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photo by: Montpelier Foundation

Historic Sites

James Madison's Montpelier

• Constructed: circa 1760
• Address: 11407 Constitution Hwy Orange, Virginia 22960
• Hours Monday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Phone 540-672-2728

Visit James Madison's Montpelier

Montpelier is the lifelong home of James Madison, fourth President of the United States, father of the Constitution, and architect of the Bill of Rights; and his wife, Dolley, America's first "First Lady." The historic home and grounds are open to visitors seven days a week.

House tours are complemented by the nationally acclaimed exhibition "The Mere Distinction of Colour," along with walking tours, galleries, the Museum Shop, the Madison family and slave cemeteries, an archaeology lab and active archaeological dig sites , formal gardens, over 8 miles of forest trails, and award-winning barbecue at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center's Exchange Cafe.

Montpelier is administered by The Montpelier Foundation and is a National Trust Historic Site. Montpelier is a monument to James Madison and the enslaved community, a museum of American history, and a center for constitutional education that engages the public with the enduring legacy of Madison's most powerful idea: government by the people.

At Montpelier, James Madison shaped the ideas that would become the U.S. Constitution. For six months, Madison sat in his upstairs library where he meticulously studied past forms of governments and organized his thoughts into what he believed were the ideal principles for a representative democracy. Madison’s ideas would become the “Virginia Plan,” and later the framework for the Constitution.

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” President James Madison

Montpelier’s museum experience focuses equally on James and Dolley Madison’s political and cultural impact during the Early Republic and on interpreting the lives of the enslaved community and their descendants’ struggle for freedom and equal rights. In addition to the two existing structures that date to James Madison’s lifetime–the mansion and a neoclassical temple–Montpelier also interprets a historic freedman’s cabin and a Jim Crow-era train depot and maintains more than 100 historic structures, many of which date to the period when it was principal residence of William S. duPont and his family, whose heirs transferred the estate to the National Trust in 1983.

James Madison’s Montpelier is also home to one of the nation’s largest archaeology research projects for the study of slavery and to the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution , a nexus for constitutional education and dialogue that offers year-round online and residential programs.

Montpelier is where James Madison shaped the ideas that would become the U.S. Constitution.

The Gilmore Cabin stands as the first preserved and interpreted freedman's home in the United States.

The Temple at Montpelier is a fitting symbol for Madison, encompassing his intelligence and love of the classics, his appreciation of natural beauty, and his understanding of the useful and practical ways of men.

Marion duPont Scott started The Montpelier Hunt Races in 1934 on the front lawn of James Madison’s home. Today it remains one of Montpelier's most popular public events.

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James Madison's Montpelier

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

James Madison's Montpelier - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Thu - Mon 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• (3.37 mi) Mayhurst Inn
• (4.08 mi) The Inn at Willow Grove
• (3.66 mi) Inn on Poplar Hill
• (3.92 mi) Round Hill Inn
• (1.18 mi) Cozy Cottage near Montpelier
• (4.08 mi) Vintage Restaurant
• (6.55 mi) The Barbeque Exchange
• (3.82 mi) Forked on Main
• (3.71 mi) My Avocado
• (6.49 mi) Well Hung Vineyard
• (7.26 mi) Skydive Orange
• (2.03 mi) The Market at Grelen
• (7.06 mi) Barboursville Vineyards and Historic Ruins
• (3.74 mi) James Madison Museum
• (1.31 mi) Woodbrook Farm Vineyard & Tasting Room

Photo tour: Montpelier, James Madison's historic estate

Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States and primary architect of the Bill of Rights. The 2,600-acre property sits in the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont with an unspoiled view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At Montpelier, James Madison shaped the ideas that would become the U.S. Constitution. The National Trust for Historic Preservation , which protects and promotes Montpelier, shared these images and facts about this important presidential home. 

Tel: 203.245.4567 Email: [email protected]

A Celebration of Madison's Architectural Heritage

Sunday, june 23, 2024 / 11 am to 4 pm.

Nantucket style beach house, 2018 Tour of Remarkable Homes

What makes a home remarkable? Visitors to the  Tour of Remarkable Homes will discover the answer to this question on Sunday, June 23. The Tour of Remarkable Homes provides a rare opportunity for guests to explore some of the town's most unique private residences. Each home is remarkable for its age, size, location, or distinctive architecture and landscaping.

The proceeds from this event enable us to continue to preserve and protect our historic properties, care for our collection of treasures from Madison's rich past, and develop new and engaging educational programming.

The homes can be visited in any order and at your own pace. Please follow the parking instructions in your program book to ensure the safety and security of all involved. Guides are stationed at each location to provide background information about each home and its interesting design features. The Tour Program Book serves as your admission to each property and offers useful information, including the tour map. Visit our Flickr page to see exterior images of the homes featured on earlier tours.

Important Visitor Information

Hours : 11 AM to 4 PM, rain or shine Date : Sunday, June 23, 2024 Admission Fee : Tickets are $40 for advance registration and MHS members; on the day of the tour, tickets for nonmembers are $45. TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE SOON.

Day of the event:  Tickets are available at Lee's Academy - 14 Meetinghouse Lane on the Madison green Directions : I-95 North or South to Exit 61. Travel south on CT State Route 79 (Durham Road) to US Route 1 (Boston Post Road). Take a right turn on US Route 1 and travel a short distance to the west, and make a right onto Meetinghouse Lane on the eastern side of the Madison Green. Lee's Academy is located behind the Memorial Town Hall.

Interior view, 2014 Remarkable Homes Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I pick up tickets? Guests can pick up advance-reservation tickets at Lee’s Academy, at 14 Meetinghouse Lane, between 10:30 am and 3 pm on the day of the tour.  You will receive a program book that will serve as your admission ticket to each home. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event at this same location.

