Hi all -

I'll be in Madison the weekend before Christmas. What are the "hip" areas of town these days? My husband and I are looking for a fun area to stroll around and do a little window shopping, possibly some semi-high-end real shopping. Where are the galleries, kitchen shops, home decor, boutiques, etc.?

In the past, we have wandered along State Street, but I'm wondering if there is some other good walking-around area. I would prefer to avoid malls.

Thanks so much!!

Litespeed_Chick,

I'm a Madison native, but have not lived there for 17 years. I was waiting for someone with more current knowledge of the city to respond, but as far as I know State Street is the only walk-and-shop area in town. Hope you enjoy it, whatever you end up doing!

I know you said that you've been to State Street but there are 3 or 4 galleries if you include the New Overture Center Art Museum's gift shop/gallery. Next weekend there will be caroling in the Overture and a free trolley (noon to 4) from campus to the State Capital if you'd like to check out the beautiful Christmas tree in the capital rotunda.

There is also a nice, fairly new shopping area on the far west side of town called Greenway Station. Not as high end as they had intended, but I like the feel of the place. It is not enclosed and has some covered walkways, building murals, etc. that give it special charm.
http://www.greenwayshopping.com/about.asp

Should you change your mind and decide that you want something quaint, you might want to visit the Swiss community of New Glarus. It is about 30 Miles South of Madison. There are some cute shops and the New Glarus Hotel has a Swiss buffet on Sunday that our out of town guest always enjoy.

Oops. I forgot. There is one more area that I like and forgot to mention. Monroe Street has some fun shops along a 2-3 block area just to the west of Camp Randal Stadium and then more shops about 1 mile farther west. There is a kitchen and gift shop called Orange Tree Imports that is quite popular with the locals.

Whatever you find to do, I hope you have a great time!

I second Monroe Street.

Just to state the obvious: be sure to check out the Christmas tree in the Capitol (State Street runs into Capitol Square). The trees are always an impressive sight. Also, there are several good restaurants on the square, including L'Etoile and the Old-Fashioned.

Thanks all. I'll try to make use of all these suggestions. I'm pretty sure my in-laws are on the West side, so the Greenway station is of interest.

I have reservations at L'Etoile already!

You guys have any snow? Trips to Madison are the only time I get to see a white Christmas, and when we were last there in '03, there was none

Chances of snow are slim....but we always hold out hope for a white Christmas.

Definitely hit Monroe street. The area is just up from Camp Randall Football stadium. Lots of neat little shops a couple deco stores and a couple galleries and our 1st Trader Joes. Go further and hit Zanders, fab interior decorating. Also ask to go to Gratitudes near West High school/Regent street. Greenway station is pretty much DSW, Chicos, Sharper image etc and not too big. Drive into Middleton. Nice antique mall and if you are into funky contempo design there is an amazing place La Belle Vita ajacent to the Middleton Antiques mall. One of the best restaurants, Louisianne is next door and killer burgers at the Village Green. 2 nice botique clothes stores at Hilldale Teresa Zachs and Jan Bice as well as Macys and a couple other small places you'd like. Penzys spices nationally known is on University avenue across from Whole Foods/Bagels forever. There is another really cool decorator shop on that side of the street a block closer to Macy's/Hilldale...I'll try to think of the name of it. If you like Asian Decor, fabulous antique/new asian furniture, art etc at Lindens gallery only open fri sat and sunday behind Perkins and Midas muffler on University ave .
GOSH I HATE TO SHOP !!!!!

k : THANK YOU! I believe you have my number.

I know you've probably taken your trip to Madison already, but that interior decorating place is called Cole Decker and it is behindor to the left of Penzeys. Did you have a good time??

Thanks k.

We did have a good time. Enjoyed State Street very much, seems to be some newer things since I was there 3 years ago. Bought a great shirt at Citrine, very sweet nail polish at a boutique/spa, amazing grapefruit soap at Soap Opera.

We did Monroe as well, that was my first peak into a Trader Joe's, and I tried on a pair of jeans at some shop on Monroe that had the dubious honor of being the lowest cut pair I have ever had on. I guess it's the college girl influence...they must have to shave...and I can't imagine they sit down.

Madison was fogged in when we got to Chicago, so the freaking BUS RIDE to Mad seriously cut into my shopping time. But we had fun, and ate tons. L'Etoile, Cafe Soliel (I ate an almond croissant AND a pain au chocolat), Lao Laan Xang. And my husband's choices, Parthenon and Tony Frank's.

Thanks again!

How many blocks is the shopping area of State Street? I've only hit the first block closest to the Capitol. I never seem to be in Madison in weather I'd consider warm enough for city shopping.