchen garden veggies, such as snap peas, spinach, radishes, cabbage, lettuce, onions, and herbs like parsley and cilantro that thrive in
KEEPING PLANTS WARM
When temperatures begin to dip in the spring and fall, there are multiple ways for gardeners to extend their growing season, Leslie says.
An easy way is to throw a sheet over the plants, which creates a little balloon that keeps the warm air in during cooler nights in the spring and fall.
“You can also place other pots over the top of the plants to help them stay warm. If the plants or flowers are in a container, you can bring it in your garage or even into your house overnight to help them stay warm,” she says.
cool weather, says Leslie, who is also a volunteer master gardener with the University of Wisconsin Extension. She says gardeners can get a jumpstart to the season by purchasing fast-growing seeds or started seedlings.
Other plants, such as tomatoes, peppers and herbs like basil, prefer hot weather, and thrive best in the warmer months of June, July and August.
“You really need to look at your plants and see what temperatures they do best in,” explains Leslie. “Read and see what the temperature needs to be averaging overnight before you plant them outside.”
Monitoring how much water you give plants is also essential. Be sure to check the plant’s label to see how much water it requires and strive to get as close as possible to that amount, Leslie says.
“Overwatering and underwatering are common mistakes. Make sure you’re learning the plant’s water needs and following the recommendations,” she says.
Leslie says beginning gardeners can become confused about what to plant when. She advises gardeners to visit local nurseries when buying plants to see what the staff recommends.
“They are the ones growing in this area and know the local growing season and what thrives when. Another place to ask questions is at the farmers markets, especially if people are selling seedlings,” Leslie says.
Another easy way to enhance your kitchen garden’s life is by surrounding it with native, pollinator-friendly flowers and plants, which Leslie says will help attract local bees and butterflies. As a bonus, you’ll support their growing season, too.
KEEPING IT SMALL
Leslie says you don’t need a lot of space to have a thriving flower and vegetable garden. “Almost anything you can do in your yard, you can do in a smaller space on your patio or balcony,” she says. It takes some creativity, such as using vertical structures in addition to traditional containers, but it can be done, Leslie says.
“You first need to think about what you want to eat from your garden. There’s a lot of opportunity. Do you want herbs that you pick off and toss into your recipes or are you looking for greens for salads?” she says.
Water and light can be a challenge with smaller spaces, but Leslie says there are some stylish light sources that can be used to augment natural lighting. With watering, “feel the soil to see if it feels like it needs moisture,” she says.
A GARDEN DECADES IN THE MAKING
Lush, English-inspired gardens sparked the vision for one homeowner’s dream backyard.
BY MAURA KELLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA WOLF
What was once a backyard filled with sandboxes and play spaces for her children has blossomed into a lush, English-inspired retreat at Marilyn Blettner’s Madison home.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s been an evolving labor of love spanning nearly four decades.
“It’s been a work in progress over the last 35 to 40 years — and we’re not done yet,” Blettner says. “We always find something.”
As Blettner’s children grew, the backyard gradually shifted from a practical play area into a richly layered garden filled with intimate seating spaces, mature plantings and charming architectural features.
Above: The decorative metal garden pavilion creates a dramatic focal point in Marilyn Blettner’s backyard, combining the elegance of a gazebo with the openness of an arbor. Its geometric framework is also an ideal structure for climbing vines and flowering plants. Positioned amid colorful container gardens and lush greenery, it helps define the outdoor space and creates an inviting garden retreat.
Above: The pergola serves as a striking focal point in the landscape, creating a defined outdoor living space while providing filtered shade and year-round visual interest. Enhanced with climbing vines and surrounding greenery, the structure adds both character and comfort, transforming the patio into an inviting extension of the home.
Among the garden’s standout elements are the stunning pergolas, recently rebuilt by Sweeney Design Remodel. Framed by abundant greenery and colorful plantings, the structures that were designed by Linda Sweeney and Jeff Darga create the warm, welcoming atmosphere Blettner loves.
Her inspiration comes from traditional English gardens.
“The old style — the mossier, the better,” she says. “That’s just what I love.”
Recently, Blettner collaborated closely with horticulturalist Tim Andrews, whose ideas have helped shape the garden’s latest evolution.
“Tim’s my inspiration,” she says. “He and I work together very well.”
Today, the landscape offers a series of inviting outdoor rooms that change with the sunlight throughout the day.
“My favorite spot depends on the time of day,” Blettner says. “Each area is very welcoming and intimate. It kind of just invites you in, like you don’t want to leave.”
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THE ISSUE EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT
BRAVA’s Women in Business issue celebrates the women shaping Greater Madison and the companies who support them.
Elevate your brand and share your story
Attract talent
Connect with other women leaders
Stand out in Madison's premier women's publication
Deadline August 3
Above: Blettner’s quaint garden shed pulls double duty, providing storage while enhancing the backyard’s charm.
Among those spots is a charming garden shed tucked beneath a canopy of mature trees that offers a storybook retreat, with French doors and cottagestyle windows. Lush hostas frame the structure, softening its edges and blending the building seamlessly into the surrounding woodland garden. A small bistro seating area nestled just outside the entrance invites quiet moments of rest, making this well-appointed outbuilding as livable as it is lovely.
