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Madison Travel Guide

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Nothing More Manly than Denim and Beer

Where: 113 King St. [map], Madison, WI, United States, 53703
March 7, 2008 at 12:06 PM | by benh | 0 Comments

We'll admit it: Taking a trip to Wisconsin to shop for jeans is an unorthodox mancation. But it's also worth it. Context in Madison is one of the few stores in the country specializing in raw denim for men. The rugged material is made just like it was in the early 1900s, and store owners Sam and Ryan will set you up with a pair that hug in all the right places.

They'll also give you a bit of unexpected manly advice: don't wash your pants for at least six months. These jeans are truly au natural--no chemicals or fading treatments here--and are designed to be broken-in by the wearer. Expect to pay top dollar for these durable, non-sweatshop garments; they're often upwards of $200. At least you'll save on laundry costs.

Don't let that lightness in your wallet deter you from hitting the town. Right around the corner is the Great Dane Brewpub, where a hearty plate of brats and mash is only $8, and fresh in-house brews are always on tap.

Related Stories:
· Context Clothing [Official Site]
· Great Dane Brewpub [Official Site]
· Fashion coverage [Jaunted]
· Mancations coverage [Jaunted]

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Wisconsin Is the New Toronto

February 27, 2008 at 8:54 AM | by egw | 0 Comments

When director Michael Mann was looking for a place to shoot his next movie, about the John Dillinger crime spree, he could have gone to Canada or Mexico or even the Russian steppes to recreate the Wild West where the great robber made his fortune. Instead, he's going to... Wisconsin! The project, with the working title "Public Enemies," secured some sweet tax credits thanks to a new state law that went into effect January 1.

Looks like the film's stars Christian Bale and Johnny Depp will be packing their bags for a Midwestern spring. (Hint: Sometimes even May brings snow to Wisconsin!) By the way, Dillinger did hide out with his gang in the northern part of the state before meeting--spoiler!--his eventual demise in Chicago.

Related Stories:
· Celeb Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Wisconsin Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Movie Set Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: berkshirefinearts.com]

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Back of the Envelope Travel Guide: Wisconsin Film Festival

Where: 821 University Ave [map], Madison, WI, United States, 53706
November 7, 2007 at 3:00 PM | by laurenuta | 0 Comments

Don't confuse Madison with the rest of Wisconsin. A small, blue dot amidst a sea of Republican reds on the election maps, this liberal outpost has more going for it than cheese. Home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the city also boasts its own film festival.

The Wisconsin Film Festival, now in its tenth year, features 150 films and runs April 3-6, 2008. The festival takes over ten downtown theaters, with genres such as documentary, shorts, narrative and experimental. Organizers even throw in restored classics, as well as the work of Wisconsin filmmakers. Events, like Star Wars stormtrooper invasions, are also part of the fun.

Festival organizers claim attendance numbers are growing--nearly 30,000 last year--and more well-known entries keep coming in. Last year, for example, the festival featured Wristcutters: A Love Story and Fay Grim, starring indie darling Parker Posey.

Our Back of the Envelope Guide

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Movie Set Travel: The Last Kiss

September 15, 2006 at 8:36 AM | by sedona | 0 Comments


Zach Braff is back this week with a touchy-feely one he's again helped to pick out the soundtrack for, so it's probably half-way decent.

The Last Kiss focuses on a twenty-something "domesticated" couple dealing with adulthood, and freaking out about approaching 30, who have to stare down all the anxieties of life that threaten their relationship. A real feel good film. Something tells us it's going to be a Garden State-esque hit though.

As much of the film was shot in Madison, Wisconsin (we're as shocked as you) we offer you some fun things to check out around town:

Where To Stay:
Mansion Hill Inn
 With just eleven singularly-designed suites, this is the lap of luxury in Madison. Brimming with elegance and Victorian style, the Mansion Hill Inn is one of only four historic mansions still standing on Lake Mendota. Guest rooms feature in-room gas fireplaces, antiques, and verandas. As you might guess, specially-themed romance packages abound.

Where To Eat:
Harvest
 We know, you go to Madison and you want small-town prices. But trust us this once and splurge at Harvest. The cuisine features organic, locally-grown ingredients from some of the county's best farms transformed into dishes like roasted beet salad with fresh sheep's milk croquettes or Cherokee bison farm ribeye with farm-fresh braised greens.  Plus, the dining room has an awesome view of the capitol building.

What to Check Out:
Green County Cheese Days
 Venture over to Monroe this weekend and check out the famed cheese fair. Only occuring on even numbered years, this one celebrates it all - as only Wisconsin can. There's cheesemaking classes, tastings, factory tours, and yes, the crowning of the Prince and Princess of Cheese. We can only imagine their big prize--a diamond-encrusted cheese head?