Madison, WI/Chicago trip report –PART 1
Oct 14th, 2008, 10:38 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Madison, WI/Chicago trip report –PART 1
Here is the Madison leg of our tour, posted on the Wisconsin forum. I’ll continue with Chicago in a part 2, posted on the Illinois forum.
BACKGROUND ON US: We’re a Brooklyn, NYC mom-daughter team, me 47 years old and she, a 16-year-old junior. We went to Madison, WI/Chicago for a 5-night trip to check out 2 schools – Univ. of Wisconsin @ Madison and Univ of Chicago. Neither of us had been to the Midwest before! On Wed. night, Oct. 8, we flew into Chicago, picked up a rental car from O’Hare and headed straight to Wisconsin.
ON THE ROAD: Had a really easy, breezy 2.5 hour trip to Madison with good directions from MapQuest. Thanks to Fodorites, we were armed with advice on where to eat along the way if we couldn’t wait to Madison. And, we couldn’t, so we diligently looked out for Fodorite-recommended Culver’s, good, regional fast food. Didn’t see any in Illinois, and finally, needing a break and hungry we asked the toll booth attendant near the Wisconsin border where we could find one. The woman actually called someone to get a good location for us near the highway. And none of the cars behind us beeped. These jaded New Yorkers were impressed! 15 minutes later, we were happily “Culverized” with a delish meal of banana milkshake, fried Norwegian cod, chicken tenders and fries. Mmmm mmm. Back on the road, as we entered Wisconsin, we saw a million Culver’s!
BEST WESTERN INNTOWNER IN MADISON: We chose this hotel because it seemed close to the campus and we had BW points to spend. Fodorites were correct in pointing out it wasn’t too close to the main campus, after all, but with the rental car, we were fine. It was a short 7 min car ride to main campus and all the Madison happenings. The hotel staff was very kind and accommodating, and the room was clean and comfortable. Nice pool, too, though we never got around to using it. Warning: Very expensive ‘convenience’ store food in the lobby.
DRIVING IN MADISON: There was a free shuttle from the hotel to campus that we almost took because the clerk warned us about parking near campus. My husband intervened on the phone that night: “Honey, you’re a New Yorker and you find street parking in Manhattan, you’ll be fine.” And, he was right! Metered parking literally in front of the place the campus tour started. And, while the streets were a little diagonally confusing near State Street, with a good map, a good sense of humor, some patience (and A LOT of change for the meters), we were glad to have the car. It served as headquarters for our coats (by midday it was very warm) and our purchases (a terrific Goodwill and used bookstore on State Street!) so we didn’t have to schlep stuff around. Those not comfortable with city driving, keep in mind that we are, but really in Madison it’s city driving at its tamest.
UW@MADISON: A great school with excellent academics and a plethora of study opportunities. Architecturally, sort of a mishmash and not that much remarkable, but the campus take advantage of its beautiful location – an isthmus between two lovely lakes. The union has a terraced eating area right on the lake and many dorms are strung along lovely green areas by the lake. Very fresh-faced, Midwestern feel to the kids (not that much diversity, really, coming from NYC) with a lefty, hippy edge (which we like!). Kids seem really happy there and have tremendous school spirit (esp when it comes to their sports teams). All in all, not sure if it’s a perfect fit for my NYC bi-cultural kid, but I’d be surprised if she doesn’t end up applying there and I’d be surprised that should she go there, she wouldn’t have a very happy 4 years.
MADISON EATS: The Curve, a greasy spoon for breakfast recommended by the young hotel clerk that was cheap and good and full of Midwestern atmosphere. My goodness, they grow them big and strong in the Midwest. We felt like we were in the land of giants! And patriotic, too. They served “American” fries. Without a hint of irony, as my daughter pointed out.
Babcock ice cream at the Univeristy’s union. Mmmmm good. Wisconsin does dairy products like it’s nobody’s business and this hyper-creamy, custardy ice cream made by the Ag school on campus didn’t disappoint. We had it after a typical student lunch at the Union (which we always do on campus tours, btw!).
Cheese curds. Who knew they were so yummy? And so squeaky!?
The Parthenon on State Street, a Greek fast food joint with excellent cheap eats.
Lots of cafes and such along State Street (which was a ton of fun) for coffees and teas.