How do I pay for my ticket? All forms of payment are accepted, including cash, check, or major credit cards. Please note that same-day ticket purchases are $45; tickets purchased in advance of the Tour day are $40. MHS members tickets are $40 for advance registration and same-day ticket purchase.

Are children allowed on the Tour? Infants and children ages twelve and older are welcome to attend, but, in general, the Tour is not intended for young children. You may carry your infant into the homes; please note that strollers and backpacks cannot be brought into any of the residences.

What is the tour route? The homes are generally within a two-mile radius of Madison’s downtown historic district.  The Home Tour Program Book includes a map to guide you to each property.  Docents at each site can suggest recommended routes, but you may visit the homes in any order that you wish.  Please note that,  for the homeowners’ privacy and protection, we do not reveal the addresses before the event.

Is transportation provided? You must provide your own transportation to each residence. The houses are as much as a few miles apart, so we recommend driving.  Biking, however, is certainly an option. We strongly recommend comfortable walking shoes for your tour of the homes and their gardens.

What happens in the case of rain? The tour goes on, rain or shine!

Where should I park? You will find ample parking around the town green where you must check in to get your tour program book. The program book provides directions to the homes as well as instructions on where to park at each individual residence. In some instances, parking attendants will be present at the house to assist with traffic and to make parking suggestions.

Corporate Sponsors

The Madison Historical Society is deeply grateful for the corporate sponsorship of William Pitt Sothebys. Without their support and guidance, the tour would not be possible.

2023 Featured Properties

Your ticket for: Tour of Remarkable Homes

Tour of remarkable homes.

Spring Tour of Homes in Madison, GA

Friday-Saturday, April 19-20, 2024

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ticket & Event Information

Lauded as one of the most beautiful small towns in Georgia, Madison is full of charm, tree-lined streets and stunning architecture. In fact, this small town has one of the largest historic districts in the state.

"When you think of a quaint Southern town with magnolia trees and antebellum homes, Madison—60 miles east of Atlanta—is just that." Architectural Digest

What better time to explore this special place for yourself than the Spring Tour of Homes, when the azaleas are blooming and the parks and gardens are a vibrant green? 

A true walking tour, Madison-Morgan Cultural Center  (tour host) gives visitors access to a charming collection of some of the city’s finest, most architecturally-significant historic homes through this self-guided tour.

With architecture dating to the early and mid-nineteenth century, visitors are often drawn to Madison and quickly fall in love with the town.

For additional details on the 2024 Tour of Homes, please find out ticketing and more information from the event host – Madison-Morgan Cultural Center .

Spring Tour of Homes Friday-Saturday, April 19-20, 2024

Christmas Tour of Homes

To be announced

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• Phone: (608) 246-5501

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madison, wi 53703

(608) 255-2537 • (800) 373-6376

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Jean Stoffer’s Stunning Holiday Tour of Madison House

This past weekend I got to visit Jean Stoffer’s stunning holiday tour of her Madison House in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Located in the center of the Heritage Hill historic district, it was a treat for the holiday season! I can’t wait to share all the pictures with you.

About Jean Stoffer Design

If you haven’t been following Jean Stoffer Design , then you simply must. She has a great show called The Established Home on the Magnolia Network .

For those that know of her and watch her, she is definitely one of the favorite interior designers on this network. But she is an independent interior designer for hire in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. 

The Madison

She has this amazing 8,500 square foot old home in downtown Grand Rapids. Right off of Wealthy Street, which should tell you something about the homes in the area.

A few years back, she originally took the home on as a project to flip, but ended up moving in. Every year she opens her entire home to the public. Ticketed entry only provides a fabulous open house to inspire everyone with beauty for the holidays.

We were happy to find parking on nearby side streets, and there were many available spots.

This year, some of my Michigan blogging friends all bought tickets. Cottage in the Mitten , A Life Unfolding , Home on Woodlark , By Emma Shay . We all went to visit Jean’s home and see her beautiful work. The tickets were about $40 each. Let me share with you some highlights.

The Holiday Tour of the Madison

From the moment you drive into this enchanting neighborhood and walk up to the Madison, the front door beckons you, and you just know it’s going to be amazing! Luckily, the day of the event, the weather was perfect and in Michigan, you never know what you’ll get in November.

The tour was very well organized, and assisted by the Stoffer home teams staff. We entered from the Madison Ave entrance, as the house sits on a huge lot, and the back entrance is from the street behind.

The Foyer of the Madison

Upon entering the foyer, we were directed to the living room. The light fixtures are all so fabulous and many are available on her website.

Each room had a framed listing of important notes of paint colors and items found in each room that could be purchased through her.

Every room was decorated for the holidays, with many nativity sets throughout the home. I really loved this touch, as I have been trying to find and incorporate more nativity sets in my Christmas decorating, especially vintage ones.

Main Floor Living Areas

Passing through the kitchen, we entered one of my favorite rooms, a solarium of sorts. Full of windows and beautiful light, this room was one of my favorites, although there is so much to love in this house.

The floor in this room is black and white marble, and is beyond gorgeous.

We made a loop, admiring the kitchen design. Then we passed by a hidden door to the powder room before heading upstairs to the second floor.

The house was decked out in natural and faux greenery throughout. Everything was very classic and pretty. You could tell that the home was full of loving and careful reconstruction. 

Second and Third Floors

Upstairs there was a small office, fabulous sitting room, and the cutest bedroom tucked under the eaves. I can just imagine sleepovers with cousins there for all her grandchildren. That room was a favorite thing for me of the tour, so quaint and darling.

