Time Zone

Wisconsin is on Central Time.  They adopt Eastern Daylight Savings time on the first Sunday in April and revert to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October.

Language

The language spoken throughout America is, of course, predominantly English.

Currency

U. S. Dollar - USD = 100 cents

Tipping

Holidays

2007 Federal Legal Holidays

• January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 12, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Milwaukee

We started our Wisconsin adventure in Milwaukee.  Our visit coincided with Pride Fest.  Set in the Henry W. Maier Festival Park (The Summer Fest Grounds) this three-day event was very enjoyable.  Several friends from Chicago, who just happened to be there for the festival, joined us.

Known as 'A Genuine American City', Milwaukee combines the friendliness of the Midwest with the cultural attractions and amenities of a big city. Milwaukee is nationally recognized for its wonderful museums, fine dining and hotels, professional sports, performing arts, gardens and parks, and a world -renowned zoo.

Airport

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) 5300 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee. Tel: 414-747-5300 is 6 miles south of downtown.

Word of caution about car rental companies

Most of them carry absolutely no insurance for their cars while you rent them, thus making your personal car insurance the primary insurer. If you use your credit card to cover your insurance deductible, all credit cards except for Diners Club will be secondary insurers. Yes, we were surprised to learn that even American Express Platinum has gone the secondary route. That means that the accident, whether or not it was your fault will get into your car insurance report. We find Hertz car company the worse offender because they charge for loss of use and add administrative costs to the handling of the accident. (not covered by any insurance we know of). On the cards side, we find Aadvantage Master card Platinum the worst offender. Takes forever to pay and will harass you with millions of forms just to see if you give on them and pay your deductible.

Our recommendations:

• Get a Diners Club card (now with a Master Card logo) which will cover the rental as the primary insurer and use it to rent your car.
• Pay the extra dollars to get insurance from the car rental company
• Avoid Hertz rentals if possible.

By Taxi

Taxis between the airport and downtown take about 20 minutes; the fare runs from $15 to $18. Yellow Cab (PHONE: 414/271-1800). American United (PHONE: 414/220-5006).

Getting Around

A car is necessary for sightseeing.  There is a downtown trolley service for 50 cents/ride that connects most downtown hotels to all the main tourist attractions. We found ourselves using the trolley quite a bit during our stay.  Public transportation is otherwise limited and unreliable.  Most rental car companies operate out of the General Mitchell International Airport.

From the north, I-43 provides controlled access into downtown Milwaukee. I-94 leads to downtown from Chicago and other points south and west of the city. If you are traveling to sites in the wider metropolitan area, from I-94 you can connect to I-894, which bypasses central Milwaukee.

Lake Michigan is Milwaukee's eastern boundary; Wisconsin Avenue is the main east-west thoroughfare. Milwaukee's downtown, the central business district, is 1 mile long, a few blocks wide, and is divided into east and west by the Milwaukee River. The East-West Expressway (I-94/I-794) is the dividing line between north and south. Streets are numbered in ascending order from the Milwaukee River west well into the suburbs. Many downtown attractions are near the Milwaukee River and can be reached on foot

• Milwaukee County Transit System (PHONE: 414/344-6711) provides bus service.
• Taxis can be ordered by phone; try Yellow Cab ( 414/271-1800) or City Veteran (414/291-8900). American United (414-220-5000)
• Historic Milwaukee Walking Tours P.O. Box 511220, Milwaukee, 414-277-7795. Email History buffs will love the variety offered by Historic Milwaukee Incorporated and their walking tours of Milwaukee. Milwaukee, a city rich in historical and architectural heritage, makes a great backdrop for these fun and informative walks. Guides take you on walks through the many historic districts, and include tours such as "Skywaukee", a walk through Milwaukee's glass skywalk system; Riverwalk, a stroll along the banks of the Milwaukee River; celebrate Halloween during the Gargoyles, Grotesques and Dragons Tour and see the many 'faces' of Milwaukee's downtown building; and the one and only Naughty Ladies of Beer Town Tour. There are many more tours offered by Historic Milwaukee Incorporated and each is fun and educational. Call for tour information and schedules. Admission.
• Miller Brewery Tours 4251 W. State Street, Milwaukee, 414-931-BEER. Visitors will love to get a true behind the scene look at one of Wisconsin's best known products…Miller Beer. The Miller Brewing Company is proud to host free tours of their brewery where visitors can see the skill, care and quality ingredients that go into the making of their beers. The brewery tours are informative as well as entertaining and for the entire family. Guided tours are held Monday through Saturday 10am-3:30pm; the gift shop is open 9am-4:30pm. Closed Sundays and Holidays. Fall/Winter hours are in effect October 1 through May 1, so call for hours and times.

