The holiday season is upon us, so this month we’re sharing our top tips for gift buying in Madison! The city has so much to offer, and supporting local stores and vendors by buying local is a great way to give back to the community. Check out our top picks for gifts this holiday season!

Find Unique Gifts at Little Luxuries – 230 State St, Madison, WI

Little Luxuries has been offering eclectic gifts for all ages for over 30 years and is a great stop for a wide selection of options. From books to jewelry, puzzles to gadgets, Little Luxuries will help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Go Green at Green Life Trading – 1334 Williamson St, Madison, WI

Green Life Trading is a friendly local refill and sustainability store specializing in bulk goods, green home, and personal care products. They aim to bring eco-friendly products to locals. If you have a special someone who also cares about the environment, check out Green Life Trading’s 2025 Gift Guide for gift ideas this holiday season. 

Explore Local Artisans at Dane County Holiday Farmers' Market – Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI 53703

The Dane County Farmers Market returns for holiday fun on Saturdays, including November 15th, November 22nd, December 6th, December 13th, and December 20th, from 7:30am to 12:00pm. Located on the Monona Ter­race, the Market brings more than 60 vendors together and is your one-stop shop for all of your holiday needs.

Madison Preservation

If you are looking for a more unique gift, look into the Madison Trust for gift ideas. The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation celebrates and advocates for the preservation of historic places in the Madison, Wisconsin, area. If you have a friend or family member who is interested in preserving the history of Madison, you can gift a year's membership or a Summer Walking Tour.

Food Tours

We are so lucky to have such an incredible food scene here in Madison. Another activity that doubles as a great gift to give this holiday season is a Madison Food and Drink Tour. It’s a great way for those who love fun through food to explore Madison. Buy gift cards here.

Let us know where you love to shop in Madison, and Happy Holidays from all of us at Park Cedar Apartments!

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National Cheese Curd Day is fast approaching! October 15th will see the wonder that is deep-fried yellow or white snackable cheese be celebrated. This month on the blog, we wanted to highlight our favorite places to enjoy cheese curds in Wisconsin! 
 

• The Old Fashioned – 23 North Pinckney Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703

The Old Fashioned is a local favorite for cheese curds! Wisconsin-themed, retro-style tavern offering beers, brats & cheese curds all sourced in-state. It also serves great food and drink options, so there is truly something for everyone. 

“Stopped here for lunch after Googling the number one cheese curds in Wisconsin. We weren’t disappointed! They were light, crispy, gooey with a great flavor. Just perfect!” – Rachel, Google Review
 

• Tipsy Cow – 102 King St, Madison, WI 53703 & 2816 Prairie Lakes D,r Suite 107, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Comfortable brewpub with outdoor seating, a big beer selection & an artful menu of burgers & bar bites. Tipsy Cow was opened with the goal of prioritizing high quality ingredients and providing a varied menu. Their bar menu also hosts a range of craft beers from around the country. 

“Incredible cheese curds — I had the goat cheese curds, the fluffiest I ever ate”– Sinjoor, Google Review

• Cheesers – 83 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589

Established in 1995, Cheesers has over 25 years of experience in serving Stoughton and the surrounding areas of Madison. If you want to bring your cheese curds home, Cheesers does a Cheese Curds subscription! Join the Club and receive 2 lbs of fresh Wisconsin Cheese Curds at your doorstep each month. Each monthly delivery will contain the best quality curds in Wisconsin, shipped fresh. Each month, you will receive a new and unique flavor (12 available flavors).

“Such a wonderful little shop! I stop here for fresh cheese curds whenever I can!!” – Victoria – Google Review
 

• Dotty Dumpling's Dowry – 317 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703

Longtime local institution offering specialty burgers, cheese curds & tap beers in quirky digs. Dotty’s has been a local favorite for over 47 years and remains a great spot for great food and a warm welcome. 

“Cheese curds were fire!” – Seth, Google Review
 

Let us know your favorite spot for cheese curds in Wisconsin. Happy National Cheese Curds Day to you all!

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National Donut Day is Friday, June 6th, and we’re more than ready to celebrate. Whether you’re into classic glazed or like to switch it up with something bold and creative, Madison has some standout donut shops worth checking out.

To help you plan your donut run, we’ve rounded up four local favorites.

Greenbush Bakery

Let’s start with a local legend. Greenbush has been a Madison favorite for years and for good reason. Their sour cream old-fashioned and blueberry cake donuts have a loyal following, but their entire lineup, from apple fritters to glazed, is always fresh and full of flavor. This is your go-to spot for classic, no-fuss donuts done really well. Get there early; they tend to sell out fast!

Bloom Bake Shop

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Bloom is your spot. They bake their donuts instead of frying them, and they use local, seasonal ingredients in creative ways. Flavors rotate, but expect things like lavender glaze, chai sugar, or lemon poppyseed. Plus, they offer vegan and gluten-free options that are just as tasty as the originals.

Level 5 Donuts

Level 5 Donuts is a 100% vegan company making waves in the Madison donut scene. What started as a pop-up in 2019 has now grown into a local favorite, with their donuts available at coffee shops all over the city. Their rotating donut menu includes playful flavors like matcha cream, cereal toppings, and filled donuts with unexpected twists. With their strong community roots and creative menu, Level 5 Donuts has become a go-to for anyone craving something sweet, thoughtful, and local.