Above: The curved wooden garden archway creates a welcoming transition between outdoor spaces.
In the round central seating area, rounded boxwood hedges line the sweeping lawn, guiding the eye toward the vine-covered arbor that serves as a dramatic focal point at the heart of the meticulously designed backyard garden. A stone patio anchors a cozy seating arrangement of dark wroughtiron furniture beneath the arbor, creating an intimate outdoor living room framed by lattice fencing and layers of lush greenery. Overhanging tree branches, a classical cherub statue and colorful perennial beds complete the scene.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Park Hotel
Speed networking, cocktails, light bites and our September/October issue cover reveal!
Scan for tickets!
Visit bravamagazine.com/women-in-business for more information.
Sponsored by:
— HANNAH, LIFELONG MEMBER
HANNAH’S STORY
While I never really struggled to make ends meet, I knew I had to manage my money better when I took on a bigger role in my godchildren’s lives. With Summit’s help, I paid down my debt and built a savings plan, and now we’re taking a family cruise and steps toward a bigger home.
Summit Credit Union is proud to help people throughout our community create a better life – with tools and programs that help you build wealth and reduce stress. Join us at SummitCreditUnion.com and we’ll help you Summit, too.
Mesa & Skippy
Breeds: Great Pyrenees mix (Skippy) and Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Mesa)
Family: Haven and Mel Hanson
Favorite Madison places to visit: All of the lakes! There is nothing my dogs enjoy more than rolling in the sand or jumping on the paddleboard. They enjoy walking around the Vilas neighborhood and the lakeshore the most as we always encounter lots of smells and wildlife.
If Mesa and Skippy had jobs, they would be: Lifeguards — they both need to be involved and aware of everything that happens around them. Plus, they love to swim.
What we love about our pups: They are healthy, active dogs. They enjoy activities in nature and also a nice walk up State Street. Additionally, Mesa is a two-time national champion in lure coursing. Both dogs compete in a variety of sports.
Sponsored By
EDITED BY SHAYNA MACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY LEITNER
Zoe & Maya
If Zoe and Maya had jobs, they would be: Maya would be VP of selective compliance. That job would capture her unmistakable Shiba energy — independent, self-assured and completely unbothered by expectations. Zoe would be head of emotional wellness. That reflects her instinct to care for everyone while also vocally holding the household accountable with her husky-style commentary.
What we love about our pups: Zoe and Maya are bilingual and learned their commands in English and Spanish.
Breeds: Pomsky (Zoe) and Shiba Inu (Maya)
Family: Nicole and Ben Marschall
Favorite Madison places to visit: Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton and Octopi Taproom.
Breed: Pitbull
Family: Mary Alesandrini
Favorite Madison places to visit: Canine Sports Zone (she's done puppy training, agility and nose work), Hilldale Shopping Center (specifically Evereve), Prairie Moraine Dog Park, Epic and pretty much any outdoor dining patio.
If Bellini had a job, it would be: Professional interior design support animal at Sprinkman Design Collective. She is also a French kisser (for her uncanny aim), a police dog (she keeps her kitten brothers in line), and a princess when she sports her pink, bows and pearl necklace.
What I love about my pup: Bellini and her beautiful heart make people smile. Negative stereotypes surround pitbull-like dogs — but they are gentle and playful. Bellini is a great ambassador for the breed! She even has her own Instagram account: @teenybellinitheprettypittie.
Bellini
Ada Jane
Breed: Labrador retriever
Family: Juli Thomas
Favorite Madison places to visit: In Sync Agility, Badger Kennel Club and dog-friendly businesses in the summer. Ada Jane has titles and training in agility, obedience, rally, hunt testing, scent work and much more. She’s a “do it all” dog — a true Madison pup.
If Ada Jane had a job, it would be: Full-time bird watcher.
What I love about my pup: She’s a fox red (yellow) lab so she is already always in Bucky Badger wear! She represents the spirit of our city: kind, smart, helpful, loyal , and always up for new things and a challenge.
Favorite Madison place to visit: Anywhere there is a bike path!
If Gracie and Mozelle had jobs, they would be: Bike path supervisor and professional smile thief.
What we love about our pups: Our dogs are obsessed with riding bikes with us. We recently relocated here from North Carolina, and one of the main things that attracted us to Madison was the outdoor life and the bike paths. Gracie and Mozelle capture the hearts of all who see them out — and most importantly — they always make people smile.
Gracie & Mozelle
Breeds: Yorkie mix (Mozelle) and Shih Tzu poodle mix (Gracie)
Family: Crystal Simmons and Christine Tozier
Grizzy
Breed: Brussels Griffon and Chihuahua mix
Family: Meghan Dinkle
Favorite Madison places to visit: Grizzy likes long walks, sniffing every tree and saying hello to all of our neighbors. He also enjoys dog-friendly places like The Boneyard and the Olbrich Biergarten.
If Grizzy had a job, it would be: Small dog ambassador! Weighing in at 5 ½ pounds, Grizzy’s friendly demeanor and personality can turn any small-dog hater into a small-dog fan.