The primary bedroom and bathroom were decked out, and every attention to detail in the space was sooooo good. Can you imagine having all those people walkthrough your own home?

I was told that over 4,000 visitors would do the Madison walk-through over the weekend. Every person attending had a paid ticket, and wore shoe covers throughout the home tours. 

There were a few more bedrooms to view, a craft/gathering bonus room, and beautiful bathrooms throughout.

Jean has decorated with gorgeous wallpaper , vintage furniture, and the most amazing artwork (which appeared to be new and some vintage ).

Lots of Information About the Madison

The tour guides answered questions, we peered out windows from the third floor with amazing views of the neighborhood, and enjoyed every nook and cranny of this beautifully restored home.

You could tell, Jean brought out the beauty of this home to its fullest potential. Every sconce, pendant light, and chandelier were chosen to perfection for the space.

Coming back to the main level, we walked through the dining room, the scullery, and ended up in the enclosed porch room where we met Jean and her daughter Grace Start, who also is part of her show and interior design teams.

Meeting Jean and Grace

As we waited in line to meet them, and take a photo and have our books signed, we talked to the ladies around us. Some had come from North Carolina, Canada, and even California! I love how they came all that way to meet one of their favorite designers and admire her work.

A few make the trip annual traditions with girlfriends. I felt so spoiled to be able to come and visit within a short drive (I am less than an hour and a half away). I had heard about this last year but did not attend then, but will definitely be making this one of my new traditions for the holidays.

After meeting Jean and Grace, we exited into a beautiful tented area where a Stoffer Home pop-up shop was set up.

We met her husband Dale, and oldest son who had a kiosk set up highlighting his local coffee shops that Jean had designed, and that is near her design shop.

We shopped a bit, found a few treasures, purchased her book , and found a unique gift or two. After all the fun, we headed out with our Stoffer Home purchases, and exited to the back gardens of the property.

Touring the Madison: a lovely tradition

What an incredible tour of such a lovely property! Although we were there for a short period of time, the magic of her beautiful home stays with you!

The Madison is such a special property and I can see why she decided to move in after the renovation. Jean saved it, and it is next level gorgeous! I can’t wait until next time!

If you have the chance to go, do not hesitate. Tickets usually go on sale in early September and sell out within minutes! I was so glad that I got tickets this year, and will be returning each year to sock up what Jean and her team have to offer.

I feel thoroughly inspired and ready for the holidays! Who’s with me?

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Nights Before Christmas Candelight Tour of Homes

Madison, Indiana

• Pre-sale tickets may be purchased through November 1st, 2023 at 11:59PM . Pre-sale ticket price $25 and regular price $35.  Children 5-12, $5. Fees apply for online and credit card purchases.
• Standard Nights Tour Ticket includes Ticket & Digital Booklet
• Traditional Nights Tour Ticket with Booklet – Additional $3 ea.
• Donations are now accepted through Eventbrite at a minimum of $5.00. All proceeds go to the participating Historic Sites on the Tour.
• Tickets are Non – Refundable
• Tickets may be used on any of the four nights of the tour
• Homes may be toured in any order but cannot be repeated
• All tickets are pick-up only at the Visit Madison Visitors Center, 601 West First Street.  Visitors Center is open extended hours during the tour. Bring your Eventbrite App/Email/Paper to redeem actual tour ticket.
• Tickets may be purchased at the Visit Madison Visitors Center, 601 West First Street during tour hours
• They will also be available at select locations

PURCHASE YOUR 2023 TOUR TICKETS NOW

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Tour hours are: Friday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, and Saturday, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm. No Sunday tours.

• General Info
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• Our Stories
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• Center for the Constitution
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Guidelines for Visitors: Do's and Don'ts

• GPS Address :  11350 Constitution Highway; Montpelier Station, VA 22957.  Do not take Chicken Mountain Road (State Route 639) and do not go to Montpelier, VA.  We are located just outside the town of Orange, VA.  
• As a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, Montpelier receives no ongoing federal or state funding. Your donation today enables us to share the enduring legacy of James and Dolley Madison, the humanity of the Enslaved Community, and the significance of civic engagement and the U.S. Constitution for generations to come.
• Purchase a Highlights of Montpelier tour ticket if you would like to see inside the House. The House can only be entered while participating in the guided tour.
• Plan to arrive 20 Minutes before your scheduled tour time. Be advised that tickets are valid only for the date and time they were purchased.
• Directions and please park in the Visitor Center parking lot.
• Enjoy our gardens, grounds, trails , and exhibition spaces .
• Casual, non-flash photography for personal use, on a cell phone, tablet, or camera is permitted in the House and Gallery spaces at the discretion of Montpelier staff. Read our full photo policy here .
• Strollers are welcome on the property but cannot be taken inside the Mansion. Strollers may be parked outside of the Mansion before your tour.
• You are welcome to picnic, please no alcoholic beverages.
• Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times. Please pick up after them. We have bags available at our hiking kiosks for this purpose.
• Remove all trash.
• Operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) on Montpelier property is strictly prohibited without prior authorization. Audio or video recording is not permitted in the House or Gallery spaces. Read our full photo policy here .
• All weapons - including firearms, knives, and sharp objects - are strictly prohibited.
• Engaging in disorderly conduct or participating in unauthorized assemblies is not permitted.
• Rude or inappropriate treatment, including unwelcome behavior toward other guests, staff, or any other persons, is not permitted.
• The last entry to the property is 4:00 pm. Please plan on leaving the Montpelier property no later than 4:30 pm. 
• Montpelier reserves the right to close the property at its discretion. Thank you for your understanding.
• If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. 

