Madison Magazine

Heritage Harbor

48 hours in Ottawa, Illinois

There’s more to this Starved Rock Country small town than meets the eye.

There’s more to this Starved Rock Country small town than meets the eye.

Ferreria and his whole team giving the camera a thumbs up.

Chinese martial arts center in Madison has stayed active since 1995

The Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association's competitive kickboxing team has gotten back together for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of the month.

The Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association's competitive kickboxing team has gotten back together for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of the month.

May cover of Madison Magazine with a lighthouse and then on the right is an open spread to the magazine

Order the May issue: Midwest Road Trips

We uncovered 20 under-the-radar destinations that offer plenty of small-town charm in the May issue.

We uncovered 20 under-the-radar destinations that offer plenty of small-town charm in the May issue.

On the left is author Maggie Smith with her chin resting on her first and on the right is the cover of her debut novel Truth and Other Lies

Three women, two secrets, one lie — a Q&A with author Maggie Smith

Before the Wisconsin author published her debut novel, 'Truth and Other Lies,' the podcaster earned a Ph.D. in psychology and founded an art consulting company.

Debut novel "Truth and Other Lies" by Wisconsin author Maggie Smith explores how our individual biases influence our perspectives of the world around us.

self pour stations at toot & Kates

3 wine bars that let you pour your own wine

There’s also something to be said for the simple joy of pouring it yourself.

Sure, it’s nice to order a glass of wine and have it brought to your table, but there’s also something to be said for the simple joy of pouring it yourself, as a trio of wine bars in our area prove.

person sitting at a table with coffee

Hot List: 6 things to check out this April

A local coffee company, statement rings, gift box, polymer clay mushrooms, new eatery and durable, sustainable dress make up this month's list.

A local coffee company, statement rings, gift box, polymer clay mushrooms, new eatery and durable, sustainable dress are on this month's hot list.

On the left is Ben Sidran wearing glasses sitting with his dog and on the right is the cover of his new album 'swing state' which shows his face and big bold lettering.

In a 'Swing State' of mind

Madison jazz legend Ben Sidran's all-instrumental new album is the feel-good escape we all need after a trying couple of years.

Madison Jazz legend Ben Sidran's new album was recorded with his son Leo, and bassist Billy Peterson, in a single day at DNA Music Labs on Winnebago Street.

James Madison Park

Celebrate Earth Day with these 15 events

Help clean up Madison parks, recycle your old electronics or plant trees to help do your part in making a better world for everyone.

Help clean up Madison parks, recycle your old electronics or plant trees to help do your part in making a better world for everyone.

stack of bars

Bite into one of these 7 craveable dessert bars

For those with a sweet tooth, dessert bars provide just the right touch of sweetness to cure that hankering.

For those with a sweet tooth, dessert bars provide just the right touch of sweetness to cure that hankering.

collection of concert posters

A short history of gig posters in Madison, decade by decade

In the not-so-distant past, the concert poster — or flyer, or handbill — was one of the only ways to find out what musical acts were coming to town.

In the not-so-distant past, the concert poster — or flyer, or handbill — was one of the only ways to find out what musical acts were coming to town.

people drinking wine outside with a dog

Take a short drive to one of these 21 area wineries

There are a proliferating number of wineries in the area.

There’s an oversized cellar’s worth of high-quality wineries that offer not just an array of signature vintages for dry- or sweet-loving palates, but also unforgettably rustic and pastoral environs in which to drink them.