What I love about my pup: Grizzy is a beautiful boy and has a lovely heart. He is a rescue dog from down South through Fetch Wisconsin Rescue. After coming to Wisconsin several years ago and making it his home, Grizzy brightens the day of everyone he meets and embodies the neighborly feel of Madison.
Breed: Great Dane
Family: Kendall Meuwissen
Favorite Madison places to visit: Lily loves any open field, dog park (Warner Park, Capital Springs, Quann, Prairie Moraine), beach or space where she can run. She also loves going to State Line Distillery and Bark in the Park events.
If Lily had a job, it would be: The Queen of Madison. She knows she is cute and pretty, and uses it to get her way. She would also moonlight as a paper shredder, as that is one of her other favorite hobbies.
What I love about my pup: She loves Madison and enjoys the chance to bring awareness to the Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue, as she’s a rescue from that organization.
Mac, Millie and Moose
Favorite Madison places to visit: Dairy Ridge Dog Run, but they really are happy anywhere outside.
If Mac, Millie and Moose had jobs, they would be: Mac: Director of drool and chaos — he’s missing
part of his tongue, but not missing any enthusiasm. He approaches life (and snacks) with reckless optimism.
Millie: Homecoming queen — a golden-girl teenager who still expects admiration, snacks and VIP treatment at all times.
Moose: Chief vibes officer — he’s fully blind, but navigating life better than most of us, running on confidence, memory and pure main-character energy.
What we love about our pups: Together they’re a perfectly chaotic,
heart-melting trio: One is missing part of his tongue, one is living her best golden-age diva life and one is proving every day that being blind doesn’t slow you down — it just makes you cooler. They’re all funny, deeply loving and full of personality.
Breeds: Golden retriever, cattle dog and border collie mix (Mac), golden retriever (Millie) and beagle mix (Moose)
Family: Jamie and Ryan Ziegler
Punky
Favorite Madison places to visit: Hilldale Shopping Center, our large yard and having dog play time with our neighbor dogs.
If Punky had a job, it would be: Circus performer — he can jump through a hoop!
What we love about our pup: Strangers often stop to marvel at how cute and fox-like he is. He loves to jump and leap, and is very friendly to dogs and humans.
Breed: Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound and other mixes
Family: Gina Chirichella
Tupelo Honey, Opal and Paisley
Breeds: English setter (Tupelo Honey), beagle/terrier mix (Opal) and Dalmatian (Paisley)
Families: Mary Beth Larson, Lauren Severson and Stephanie Kempf
Favorite Madison places to visit: Reading with kids at the City Dog Vet clinic the second Saturday of each month as Guardian Whiskers Book Buddies! This group (along with 16 other dogs) lends their
ears to kids practicing reading. The Book Buddies also visit Goodman Community Center, Bayview Foundation, Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center
and many other places throughout the year.
If Tupelo Honey, Opal and Paisley had jobs, they would be: Each dog has a title — certified therapy dog — and they love their jobs.
What we love about our pups: The Book Buddies make reading fun for kids. They help kids improve their reading skills and become lifelong readers.
Girlfriend Getaways
BY KATIE VAUGHN
We all want to have more fun with our friends, but life is busy and summer weekends fill up fast. But, you don't have to go far to have fun — here are five nearby destinations along with fabulous places to eat, drink, play and stay. Now, choose your vibe, round up your crew and make the girls trip happen!
STROLL: Take in the beauty of waterfront homes and gardens from the Geneva Lake Shore Path. For an easy, paved portion of the almost 21.9-mile trail, start at the Lake Geneva Public Library and loop out and back.
SHOP: Head to Geneva and Main streets in downtown Lake Geneva for cute clothes at JAYNE and Pink Moon Bay boutiques, and check out Salt + Kai, Brick & Mortar, Cornerstone Shop & Gallery, Marigold and Queen Bee Artisan Market for décor, accessories, gifts and more.
SEE: Glide across Geneva Lake along with mail jumpers — daring
postal carriers who leap from the boat to deliver mail to 75 lakeshore residents. On Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s US Mailboat Tour, the captain and crew also share stories of the lake’s famous and historic estates.
EAT: Overlooking Geneva Lake, Oakfire Pizza serves up Neapolitan pizzas and other Italian treats in a warm yet bustling setting. Bonus: the second-floor patio overlooks Geneva Lake.
SIP: Duck into the underground Speakeasy Bar at the historic Maxwell Mansion (but first check the hotel’s Facebook page for the secret password
Lake
to gain entry). Ready for another round? Visit the classy indoor Apothecary Bar or outdoor Terrace Lounge & Tiki Bar also on the property.
STAY: For a true getaway feel, check into the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, where you can dip in a pool, golf, lounge by a firepit, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply unwind in your luxurious room or suite.
EXTRA: Enjoy sun, surf and sand at Riviera Beach, a 600-foot stretch of Geneva Lake shoreline just steps from downtown. Swim out to the two piers for a full view of the public beach.
