As I begin the final semester of my five years here at UW-Madison, I have been hit with a wave of nostalgia. The past five years have been instrumental in the formation of the person I am today. I have many memories here in Madison, and I feel that I am ready to move on. But there is one feeling that I do not want to have in the future: regret.
I do not want to find myself ten years, or even ten months from now looking back and thinking, Man, I wish I would have done that."" So, in a final attempt to alleviate any current concerns that I may experience these future feelings, I have made a sort of bucket list. Think of me as Jack Nicholson, except I'm not dying and I'm not friends with Morgan Freeman... although I did admire his speech in ""Deep Impact."" ""We will rebuild!"" I'm merely trying to finish my last semester here in Madison with a bang.
First things first. The Abraham Lincoln statue. I know it's a little cliché. Everyone jumps up on his lap for a picture, but it is a Madison must. The Lincoln statue is the defining image of the Bascom Hill district. Honest Abe has watched countless numbers of UW students trek up that infamous hill since it was dedicated in 1909. His stare has witnessed the passing of two World Wars, the modernization of State Street and the stirring protests of the 1960s. If only the statue could speak, what stories would it tell?
Second item to be checked off the list would have to be a tour of the New Glarus Brewery. Situated just 30 miles outside of Madison, the honorable home to those delicious Spotted Cow brews is only a short drive away. Designated drivers are recommended, however, because the tasting room will surely be the longest part of the self-guided tour. On a related note, how could I leave out a Capital Brewery tour? Their Middleton location is only a Sammy Sosa hop, skip and a post-steroid jump away. No excuses. It's on the list.
After those brewery tours, a nice walk across a frozen Lake Mendota is next on the list. You have to get rid of that hangover somehow. A straight walk across the lake from the Memorial Union will take you directly to the Governor's Mansion. A quick look left will also give you a good view of the Mendota Mental Health Institute where notorious serial killer Ed Gein lived out his final days. Gein was the inspiration for the Hannibal Lecter series. Hello Clarisse.
On a lighter note, two events on Capitol Square must be attended before you leave the city. The Farmer's Market is best enjoyed on Saturdays and Wednesdays during the warm months of the year. Concerts on the Square take place Wednesday nights during the month of July. It's worth a return visit if you aren't staying in Madison for the summer already.
Another Madison favorite would have to be spending a night in the Duck Blind for a Madison Mallards game. The all-you-can-eat-and-drink section requires a designated driver as well.
Mickie's Dairy Bar on Monroe Street also makes the checklist. You can't leave Madison without building up a nice little food baby at this '50s joint.
The last item to be checked off the list would have to be the Madison sunset. Although sunsets are often taken for granted, Madison's definitely should not be. The best place to view this daily occurrence is from the sidewalk across from the Washburn Observatory. A red sun sets over Picnic Point every night. Several Native American mounds also lie within walking distance, and the renovated observatory is set to re-open this summer.
My actual bucket list would most likely take up this entire page, and some items are not fit for print, but if you want to get a head start, I suggest planning yours out as soon as possible.
Tom Hart is a senior majoring in history. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