On to Chicago! I’ll post that in a part 2 so it doesn’t get too burdensome! I’ll post that part on the Chicago forum.
BACKGROUND ON US: We’re a Brooklyn, NYC mom-daughter team, me 47 years old and she, a 16-year-old junior. We went to Madison, WI/Chicago for a 5-night trip to check out 2 schools – Univ. of Wisconsin @ Madison and Univ of Chicago. Neither of us had been to the Midwest before! On Wed. night, Oct. 8, we flew into Chicago, picked up a rental car from O’Hare and headed straight to Wisconsin.
ON THE ROAD: Had a really easy, breezy 2.5 hour trip to Madison with good directions from MapQuest. Thanks to Fodorites, we were armed with advice on where to eat along the way if we couldn’t wait to Madison. And, we couldn’t, so we diligently looked out for Fodorite-recommended Culver’s, good, regional fast food. Didn’t see any in Illinois, and finally, needing a break and hungry we asked the toll booth attendant near the Wisconsin border where we could find one. The woman actually called someone to get a good location for us near the highway. And none of the cars behind us beeped. These jaded New Yorkers were impressed! 15 minutes later, we were happily “Culverized” with a delish meal of banana milkshake, fried Norwegian cod, chicken tenders and fries. Mmmm mmm. Back on the road, as we entered Wisconsin, we saw a million Culver’s!
BEST WESTERN INNTOWNER IN MADISON: We chose this hotel because it seemed close to the campus and we had BW points to spend. Fodorites were correct in pointing out it wasn’t too close to the main campus, after all, but with the rental car, we were fine. It was a short 7 min car ride to main campus and all the Madison happenings. The hotel staff was very kind and accommodating, and the room was clean and comfortable. Nice pool, too, though we never got around to using it. Warning: Very expensive ‘convenience’ store food in the lobby.
DRIVING IN MADISON: There was a free shuttle from the hotel to campus that we almost took because the clerk warned us about parking near campus. My husband intervened on the phone that night: “Honey, you’re a New Yorker and you find street parking in Manhattan, you’ll be fine.” And, he was right! Metered parking literally in front of the place the campus tour started. And, while the streets were a little diagonally confusing near State Street, with a good map, a good sense of humor, some patience (and A LOT of change for the meters), we were glad to have the car. It served as headquarters for our coats (by midday it was very warm) and our purchases (a terrific Goodwill and used bookstore on State Street!) so we didn’t have to schlep stuff around. Those not comfortable with city driving, keep in mind that we are, but really in Madison it’s city driving at its tamest.
UW@MADISON: A great school with excellent academics and a plethora of study opportunities. Architecturally, sort of a mishmash and not that much remarkable, but the campus take advantage of its beautiful location – an isthmus between two lovely lakes. The union has a terraced eating area right on the lake and many dorms are strung along lovely green areas by the lake. Very fresh-faced, Midwestern feel to the kids (not that much diversity, really, coming from NYC) with a lefty, hippy edge (which we like!). Kids seem really happy there and have tremendous school spirit (esp when it comes to their sports teams). All in all, not sure if it’s a perfect fit for my NYC bi-cultural kid, but I’d be surprised if she doesn’t end up applying there and I’d be surprised that should she go there, she wouldn’t have a very happy 4 years.
MADISON EATS: The Curve, a greasy spoon for breakfast recommended by the young hotel clerk that was cheap and good and full of Midwestern atmosphere. My goodness, they grow them big and strong in the Midwest. We felt like we were in the land of giants! And patriotic, too. They served “American” fries. Without a hint of irony, as my daughter pointed out.
Babcock ice cream at the Univeristy’s union. Mmmmm good. Wisconsin does dairy products like it’s nobody’s business and this hyper-creamy, custardy ice cream made by the Ag school on campus didn’t disappoint. We had it after a typical student lunch at the Union (which we always do on campus tours, btw!).
Cheese curds. Who knew they were so yummy? And so squeaky!?
The Parthenon on State Street, a Greek fast food joint with excellent cheap eats.
Lots of cafes and such along State Street (which was a ton of fun) for coffees and teas.
On to Chicago! I’ll post that in a part 2 so it doesn’t get too burdensome! I’ll post that part on the Chicago forum.