Lakeshore Luxe
Oakfire Pizza
Geneva
Geneva Lake Shore Path
Lake Geneva Cruise Line
Downtown Lake Geneva Salt + Kai
Riviera Beach
Downtown Diversions
Milwaukee
Historic Third Ward Lakefront Brewery
Milwaukee Pulblic Market
Lakeshore State Park
STROLL: Get up close to Lake Michigan at Lakeshore State Park, a 22-acre urban park where you can wander through prairie grasses along a paved 1.7-milelong trail.
SHOP: Explore the Historic Third Ward, popping into clothing boutiques, jewelers, art galleries and indie shops like Broadway Paper. And pick up a foodie souvenir like cheese, sausage, candy or wine at the Milwaukee Public Market
SEE: A masterpiece in its own right, the eyecatching Milwaukee Art Museum holds more than 34,000 artworks ranging from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman works to folk art to conceptual and minimalist pieces. On display through October is a special exhibition highlighting the Wisconsin Magic Realists.
EAT: Taste your way through the flavors of Brazil, Venezuela, Japan, Mexico, Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean and beyond at the 3rd Street Market Hall,
home to more than 20 food vendors. The buzzy vibe and endless food choices make a fun hangout spot day or night.
SIP: Drink in creative cocktails and views of the city from The Out sider, a sleek indooroutdoor rooftop lounge set on the ninth floor of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
STAY: Settle into the hip Kinn Guesthouse Downtown Milwaukee a 31-room boutique ho tel. Relax in the comfy, high-ceilinged guest rooms, or gather in the beautiful communal kitchen, dining and lounge areas. (P.S.: The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City stayed here during a girls’ getaway trip!)
EXTRA: Don’t leave Milwaukee without tapping into the city’s rich beer-brewing history. Lakefront Brewery’s tour is considered one of the best, offering a peek into the brewing process and a handful of pours. If you’re there on a Friday night, snag a fish fry here, too.
The Outsider
3rd Street Market Hall
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2026 WINNER WINNER 2026 WINNER
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The Tucci Team Realty Executives Cooper Spransy
Congratulations to Holly Hassenzahl , our 2026 Madison Go Red for Women Woman of Impact Winner!
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Relaxing Retreat Kohler
STROLL: Just 15 minutes southeast of the village of Kohler, you’ll find KohlerAndrae State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Choose the 2-mile Dunes Cordwalk Trail, which takes you over and through giant sand dunes on a path of wood planks. Take in dazzling views of the lake — and maybe even swim in the cool water.
SHOP: Pop over to The Shops at Woodlake in Kohler for home- and designfocused items, plus art, gifts and chocolates.
SEE: Home design enthusiasts will love a visit to the Kohler Design Center . Immerse yourself in the latest trends and technology in this 36,000-square-foot space featuring vignettes and displays of bathrooms, kitchens and Kohler fixtures. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is another
fun stop — this free art museum showcases self-taught and contemporary artists’ works.
EAT: Treat yourself to a fine-dining journey at The Immigrant Restaurant, the award-winning signature eatery at the historic The American Club hotel. The elegant restaurant’s six rooms — and many of the dishes on its five-course tasting menu — pay homage to Wisconsin’s early French,
German, English, Dutch, Danish and Norman settlers.
SIP: Linger over coffees at The Greenhouse , an antique solarium brought from England and reassembled on the grounds of The American Club. Colorful stainedglass windows create a magical, storybook setting.
STAY: When you stay at the Carriage House, featuring
tranquil adults-only accommodations atop Kohler Waters Spa, you can stay in your robes as you travel between your rooms and Wisconsin’s only five-star spa, which specializes in water treatments.
EXTRA: Golfers won’t want to miss the chance to play one of Kohler’s iconic courses, especially the windswept Whistling Straits, where several PGA championships have been held.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
The Shops at Woodlake
Kohler Design Center
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Urban Energy Chicago
STROLL: Feel the heartbeat of the city on the Chicago Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile path that hugs the south bank of the Chicago River, from Lake Street to Lake Michigan, providing views of the water and the soaring skyscrapers surrounding it.
SHOP: Shopping doesn’t get much better than on the
Magnificent Mile, the 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue bursting with high-end and bigname retailers.
SEE: One of the most venerable art institutions in the country, The Art Institute of Chicago houses nearly 300,000 works of art from antiquity to present day. You could spend weeks exploring the galler-
ies, but perhaps start with one of its stars: A work by Monet, Seurat, O’Keeffe, Cassatt, Wood, Renoir or Picasso.
EAT: Drawing culinary and design inspiration from the Mediterranean, Morocco, Italy and Mexico, Beatnik on the River is a feast in all senses. Tuck into a cozy banquette beneath flowers and
lanterns and overlooking the water.
SIP: Savor views of Millennium Park and lush cocktails at Cindy’s Rooftop, a glass atrium lounge and rooftop terrace on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel.
STAY: With floorto-ceiling windows looking out on Lake Michigan and the city,
Loews Chicago Hotel makes for a stunning home base, just north of the Chicago River in the lively Streeterville neighborhood.
