Madison (and Talisen) - Day 14
We woke to a great day (again) in Madison. We had some of the remaining bakery goods from the Monks (in Copper Harbor) for breakfast, and then walked down State Street to the University of Wisconsin. State is the college drag, with funky shops, restaurants, books stores and interesting people. We saw one guy ride by in a super hero costume. Cars are not allowed on State Street. It was about a mile to the university.We decided to stay in Madison another night and booked an afternoon tour at Taliesin, the home and studio/school of Frank Lloyd Wright. We took a shorter overview tour, but it was still two hours and was just right. A story. Frank didn't have the best business and general reputation. So when our tour guide, who grew up in the area, came to work here, her mother said "why are you going to work for them - you know he still owes your grandfather money!"
This sign is a brand new recreation of the original from the 20's. They have live music here. State Street.
Not often you see a retail store that is world famous with both free admission and tours. State Street.
Badger liquor sign looks good on State Street. Unfortunately the Badger bottle didn't light up at night.
Mural of beer steins in battle in the basement of the University of Wisconsin student union. Beer is a big deal in Wisconsin.
The following eight are from the Frank Lloyd Wright Talisen tour.
The architecture school that Wright started still exists here. There are only 10-20 students that are enrolled and live here.
Theater.
View of the surrounding valley. Wright grew up here and at one time had 2,800 acres. Much was sold to pay debts after he died but the foundation still has 490 acres. There are FLW buildings scattered around this valley. That includes relatives houses, a windmill structure and farm buildings. The visitor center was (and still is also) a restaurant.The tour was good and quite relaxed. Photography was permitted and access to wander around a bit was good.
Typical dairy farm. The drive to Spring Green was beautiful, hilly farm land and lots of woods. It was very green. Must have had good recent rains.
Cheese stores all around this dairy country. We stopped at this family store and got more education on cheese. And we bought a bunch too.
Another look at the Wisconsin capitol in the start of golden light.
After a great dinner at Cento we decided to go back to State Street and walk it off.
This is one of those photographer pixie dust (as Robert calls it) moments. I pulled the camera up to get a night shot of the Badger Liquor sign and this marriage proposal unfolded right before me. It might have lasted only 15 seconds and they were gone - with a couple congratulations from the passer-byers. And yes - she seemed surprised and very excited.