Hot List: 6 things to check out this March in Madison

One of Madison’s newest coffee shops is already expanding with a second and third location. Grace Coffee Co., which first opened on State Street, opened a second location on East Washington Avenue (pictured), and a third spot is set to open in Sun Prairie this May. Enjoy your coffee in the company of the next best mood-booster — Bernese mountain dogs named Pablo and Diego, who split their lounging time between shops. Anyone up for a coffee run?

March marks the spring equinox (March 19) and the beginning of a new zodiac year as Pisces season transitions to Aries. Local artist Steph Hagens creates artwork featuring each sign’s constellation (Pisces above) in the form of a celestial silhouette using watercolor, Swarovski crystals, gold leaf and stitched metal wire. Prints of all 12 watercolors and some originals are available through her Etsy store, StephHagensArt.

Paleo Mama Bakery, which has been supplying local grocery stores with gluten-free and paleo treats since 2014, opened its own storefront on South Few Street in October. The new shop has toaster pastries, tortillas, cheesecake, doughnuts, its signature magic bars (pictured) and keto treats, and they’re all gluten free.

Embroidered art has made a comeback in the form of small wall hangings. Madison maker Carly Lundgren creates cute works of art (pictured) using recycled fabric and sells them on her Etsy store, Sew Kitschy. Another local hand embroidery artist to check out is Erin Kessler — you can find her art on Etsy at ERKessDesigns.

As a way to upcycle old firehoses and honor the work of firefighters, Rescue Collars are handmade in Madison using supply line hoses. Each dog collar comes in a variety of colors and is hand-stitched with a UV-resistant, nylon-bonded thread to be more durable.

For more than 40 years, Wild Hog in the Woods Coffeehouse has provided a quiet, calm atmosphere for folk music. The shop moved back into the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center after the renovated building reopened in October. Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays from September through May. Admission is usually $4 for nonmembers, $2 for members.