EXTRA: Learn about the city’s striking skyline on the Chicago Architecture Center’s river cruise The 90-minute boat tour glides you through the city and its fascinating architectural history.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Art Institute of Chicago
Coastal Cool Door County
STROLL: For a challenging yet beautiful hike, tackle the 2-mile Eagle Trail loop at Peninsula State Park, the thirdlargest state park in Wisconsin. Afterward, reward yourself with panoramic views from the top of Eagle Tower, set more than 250 feet above Green Bay.
SHOP: The charming towns of Fish Creek, Ephraim and Sister Bay brim with unique shops for art, décor, food, apparel,
gifts and more, and all of these downtowns are walkable.
SEE: Catch a show by Fish Creek’s Peninsula Players Theatre, the oldest professional resident summer theater in the country. Actors perform under an all-weather pavilion, set within 16 acres of woods on the shore of Green Bay.
EAT: Grab breakfast at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik and try its
famous Swedish pancakes with lingonberries. For happy hour, its adjacent Stabbur outdoor area has drinks, food, yard games and a leisurely vibe. (Also: The goats on the roof of Al Johnson’s are not to be missed!) A fish boil is a longstanding Door County tradition, and the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim cooks up one of the most revered. Watch staff boil local whitefish, potatoes and onions
outside over a roaring fire before digging into the meal.
SIP: For a taste of wine country in Wisconsin, head to Stone’s Throw Winery in Baileys Harbor to sample wines made locally from California grapes. Take your favorite pour and settle in at an outdoor seat or play a game of bocce.
STAY: The Dörr Hotel in Sister Bay nails the Scandinavian
aesthetic of moderncozy in its rooms and lobby lounge. Opened in 2021, the hotel honors Door County’s Danish, Swedish and Norwegian heritage.
EXTRA: Explore caves, bluffs or even shipwrecks along the Door County c astline on a kayak tour through Lakeshore Adventures.
Katie Vaughn is a Madison-based writer and artist.
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik
Sister Bay Beach
Old Post Office fish boil
Sister Bay
The Dörr Hotel
Frolic in flower fields, eat at fabulous new restaurants, enjoy the outdoors and get your game on as you make the most of the season.
BY KATIE VAUGHN AND KEVIN REVOLINSKI
Ice Cream Dreams
Stella Buckley’s career journey has ranged from science to sweet treats.
In 2021, Stella Buckley found herself with a newly minted environmental science degree — but COVID was in full swing and jobs were scarce. Buckley moved to Madison for a biotech master’s program at UW-Madison, but she had doubts.
“I thought maybe I’ll do grad school and if I love it there, I’ll stay,” she says. At her professor’s suggestion, she paused her master’s program and took a job at Illumina as a scientist.
But at night, she’d go home and bake.
“It’s just been my thing that I’ve done when I’m stressed,” she explains.
Her then-boyfriend (now husband) got her a KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment. She started making small batches of ice cream, then brought in friends and family to try it.
“One thing led to another and it really just kind of blew up from there,” she says. Buckley, now 26, started selling ice cream across from the Dane County Farmers’ Market in 2024, and also as a pop-up at events to earn some money and to test whether her side hustle “could actually be a scalable business.”
And eventually, it was — she left her full-time job and opened Stellie’s Ice Cream (her father’s nickname for her) at 1815 E. Washington Avenue in June 2025.
Flavor Faves
Learning the food safety aspects of the business was the biggest learning curve, but flavor ideas were never a problem. House flavors are honey vanilla bean, strawberry swirl, dark chocolate,
“Then I would love to just focus on making delicious flavors in-house,” says Buckley. Kevin Revolinski
Stellie’s Ice Cream is available in 5-ounce single-serving containers of its six house flavors at all three Willy Street Co-op locations and at Hy-Vee in Fitchburg. It is also on the menus at The Old Fashioned, The Deliciouser and Breese Stevens Field.
Stella Buckley
TakeIt Outside
Arguably, summer is the best time of year in Madison, so why not spend an entire day out of doors? Start with an alfresco workout courtesy of Madison Outdoor Yoga, which offers free classes at rotating parks across the city. Afterward, fuel up at a coffee shop; Ancora Cafe + Bakery, Colectivo Coffee, Barriques
and Grace Coffee Co. serve up brews, breakfast and outdoor seating at spots throughout the Madison area.
Next, how about some shopping? Stroll charming Monroe Street, popping into Zip-Dang, Sunne Boutique, Good Day Shop, Hive of Madison, Mystery to Me, Calabash Gifts, Art Gecko, Orange Tree Imports and Artsy Fartsy. When
hunger hits, grab a wood-fired pizza and table on the back patio at Pizza Brutta, or a SoCal-inspired meal and spot on the spacious covered patio at Everly Time to stretch your legs! Just off Monroe Street, the UW Arboretum’s 1-mile Wingra Oak Savanna Loop is an easy hike that includes a boardwalk at Ho-Nee-Um Pond and views of Lake
Ancora Cafe + Bakery
Hive of Madison
Sunne Boutique
Artsy Fartsy
Wingra, while near the Visitor Center, the Little Curtis Loop, also 1 mile, reveals blooming plants and one of the world’s oldest restored prairies. Post-hike, relax with a cold drink on the shady back patio at Indie Coffee Roasters. When you’re ready for dinner, head to West Wash, where RED awaits with an expansive front patio and some of the city’s
best sushi. Continue your evening at State Line Distillery, enjoying delicious craft cocktails and mocktails and the buzzy energy of the Marquette neighborhood on your choice of two patios. Cap the night with some fun at Breese Stevens Field — soccer games, concerts, bodega nights and more are held outdoors all summer long!
