The Johnsons' Journal

After the many nights of camping and staying in motels, I was excited to stay at the Speckled Hen Inn, a cute little B&B in Madison, Wisconsin.   The room was great and there was a lounge area that was just like being at home.  We spent most of the first night enjoying the complementary hot chocolate and relaxing with our computer and books.  It was just what I needed!

Our B&B

Our first stop in Madison was the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company.  Scott tried American Style Ale and Porter and I tried an Oktoberfest and their Crop Circle Wheat.  We both enjoyed the beer and the pub food.

Beer at the Great Dane

In the morning we spent the day walking around Downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin.  We even tried some of the gourmet ice cream that the university makes in their food labs. In the afternoon we took a tour of the Monona Terrace Conventation Center that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1938, but was never built.  Finally, with the help of one of his students the center was built in 1997.  That evening we went to a Belgian restaurant and bar and enjoyed the some best mussels and frites I have ever had. I also tried a Pauwel Kwak which was a great Belgian beer and now one of favorites.

Enjoying my Belgian Kwak

After Madison, we headed to Milwaukee to visit the Lakefront Brewery.  Scott enjoyed the tour and tasting, while I got a free Lakefront Root Beer for being a nice wife and designated driver.