Why every summer should start with Verona vibes

Looking for a new spot to find your summer state of mind? Try Verona, Wisconsin.

Its nickname — “Hometown USA” — is a not-so-subtle giveaway to everything that makes this city shine: a focus on community, family-friendly activities and small-town charm that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

While Verona starts its summer in May with a three-day festival called Hometown Days, it is not the end of the city’s summer story. Verona is packed with outdoor fun, making it one of the liveliest early-summer spots to experience outdoor dining, active adventures, live music and more.

Familiar faces and gathering places

Community is at the center of many experiences you’ll find in this small town situated along the banks of the Sugar River. Even if you’re not a local, you’ll immediately feel a sense of belonging everywhere you go.

The “all is good” origin story at Alice Good Coffee brings a meaningful start to any morning. Whether you order an espresso tonic or a traditional macchiato from the specialty drink menu, you’ll find a Latinx and women-owned shop that celebrates sustainable Colombian coffee and contributions to the community.

Just down the block is where you’ll find The Sow’s Ear. You only need to spend a few minutes inside before you’re immersed in cozy community vibes. It was the Midwest’s first café and yarn shop, and for 25 years has been a gathering place for locals and visitors who are passionate about fiber arts — whether they’re at knitting club, crochet classes or collaborations with community organizations like the Madison Mallards.

When it is time to enjoy sun-drenched patios, you’ll find one of the biggest at Wisconsin Brewing Company, which offers a dozen different beers daily. Food carry-ins and dogs on-leash are permitted on the patio so you can linger longer at events nearly every day of the week.

In downtown Verona, you will not want to miss Toot & Kate’s Wine Bar, a self-serve spot with more than 24 rotating reds and whites, plus outdoor seating. Then stop down the block at Hop Haus Brewing Co., which makes its own beer, with an emphasis on IPAs, served on its large outdoor patio. There is an outdoor patio at nearby Orchard, too, which also offers farm-to-table fare like Smash Burgers from Seven Seeds organic beef, mac and cheese made with Hooks aged cheddar and ciders from The Cider Farm. There are many gluten-free options on the menu, including the Friday fish fry.

If your ideal summer vacation leads to relaxation, consider that Verona is home to several spots for family-friendly, fresh-air fun.

There are only 11 National Scenic Trails in the U.S., and the Ice Age Trail, contained entirely in Wisconsin, is one of the longest and most diverse. This 1,000-mile footpath was carved during the Wisconsin Glaciation period that ended 12,000 years ago. One of the trailheads is in Verona, where you can hike a 6.3-mile segment that passes through three county parks and features several kettle ponds, including the Moraine Kettles Preserve.

You can also put in miles on the Military Ridge State Trail, a 40-mile crushed limestone trail that connects bikers from Madison to Dodgeville. It features easy-to-navigate routes, some of which run through the residential part of town. A state trail pass is required for cycling on this trail and is available for $5 per day or $25 annually.

If you are looking for a more low-key way to enjoy the warm weather, there are parks that offer greenspace for picnicking, walking and casual recreation. There are 10 different natural areas to explore in Verona, from parks and preserves to prairies and savannas. Visit them all and you can earn a commemorative patch.

Each of these spaces offers a quieter, unhurried vibe with parking, spacious trails and drop-in opportunities so you can decide how to spend your day in a spontaneous way.