Property Pass

• $13/Adult (18+), $8/Youth (12-17),  Free/Child 11 and Under

Highlights of Montpelier Tour

• $36/Adult (18+), $16/Youth (12-17), Free/Child 11 and Under 

Do Some Shopping and Grab a Snack

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Explore Gothic revivalist architecture of the Green-Meldrim House and St John’s Church

May brings warmer weather and a special double tour to Savannah. Tucked into the tree-covered west side of Madison Square is St. John’s Church and the Green-Meldrim House. Both are independently open for tours, but on Wednesdays in May, visitors will be able to get a special tour of both.

The tour will guide people through both Gothic Revivalist buildings with special attention to the unique architectural details, the history, and the symbolism, followed by refreshments of cheese straws, Benne wafer cookies, lemon blueberry poundcake, and pimento cheese sandwiches.

This is a step in a new direction for the Green-Meldrim House. The historic home was purchased by St. John’s Church in 1943, and while it is used as a parish house and rectory, it was eventually opened as a house museum.

Jamie Credle, who is no stranger to Savannah’s historic house museums, having previously worked with the Davenport House, took over as executive director in July of last year. A few months later, the house museum reached nonprofit status, and Sherry Holtzclaw stepped up as president of the Keepers of Historic Green-Meldrim House.

“I'd say [the idea to start the nonprofit] came out of the vestry, which is the group that runs the church,” said Holtzclaw. “Seeing that our volunteer base was shrinking as people were getting older, more young people are working and don't have the time to volunteer, and it's a lot of upkeep to keep this house heated and cooled and in repair, as well as to lead tours, it was just getting to be a big job that we needed some help with.”

Holtzclaw said she has been a member of St. John’s for around 30 years and has volunteered at the house for approximately 20 years in various roles.

Both Holtzclaw and Credle are excited to expand resident and visitor appreciation of the Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church as well as what all the historic house museum can offer.

“It's an evolutionary process,” said Credle. “The Keepers have a wealth of understanding of collections and research, but I think that the whole point was to get in lockstep together with what we think the future can be.”

New docents will be leading the tours

After several months of recruiting and training new docents to build upon the core of docents, Credle said it was the perfect time to try a new tour.

“One of our goals for the year is to be open five days a week. We're open four now, but we also wanted to do something imaginative or different than your typical tour. A lot of people would love to see the church, and we've got our docents so this combo tour seemed like filling a need.”

Credle said she hopes the 75-minute tour will leave people with a new appreciation for Madison Square and gothic revival architecture.

“Though it seems sort of old to us, this was cutting-edge architecturally. We talk about mid-century modern in the 20th century. Well, this was mid-century modern in the 19th century. It was a stunning thing to see both this house and the church together, two different architects, two different functions for spaces, but a cutting-edge square here.”

“Plus, they were being built at the same time,” said Holtzclaw. “Charles Green [the original owner of the Green-Meldrim House] knew some of the people that were in on the planning of the church. So there probably was some interaction and collaboration when all this was happening.”

While the house is stunning from its bright pink exterior to the black, white, and wood-grained interior, Holtzclaw said the church is equally impressive.

“One of the first things you notice when you go in the church, besides the architecture and the steep ceiling, is the stained-glass windows and how beautiful they are. They’re very old. They're from 1886 and made in England. They feature prominently in the church. Also, up at the altar, there are some very interesting pieces up there. We'll talk about not only the architecture but some of the symbolism.”

It’s important to note that, for anyone with mobility issues, there is a ramp into the church, but there is no ramp or elevator in the Green-Meldrim House.

For those who fall in love with the tours and want to help in the future, Credle said they are looking for more docents, front-door greeters, and gift shop volunteers. The museum also has a youth guide program.

“We're training teenagers this summer to be tour guides. It’s a wonderful skill. It could be after their daytime job if they have that.”

Anyone interested need only reach out to the museum through its website.

Tours are each Wednesday in May starting on the first and ending on the 29th. There will be two tours each afternoon at 1 and 2:30 p.m. except on May 8th at 2 and 4 p.m. Entry is $25 per person and will need to be purchased prior to the event at GreenMeldrimHouse.org.

More new things are on the way for the Green-Meldrim House. Credle said the museum is also planning for new tours and a lecture series in the fall. It will be interesting to see the evolution of the museum with the Keepers of Historic Green-Meldrim House and the museum’s new executive director at the helm.

If You Go >>

What: Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church combo tours

When: May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29

Where: 14 W. Macon St.

Tickets: $25

Info: GreenMeldrimHouse.org

A Food and Drink Tour of Madison, Wisconsin

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

Hit up Harvey House, behind a historic train depot, for an array of culinary delights.

Photo by Nicole Franzen

I’m what you would call a food-motivated person. When I wake up in the morning, one of the first things I think about is that day’s food possibilities. (Will I make kimchi noodles or curry? Will we dine at the new Laotian place or get our favorite burritos?) When I’m traveling, this goes from about a 10 to, oh, 10,000. (My partner pretty much goes along with this, so long as I “walk” her between meals.)

Which was why I was so delighted by a recent trip to Madison, Wisconsin. I was there last June for a conference but was able to extend my trip and explore. And I was bowled over by what I found: new spins on the Wisconsin tavern, creative chefs, and a seemingly endless supply of fantastic produce. It’s a college town, yes, but it’s also one of the most inspiring cities I’ve eaten my way through recently. And it should come as no surprise, given that it’s surrounded by an impressive farming culture headlined by young farmers, has a strong Hmong (Indigenous Southeast Asian) community that has contributed greatly to Madison’s Laotian food scene, and is drawing such acclaim that some of the latest season of Top Chef: Wisconsin is set there .

Here’s where to eat—and where to “walk” it off in between.

