I came into this world crying and screaming at Meriter Hospital on March 7th 1995. From that moment I was blessed enough to call Madison, Wisconsin my home. When people think of Wisconsin they automatically think of people running around eating cheese and deer hunting; but we are nothing like that. Well, most of us aren’t. The impression many people have about state capitals is that they are polluted and overcrowded areas filled with crime and poverty; but Madison is far from it. It wasn’t until I had an ample about of traveling under my belt that I truly began to appreciate the stunning beauty that my hometown had to offer.
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I have traveled around the world to places like China and Haiti, yet I always feel that yearning for that magic my hometown contains. Madison is characterized by its surrounding lakes, Mendota and Monona. If you come to Madison and haven’t spent some time on our lakes then you have not really traveled to Madison. When you look at the lakes horizon you’ll see it sprinkled with sailboats and fishermen. And just because the Wisconsin winters kick in does not mean that the water activities come to a halt. The Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics, involves jumping into the frozen water for a mere moment.
And if your not up for plummeting into bone chilling water you can always visit one of the 13 official beaches that Madison has to offer. There is always something going on! Whether it be the Crazy Legs run/walk, or the weekly Madison's Farmers Market, there is never a dull moment.
One of my personal favorites is the Henry Vilas Zoo. It has all other things that zoos have but one thing sets it apart is… it’s free! Whenever my friends and I can not decide on an activity we always go the zoo. Hoping on our bikes and riding the gorgeous trails that circle Lake Wingra and lead to the zoo is one of the most relaxing and beautiful sights to see. Although your legs may be sore after a long bike ride, it is worth it to see the gorgeous landscape. Not to mention the moment you see those sea lions playfully swimming around in their enclosure you forget about the small aches of life.
If the beauty of the sights has yet to amaze you then look no further than Olbrich Botanical Gardens. It is a jaw-dropping garden site that was established in 1952. Their mission is to share the beauty and joy of gardening and nature all while showing the biodiversity of life. Bring the whole family! Little children love to go inside their butterfly exhibit where they can get up close and personal with one of natures most magnificent creatures. While the kids are at play the adults are welcome to take a stroll through the 16 acres of dazzling landscape.
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