Glenwood Park, Dudgeon Monroe

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Glenwood Children's Park sign in the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood.On these chilly yet tolerable days of fall, I’m always looking for reasons to get out and enjoy our fine Madison neighborhoods before the temps take a nosedive. Some time ago I stumbled upon the hidden gem that is Glenwood Children's Park in the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood. Discoveries like these always come in handy on those rare occasions that our family has a free day with no place to be. Camera in hand, we set out to enjoy a fantastic fall afternoon. Glenwood offers plenty of great photo ops as well as an endless amount of possibilities for crawling around in weird places, building forts and general goofing off.

It goes without saying that spots like these are few and far between in urban areas, making GlenwoodTree trunk carved into chair in Glenwood Children's Park. an attractive asset to the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood and surrounding real estate. Not only does the park offer a peaceful place to contemplate the finer points of life, it also provides hours of creative outdoor play and exploration.

Growing up in the country, I spent countless hours playing in the woods. I would build forts and tree houses; find cool rocks, sticks and hiding spots; and, of course, make the occasional and important discovery of an animal bone, which was always exciting. It was refreshing to share that experience with my teenager and see her genuinely enjoy our time together in this urban forest.

Jessica exploring Glenwood Children's Park in Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood.If you're in the market for Madison real estate and enjoy walking to urban amenities, taking scenic bike rides, participating in water sports and/or letting yourself (or your kids) run loose in the forest, then you simply have to check out the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood and Glenwood Children's Park. You won't be disappointed.

If you would like to browse properties currently available in the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood, please click here.

Pie, Me Oh My, I love Pie

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Humble Pie chalkboard advertisement in front of the store.One of my favorite parts about being a Madison Realtor is discovering the hidden gems within the neighborhoods that I work. A couple weeks ago I found a new favorite, Humble Pie, tucked just off of Regent Street in the University Heights neighborhood. Folks, I hold no degree on the matter, but I do like to think of myself as somewhat of a “dessert connoisseur.” This means that I not only have a deep love for all things sweet and sugary, but I also enjoy them regularly and tend to analyze and compare their tastiness. I can tell you where to find a mean lemon blackberry ricotta muffin (4&20 Bakery & Cafe in the Emerson neighborhood), a killer doughnut (Greebush Bakery on the edge of the Greenbush and Vilas neighborhoods), a fantastic brownie (Collectivo Coffee in downtown Madison) or the best ice cream cone in town (Babcock Hall at the Union Terrace). I digress... Back to the subject at hand: PIE! I had the seasonal Blackberry Stack, which was quite literally the best dessert I’ve ever had. (And have I mentioned that I am a former Norske Nook employee? That place is kind of a big deal in pie world, people.)

Heed my taste bud expertise! The next time you are craving a delicious, moist, buttery explosion of amazingness, go toInside Humble Pie with a display case full of delicious bakery items. Humble Pie. Enjoy your treat at the shop to fully soak in the good vibes that can only be created by true pie wizardry. And while you should never feel guilty about enjoying a truly fantastic piece of pie, ride your bike, if you must, and work off those extra calories as you enjoy the towering trees and sheer bliss of some of the finest Madison neighborhoods on the Southwest Commuter path.

Do you have any favorite go-tos in the Madison area when it comes to desserts? If so please share!