Where to eat in Wisconsin

Supper clubs, Laotian restaurants, and cheese shops—oh my! This isn’t an exhaustive list, but there are many local highlights. And a note about drinking: You should! Madison has a fantastic beer and burgeoning distillery scene—it’s too much to get into here, but for a taste of the city’s best beer, try the Spotted Cow at New Glarus Brewing Company or one of the high ABV brews at Giant Jones Brewing Company , and for spirits, I recommend a little day trip to the J. Henry & Sons bourbon tasting room in Dane, about 30 minutes north of Madison. (And for the stories behind these places, check out the Pour Another Round podcast.)

For a taste of Lao, look no further than Ahan , a busy spot on Williamson Street. Executive chef and co-owner Jamie Brown-Soukaseume grew up in the food industry—her family owns another popular Madison spot, Ha Long Bay —and her mother, who was born in Laos, passed down her recipes. They now form the base for some of Jamie’s most to-die-for dishes, including rich, brothy khao soi and sweet and savory papaya salad. Don’t miss the Lao egg rolls.

Fromagination

It’s almost too overwhelming to step into this cheese shop, but when we’re traveling we must persevere. Fromagination is where you come to taste Wisconsin in cheese form, whether you want to try an aged cheddar with a streak of blue (Dunbarton blue from Roelli Cheese Haus) or a creamy goat cheese (Linedeline from Blakesville Creamery). The friendly cheesemongers can guide your purchases—grab a bunch of cheeses, along with the crackers and other treats they sell, and make a picnic, or walk around the corner and order a bottle of wine at Square Wine Company for a true feast. Want something more substantial? They also make sandwiches , mac and cheese, and salads—plus “cakes of cheese” that look like legit wedding cakes.

This market-driven restaurant—meaning that Wisconsin-grown ingredients are the stars of the show—is an absolute must. At Fairchild , the vibes are mellow but luxurious, the cocktails are fabulous, and the ever-changing dishes that chefs Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger send out—such as pan-fried sweetbreads with pickled sunchokes and a Door County cherry and shiso puree—are reason enough to relocate to Madison. And if accolades are your thing, the chefs took home the award for best chef(s) Midwest at the 2023 James Beard Awards.

Harvey House

The supper club is a classic Wisconsin experience, offering ambience, cocktails (including the brandy-based Wisconsin Old-Fashioned), and a relish tray with cheese dip and pickled and fresh veggies. The Harvey House took that concept and ratcheted it up a few notches, adding a dash of train travel glamour. It’s located behind Madison’s historic train depot, and chef Joe Papach and his wife, Shaina, embraced the rail history, even fully restoring a train car that’s available to book. It’s one of those happy, sparkly places you want to linger all evening. I started with a relish tray outfitted with deviled eggs and a smoked salmon dip and an ice-cold martini, one of the best I’ve had in recent memory. Then I worked my way up to the Harvey’s wedge salad and the superior walleye, the restaurant’s take on a classic Wisconsin fish fry.

For something a little more low-key, turn to Joe and Shaina Papach’s newest endeavor: Butterbird , an ode to fried chicken. Yes, you will wait in line, but it moves quickly and it’s worth it to chow down on mac and cheese bites, fried dill pickles, and fried or rotisserie chicken prepared to juicy perfection. It’s also a great place to bring the kiddos: There are games, a claw machine, and a photo booth to keep them entertained.

Lao Laan-Xang Restaurant

This institution was Madison’s first Laotian restaurant when it opened back in 1990, and it’s still a local favorite. Christine Inthachith and her mother, Bounyong, opened Lao Laan-Xang to share the flavors of their home city, Luang Prabang, which you’ll find in dishes like the squash curry (four different kinds of squash, Thai eggplant, and basil) and moak pa , catfish steamed in banana leaves.

Mint Mark has been heralded since it opened in 2018, and for good reason: Chef Sean Pharr—a multi-year James Beard semifinalist—crafts small, creative plates using only what’s in season. People wax poetic about his divine buttermilk biscuits and the roasted cauliflower, which is tossed with bagna càuda and white wine–plumped raisins; both items have been on the menu since day one. Everything else ebbs and flows with the season—right now you might order duck frites, an endive salad, and a proper meat pie, filled with tender braised beef.

Muskellounge and Sporting Club

If you want to drink like chef Sean Pharr, pop into his Muskellounge and Sporting Club , also known as the Musky. He says it’s like a Wisconsin 1970s parents’ basement/fishing club. And it looks the part, with lots of wood paneling and fish painted on forest green walls. This is where you come to play shuffleboard or darts while sipping a whiskey neat or one of the many local beers on tap. Next door is Hank’s , a to-go burger and fish fry joint that Pharr opened in 2023 so that Musky drinkers could grab a shrimp po’boy and cheese curds to soak up the good times.

Pig in a Fur Coat

Yes, Pig in a Fur Coat is another champion of Wisconsin’s impressively varied and delicious seasonal cuisine. But here chef Dan Bonanno brings his Italian roots to bear, though I wouldn’t classify it as a fully “Italian” restaurant—you’ll find dishes like Parisian gnocchi with short ribs and mushrooms, but also jerk rabbit with spinach and parsnips. And you have to come back during the day for a sandwich (meatball? pastrami? mortadella??) at Alimentari by Pig in a Fur Coat , Bonanno’s Italian deli right around the corner, which was inspired by the one his dad worked at for years.

This 48-year-old restaurant has been called the Midwest’s Chez Panisse : L’Etoile is the city’s original farm-to-table spot, and many a local chef has worked here before moving on to their own spot in town. Founded by Odessa Piper, it’s now owned and run by chef Tory Miller, one of the city’s most celebrated chefs. The real move is to opt for the ever-changing tasting menu—right now, you’ll find chèvre agnolotti with spring nettles and New York–style strip steak with celery root and black trumpet mushrooms. But you can also choose à la carte, or go for the more casual vibes at Graze , a restaurant that combines Miller’s Wisconsin and Korean heritages.

