The Capitol, the Arboretum, the lakes, the Badgers - these and other major attractions help make Madison one of the country's best places to live. But our smaller attractions help, too. Here, Isthmus writers fan out into their neighborhoods to find some of the lesser-known treasures - the restaurants, parks, shops, public art, historical sites, vistas and oddities you might not know about unless you live nearby.
Contributors: Michana Buchman, Kenneth Burns, Linda Falkenstein, Bill Lueders, David Medaris, David Michael Miller, Dean Robbins and Joe Tarr.
West
Chris Farley's mausoleum, an all-ages open mic, mini-Trevi, live mariachi music and a bird-watching paradise.
East
Georgia O'Keeffe's childhood home, a couple diners, St. Vinnie's exceptional book selection and a Lake Monona footpath.
Downtown/Campus
Fighting Bob's house, improv comedy, a house made out of a castle, architectural imperfections and a hidden mural.
North
An honest-to-goodness charcuterie, plenty of great views, Governor's Island and a rockin' clock shop.
South
Church supplies, under-the-radar ethnic food, some marshy regions and an optical illusion populate Madison's south side.
