Date Archives: March 2022

Home to a variety of local brew houses and Irish pubs, it's no surprise that the Madison area is a great place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Join our real estate agents by partaking in the luck of the Irish at these lively pubs, saloons, and restaurants around Madison. 

• Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl - Red Rock Saloon, 222 W. Gorham S., Madison, WI 53703
  What's St. Patrick's Day without a traditional pub crawl? Meet your friends at Red Rock Saloon to start out on Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl. Enjoy food and drink specials at five great bars, followed by a lively after-party. A $1,000 prize will be awarded for the best costume of the evening. Tickets are $15, with a $5 discount per person for groups of four or more. The crawl takes place on Saturday, March 19, from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., with the after-party scheduled for 10 p.m. - midnight.
  
  
• Essen Haus - 514 E. Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703
  Is St. Patrick's Day a springtime version of Oktoberfest? They'll be wearing green on March 17 at Essen Haus, a popular German restaurant that goes Irish for the day. Essen Haus will serve steins of green beer to go with a food menu of corned beef & cabbage, shepherd's pie, and other classic dishes. Irish pub band O'Darby will provide live entertainment. Festivities run from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  
  
• Mackesey's Irish Pub - 317 State St., Madison, WI 53703
  When you visit Mackesey's Irish Pub, don't be surprised if you find yourself forgetting that you're in Madison. This family-run bar, located in a vintage building, has the authentic feel of an old-school Irish pub. Order a pint of Guinness, Smithwick's, or Harp to go with your burger or "toastie" sandwich. Be sure to bring plenty of coins to feed the jukebox. Mackesey's opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and noon on Sunday.
  
  
• Erin's Snug Irish Pub - 4601 American Pkwy., Madison, WI 53718
  Historically, a "snug" was a private room for people who didn't want to be seen in a bar. But that's not the case at Erin's Snug Irish Pub, which promotes an atmosphere of fun and fellowship. Each room has a Gaelic name along with its own decor to provide a variety of experiences. In addition to traditional favorites such as bangers & mash and cottage pie, the menu adds Irish flair to some unexpected dishes. Be sure to try the shepherd's pie mac & cheese or the shalaylee, an egg roll stuffed with corned beef, cabbage, and Swiss cheese. Erin's is open daily from 11 a.m. until closing.

According to an old Irish blessing, "May the roof above you never fall in and those gathered beneath it never fall out." We can help you with the roof portion of that when you contact us at Stark to help you make a plan to find a new home in the Dane County area. 

If hearing about friends' Spring Break plans has you feeling a bit stir crazy, it's not too late to book a spring staycation! Southern WI has beautiful options for a stay full of outdoor adventure or soothing relaxation. Read on to learn about a few of our local vacation destinations.

Our real estate agents know our state is dotted with inns, bed and breakfasts, and hotels that allow you to make the most of life in Wisconsin. The peaceful and serene surroundings will refresh you – and you might only have to travel a few minutes to reach your favorite new getaway. No matter what you have in mind, there's a nearby "staycation" that can help you reset this spring.

Let's take a closer look at some top staycation options throughout the local area:

• Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn – 1090 Severson Road, Belleville, WI 53508-9728
  It's been said that "the nicest people in the world stay at" Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn. This award-winning bed and breakfast is situated on 120 acres featuring forests, gardens, and meandering trails. It's delightful in all seasons with spring flower beds, summer rose gardens and fall foliage. And it is convenient to some of Belleville's quaint neighborhoods.
  
  
• Pinehaven – E13083 State Highway 33, Baraboo, WI 53913
  Not far from Baraboo, you can enter another world in the rural setting of Pinehaven. Seated in a pine grove that truly redefines "fresh air," it provides you with a wonderful pond and gardens to explore. Catch and release fishing is allowed in the pond with no license required, and birdwatchers love seeing what feathered friends they can spot on the grounds during the spring. It's also convenient to a wide range of trails perfect for a relaxing walk.
  