Short Stack Eatery

You’ve gotta find a good breakfast spot on the road, and Short Stack , a busy one near the capitol, is where I would happily ensconce myself time and time again. Given the name, pancakes are absolutely a star here—go for sweet potato oatmeal or the classic blueberry stack. But there are plenty of savory options, including pulled pork with cheesy grits or corned beef hash. Risk-takers: Order the Blind, an always-changing dish that comes with a discount if you don’t ask what it is. (The only question you can ask is if it’s sweet or savory.) I love that they have strong gluten-free and vegan options, too, like a vegan hash and gluten-free buttermilk pancakes.

A travel-oriented bookstore where I can also drink late at night? Hello, my new home. I was so enchanted by Leopold’s that I visited twice, once (by bike) for a midday coffee and book perusal (all the shelves are organized by country) and once in the evening to sip a Black Walnut Manhattan and eavesdrop on conversations flowing around me.

Where to work up an appetite in Madison

Madison is an outdoor lover’s dream, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the sunshine and the lakes—and rebuild your appetite.

Dane County Farmers’ Market

Wisconsin has an incredible farming community, meaning that perfect produce is only a stone’s throw away. And the 52-year-old Dane County Farmers’ Market is where Madison’s food action happens on Saturday mornings. The largest producer-only farmers’ market in the United States (meaning that only vendors who grow their own produce are allowed), it surrounds the Wisconsin State Capitol building from mid-April through early November. It’s the best possible place to stroll on a Saturday morning—though the crowds can be intense after 9 a.m.—and get a taste of Wisconsin’s bounty, from Door County cherries to cheese curds.

Madison Adventure Tours

Madison is a platinum-certified cycling city with more than 60 miles of bike paths within the city proper and more than 200 miles in the city surrounds, and an ideal way to see all of it in one (or two, or three) gulps is on two wheels. The city has an excellent bike-sharing program, BCycle , but I recommend starting with an e-bike tour with Madison Adventure Tours , ideally on the first or second day of your trip. On its two-hour city tour, you’ll get the lay of the land, while also learning cool facts about the capital city (like, it’s built on an isthmus between two lakes—one of only two major U.S. cities with this distinction). And because they use e-bikes, people of all ages can join and pedal happily.

Sometimes, you just need a break from everything. After a busy week, I had a chance to cocoon myself in Kosa Spa , an Ayurvedic wellness center in the Garver Feed Mill (also a great place to eat and drink). Ayurveda is a highly seasonal system of traditional Indian medicine, and owner Shilpa Sankaran has infused her spa with those tenets—you could easily spend a day here getting a consult, resting in the sauna and steam room, or getting an Abhyanga massage using customized oils. Plus, there’s good food here: hot golden milk (an oat-based turmeric drink), decaf chai, and khichdi , a rice and dal dish based on a recipe from Sankaran’s family.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Not far from the Garver Feed Mill: the 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens , a perfect (and free) place to lose yourself in between meals. There’s the traditional English-style Sunken Garden with a reflecting pool, a shady birch walk, and a 10,000-square-foot conservatory ($6 admission). Don’t miss the gorgeous, gilded Royal Thai pavilion, a gift from the Thai government and the only such feature in the United States.

Kayaking—and log-rolling

There are five lakes in Madison—part of the Chain of Lakes connected by the Yahara River—and come summer, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to engage with at least one of them. Lake Mendota and Lake Monona are the largest (the city is built on the isthmus between them), and you could easily spend a summer weekend kayaking and lolling about on the beaches. Rent a kayak through Madison Boats , which has three locations on the lakes. For a quintessential Wisconsin experience, get in touch with your inner lumberjack at a log-rolling class on Lake Winga.

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Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2024: Step Inside the English Tudor Revival Manse

By Elizabeth Stamp

Photography by Peter Christiansen Valli

As the Pasadena Showcase House of Design enters its 59th year, it’s returning to a familiar setting. The Potter Daniels Manor, the English Tudor Revival–style residence that hosted the 1975 and 1996 showcase houses, has been reimagined with 30 new interior and exterior spaces for the 2024 edition, which is now open until May 19.

The landmark mansion was built in 1902 by architect Joseph J. Blick for Gertrude Potter Daniels, who paid $15,000 for the shingle-style home. In 1905, Susanna Bransford Emery-Holmes—known as the Silver Queen thanks to the source of her late husband’s fortune—purchased the home and soon made it her own. In 1922, she spent $37,000 to have the Postle Company of Los Angeles, who also built the Pasadena Playhouse, remodel it into an English Tudor Revival–style mansion, giving it the regal exterior that remains today.

Exterior of the Potter Daniels Manor

As one of the country’s oldest house and garden tours, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design benefits the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, an all-volunteer organization that contributes to arts and music nonprofits in Southern California. The event draws more than 25,000 guests each year and offers several dining spaces, including Roe Japanese Fusion, the Tudor Rose Bistro, and Wattle & Daub Tavern. The Shops at the Showcase offer an array of merchants, from handmade jewelry to artisanal chocolates, and are also home to the Shops’s Wine & Cheese Bar.

The designers worked with a color palette of Dunn-Edwards paints, and several chose to highlight the brand’s 2024 Color of the Year , a steely blue called Skipping Stones. Nods to Pasadena’s famous peacocks can be found throughout the designs, and many creators fearlessly brought in statement floors, enveloped their spaces with jewel tones, and added texture to ceilings. Others focused on bringing the beauty of the estate’s gardens and views inside with verdant murals, floral fabrics, and nature-inspired lighting.