Things to see

• Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church This was Frank Lloyd Wright's last major work; the famed Wisconsin architect called it his "little jewel." Since it opened in 1961, the blue-domed Byzantine-style church has drawn visitors from all over the world. It can only be seen on Tuesday and Friday by prearranged group tour. 9400 W. Congress St., PHONE: 414/461-9400; COST: $2.
• Basilica of St. Josaphat 569 W. Lincoln Avenue, Milwaukee. Tel: 414-385-5623. Built more than 96 years ago by Polish immigrants, the Basilica of St. Josaphat is one of 33 basilicas in the U.S. Considered a national landmark, the classic architecture, stained glass windows, and murals pay tribute to Milwaukee's cultural heritage
• Boerner Botanical Gardens 5879 S. 92nd Street, Hales Corner, WI 53130. Tel: (414) 525-5600. Wander through Boerner Botanical Gardens and enjoy the vivid colors and rich perfumes of the many different flowers and plants. Internationally known as a horticultural showplace, the Boerner Botanical Gardens serve as an educational and leisure center for gardeners and plant lovers. Housed within the 1000 acre Whitnall Park Arboretum, the garden features landscaped collections of perennials, herbs, and annuals; a Rock Garden, the largest ornamental Crab Apple Tree collection in the nation; and over 500 varieties of roses. The Garden House, the Gift Shop and the gardens open daily at 8am until sundown, hours are subject to change. Formal Gardens are closed November through March.
• Brewers Hill This area of beautifully refurbished homes and commercial buildings dating from the 19th century is near downtown Milwaukee. Not many years ago, most of these buildings were derelict, but a group of enthusiastic homeowners changed all that. Lloyd and Vine streets, Hubbard and Palmer streets, and 2nd Street
• Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion 2000 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Tel: 414-931-0808. Email Completed in 1892 for beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst, this 37-room Flemish Renaissance-style mansion is a treasured Milwaukee landmark. The exterior is tan pressed-brick with carved-stone and terra-cotta ornamentation, and the interior is filled with woodwork, ironwork, marble, tile, stained glass, and period furnishings. There's a special holiday display around Christmastime. Admission: $7; special rates for senior citizens and kids. Mon.-Sat. 10-3:30, Sun. noon-3:30
• City Hall A 393-ft clock tower tops this German Renaissance, Romanesque, and Flemish-style building dating from 1895. 200 E. Wells St., PHONE: 414/286-3200. Admission: Free. Weekdays 8-4:45.
• Concordia Historic Concordia Neighbors 945 N. 29th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208. Tel: (414) 297-9714. The Concordia neighborhood was once home to the well-appointed mansions and grand houses of the city's upper crust. Although the area fell into disrepair for a time, today most of these striking buildings, have been refurbished and beautifully landscaped. In 1985 Concordia was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. North 27th Street, North 35th Street, Highland Boulevard, and West Wisconsin Avenue.
• Historic Brady Street Area  Email An eclectic blend of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants; this neighborhood links the lakefront, downtown and the Milwaukee River.
• Milwaukee County Zoo10001 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226. Tel: 414-771-3040, Information: (414) 771-5500. Email Adults, kids, and families will look forward to a day at the Milwaukee County Zoo. With each exhibit separated only by hidden moats - predators and their pray seem to live side by side in natural environments. Summer months bring a variety of special animal exhibits that are both entertaining and educational. The zoo is filled with special attractions and activities to keep the children excited the whole day including camel and pony rides, the Stackner Heritage Farm with its petting zoo and interactive exhibits, and get the chance to 'unlock' information about the animals with their ZooKeys. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Zoofari Express or on the ZooMobile. Open daily year round, May 1 through September 30, 9am-5pm, Sundays and Holidays, 9am-6pm, and October 1 through April 30, 9am-4:30pm. Call for schedule of exhibits, animal feedings, and special events.
• Milwaukee Riverwalk District and RiverwalkMilwaukee County Parks Department. Tel: 414-257-4575. Cities like Milwaukee can offer watersports enthusiasts a little fun…the Milwaukee River flows along a scenic route into the city of Milwaukee, and features a number of low level rapids, and several dams to portage. Access to the river is available at parks and dams along the river and in the city. Within Milwaukee city limits the adventurous can kayak or canoe from below North Avenue to the mouth of the Harbor from a few access points.
• Mitchell Park Horticultural Domes 524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215. Tel: 414-649-9830 or (414) 649-9800. When visiting Milwaukee be sure to bring your favorite gardener to the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, also known as "The Domes". The only horticultural structure of its kind, the Conservatory features three enclosed glass structures that are 6 stories high and cover 1 acre of garden space under each dome. Each have their own specialized theme - the Show Dome features five seasonal floral displays each year and each theme dictates the setting, landscape, and design; the Arid Dome features the deserts of the Southwest, Africa, Madagascar, South America, and Mexico; and the Tropical Dome features over 750 species of tropical plants including orchids, economic plants, exotic flowers, lush foliage and beautiful waterfalls. The Domes are open daily from 9am-5pm daily including holidays.

