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Dudgeon-Monroe: Paradise or the near-west side?
By Dean Robbins
The Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood is arguably the nicest place on earth. Paris and Manhattan are strong on culture, but they're a tad crowded. The Rocky Mountains are pretty, but the restaurants aren't so great. Madison's near-west-side neighborhood, on the other hand, combines everything you'd want in life along the main strip of Monroe Street and the areas just to the north and south.
For natural beauty, it's hard to beat Lake Wingra and the Arboretum, a paradise for hikers, bikers, joggers, sailors, bird-watchers and other hardy types. And those are just the high-profile spots. Insiders know about the Glenway Children's Park, a wooded paradise tucked off Glenway Drive; and the maze of trails behind Glenway Golf Course and Forest Hills Cemetery, beloved of dog-walkers and 10-year-old explorers. On snow days, every kid in the neighborhood flocks to the glorious sledding hill on Glenway Golf Course, where a good ride will take you right to the edge of Forest Hill's picturesque gravestones.
Dudgeon-Monroe also has its share of urban pleasures. The Monroe Street corridor is scaled to pedestrians, and a walk from one end to the other will take you past storefronts offering creative cooking, locally made candy, hip clothing and intriguing artwork, along with indie shops selling CDs, books, comics, flowers, kitchenware and costumes. Local mom-and-pop landmarks include Mallatt Pharmacy, Neuhauser Pharmacy, Parman's Service Station and Budd's Auto Repair, hanging tough against the chain operations popping up everywhere else in town. In the summer, the sandal-clad throngs flock to Michael's Frozen Custard, conveniently situated on the outskirts of Wingra Park. A stroll along the lake will almost work off that scoop (okay, double scoop) of chocolate-chocolate chip.
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NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCES
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Dudgeon-Monroe News Anthony Verbick, manager, Rachel Fox, gallery/events director at Ma-cha TeahouseMa-cha Teahouse & Gallery, 1934 Monroe St.Susan Kepecs on Friday 10/17/2008, (2) RecommendationsTeas like these are sheer luxury. Sip a cup at Ma-cha and buy an ounce or two to brew at home. >More  Monroe Street Bistro is no copycatFormidable!Kyle Nabilcy on Friday 10/03/2008, (12) Comments, (127) RecommendationsIt's a little daring -- you might even say brash -- to open up a little bistro just down the street from a very similar restaurant, and name your endeavor the Monroe Street Bistro. After all, Brasserie V was there first. The temerity! But sit down at one of Monroe Street Bistro's little tables, and you'll find hardly a shadow of arrogance. >MoreBrad Wolbert v. Jeremy Levin for Dane County Board seatVikki Kratz on Thursday 09/25/2008It's not getting much attention, but there is a County Board race on the ballot this Nov. 4. Two liberals are vying to replace Dave Worzala in Dist. 10 on Madison's west side. (Worzala was appointed county treasurer this summer.) >MoreMadison restaurant owner on license fee: 'I knew I was going to get screwed'Vikki Kratz on Thursday 08/14/2008, (3) RecommendationsWhen John Roussos, owner of New Orleans Take-Out, renewed his restaurant license this summer, he got an unpleasant surprise. The annual fee, previously $382, was now more than $700. "I work long, hard hours to keep my business open," he complains. "What am I getting for [an extra] $340?" >MoreMonroe Street hotel up, J.B. Van Hollen downIsthmus Staff on Thursday 06/19/2008, (3) RecommendationsAfter a bitter fight, plans for a new four-story hotel across from Camp Randall are approved. >More |
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