Do you know what “cuffing season” is? As the weather gets colder and the holidays approach, some singles tend to be on the lookout for a new relationship – at least to last through Valentine’s Day, anyway.
On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin and executive producer Hayley Sperling hit the streets with their microphones to find out about the state of the Madison dating scene.
Not sure how to get that first date rolling? We’ve also curated a list of 50 date ideas in and around Madison for you to take advantage of now and when the warm weather rolls back around.
Activity Oriented Adventures
Go for a bike ride in the UW Arboretum.
Take a walk through the Chazen Art Museum, which is free to enjoy.
Read your books at James Madison Park.
Head to the farmers market on Capitol Square on Saturday mornings.
Rent a canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or more with Madison Boats.
Learn how to climb at Boulders Climbing Gym.
Tackle trivia night at one of the many bars in Madison. My go-to is the trivia at The Harmony Bar & Grill. Give our podcast with the mastermind of trivia, Paul Guse, a listen!
Pickleball is all the rage… why not try it on a date?!
The Henry Vilas Zoo is free for entry and you can even grab a bite nearby at ZuZu Cafe.
Have a laugh at Madison’s Comedy Club on State.
Go dancing at the Cardinal Bar.
Set up a hammock at any of the many parks in Madison.
Go for a walk in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
Head to Madison Axe Throwing for a quirky date.
Pitcher’s Pub is a great spot to play pool or darts.
Take a stroll through the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Go on a sunset cruise on Lake Mendota with Betty Lou Cruises.
Catch a UW sports game whether it is football, hockey, volleyball, or something else!
For something more adventurous, try mountain biking at Blue Mound State Park.
Watch a show or performance at the Overture Center for the Arts.
Walk around to the different shops on State Street.
Stargaze on Observatory Hill, overlooking Lake Mendota.
Learn a skilltogether like crocheting or pottery at Wheelhouse Studios.
Play cards at the rooftop bar Camp Trippalindee.
Foodie Dates
Get ice cream at Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.
Set up a picnic at Picnic Point.
Grab a bagel sandwich from Gotham Bagels and sit by the capitol building.
Sprouting Acres Farm in Cambridge offers wood-fire pizza nights and live music, a perfect date combination.
Pick up a sweet treat from Bloom Bake Shop on Monroe Street.
Cozy up over a bowl of ramen at Trio Ramen.
On Tuesdays, Merchant offers a date night deal on their menu.
Grab some bread from Madison Sourdough and make sandwiches for a picnic.
Enjoy a filling breakfast at the Madison classic, Mickies Dairy Bar.
Let’s Grab Drinks
Get a couple of glasses of wine at the Wollersheim Winery & Distillery.
Catch the sunset over the city with a couple of cocktails at Eno Vino.
Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè makes for a great date spot whether it be for a coffee or a cocktail.
Get an Old Fashioned at The Old Fashioned!
Blind Shot Social Club is a great place to practice your golf swing on a date.
Have a competitive game night at the I/O Arcade Bar.
Catch some music at Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge. They also have their “cheap date night” on Tuesdays.
Get your board games out at Garth’s Brew Bar with a cold beer in hand.
Sip on a coffee on the Indie Coffee patio.
Cold Weather Ideas
When it gets colder, lace up your skates at the Edgewater Ice Rink.
Drive outside of the city and go for a hike at Devil’s Lake.
When the snow comes, try skiing at Tyrol Basin.
Grab a pitcher of beer and a brat on the terrace at Memorial Union.
Head to a Madison Capitols hockey game. They even have a $1 beer night!