• Old St. Mary's Church Built in 1846 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this striking brick church downtown is the oldest Catholic church in Milwaukee. King Ludwig of Bavaria donated the painting of the Annunciation that hangs above the altar. 836 N. Broadway St., PHONE: 414/271-6180. COST: Free. Daily.
• St. Joan of Arc ChapelMarquette University. Tel: 414-288-7448.Originally built in the French village of Chasse during the mid 15th century, this small Gothic Chapel was brought to the US in 1927 as a centerpiece to a New York Estate. In the early 1960's the estate was acquired by a Wisconsin family who donated the chapel to Marquette University. The chapel was then disassembled stone by stone, sent to Marquette and then was painstakingly rebuilt. In 1966 the Chapel was dedicated to St. Joan of Arc. Open Monday through Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12noon-4pm. Closed when the University is closed (including all major holidays). Free tours
• Third Ward The Historic Third Ward Association 219 North Milwaukee Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Tel: 414-273-1173. Email This is an up-and-coming trendy area near the waterfront festival grounds. Like most trendy urban areas that were previously run down, it was first re-inhabited by the gay community. It is now becoming a place of coffee shops, bistros, loft condos, and galleries. Very pleasing to the eyes, as most of the buildings go back to pre-depression times. This neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is close to the Milwaukee River and is made up of a mix of large, often historic buildings (from former warehouses to furniture stores). Many have been restored and now house upscale shops, restaurants, and condominiums. Old-fashioned street lamps illuminate the area, and a small park and a pedestrian mall along Broadway Street strike a verdant note. Broadway, Water, and Erie Sts., and St. Paul Ave.
• University of Wisconsin Milwaukee . 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI, 53211. P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413. Tel: 414/229-1122. Founded in 1956, this urban teaching and research university is in a quiet residential neighborhood in Milwaukee's upper east side, just blocks from Lake Michigan. The campus itself occupies 19 grassy acres, and some 23,000 graduate and undergraduate students work their way through more than two dozen degree programs. Three campus art venues display avant-garde exhibits by regional, national, and international artists.

