This Midwest Destination Has More Award-winning Cheese Than France or Italy—Here’s How to Visit Its Capital Like a Cheese Expert

Madison, Wisconsin, It has many positive aspects. The downtown sits on a narrow isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona—earning it its “Lake, City, Lake” nickname—and has abundant opportunities for hiking, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventure. Madison’s real star is its dynamic local food sceneWisconsin’s cheese scene is a standout: the state has over 800 cheesemakers. Wisconsin’s cheese scene is a standout: there are 800 cheesemakers in Wisconsin won more awards The World Championship Cheese Competition is the only event where the United States has won more medals than any other country or state in the world.

Ken Monteleone who owns a cut-order cheese shop in Madison and has lived there for 30 years says that Wisconsin’s history of cheese making dates back to 185 years, before the state was even a thing. Fromagination. Travel + Leisure. “We have cheesemakers of the fourth generation. They are fourth generation cheese makers. Their families immigrated from Switzerland.

Monteleone said that the Wisconsin cheese tradition was deeply rooted in his city. His knowledge of Wisconsin cheeses is comparable to a comprehensive encyclopedia.

Madison isn’t just about the cheese. Chef Tory Miller—the talent behind L’Etoile The following are some examples of how to get started: Graze—builds his menus around local ingredients sourced directly from the Madison Farmers’ Market. Miller, a James Beard Award-winning chef and winner of the “Iron Chef Showdown,” (after beating Bobby Flay), grew up in Racine Wisconsin where he worked in his parents diner. After training in New York he had no intention of settling in Madison but returned to his hometown and was immediately captivated by its famous market. “Every Saturday was like, incredible.” “I met so many amazing farmers and producers,” said he.

Local pride in the local ingredients and their production is transforming the city into an exciting culinary scene. Miller said that Madison has become a popular destination for chefs who either grew-up here and moved elsewhere, or heard about Madison. There’s a great influx of young culinary talent.

What should you prioritise on your next trip? Miller and Monteleone give their recommendations.

Madison, Wisconsin – Things to Do

• Visit the Saturday Farmers’ Market Chef Miller insists that “if you come here, then you have to visit the Saturday farmers’ market.” Monteleone says that the Dane County Farmers’ Market is a must-visit for those who love farm-fresh foods. It’s held between April and November.
• Explore the Shorelines Monteleone suggests that you enjoy Madison’s natural beauty by renting a canoe or bike, going on a picnic or simply wandering along the shoreline. “Really enjoy the outdoors. Especially if the weather is conducive,” Monteleone told T+L.
• Lake Menona Bike Trail Miller is a fan of the biking scene in Madison, and recommends renting a e-bike. He calls the trail that circles Lake Menona “incredible.”
• James Beard Award-Winning Restaurants Monteleone said to T+L that “the food scene has really expanded in Madison. We have a number of local owned shops and restaurant, and many of our dining areas have received James Beard awards or have been nominated.”
• Visit the New Glarus Brewery Miller says that New Glarus is near Madison, and its downtown is incredible. Miller says, “I am always talking about beer and cheese.” The Bourbon Trail is in Kentucky and it takes them to many distilleries. “Here, you can book both brewery tours and a cheese tour.”
• Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin Preservation Miller describes the Spring Green Frank Lloyd Wright Museum drive as scenic. Miller says there is amazing food that people aren’t aware of because the town is so small. But there are some young people who make really good local sorbets or ice creams.
• Explore Other Neighborhoods Monteleone lives in the east side Madison. He said it has a bohemian atmosphere. “It has a completely different feel than Capitol Square or West Side of Madison.” You can get a taste of the different communities by visiting some of Madison’s distinct neighborhoods.
• View the “Driftless Area: The Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin is known for its rugged, hilly landscape—a result of being untouched by the last glacier that covered most of the state. The soil in this region is richer than elsewhere because it does not have the sedimentary “drift” of glaciers. Miller claims that about 80 percent Madison’s food is produced in this region. He calls it “so beautiful and vibrant” and a place to visit.