Wow, that month flew by, didn’t it? June is staring us in the face and if you won’t be vacationing we’ve rounded up a couple of ways to have fun right here in Madison.

JUNE 4

Komen Madison Race for the Cure

Run or walk (5K) through the Bay Creek neighborhood and help raise money to fight breast cancer. After, celebrate the disease’s survivors with entertainment by Charizma and at the Kids for the Cure area. Everything gets underway at 8:20 a.m. at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center, Downtown. Get details online, here.

10th Annual Cars on State

The highly anticipated classic car show returns to Madison’s State Street for its 10th year and, as usual, admission is free. Drool over the more than 100 autos and trucks that will be…

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Buyer’s remorse – it can happen to anyone, especially when what you’re buying costs a whole lot of money. And, yes, it happens to homebuyers, more often than you may realize and especially during buyers’ markets when there are more homes for sale than buyers in the market. Psychologists even have a term for this: The paradox of choice. They say that when the number of choices available increases, so does the buyer’s stress level.

Think back to the last time you shopped for a car. Unless you knew exactly what car you wanted, you may have gone back and forth, weighing the pros and cons of different models. When you finally settled on one, did you have that little voice nagging you – “What if I’m making a mistake? Maybe I should’ve bought the…

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Officially known as the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood, “Wil-Mar” is one of our city’s more beloved and eccentric neighborhoods. It’s an area where quirky businesses thrive alongside vintage homes on tree-lined streets. It’s the neighborhood’s character, in fact, that placed it on the American Planning Association’s list of Great Neighborhoods of 2013.

Located on the Near East Side of Madison, you won’t find big box department stores or national fast-food outlets. What you will find is a neighborhood that has been carefully planned and nurtured over the course of the last 45 years and residents who work hard to maintain the vibe.

Wil-Mar Schools

Elementary School Attendance Area 20 serves the public school students in the Marquette…

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Naturally a city that is 160 years old will be steeped in history and Madison is no exception. From our grand old homes, worthy of their spots on the National Register of Historic Places to the iconic Wisconsin State Capitol building, take a look at just some of our gorgeous city’s historic sites.

Wisconsin State Capitol ― 2 E Main St.

It took 11 years to complete the construction of Wisconsin’s third Capitol building, located between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. It stands 284 feet in height and offers astounding views of Madison. Take a tour Monday through Saturday and be sure to check out the elaborate rotunda and the French walnut furnishings. You’re also invited to take an online virtual tour at wisconsin.gov.

Governor’s Mansion – 99…

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The purchase of an investment property brings a lot more to your plate than merely paying the mortgage and insurance payments. If you plan on renting out the home, you open yourself to a new set of problems, many of which are avoidable with common sense and knowledge. The following tips may seem basic, but it’s surprising how many landlords, especially new ones, neglect even the most basic tasks.

1. Know the laws

It is important that you learn Wisconsin’s laws regarding your rights and duties as well as tenant’s rights. You can find additional information here, here and here. Then, sit down with your attorney if you have any legal questions, questions about Fair Housing Laws or about your rental agreement.


2. Learn how to screen tenants

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Anyone who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s will recognize the vibe as they walk up to the door at Tornado in Madison. The classic signage, for starters, is a dead giveaway that you’re dining experience will be quintessentially old-school steak house. Inside, you’ll be proven right, with the dark wood and low lights so native to America’s supper club atmosphere. It’s the ideal Wisconsin eatery to channel your inner Don Draper.

What to Expect

We love Tornado’s wonderful menu that includes our favorite, the filet au poivre but also rack of lamb, venison, several seafood choices and a lovely appetizer menu (Coquilles St. Jacques!). All entrées, by the way, are served with your choice of soup or salad and potato or vegetable side.

Something we…

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There was a story in the news a couple of years ago about a woman from China who paid $6.5 million for an apartment in New York City -- for her daughter ― who was two-years old. No, the tot won’t be living in it now; it will be held until she grows up and attends an American university, according to Mom.

While the child from China won’t have to worry about struggling to pay for her first home, hundreds of thousands of American first-time homebuyers do. When parents are willing and able to help, should they?

Even if you don’t have millions to plunk down on a Madison crib for your grown child, let’s take a look at some of the ways you might give what you can.

Fostering Dependency

If you are worried about creating a financially dependent…

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It’s funny how when you live with something long enough you begin taking it for granted. I think our amazing lakes are one of those things. It’s not until we’re faced with a special occasion or we have out-of-town guests that we think about dinner-with-a-view, and that’s a shame. So, for your Mother’s Day weekend planning, we bring you a short list of some of Madison’s favorite waterfront eateries.

Sardine - 617 Williamson Street

The views of Lake Monona are only rivaled by what you’ll see when you open the menu at Sardine. Brunch here is yummy (try the Belgian waffle) and dinner is très French with an American spin. Make reservations by calling 441-1600, and view the menu online.

Waypoint Public House - 320 W Broadway

Lunch in Menona just…

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Container garden
Madison’s condo dwellers who think they lack the space for a garden don’t know what they’re missing. Imagine entertaining your friends on your deck or patio this summer, surrounded by Paradise. It just takes a little creativity and lots of planting containers and potting soil to feed your green thumb, add some color to your patio and enchant your guests. Let’s take a look at some things to consider when planning for your spring or summer balcony (or patio) garden.

Sun or Shade?

Does the spot you’ve chosen get lots of sun, afternoon sun or is it primarily in shade for much of the day? Shady gardens are a challenge for even those with plots of land but you can find plants that do well with less sun.

Consider the wild red columbine (Aquilegia…

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