Museums

• America's Black Holocaust Museum 2233 North 4th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53212. Tel: (414) 264-2500. This downtown museum traces the history of slavery in the Americas and illustrates the toils and struggles of African Americans since the abolition of slavery. Exhibits change regularly and include artwork, photography, lecture series, educational programs, and literary showcases. Admission: $5. Mon.-Sat. 9-6.
• Milwaukee Art Museum700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Tel: 414-224-3200. Art lovers will enjoy this exquisite museum displaying more than 20,000 works of art including 15th - 20th Century European and American paintings and drawings, sculptures, photography and decorative arts. But the true gem is the new Santiago Calatrava addition, with the expanding wing rooftop.  Some of the featured artists and collections include Georgia O'Keefe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Andy Worhal, the Hall Collection of American Folk Art, and the Flagg Collection of Renaissance artifacts and decorative items. The collection can be appreciated in a few hours.  The Art Museum also presents the Sunday Family Series -- weekly workshops that combine fun and education for the whole family. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday 12noon-9pm; Sunday 12noon-5pm. Call for schedule of events and special exhibits.

The Scene

All the lesbians are in Milwaukee, or at least it seems that way.  We saw many women at Pride Fest.  True to their numbers, there are many choices for the ladies as you will be able to see when you look up the gay scene in Queer Life News. Please look them up before you make plans for the evening.

News Magazines & Web Resources

• In Step 1661 N. Water Street, Suite 411 Milwaukee, WI 53202 Tel: (414)278-7840. Fax: 414-278-5868  Biweekly publication. Wisconsin's LGBT Community Newspaper since 1984.
• Out in Milwaukee
• Queer Life News703 South 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204. Tel: 414-383-8200. Email
• Quest PO Box 1961 Green Bay, WI  54305 Telephone: 920-433-9821

Circuit Parties & Events

• AIDS Walk
• Fetish Night 1101 Old World Third street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Tel: 414-270-9657. Wicked Wednesday's, Milwaukee's only fetish and alternative night. Dance happens all summer.
• Milwaukee Lights Festival Held during the Holiday Season. Various parts of the city, including city parks and river walks, are brightly lit and decorated. There are organized tours to hit some of the highlights, but just driving and walking around provides many adequate glimpses for the child in us that still glows at the sight of Holiday lights.
• Pridefest P.O. Box 511763, Milwaukee, WI 53203-0301. Tel: 414.645.FEST (3378). Email Usually in the beginning of June. Set in the Henry W. Maier Festival Park (The Summer Fest Grounds). Attracts a great Chicago crowd.
• Summerfest Henry Maier Festival Park. Tel: 414-273-FEST or 1-800-273-FEST. Email Whether it is food, music, or fun - SUMMERFEST offers entertainment for everyone. This international festival takes place along Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront (Henry W. Maier Festival Park) and features top and local musicians and performers from James Taylor to Metallica, and is proud to be considered one of the best musical festivals in the world. Call for a comprehensive event schedule.

