Capital Cuisine

Often at the outskirts of old Wisconsin towns there were public houses for tying up a wagon, a horse, or housing, in the case of Madison, rail workers passing through the territory.  "By 1858, Madison boasted six restaurateurs.  Most of these early eateries were located on Main, King or Mifflin Streets, all within walking distance of the capitol." The old Plough Inn (and 'Stagger Out") was one of the original taverns that also served food in young Madison, dating as far back as 1838, becoming the famous namesake in 1853.  Located down at the far end of Monroe Street past campus and nearing the UW Arboretum, the old Plough Inn, now a nationally registered  

historic sight, has become the unique "green b and b" the Arbor House, which has added to some of the original structure. "Many of the features found in the historic structure can be found in the Annex addition, with today's sustainable architectural features in mind...both buildings have 12-inch thick walls, an abundance of windows, tile, stone, and quality carpentry and solid wood floors...The main arbor connects the two buildings serving as both a physical connection and symbolic connection between two periods of time: how we used to live and how it is possible to live today and in the future."

The last time we stayed at the Arbor House (not knowing then it was the old Plough Inn) we stayed directly above the old sitting room made of solid maple wood.  At 7:00 sharp, a chocolate torte was set out on the sitting table for any of the house tenants to try.  The room smelled of old wood and chocolate.  This would have been the same room as old tavern dwellers would have passed time sipping a draught ale, perhaps being served a frontier-style steak or ham.   Just outside the annex

the new B and B owners had created a lush garden with a trail that leads through fallen pears and hummingbirds silently buzzing through the edible crops like taste testers.