  
• Inn at Wawanisee Point – E13609 Tower Road, Baraboo, WI 53913
  Inn at Wawanisee Point is a secluded spot seated on 42 acres of wooded land and positioned atop the Baraboo Bluffs. Hailed as a romantic getaway you will never forget, it caters to adults only. It's also a short drive to Devil's Lake State Park, with abundant opportunities for hiking, paddling, and more. The accommodations are steeped in luxury, and the view is unbeatable.
  
  
• Mendota Lake House Inn – 704 East Gorham, Madison, WI 53703
  Mendota Lake House Inn is an arts and crafts inn that has been around since 1911. It sits right on the famous lakeshore near some of Madison's most unique homes for sale. It is known for its convenience to the State Capitol and University of Wisconsin campus. All visitors will have a brilliant view of the lake and enjoy a full continental breakfast each morning.
  
  
• Naeset-Roe Inn – 126 East Washington Street, Stoughton, WI 53589
  Naeset-Roe Inn continues a tradition that dates all the way back to 1878 builder Jens Naeset. This charming inn, noted on the National Register of Historic Places, is a prime example of Victorian architectural flair. Themed guest rooms, each with a private bath, are all located on the second floor. It will whisk you away to an experience of elegance near Stoughton homes for sale.

Contact us to discover more of what Wisconsin has to offer.

Madison foodies rejoice! Some truly amazing restaurants are joining Madison's vibrant culinary scene. Looking to try something new next time you dine out or order takeout? Read on for suggestions on new restaurants and cafes to try.

• Stadium Takeout - 1517 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711
  Opened in October 2021, Stadium Takeout is already gaining traction thanks to its unpretentious atmosphere and menu packed with tasty Midwestern staples. The restaurant is the brainchild of Don Woods, known around town as Don the Barber—he also owns the barbershop right next door—who has built the menu around Windy City favorites like Italian beef and Chicago hot dogs. Stadium Takeout also makes tasty wings, burgers, and shrimp po'boys. It's a great place to get a hearty meal to go, with a convenient location on Monroe Street, near some of Madison's most charming homes for sale.
  
  
• The Harvey House - 644 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703
  A new restaurant with an old-school ambiance, The Harvey House is a classic supper club with a unique Midwestern twist. A creation of owner Shaina Robbins Papach and co-owner/chef Joe Papach, this eatery made waves well beyond the local restaurant scene when it opened last year and was ranked number eight on Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America 2021 list. Their martinis are served ice-cold, and the pumpernickel-crusted Lake Superior walleye, served with spaetzle, savoy cabbage and horseradish sabayon, is a real highlight of the menu.
  
  
• Taco Local - 811 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703
  Taco Local opened in April 2021 in the Williamson Street location that was once home to Underground Butcher. Their menu of Latin American street food includes just a handful of items, but each one is dialed into perfection. Tacos, of course, are the stars of the show. The mango braised pork tacos and tequila lime chicken tacos are outstanding. Each taco comes topped with homemade pico de gallo, crema, and cilantro and is served with a side of esquites, a Mexican street corn salad, and red pickled onion.
  
  
• Kettle Black Kitchen - 1835 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711
  Serving French-inspired American fare in an intimate setting, Kettle Black Kitchen is a cozy new dinner spot on Monroe Street. Owners Brian and Alicia Hamilton started Kettle Black Kitchen as a meal pick-up service before expanding into their new brick-and-mortar location in 2021. With entrees ranging from pan-seared cod to maple braised bone-in pork shank, Kettle Black Kitchen offers reservations up to 30 days in advance but always holds a few tables for walk-ins.
  
  
• Good News Ice Cream - 117 King St, Madison, WI 53703
  A new ice cream shop is always good news, but the opening of Good News Ice Cream was a particularly welcome announcement this past summer. Serving coffee and grab-and-go sandwiches in addition to artisanal, homemade ice cream, the shop is owned and operated by Andy Haker, who also owns Madison's, a beloved craft cocktail bar and brunch hangout right next door. The nine rotating ice cream flavors at Good News range from the classic (vanilla bean, pistachio) to the adventurous (strawberry balsamic, Mexican hot chocolate) but are always satisfying.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Madison and talk to our real estate agents about finding your dream home in Wisconsin.