Associations & Resources

• AIDS Action Wisconsin 820 Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. Tel: 414-225-1597 or 800-359-9272. Email
• AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin 820 Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.  Tel: 800-359-9272.
• BESTD Clinic 1240 E. Brady St Milwaukee, WI 53202-1603. Tel: (414) 272-2144. Email An all-volunteer clinic providing STD diagnosis and treatment and antonymous HIV testing. No fees are charged for any service we provide (however donations are greatly appreciated). Please call for outreach times and dates or more info.
• Bi Definition Bisexual community events. 315 W. Court Street, Suite 101, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. Tel: (414) 299-9612. Ask for "Nikki". Email
• Castaways MC of Milwaukee P.O. Box 1697, Milwaukee, WI 3201-1697
• Cream City Foundation Box 204 Milwaukee, WI 53201. Tel: 414-265-0880
• Gay Information & Services PO Box 510406 Milwaukee, WI 53203-0071. Tel: 414-444-7331. Open 24hr daily
• Gay Youth Milwaukee PO Box 090441 Milwaukee, WI  53209 Telephone: 414-265-8500  Hotline 888-GAY-TEEN (toll free-Wisconsin only)  Hotline hours: Fri & Sat 7-11pm. "Hotline for & by queer youth 12-21 years of age."
• Lesbian Alliance Metro Milwaukee (LAMM) 315 W. Court Street, Suite 101, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. Tel: 414-272-9442. Email
• Marquette University LesBiGay Student Group University Ministry, PO Box 1881  Alumni Memorial Union #236  Milwaukee, WI  53201 Telephone: 414-288-6873
• Milwaukee GAMMA P.O. Box 1900, Milwaukee, WI 53201. (414) 365-3453. Sports/outdoors/recreation/social.
• Milwaukee LGBT Community Center PO Box 511189 315 W. Court Street, Suite 101, Milwaukee, WI 53212 Telephone: (414) 271-2656.  M-F 10am-10pm, Sat 6pm-10pm. Publication: Talk of the Town.
• Oberons PO Box 07423, Milwaukee, WI 53207. Email The Oberons is a gay levi/leather club located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
• OutCare 315 W. Court Street, Suite 101, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. Tel: 414-277-9370. Walk-in, sexual health clinic part of Planned Parenthood WI
• Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)- Milwaukee 315 W. Court Street, Suite 101
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. P.O. Box 210853, Milwaukee, WI 53221-0853. Tel: 414-299-9198
• PrideFest  PO Box 93852 Milwaukee, WI  53203 Telephone: 414-272-FEST
• Project Q (Youth Program of the Milwaukee LGBT Center) 315 W. Court, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. Tel: (414) 223-3220. Email
• SAGE Milwaukee P.O. Box 510492, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203-0091. Tel: 414-271-0378. Email
  For older LGBTs
• Tavern Guild 209 E National Ave Milwaukee, WI 53204. Professional business organization.
• Wisconsin Community-Based Research Consortium 820 N Plankinton Milwaukee, WI 53203 Tel: 414-273-1991

Shopping

Shopping District  Along the river about 6 blocks west of the museum is the main theater, shopping and dining district. Here you will find what you can find many places (Fields, Carson/Boston Store, Rock Bottom Brewery) as well as local retail and restaurants (Mader's German Restaurant - the Berghoff's of Milwaukee where JF Kennedy dined in 1959, Water Street Brewery, and a sausage retail shop). All this is surrounded by many theater venues, including the Midwest Express Center and Bradley Center. Shopping, dinner, and a show cannot be much more convenient.

Lake Geneva

From Milwaukee we took I - 43 south to WI road 120 straight down to Lake Geneva.  You may choose to tour the lake by one of its many boat tours (Lake Geneva Tours PO Box 68, Riviera Docks, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.  Phone: (262) 248-6206. Toll Free: (800) 558-5911. Email) We chose to walk around and enjoy the town and scenery. 

Delavan

From Lake Geneva take WI Road 50 west to Delavan.  We were pleasantly surprised by Delavan.  Downtown Delavan is full of shops, but the find of the day was definitively The Allyn Mansion Inn at 511 E. Walworth Ave., Delavan, WI 53115.  Telephone:  262-728-9090. Rooms start at $100/night.  We were given the official tour by Ron, (normally only on weekends at 1pm) one of the owners and found out that the Inn is for sale.  (Impeccably restored 23-room Queen Anne/Eastlake mansion in southeastern Wisconsin near Lake Geneva.  National Register property and winner of the 1992 Great American Home Award from the National Trust.  A bed & breakfast for the past 16 years with a current thriving business, the mansion is one of the finest restorations in the country.  House or turnkey operation.  Upper bracket.  (262) 728-9090). (Click the pictures above for a better look.)

Madison

We took WI Road 11 west to I – 39/90 north to Madison.

Just 80 miles west of Milwaukee and 142 miles northwest of Chicago, Madison, Wisconsin, is a veritable hotbed for free speech and free thought. Its history of grassroots activism and political progressivism, its citizens’ belief in the benefits of hard work, the availability and access to educational resources and the careful stewardship of the land all have cast a favorable spotlight on this Midwestern Mecca. It's also full of young college boys.

Airport

• Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) located minutes from downtown Madison, offers more than 75 daily flights.

