Small Business
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Our readers told us the best vegan restaurant in Madison.
Nestled in the heart of Madison, Green Owl Cafe has carved out a distinct niche as the city’s premier vegan destination. This charming eatery captivates both locals and visitors alike with its innovative plant-based cuisine that defies the stereotypes often associated with vegan food. Its commitment to sustainability and the use of fresh, locally sourced…
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We asked our readers to tell us the best Madison breweries. Here’s their answer.
Madison is home to dozens of buzz-worthy breweries. But which one stands as the city’s best? That’s the question we posed to UpNorthNews readers. Thanks to their enthusiastic responses, the answer is crystal clear – Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. stands tall as the unparalleled champion of Madison breweries. What’s on Tap? Exploring Great…
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The Best Cheese Shop in Madison, According to UpNorthNews Readers
Madison, often hailed as a haven for cheese enthusiasts, boasts a multitude of cheese shops that cater to the discerning palates of locals and visitors alike. In a recent poll conducted by UpNorthNews as part of our Madison Food Guide, readers cast their votes to determine the top cheese shop in Madison. The resounding winner?…
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Milwaukee’s pie trail: Where to indulge on National Pi Day
Leave it to a physicist to make a day commemorating a decimal point delicious! Here are our favorite spots to grab a slice in southeastern Wisconsin…
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Why do Girl Scout cookies taste different across Wisconsin?
From what’s for sale and where to buy, to why some flavors really do taste different: your guide to the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie season.
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Why Wisconsin farmers are tapping into barley
Interest in local ingredients for local craft beer is driving production of barley for brewing in Wisconsin. Jim Pingel has raised four kids on his farm in Chippewa County. He had about 100 head of dairy cattle—40 that he milked up until about 2000. He’s grown corn, soybeans, a little rye, some oats, and some…
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Inside the Madison store where DVDs still reign supreme
At its peak, Blockbuster had more than 9,000 stores worldwide, including about 100 here in Wisconsin. That was 20 years ago. Just five years later, in 2019, most of those stores closed. But everything comes back eventually… right?
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Nice Slice! The best pizza in 10 Wisconsin cities
We set out to find the best ‘za in the state’s 10 biggest cities–using Yelp reviews to lead the way, while filtering out chain restaurants, as well as any spots with less than 100 total reviews.
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5 things you didn’t know were invented in Wisconsin
When you think ‘Wisconsin,’ most people think of beer, brats, and Badgers. But, you should add three other B’s to that list: blenders, burgers, and bone marrow transplants!
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Wisconsin’s top 10 cheeses
While there are 19 cheese-based “holidays” each year (ever heard of National Cheese Doodle Day on March 5th?), National Cheese Lovers’ Day, held every January 20, is the biggest and most representative of Wisconsin culture–where there’s one cow for every five people! To celebrate, we’re counting down the Top 10 most-popular, most-produced types of cheese…

