— Katie Vaughn
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Business Forum events are open to members and non-members. All are invited! Mark your calendar and join us at one of our upcoming events!
JULY
SPECIAL EVENT: Networking Your Way: Introverts, Extroverts & Everyone in Between (7/21)
AUGUST
LUNCHEON (Virtual): Public Speaking Secrets Revealed (8/6)
SPECIAL EVENT: Networking event with MESBA at North of the Bayou (8/20)
SEPTEMBER
LUNCHEON: 6 Types of Working Genius (9/3)
JOIN TODAY
TBF is a diverse and dynamic group of women dedicated to expanding their meaningful connections and making a difference in others’ lives.
Breese Stevens Field
RED
Flower Power
If frolicking through fields of in-full-bloom flowers sounds like a magical summer experience, you can make it happen at two farms just outside of Madison.
Starting in late July, Eugster’s Farm Market in Stoughton hosts its annual Sunflower Days. For the ninth year, the family-run farm devotes more than 10 acres to over 500,000 sunflowers. Stroll among rolling fields of gold and pause to soak up views of the sunny blooms. Before you go, you can also explore a zinnia field and wildflower patches, and visit baby goats in their playpen, along with sheep, pigs, cats and other animals at the petting farm. East of Madison in Deerfield, Schuster’s Farm celebrates Blooms on the Farm all August long. Visitors can wander through fields of sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds and cosmos, and take wagon rides around the farm. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in August feature activities for all ages, refreshments, animal visits and evening live music, rounding out the seasonal festivities. Both farms offer you-cut flowers, plus plenty of colorful flower photo ops!
Katie Vaughn
Eugster's Farm Market
Beat the Heat
When you need a reprieve from the summer heat or a rainstorm’s brewing, there’s plenty of fun to find indoors around Madison, even with kids in tow. Spend a few hours lost in stories at your local library branch or favorite bookstore, or give bowling a try. (Check out kidsbowlfree.com for participating sites offering complimentary games for kids during the summer.) Catch a summer blockbuster at a movie theater or see what’s playing at the Madison Metropolitan School District Planetarium, an immersive multimedia theater with a domed ceiling.
Younger children love a day exploring and playing at the Madison Children’s Museum. Meanwhile, a treat for school-aged kids is a visit to the UW Geology Museum, where they can spy meteorites, fossils and dinosaur and mastodon skeletons, and the L.R. Ingersoll Wonders of Physics Museum to tinker with educational displays and exhibits; find both museums on the UW–Madison campus.
Gamers have lots of options: Choose a video game and play to your heart’s content at PCs or console stations at Isthmian Gaming Lounge or The Guild . Or kick it old school with classic
arcade games and pinball at Aftershock Classic Arcade , NerdHaven Arcade , Geeks Mania Arcade , The Kickback or I/O Arcade Bar (open for all ages on weekends only, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.).
And while weather keeps you off the courses, get your golf fix with an indoor simulator. Tee off at a state-ofthe-art golf bay at X-Golf Madison , the Fairway Lounge in Fitchburg or The Bogey Factory in Verona. Or head to Vitense Golfland to hit a bucket from a covered golf suite or play a round of mini golf on the Madison-themed indoor course.
Katie Vaughn
Madison Children's Museum
I/O Arcade Bar
Aftershock Classic Arcade
Aftershock Classic Arcade
Aftershock Classic Arcade
Support makes all the difference when cancer enters your life.
Gilda’s Club Wisconsin provides emotional support, education, and community for children and adults impacted by cancer. Through free in-person and virtual programs statewide, we ensure no one faces cancer alone.
Join us October 4 to help bring hope, connection, and support to those navigating cancer.
Community is Stronger than Cancer
GILDA’S RUN/WALK
(Self-Timed 5K Run or 2 Mile Walk)
Sunday, Oct 4, 2026
Gilda’s Clubhouse in Middleton Register, sponsor, or form a team today at GildasRunWalk.com
Train with our free Couch to 5K program and compete for exciting top fundraiser prizes. Enjoy fun event gear, Ruth’s Chris burgers, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, and family-friendly activities on race day.