CAR RENTALS

On-site Enterprise (608) 661-4900 (800) 325-8007 AVIS (608) 242-2442 (800) 831-2847 Hertz (608) 241-3803 (800) 654-3131 National (608) 249-1614 (800) 227-7368 Off-site Budget (608) 249-5544 (800) 527-0700 TAXICABS Badger Cab Madison Taxi Union Cab (608) 256-5566 (608) 255-8294 (608) 242-2000

Getting Around

Rent a car if you are not driving in.  Public transportation is limited and unreliable.

Word of caution about car rental companies

Most of them carry absolutely no insurance for their cars while you rent them, thus making your personal car insurance the primary insurer. If you use your credit card to cover your insurance deductible, all credit cards except for Diners Club will be secondary insurers. Yes, we were surprised to learn that even American Express Platinum has gone the secondary route. That means that the accident, whether or not it was your fault will get into your car insurance report. We find Hertz car company the worse offender because they charge for loss of use and add administrative costs to the handling of the accident. (not covered by any insurance we know of). On the cards side, we find Aadvantage Master card Platinum the worst offender. Takes forever to pay and will harass you with millions of forms just to see if you give on them and pay your deductible.

Our recommendation:

• Get a Diners Club card (now with a Master Card logo) which will cover the rental as the primary insurer and use it to rent your car.
• Pay the extra dollars to get insurance from the car rental company
• Avoid Hertz rentals if possible.

Downtown Madison is very pedestrian-friendly, and many visitors find it easiest to park in one of the eight downtown parking areas and see the city on foot. Parking in the cashier-operated section of any City of Madison ramp costs just $2 weekdays after 6 p.m. and on the weekends.

The Madison Metro Bus System offers convenient means for reaching all areas of the city. The Madison Metro VisiTour Pass allows unlimited bus rides for just $3 per day. Visitor passes can be purchased at Madison Metro, 1101 East Washington Avenue or at one of their 60 ticket outlets throughout the city

Madison Metro Transit System  (608) 266-4466 TDD (608) 267-1143 Visitors can explore a fascinating variety of attractions in Madison and the surrounding communities.

Venture out in any direction from Madison and, amid the rolling green landscapes; you'll encounter charming caves, fascinating artistic communities and some of the state's most "interesting" tourist attractions.

To the west, the Spring Green area features Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin estate and the American Players Theater. Head southwest and you'll encounter the "mustard capital of the world" along the "trollway" of Mount Horeb, and further on, a restored Cornish miner settlement in Mineral Point. Due east is the village of Cambridge, known as the "pottery center of the Midwest," and Fort Atkinson, home of the famous Fireside Dinner Theater.