Below, tour the inspiring rooms and outdoor spaces of the 2024 Pasadena Showcase House of Design.

Hummingbird Entry Garden by California Waterscapes, Inc.

Visitors are greeted by a soothing waterscape and garden by Chad Morrill of California Waterscapes, Inc.

Foyer of Enchantment by Rachel Scheff Design Studio

Designer Rachel Scheff used the home’s spectacular ceiling, woodwork, and stained glass as the inspirations for her fanciful, flora- and fauna-filled foyer. “It was one of my favorite rooms in the house because it was the one that had the most history preserved, and I wanted to really celebrate that,” she told AD PRO. For her Foyer of Enchantment, Scheff installed a custom mural by Hattas Art Studios, a John Richard chandelier dripping with glass leaves, a silk wall covering by Aux Abris, and organic furniture created with Amorph Studio. “I wanted you to feel like you were transported to another time and place,” Scheff says.

Dining Room by B. David Levine

Opulence is on full display in David Levine’s dining room. “I really feel like the dining room is a forgotten room,” says the designer, who set out to prove how vital the space is to a home. The room is anchored by a Riva 1920 table made with the wood of a 50,000-year-old Kauri tree, which Levine surrounded with seating for 12. Another seating area with views of the garden was designed for more intimate dining, games, or meetings, and it’s illuminated by a Murano glass chandelier. At the far end of the room, Levine installed a lush purple sofa with cocktail tables, creating the perfect spot for drinks, dessert, or relaxing with a cup of coffee.

Sunroom By Billman Designs

Designer Karen Billman made Dunn-Edwards’s Skipping Stones the star of her cheery sunroom. She complimented the vibrant hue with metallic accents, Roman shades in a Morris & Co. fabric, and chairs upholstered in a moss green textile by Wesley Hall Fabrics.

Formal Living Room by Rachel Duarte Design Studio

A palette of whites, deep blues, and gold creates an elegant atmosphere in the formal living room, which was designed by Rachel Duarte. The designer established two seating areas within the space, including a cozy gathering spot with chaise longues that flank the original carved marble fireplace. The room’s coffered ceilings were enhanced with a faux-wood decorative painting by Jhon Ardilla.

Veranda by Cordrey Collection

Bursts of hot pink and apple green energize Steven Cordrey’s design for the home’s veranda. Hand-beaded light fixtures illuminate the seating areas, which feature tables and chairs from Janus et Cie’s Amalfi Coast outdoor collection.

Library Lounge and Curiosity Room by Cozy Stylish Chic

Cozy Stylish Chic Creative Director Jeanne K. Chung and designers Angela Lee and Caroline Meloche brightened the dark wood-paneled library to create a space where residents can unplug. “Our two main goals were to create a space that was comfortable and a little bit updated while also retaining that history and not touching or harming all the really cool features that were innate to the room and came with the house,” Meloche says. Wallpaper was added to the ceiling and the backs of the bookcases, and heavy wood blinds were replaced with soft draperies and Roman shades to make the space feel lighter. The firm used a mix of fabrics and wall coverings by Ralph Lauren Home from Designers Guild throughout the space.

Powder Room Lounge by Blue Brick Design

Designer Lara Hovanessian packed plenty of bold design elements into the powder room and adjacent lounge. A moody House of Hackney floral wall covering lines the dressing area, which leads to a powder room accented with a Kelly Wearstler’s Graffito II from Walnut Wallpaper. A black-and-white triangular mosaic tile floor by Artistic Tile from Mission Tile West puts a contemporary twist on the classic checkered pattern.

Primary Bedroom by Peltier Interiors

Hand-painted floors were the jumping-off point for designer Amy Peltier’s soothing primary bedroom design. “It was my worst and best idea,” Peltier says. “It was so much work, but it turned out beautiful.” The firm wanted the space to feel “light and airy and breezy,” and incorporated fabrics and wall coverings by Thibaut in a soft color palette. Peltier and designer Marina Kelly installed an arch to divide the bedroom from the sitting area, breaking up the large space.

Primary Bath by The Art of Room Design

Maria Videla-Juniel turned the primary bath into a sumptuous retreat with hues of soft blue and brown. Thibaut wall coverings and fabrics were used for the walls and windows, and the elegant shagreen-covered vanities are accented with gleaming fixtures by P.E. Guerin for Kallista. Videla-Juniel and project manager Cheryl Hardy also installed a striking shower clad in herringbone stone tile.

The Media Oasis by AYM Interiors

Designer Ashleigh Miranda focused on juxtaposing technology and earthy elements in her moody media room. “I really wanted to showcase state-of-the-art technology but in a way that was grounded and spoke to our primitive nature.” Cutting-edge tech from Bang & Olufsen, Lutron, and JoshAI is balanced by curvaceous seating and unique art.

The Media Bathroom by JTID Inc.

Jerome Thiebault created a polished and petite bathroom complete with storage and a shower. Troweled cement plaster was applied to the walls, and handcrafted Zia tile adds pattern to the floor.

Romantic Chambers by CS Domains / Carmine Sabatella Designs

For a bedroom off the nursery, Carmine Sabatella wanted to create a jewel-toned escape. “I thought, if somebody’s taking care of the baby, they have a space where they can come and feel like it’s a retreat,” Sabatella says. The designer outfitted a door handcrafted in India with a vintage mirror to create a one of a kind headboard and bathed the space in deep emerald green. The glamorous touches continue in the ensuite bath, where Sabatella added a custom mirror-tiled tub that plays off the vintage French tile floor.

