the final stretch (chicago, il)

Hi, hi, hi. I just wanted to "pop" in and apologize for being so absent and inconsistent. I've just been traveling, and driving, and traveling, and re-living my college glory days at Syracuse University. You understand, don't you? I promise we will catch up and reflect and detox (because it's necessary, more on that later) as soon as humanly possible a.k.a. within this upcoming week. 

Before I drove out of the glorious state of Wisconsin, I sat at Holly's dining table enjoying coffee alongside stove-top banana oatmeal with cinnamon, coconut, and almond butter. It was wonderful, and just what I needed for my beautiful yet somewhat long drive to Michigan. On that drive I recorded a (gasp) video post of the previous days and the days to come. What else is new :) enjoy.

dairy good days II (madison, wi)

Even though Miss Everythingtarian had to work on Monday, she sent me off with a fun list of things to do in downtown Madison.

 
Lesson 3: State Street

Lesson 4: University of Wisconisn

Lesson 5: Lake Mendota

I stopped for lunch at the Sunroom Cafe. Let me see if I can explain to you the amazingness this meal was: The lettuce was crisp and fresh, topped with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, sprouts, creamy avocado, and tuna salad. The cafe was bright and a sunny, a floor above State Street and filled with students, professors, and locals. I sat alone, read my book, and enjoyed every minute of it. And then, the tour continued.

[U. Wisconsin's AXO]

[Wisconisn State Capitol]

Did you know that Wisconsin became the 30th state exactly 140 years before I was born? It's a super cool trivia fact. Definitely worth knowing.

[Lake Monona from Monona Terrace]

[Overture Center for the Arts]

I was able to get through most of it by 5 o'clock so that I could reunite with Holly.

Have I mentioned how much I love her? The plan was to go out for good old traditional Wisconisn fare: beer and cheese curds :). The Old Fashioned didn't work out, so Graze it was!

Holly hadn't ever been there so we were both excited for the new American gastropub.

Lesson 5: cheese curds.

They kind of rocked my world. These cheese curds were battered in vodka, deep fried to crispy perfection, and filled with squeaky curds of cheddar cheese.

They were also incredibly rubbery. I don't think it's possible not to have fun when eating these. 

But just in case, I had a glass of local blonde wheat beer to wash it down with :).

To balance the meal out, Holly and I also split two fabulous salads. You know, we are "healthy living bloggers," after all.

Later that evening, Holly took a 15-minute nap that lasted an hour. She felt really bad about it, but I don't think she understands how spectacular of a host she was. I just had the most wonderful time in the 48 hours I spent with her. Madison is the only state capitol on an islip, a huge foodie town, and a place that I need to go back and visit my real life blogging friend. I'm such a lush.

dairy good days I (madison, wi)

I spent last Saturday driving. It was a blast. On my way through South Dakota, I passed by Laura Ingalls Wilder's home, and as I came to a pause in Minnesota, I conveniently stopped within 5 miles of the SPAM museum. 

Ha, the drive actually kind of sucked and I didn't stop at either sites. What I did do was spend a night with another amazing CouchSurfing host, get inspired, and embark on yet another few hours of driving to Madison.

My knowledge of Wisconsin started and ended with "America's Dairyland." Lucky for me, the ever-phenomenal Holly offered to change all that in a mere 48 hours.

Lesson 1: A tour of Hinchley's Dairy Farm.

[Corn maze]

[Complimentary pumpkin & bumpkin picking]

[Cow-milking]

[Goat-feeding]

It was quite the afternoon lesson and with many, many laughs had by all. Our little clan included Holly, her fabulous friend, Miss Kristie, and myself. I learned a ton, but since I hardly have any time to explain it to you myself, I will let the Dairy Goddess to the honors. Click on the link to find out more :).

After all of our fun and exertion (leaping through corn mazes for photo-ops is tough work) we went for an early bird dinner at a local favorite, the Weary Traveler. I deemed it extremely appropriate seeing as I can oftentimes relate, and with that mindset I ordered a Kombucha with Vodka.

Apparently even the healthiest of teas has discovered the dark side ;). I also had a West of the Andes sandwich (a blend of roasted veggies, avocado, pico de gallo, and Chipotle mayonnaise) alongside a mixed green salad. Delish. 

Lesson 2: The Chocolate Shoppe  ice cream. I should've probably gotten the pumpkin/ginger snap flavor for seasonalities sake, but ultimately decided on a classic chocolate cone.

Our wonderful day ended calmly at Mother Fool's Coffeehouse. Holly and I both enjoyed peppermint tea as we attempted to be responsible and get sh** done. Our efforts were somewhat successful :). Eventually we made our way back to her apartment and drifted off to dreamland. I had another lovely day to rest up for...

to be continued