Things to see

• Fireside Dinner Theater Hwy 26 S/PO Box 7 Ft. Atkinson, WI 53538.  Phone: (920) 563-9505. Toll: (800)477-9505.  Email   Wisconsin's #1 year-round motor coach attraction. Live, professional Broadway musicals and superb dining in a unique entertainment complex including lovely dining rooms, state-of-the-art theater, and five gift shops, nine shows weekly Wednesday-Sunday. Celebrating 38 years of family hospitality we'll create a beautiful memory just for you.
• Governor's Mansion 99 Cambridge Rd. Madison, WI 53704. Phone: (608) 266-3554.  Elegant showcase of art and decoration. Tours Apr-Aug on Thursdays form 12 to 2:45PM and during the holiday season. Parties over 20 please call ahead.
• House on the Rocks 5754 Hwy. 23, Spring Green, WI  53588.  Tel: 608-935-3639.  From Madison take WI Road 14 west to Spring Green and then south on WI Road 23 and follow the signs.  It was amazing to see how what could have been a great architectural accomplishment was turned by a straight man with no taste into a circus not worth your money or time.  Beautiful scenery - check it out from afar at the scenic overlook on highway 23.
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens - 3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704.  Phone: (608) 246-4550, (608) 246-4716.  Email. Year round tropical conservatory, 14 acres of outdoor display gardens, room rentals with catering.
• State Street Delight yourself in this pedestrian mall (public buses traverse the street).  Full of students and government employees to share the shops, cafes and eateries. 
• Taliesin® Preservation, Inc County Hwy. C & State Hwy. 23 Spring Green, WI 53588.  From Madison take WI Road 14 west to Spring Green and then south on WI Road 23 and follow the signs.  Phone: (608) 588-7900.   Email  Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is regarded as an eminent example of Wright's vision of Organic Architecture, and encompasses work from every decade and phase of his career. Taliesin Preservation works to preserve Taliesin and generate interest and awareness of the history and importance of Taliesin and Wright.  Call ahead because tours are infrequent and some by reservation only. 
• University of Wisconsin - Wisconsin Union 800 Langdon St. Madison, WI 53706. Phone: (608) 263-7133.  'Living room of the campus.' Live music, films, and game rooms. Call for information.
• Wisconsin State Capitol Capitol Square, Madison, WI 53702.  Phone: (608) 266-0382.  Email Wisconsin's State Capitol lies on an isthmus bordered by Lake Monona to the east and Lake Mendota to the west. This majestic granite structure is Wisconsin's third Capitol building. The first Capitol stood for twenty-five years (1838 - 1863). It was replaced by a larger building which was badly damaged by fire in 1904. The present Capitol building, designed by George B. Post & Sons, was built between 1906 and 1917.   Free tours are offered daily, year round. Tours depart from the ground floor Information Desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 pm; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 PM A 4:00 PM tour is offered Memorial Day through Labor Day. The sixth floor museum and observation deck is also open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more should call (608) 266-0382 to make a reservation.
• Wollersheim Winery 7876 Hwy 188, Prairie Du Sac, WI 53578.  Phone: (608) 643-6515. Email .  Wollersheim Winery-Historic winery known for distinctive regional wines with tours & tastings daily.

Museums

• Wisconsin Historical Museum 30 N. Carroll St. Madison, WI 53703-2707.  Phone: (608) 264-6555. Email Experience Wisconsin's distinctive heritage. Open Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. Noon-5pm. Unique museum store.

The Scene

• We recommend that you look up the gay scene in Queer Life News. Please look them up before you make plans for the evening.

Associations & News Magazines

• AIDS Networks 600 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703. Tel: (608) 252-6540. Email
• AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin 800-359-9272.
• Action Wisconsin Congress for Human Rights  PO Box 342  Madison, WI  53701-0342 Telephone: 608-283-3251
• Campus Women Center 710 W. University Suite 202, Madison, WI 53715.  Tel: 608-262-8093
• GLBT Phone Line 608-255-4297
• Lesbigay Campus Center UW Union Tel: 608-265-3344
• Madison LGBT Business Alliance Email
• Outreach 600 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703-3588.  Tel: 608.255.8582.  The GLBT Center.
• PFLAG Madison 4221 Venetian Lane, Madison, WI 53718-6655. Helpline: (608) 848-2333. Email
• The Ten Percent Society University of Wisconsin-Madison P.O. Box 260394, Madison, Wisconsin 53726-0394. Tel: 608/262-7365. Email
• Wisconsin IN Step 1661 N. Water Street, Suite 411 Milwaukee, WI  53202 Telephone: 414.278.7840 Fax: 414.278-5868.  Wisconsin's LGBT Community Newspaper since 1984.

Events

•  Pride Weekend

Shopping

The Madison Area offers endless shopping opportunities. From bookstores and galleries to shopping malls and boutiques, Greater Madison has something for everyone. For fun and unique shopping, check out State Street, a pedestrian mall lined with eclectic specialty shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. State Street links the UW-Madison campus with the Capitol Square, and it offers incomparable people watching. There are also museums, theaters, concerts and so much more. The major shopping malls - East Towne, Hilldale, West Towne, and Westgate - offer comprehensive selection and competitive prices. Don't forget Johnson Creek Outlet Mall just 30 miles east of Madison.

Gay Scene in Wisconsin State

We recommend that you look up the gay scene in Queer Life News. Please look them up before you make plans for the evening

References

• Madison
• Gayscape - Madison
• Milwaukee
• Queer Life News

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