Magical Royal Nursery by Cynthia and Sons

Cynthia Silverman created a nursery fit for a prince or princess, incorporating golden accents and whimsical touches, such as the hot-air balloon light and animal figurines.

Silver Queen Kitchen: Breakfast at Susie’s by Hermogeno Designs

Designer Mark Hermogeno paid tribute to Silver Queen Susanna Bransford Emery-Holmes in the kitchen, butler’s pantry, family room, powder room, and mudroom. “We had thought, What if she actually came back to life and asked us to remodel the space?” Hermogeno says. They brought in plenty of glitz and glamour befitting the Silver Queen. “We wanted to concentrate on polished nickels and polished chromes to get that silver feel back in,” he says of the fixtures, hardware, and lighting by Kohler and Kallista. Hermogeno and designer Lynette Chin brought in a mix of vintage and new furnishings in the family room, incorporating performance fabrics for durability. “[We made] sure that it was a really usable room, that it didn’t just look nice,” Hermogeno says.

Outdoor Kitchen and Patio by Outdoor Elegance

A brick-walled patio became a party-ready outdoor kitchen and dining area thanks to Douglas R. Santicola of Outdoor Elegance. Santicola and Monique Wood installed Caesarstone countertops fabricated by Carlito’s Way Stone to create a functional space for outdoor entertaining.

Potter’s Culinary Garden and Conservatory by Coastal Homestead

Roses from Star Roses and Plants bloom along the entrance to Potter’s Culinary Garden and Conservatory by edible garden consultant and content creator Chi-Ming Ro. The star of the garden is the greenhouse, which Ro customized with wrought iron details that nod to Tudor architecture. “You don’t get a greenhouse like this just to grow plants,” Ro says. “You want to sit in it; you want to enjoy it. I’ve used houseplants to decorate and then really nice chairs from CB2 to frame it, so you can imagine curling up with a book or a coffee.”

Butterfly Gardens by G & A Artistic Landscaping

The Meadow by G & A Artistic Landscaping

Butterfly Gardens and The Meadow by G & A Artistic Landscaping

Graciela Gonzalez of G & A Artistic Landscaping enhanced the Butterfly Garden and The Meadow with ceramic mosaic sculptures by Karen Neuiber.

Arroyo Vista Garden by Studio Pappaterra

Native California wildflowers accent the Arroyo Vista Garden, which was designed with fire safety in mind. Landscape architect Elisa Read Pappaterra filled the center fountain with cascading succulents.

Gatehouse Garden by TimothyJohnLA

“I’m all about gardens connecting the architecture into the landscape,” landscape architect Timothy John Palcic tells AD PRO. He used a limited palette of chartreuse and dark hues that nod to the brick exterior and arranged benches to create intimate seating areas within the larger English-garden-inspired space.

Gatehouse Entry, Stairs, and Landing by The Art of Room Design .

Gatehouse Entry, Stairs, and Landing by The Art of Room Design

Maria Videla-Juniel, who designed the primary bathroom of the main house, also devised a welcoming entry to the Gate House. A Thibault wall covering graces the entry, and a Fibreworks runner leads guests up the stairs.

Gatehouse Living Room by Slesinski Design Group, Inc. and Serena Brosio Design

Designers Frank Slesinski and Serena Brosio collaborated on the charming living room in the Gatehouse. “One of the main things we did was add a window seat, which looks like it should always have been here,” Slesinski says. “Not only does it provide a lot of additional seating for a very small space, but it has a lot of storage underneath.” The designers wrapped the room in a floral wall covering by Thibaut and installed a grass cloth on the ceiling to make the space feel cozier. “Our whole goal with this space was basically to turn the lights on in the room, bring in the garden that’s outside, and kind of have an experience of a breath of fresh air,” Brosio says.

The Tearoom by Samantha Williams Interior Design

Samatha Williams’s Tearoom in the Gatehouse is brimming with vintage charm and elegant accents. Working with Jacqueline Black and Michelle Porreca, Williams brought in a Chinoiserie wall covering to give the space a garden-like atmosphere. They also installed a grass cloth ceiling treatment and sisal rug to add texture.

Gatehouse Kitchen by SH Interiors

Designer Stephanie Hatten updated the Gatehouse Kitchen, turning it into an airy English-country-inspired space. An eye-catching natural stone by Walker Zanger was selected for the counters and backsplash, and the space was outfitted with the latest Monogram appliances.

Gatehouse Primary Suite by Rebecca J. Hansen

“It was inspired by nature and movement,” Rebecca Hansen says of the cozy primary suite she designed in the Gatehouse. Organic, tactile elements, such as the woven Palecek light fixture and wood furnishings, add touches of nature and texture to the petite space. “I was mindful of using small businesses and local artists,” Hansen says. “So pretty much 90% [of the pieces are] things that you can buy here to help the environment and to support other small businesses.”

Spa Lounge by Margaret Lalik Design and Decor

An office space in the Gatehouse is now a soothing spa-inspired lounge designed by Margaret Lalikian. The designer referenced the house’s original name, El Robles—Spanish for oak tree—with a tree-filled landscape mural by Arpy Dabbaghian. “For the wall mural, I had to pick something to bring them into nature and a calming environment,” Lalikian says.

Pony Tales by Shari Tipich Decorative Design & Artistry .

Pony Tales by Shari Tipich Decorative Design & Artistry “A horse girl’s hangout” is how Shari Tipich describes her room, entitled Pony Tales. “This is a tribute of sorts to the wild mustangs in the American West and their spirit, majesty, and resiliency,” Tipich says. The artist painted the murals on canvas and installed them as a wall covering, as well as hand painting the floor and ceiling and crowning the space with a Fortuny pendant.

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