Cheese Curds, Beer, and Brats! - An 'Epic' City

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Cheese Curds (according to Wiki): Cheese curds are the fresh curds of cheese, often cheddar. They are generally available in retail stores operated at cheese factories throughout the countries of Canada and the United States (especially in USA's Upstate New York, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Canada's provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick where they can be found in many grocery stores.) Cheese curds are little-known in locations without cheese factories, because they should ideally be eaten within hours of manufacture.

The trip to Madison, WI began with our first cheese curd experience and a 'tasting' platter of ten beers at the Great Dane Pub. In fact, I also learned that a proper cheese curd will squeak when chewed. Madison was generally filled with beer, more beer, some brats in between beer 'tastings', and finally some more beer. We explored downtown Madison both at night walking around Univ of Wisconsin - Madison's campus and then again the following day with a nice bike ride near the lakes. At UW-Madison, they serve beer in the Union and the students (altho most were not around due to summer) sit around the lake drinking beer on very colorful chairs. Madison is one of the top cycling cities in the US and had some great trails and bike shops.

Our trip to Madison also included a visit to Epic, the company my sister works for. The Epic campus is a very interesting place (as you can see by the pictures). Upon entry you are greeted by a sign saying "Epic: Intergalactic Headquarters" and a large Tin Man. Each of the five main buildings (and tree house) are separately themed. So you are not seeing things and at her office, there is a hallway made to resemble an NYC subway, a Cat in the Hat on a bench, an Indiana Jones hallway, and many different pieces of artwork from local artists. Needless to say, Madison was a great time and I highly recommend visiting if it is on your way. It is also one of the largest farmer's markets in the US (which we were unable to attend). Next stop: Minneapolis, MN.

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Photos

Large metal birds?
We found them on our bike ride downtown Madison.

...a brain?
Epic: not sure of the irony of a software company needing a brain?

Caleb's got baggage
Epic: the train station hallway came complete with props!

End of a nap!
Epic: great piece of art in hallway

Ummm..not sure
at Epic

Dragon and snack
Epic: Notice the bones at bottom of cage

Deep conversation
at Epic

Comments

[Brandon]

Ha!
Love this art!