Presenting Sponsors
Sky-High Sips
For a peak summertime pairing, combine one of the city’s rooftop bars with a delicious cocktail inspired by the setting. At Lake Vista Café, sit alongside the beautiful rooftop gardens at the Monona Terrace, and watch the sun lowering over Lake Monona while sipping on a Vista Sunset, made with tequila and pineapple and cranberry juices. For a dose of nostalgia, head to Camp Trippalindee on the seventh floor of the Graduate hotel on Langdon Street. Inspired by 1980s camp movies, the rooftop bar brings old-school summer vibes along with views of downtown Madison. Ask for Bug Juice, one of the bar’s boozy Capris featuring rum, coconut, blue curaçao, and pineapple and lime juices. At The Perch at Mint Mark — a newcomer to the rooftop bar scene — the sixth-floor
tiki-style lounge pairs perfectly with the Mint Mark Sangrita, with tequila, yellow bell pepper, mango, housemade ginger syrup, citrus and chili. Nearby on the eighth floor of the Moxy Hotel, Ático Lounge boasts a fun pink interior plus un-toppable views of the East Wash area. Color coordinate with the Bubblegum Hop, made with Hubba Bubba-infused rum, yellow chartreuse and lemon and lime juices, and topped with a spray of absinthe and a blown bubble of gum. And at the glamorous Eno Vino Downtown , on the 10th floor of the AC Hotel, ordering Always Overdressed — a combination of vodka, St. Germain, lavender, lemon and sparkling rosé — will never go out of style. The drink is almost as gorgeous as the bar’s Capitol and lake views.
—Katie Vaughn
Lake Vista Café
Ático Lounge
New Eats Along State Street
(and Nearby!)
Here are seven good reasons to head downtown.
Eloura
10 W. Mifflin Street
Eloura is a two-for-one eatery: On one side of the double-sided bar is a cafe; on the other is a dinner destination. Owned by the same proprietors as the ItalianIndian Zafferano Ristorante in Fitchburg, Eloura’s menu offers Mediterranean dishes and many have Asian twists. Try the chili crunch hummus, an Adana Kebab smashburger, muhammara and burrata, or even a Levant pork belly banh mi. For dessert, there’s black sesame tiramisu or pistachio baklava with miso almond.
Pink Heifer BBQ Saloon
567 State Street
This barbecue spot has plenty of seating — wrapped in Holstein-themed upholstery. Start with the popular carved brisket platter or choose a mac ’n cheese bowl — made with monterey jack and cheddar cheese, and topped with brisket, chicken or pork. The wagon rolls are handmade eggrolls filled with brisket and Wisconsin cheddar, and served with house barbecue sauce. All of Pink Heifer’s meats are smoked in the original Monticello location.
Pink
Flamingo Brunch Cafe
638 State Street
Weekends are busy at this second-floor hotspot. The menu offers brunch favorites, including pancakes, egg dishes, chilaquiles, bowls and even oysters. Try one of the Eggs Benedict options with beer cheese sauce, or crab cakes and broccoli. The Eggs En Purgatory dish features arrabbiata sauce and Fraboni’s Italian sausage.
Eloura Executive Chef Miguel Mora
Eloura
Little Sweet
313 State Street
The frosted cakes here — gorgeous, light and not overly sweet — are reason enough to stop in, but this Asian-inspired bakery also serves appetizers and entrees, including Cha Shao Pork (Chinese barbecue), roast duck and crispy garlic chicken, as well as boba tea and a milk tea service to pair along with your sweet treat.
Ellipse Coffee & Crepes
430 State Street
Crepes? Mais oui! Here you can order waffles or crepes that are folded into quarters and served on little cast-iron skillets, attractively drizzled with flavored syrups. Popular toppings include pistachio, Ferrero Rocher and strawberry cheesecake. Savory choices include the lox and halloumi and tomato crepes and monthly specials. Check out the milkshakes, flavored matchas and nonalcoholic mojitos. Ellipse is also open until 11 p.m. if you need a late-night coffee fix.
Ashirwad Indian Restaurant
128 State Street
State Street’s only dedicated Indian restaurant is managed by Mitra Poudel, who is also a business partner at The Globe, located nearby on N. Henry Street. Poudel is often taking orders and serving tables in the two dining rooms. Butter chicken, lamb masala and vegan tofu masala are big sellers. The chicken 65 is a spicy, garlicky South Indian appetizer, consisting of deep-fried chicken bites tossed in red chili, garlic and curry leaves. Service is on the mark, prices are reasonable and portions are ample.
Little Sweet
A Chinese couple do it all themselves at this fantastic counter joint straight out of the hutongs. The menu goes beyond a few Chinese-American items to street foods you may not find elsewhere. Try Rougamo, the “Chinese hamburger,” which is slow-cooked meat served in a flatbread bun, or jian bing guo zi, a bean flour crepe with crispy
strips, egg, scallions and sesame. Even better: The prices here are wallet-friendly.
Kevin Revolinski
Lacy Rd.
E. Cheryl Pkwy
The Agora
Fish Hatchery Rd.
North to Hwy 12/18
McKee Rd.[PD]
AN ACTION - PACKED SUMMER
From a Francophile fest to art fairs galore, hot temps bring cool events in July and August.