Duck Donuts

Newer to Madison, Duck Donuts brings a fun twist with their made-to-order creations. You start with a warm vanilla cake donut and build from there, choosing your coating, topping, and drizzle. Popular combos include maple icing with bacon, cinnamon sugar with raspberry drizzle, or classic chocolate with rainbow sprinkles. Everything is made fresh while you wait, so you get that perfect warm, just-out-of-the-fryer bite every time. They also offer donut breakfast sandwiches and sundaes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Donut Forget to Celebrate

National Donut Day is the perfect excuse to explore a new local spot or treat yourself to an old favorite. Whether you’re grabbing one on your way to work or picking up a dozen to share, it’s a fun and easy way to support local businesses and add a little sweetness to your day.

What did we miss? Let us know!

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Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and coming together to support those in need. While gathering around the table with family and friends is a big part of the holiday, it’s also an opportunity to give back to the local community. Whether you’re new to Madison or have lived here for years, there are plenty of ways to help make a difference during this season of giving. Here are several meaningful ways you can support Madison’s community this Thanksgiving.

1. Volunteer at a Local Food Pantry

Many families in Madison face food insecurity, and food pantries play a critical role in making sure everyone has access to a meal, especially during the holidays. Volunteering at local food banks like The River Food Pantry or Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is a great way to lend a hand. Both organizations often look for volunteers to help pack and distribute food to families in need. You can sign up with a group of friends or even on your own, and the time commitment is typically just a few hours.

3. Host a Friendsgiving for a Cause

Who says Friendsgiving can’t also serve as a way to give back? Host a gathering with your neighbors or friends and ask each guest to bring non-perishable items to donate to local shelters. You could also encourage guests to make a small donation to a charity of their choice instead of bringing food or gifts. This is a fun and meaningful way to gather with loved ones while supporting a cause close to your heart. Another option is to collect items like blankets, toiletries, and winter clothing for shelters like The Beacon, which supports people experiencing homelessness in Madison.

4. Donate Blood

Giving blood is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to help the community, especially during the holiday season when blood shortages are common. The American Red Cross and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are always looking for donors, and Thanksgiving is a great time to roll up your sleeve and make a life-saving contribution. Donating blood only takes about an hour of your time, and you could help save lives by providing hospitals with the necessary supplies during an often critical time of year.

5. Support Local Charities and Organizations

If you’re pressed for time but still want to give back, consider making a financial donation to a local charity. Madison is home to numerous organizations that support various causes, from food insecurity to housing assistance. Some notable ones to consider include:

• United Way of Dane County: Supports various health, education, and financial stability programs.
• The Road Home Dane County: Works to end homelessness for families in the Madison area.
• Dane County Humane Society: Helps care for animals in need and finds them forever homes.

6. Be Kind and Give Locally

Lastly, supporting local businesses is a small yet significant way to give back this Thanksgiving. From purchasing gifts at small stores to dining at neighborhood restaurants, your local spending helps keep Madison’s economy thriving. It also supports jobs for people in your community, which is especially important during the holiday season. If you’re able, leave a little extra tip when dining out or grab a coffee for a stranger at a local café. These small gestures of kindness can ripple throughout the community and spread goodwill during a season where it’s most needed.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie. It’s about coming together as a community and supporting one another. Whether you have time to volunteer, donate, or simply offer a small act of kindness, there’s no shortage of ways to give back in Madison. By participating in local efforts, you’ll not only help those in need but also strengthen the bonds within our city, making Madison an even better place to call home.

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One of the best things about living at Park Cedar Apartments is the easy access to local farmers’ markets. From seasonal produce to artisanal goods, these markets offer a vibrant community atmosphere and a chance to support local vendors. Here are some of our favorite farmers' markets in the area:

Capitol View Farmers’ Market: Discover a hidden gem at the Capitol View Farmers' Market, open every Wednesday from May 29 to October 9. This vibrant marketplace offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and locally-made treats. With its convenient timing and diverse offerings, the Capitol View Farmers' Market is the perfect place for those seeking a taste of community and freshness after a long day at work.

Dane County Farmers' Market: One of Madison’s most popular farmers' markets is the Dane County Farmers' Market. It’s held on Capitol Square on Saturdays and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Wednesdays during the spring and summer months. With over 150 vendors offering everything from organic produce to cheese, meats, and crafts, this market is a must-visit for food lovers.

Monona Farmers Market: Held at Ahuska Park in Monona, the Monona Farmers Market runs from the 1st Sunday in May through the last Sunday in October. This market offers a scenic setting to shop for fresh produce, flowers, crafts, and more while enjoying live music and beautiful views.

Westside Community Market: Located inside University Research Park, the Westside Community Market offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, flowers, plants, and artisanal products from local farmers and producers. Open on Saturdays from April to November, it's a convenient option for Westside residents looking to stock up on farm-fresh goodies.

Exploring these local farmer's markets near Park Cedar Apartments is a great way to experience Madison’s vibrant food culture and support local farmers and artisans. So grab your reusable bags and head to these markets for a fun and delicious adventure!

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