Oct 14th, 2008, 11:42 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds like you had a great time! I'm glad you got to enjoy squeaky cheese curds - the are a proud Wisconsin tradition. I loved your description of "Very fresh-faced, Midwestern feel to the kids...with a lefty, hippy edge." Pretty much describes me and most of my friends
Your restaurant choices are making me hungry!
Your restaurant choices are making me hungry!
Oct 23rd, 2008, 04:33 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I loved reading your review of Mad city. The Curve. My husband and I hit it once a summer on our way to the Farmers Mkt on the square. It is greasy but the best french toast around. we can only afford the calories once a yr. Rub elbows with construction workers, Junior Leaguers and sleepy eyed young couples every Saturday Morning. If there is a next time, try the Marigold that is just off the square. Fab food and "fun atmosphere" or the Brocagh pub on the square. The Parthenon is a fave too. We've been known to hit it before the Theatre when we're craving a little greek & garlic.
UW is a great school. Your daughter will be nurtured in the midwest fashion and given her wings if she attends here. Otherwise, stop back again.
UW is a great school. Your daughter will be nurtured in the midwest fashion and given her wings if she attends here. Otherwise, stop back again.
Oct 27th, 2008, 04:28 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, K. yours is the the kind of midwest friendliness we loved. Whether she ends up there or not, I'm sure we'll be back! At the least, I'm dying to check out the famed farmers' market. Our stay, alas, didn't keep us there over a Saturday, so we missed it this first time!
Oct 29th, 2008, 10:02 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for getting back to us. Very nice report!
I know I mentioned on one of your other threads that my son is a student at UW-Madison (we live in the western suburbs of Chicago). He's in his second year. I don't think I mentioned how much he loves it. He's leaning towards journalism in which UW-Madison is ranked third in the nation. And he's a huge sports freak. So it's a very good fit for him.
One word of warning should your daughter decide to apply and then end up there, out of state tuition is, in my mind, outrageous. And they give very little financial help. Our daughter went to Hampshire College in Massachusetts, which is a much more expensive school. However, because it's a private school, she got a lot of financial aide. So we're actually paying far more to send our son to a state school than we did to send her to a private school.
Of course, because Massachusetts is a lot farther away, it cost a lot more to get her back and forth. There are a lot of things to consider when you're making these decisions. And, frankly, I'm very glad to be done with it!
Good luck to you and your daughter!
Oh, one thing for future reference. There's only one US forum at Fodor's. Everything you post goes to the same place. You can tag it with a state, which means that anyone looking for that state can search for it more easily. But you can tag any post with more that one state. So there wasn't any need to post these separately.
I know I mentioned on one of your other threads that my son is a student at UW-Madison (we live in the western suburbs of Chicago). He's in his second year. I don't think I mentioned how much he loves it. He's leaning towards journalism in which UW-Madison is ranked third in the nation. And he's a huge sports freak. So it's a very good fit for him.
One word of warning should your daughter decide to apply and then end up there, out of state tuition is, in my mind, outrageous. And they give very little financial help. Our daughter went to Hampshire College in Massachusetts, which is a much more expensive school. However, because it's a private school, she got a lot of financial aide. So we're actually paying far more to send our son to a state school than we did to send her to a private school.
Of course, because Massachusetts is a lot farther away, it cost a lot more to get her back and forth. There are a lot of things to consider when you're making these decisions. And, frankly, I'm very glad to be done with it!
Good luck to you and your daughter!
Oh, one thing for future reference. There's only one US forum at Fodor's. Everything you post goes to the same place. You can tag it with a state, which means that anyone looking for that state can search for it more easily. But you can tag any post with more that one state. So there wasn't any need to post these separately.
Nov 10th, 2008, 01:03 PM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great thread. Thanks for posting. Good luck with the search, kflodin! I have a senior son. We have finished our visits and now moved on to the application stage.... exciting and stressful.
DS just submitted his UW application on Saturday. It is currently his first choice. I don't want to hijack this thread.... CAPH - if you and willing and interested, please email me as I'd love to hear further about your son's experiences, ask some questions, etc...
DS just submitted his UW application on Saturday. It is currently his first choice. I don't want to hijack this thread.... CAPH - if you and willing and interested, please email me as I'd love to hear further about your son's experiences, ask some questions, etc...
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bagsarepacked
United States
5
Sep 27th, 2006 12:43 PM