BY EMILIE HEIDEMANN
FÊTE DE MARQUETTE
July 9-12, McPike Park
The Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center presents Fête De Marquette, celebrating its 20 th year. This premier summer festival brings the energy of French culture, food, live music and community celebration to the city’s East Side. Rooted in the spirit of Bastille Day, Fête de Marquette celebrates the area’s history and diverse cultural influences, offering an eclectic mix of music alongside a bustling marketplace of local vendors and artisans . wil-mar.org
HARMONIES FOR HOPE
July 10, Orpheum Theater
Catch an intimate performance by Grammy Award-winning American singer and songwriter LeAnn Rimes as part of Harmonies for Hope, a night of music, dining and giving back put on by the International Hyperbarics Association, an organization that raises funds for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. madisonorpheum.com
“The Great Gatsby”
“THE GREAT GATSBY”
July 28-Aug. 2, Overture Center
Broadway extravaganza “The Great Gatsby,” based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, will grace the Overture Center’s stage in a new musical that depicts the unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage. Catch the production directed by Marc Bruni. overture.org
“TREVOR: THE MUSICAL”
Aug. 14-22, Overture Center
In this musical, set in 1981 America and based on the film that inspired the Trevor Project — a suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ youth — Trevor Nelson is busy navigating his teenage years in suburbia
while dreaming of a life in show business. When a cruel incident at school suddenly puts him in the wrong spotlight, Nelson must summon the courage to pave his own way. overture.org
WISCONSIN POTTERY ASSOCIATION ART POTTERY SHOW & SALE
Aug. 22, Alliant Energy Center
Buyers can expect more than 50 dealers at this annual event selling both vintage and contemporary ceramics including art pottery, dinnerware, stoneware, tile and figurines. Pottery styles range from art deco to midcentury modern and beyond. alliantenergycenter.com
Fête De Marquette
INDIE MUSIC VENUE HAPPENINGS
On July 25, New York City-based Kaki King graces the stage at The Bur Oak ( theburoakmadison. com ). Dubbed by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself,” King, a guitarist, has shared stages with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and has performed at the London Jazz Festival as well as Paris Les Femmes s’en Melent. At Gamma Ray Bar, Madeline Kelson , a Nashvillebased artist, showcases her musical knowledge of folk, country and Americana, challenging the boundaries of each genre as a queer musician ( gammaray.bar ). In 2018, Kelson released her solo debut, “Siren,” an introspective five-song EP. Renowned Madison vocalist Lynette Margulies comes to The North Street Cabaret on Aug. 22. She’s known for performing as a jazz vocalist with various instrumentalists, but incorporates elements from other genres like soul, R&B, gospel and folk (northstreetcabaret.com).
ART FAIR ON THE SQUARE
July 11-12, Capitol Square
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art presents its 68th annual Art Fair on the Square, one of the Midwest’s most popular celebrations of the arts, drawing nearly 200,000 visitors to downtown Madison. Visitors can enjoy music, entertainment and outdoor dining, as well as over 400 artists’ paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, handmade clothing, accessories and fine crafts. mmoca.org
ARTSY HAPPENINGS
“Of Clowns and Artistic Depth”
July 10-31, Carnelian Art Gallery
Madison artist Douglas Hyslop’s solo show showcases an imaginary world of clowns and circus folk in this month-long exhibition carnelianart.com
Art Fair Off the Square
July 11-12, between the Capitol and Monona Terrace
This two-day fine art fair is a showcase for 110-plus Wisconsin-based artists and craftspeople, and features ceramics, art glass, painting, fiber, sculpture, jewelry, graphics, paper-making, photography and more. artcraftwi.org
“Project Projection Summer 2026: Local Film and Video”
July 29, Arts + Literature Laboratory
Check out an evening of experimental films, short documentaries, music videos, and animation produced by filmmakers who reside in Madison and Dane County. artlitlab.org
“Artists’
Reception:
Wence Martinez & Roberto Torres Mata”
Aug. 13, James Watrous Gallery
Celebrate the opening of Martinez’s and Mata’s solo exhibitions, ”In Motion” and “Rooted,” which will be on view through Oct. 11. wisconsincademy.org
Kaki King
Art Fair on the Square
FESTIVAL FUN
Pickle Palooza Food and Drink Festival
July 18, Breese Stevens Field
Calling all pickle lovers! This national food festival makes a stop in Madison. Enjoy delicious food and drink for purchase, live entertainment, and all sorts of unique activities like mechanical pickle riding and pickle-eating contests. picklepaloozafoodanddrinkfest.com/ madison-entertainment
Mount Horeb Art Fair
July 18-19, Main Street Mount Horeb
Check out this art fair that takes place on Mount Horeb’s Trollway, the city’s historic main street. The fair highlights fine artists and crafters from around the Midwest. mounthorebchamber. com/events/artfair
The Bodega at Breese Stevens Field
Africa Fest
July 24 & Aug. 20, Breese Stevens Field
Browse over 90 local vendors and artisans, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and yard games, and purchase food and drink at this unique night market. breesestevensfield.com/ upcoming-events
Aug. 15-16, McPike Park
Hosted by the African Association of Madison, this gathering celebrates African traditions and cultural heritage. tinyurl.com/africafest
Fitchburg Agora Art Fair
Aug. 15, Fitchburg Agora Building
Surround yourself with art from over 100 local and regional artists who work in every medium amid the unique architecture of the agora and the natural prairie landscape of southern Wisconsin. agoraartfair.com
Emilie Heidemann is a professional storyteller and gallerist in Madison.
The Bodega
