There is no shortage of ways to make the most of a Madison summer — from kayaking around one of Madison's five lakes to picnicking after a sunny Saturday farmers' market. There are even more summer sights and activities outside of the city limits, like Mineral Point's bimonthly Jammin' on the Porch outdoor concert series. Find more to do in Mineral Point, plus road trip guides for two other Wisconsin destinations in Madison Magazine's May cover story.
Plus, read on for: 🏕️ A one-stop-shop for outdoor goods 👗 Madison's vintage store shopping passport 🎨 Monona Terrace's new art installation
Something our editors are obsessed with this month
"Tempo" is the debut single from Madison-based Spectaculous, a genre-bending band formed by the three members of Mr. Chair (pianist Jason Kutz, bassist Ben Ferris and drummer Mike Koszewski), as well as poet, singer, hip-hop artist and University of Wisconsin–Madison First Wave alum Dequadray White. In January, Spectaculous performed its first show to a sold-out crowd at Gamma Ray Bar. "They're poised to make a lot of noise on the local, and hopefully national, scene," says Matt Gerding, who manages the band. "They will definitely be one of the most-buzzed-about bands on the local music scene this year."
Fontana Sports (216 N. Henry St.) offers a wide selection of outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment. The woman-owned outdoor lifestyle shop has been in the family since 1949 when it opened as a military surplus retailer. Now, the downtown store serves as a one-stop-shop for all outdoor gear, from hiking to camping to climbing and more. Fontana Sports also participates in the monthly Madison Night Markets all summer long.
Catch up on local arts, entertainment, shopping and lifestyle news
For Lauren Stephenson, repurposing secondhand and vintage textiles is both a creative practice and a reflection of her own values. Thread Campaign, Stephenson's sewing business, was born from an awareness of how fashion is enmeshed with equity, politics and the environment. "In my mind, the best fiber is the one that's already made," she says. "So the question becomes, how can we take something — from the thrift store, or a garage sale, or your own closet — that doesn't work for you and make it something new and fresh and that you want to wear?"
In other news ... if three road trip guides aren't enough, try exploring the state on these 10 historical roads. Travelers who log 10 or more of Wisconsin's designated Rustic Roads can receive a special keychain.
Madison Magazine editorial interns Blake Thor and Gabby Shell wrote this month's newsletter.
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