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Tommy Washbush
Witty Iowa retailer Raygun opens on State Street
Raygun made its Wisconsin brick and mortar debut with a shop at 670 State St., in the former Paul’s Book Store space. The brand thrives on decidedly hyperlocal references.
Courtney Terry
Sauna studios gain steam in Madison area
Sweating in a sauna — a centuries-old tradition — is surging in popularity as a modern-day solution for combating stress and promoting healing. Two new saunas in the Madison area, Saunaday and Tuli Sauna & Plunge, are part of a growing trend.
Aug 25, 2025
Laura McReynolds
Lavender farms thrive near Madison, and midsummer’s the best time to visit
Visiting a lavender farm means vibrant color, soothing aromas, scenic beauty and maybe even a lavender latte.
Jun 5, 2025
Tommy Washbush
The Bounty is like an art museum where all the items are for sale
Shopping is fun again at South Park Street vintage shop The Bounty.
Apr 10, 2025
Courtesy Thorogood.
Thorogood boots are made in Wisconsin — in a union shop
We want our boots to be rugged, ankle-supporting and water proof, but also comfortable in fending off the fierce polar vortex.
Feb 4, 2025
Darren Bush
Under the speed limit
On an interstate we go faster, but at a price. I think it’s a high one. Slow down and soak in Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads.
Oct 9, 2024
Mitchell Volk
Snooze the day away
Take a vacation that rewards you with a good night’s sleep. You don’t have to travel far.
Jun 8, 2024
Courtesy Raccoon Society
Making money from funny
Business owner Tim Sanders says The Raccoon Society is “a comedy troupe on paper. You’ll never see us; the only way to get us is through paper.”
Dec 13, 2023
4:00 PM
Steven Potter
Great Plains Paleontology sells — and reveres — dinosaur fossils
What does a commercial paleontologist do? Everything from finding fossils to running a gallery shop.
Dec 9, 2023
8:00 AM
Hanna Ritvo
Middleton’s Tosh Washington runs one of the few remaining shoeshine businesses
Washington’s workshop in Middleton is homey. From cherry red to dark burgundy to silky suede, there are shoes on almost every surface.
Oct 30, 2023
3:30 PM
Steven Potter
Sig’s Treasure Chest and Meep Meepleton’s World of Fun specialize in toys from the ’80s and ’90s
Collectible toys from the ’80s and ’90s can stuff a kid’s stocking — or mom and dad’s — from Sig’s Treasure Chest or Meep Meepletons.
Dec 6, 2022
8:00 AM
Linda Falkenstein
Sunset Yarn and Fiddlesticks Knits fill Madison’s yarn void
Madison lost its two remaining local yarn stores — the Knitting Tree and Wisconsin Craft Mart — before the pandemic. Sunset Yarn and Fiddlesticks have filled the void.
Jan 8, 2022
8:00 AM
Ellie Nowakowski
Sentimental journey
Not just old and in the way! Mitch Hammes focuses on selling quality vintage gear with a sense of nostalgia at Singlestitch.
Sep 7, 2021
4:00 PM
