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City Cast Madison

Whether you’re new to winter in Madison, or you’ve been putting snow chains on your tires all your life, everyone could benefit from a reminder on how to safely navigate Madison’s icy roads. With the 

 expected this week, now is the time to make sure you can travel safely on the road!

Before bad weather really sets in, give your car a 

 — check your battery health, lights, brakes, wipers, windshield fluid, and tire pressure.

Invest in the right tires — either snow / all-season wheels, or get some snow chains for your tires.

: Put a quarter into the tread of your tire and look for George Washington’s head. If you can see any part of the top of his head, you don’t have enough tread, and you should replace those tires.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to decrease the risk of getting stranded in bad weather.

 in your car in the event you are stranded.

Know your route — look at a map before you start driving to avoid having the extra distraction of your GPS or getting lost.

Learn the latest about your route’s conditions and incidents before heading by by visiting 

Maintain steady speeds and keep extra space between yourself and other cars — no matter what type of vehicle you have.

Be extra careful on bridges and underpasses, which tend to be the slickest.

Remove all snow and ice from your windows, hood, and roof before you drive.

If you begin to skid, let off the accelerator and brake, then turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go.

Ilana Nevins contributed to this article.

Whether you’re new to winter in Madison, or you’ve been putting snow chains on your tires all your life, everyone could benefit from a reminder on how to safely navigate Madison’s icy roads.

How to Safely Navigate Madison's Winter Roads

Tips for Winter Driving in Madison

Tips and tricks for living your best Madison life, by locals, for locals.

Madison Life Hacks

If you’re like me, you think about composting all the time. But you never get around to it because you don’t know 

. Well, that ends now! Here is your ultimate guide to composting:

 is the process of recycling organic materials into a soil-enriching product.

Raw fruits and vegetables, including peelings, can be composted. Also, coffee grounds, eggshells, and uncooked grains and rice.

Among the food and items you cannot compost are meat and bones, food products cooked with or in oils, fat, or grease, dairy products, pet waste, diapers, and plastics. For more examples, check the 

aren’t sure whether something is acceptable

, contact the Streets and Urban Forestry Offices.

Use an enclosed bin to retain heat and moisture. For 

, bury the waste below a layer of greens, like grass clippings, for nitrogen. Also throw in some brown materials, like dry leaves or clean newsprint, for carbon. Keep your compost damp.

, or finish, for at least four weeks, before using it to feed your home garden. Remove items that didn’t break down, such as fruit pits and eggshells, which can also be added back into an active composting pile. You can 

 for indoor plants, flower and vegetable beds, 

 from the City of Madison. And brush up your knowledge of the 

: the Eastside Farmers Market, the South Madison Farmers Market, and the West Community Market. Confirm dates and times for composting for each site.

Here is your ultimate guide to composting in Madison, from what you can and can't compost, to where you can drop it off for free.

How to Compost in Madison 

Get to know the natural side of Madison: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Madison Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

What’s something we all have in common? We all use the bathroom. Now I am curious — 

? This list will highlight some of the best bathrooms to use when you’re out and about. Here’s where Madison Minutes readers like to go!

is praised for having inclusive bathrooms for all genders. There are five gender-neutral stalls and one gender-neutral urinal all with a rainbow painted across the outside of all of them. 

 bathroom offers a wonderful lounge with a stunning view of downtown and Lake Mendota. How could you not want to use the bathroom here?! Shoutout to readers Joanna S., Lori G., Jennie C., Mary A., and Lydia P. for suggesting this spot. 

Another spot that is praised for being very clean and having all of the necessary supplies is 

. Readers Tim V., Briana B., Molly H., and Michael F. say that with its large single-stall bathrooms, this is a great spot to use the bathroom after a couple of beers. 

is located a little bit outside of Madison in Verona. However, I couldn’t not include it because they have a bidet attachment on the toilet! It was also very clean and stocked with all the necessary supplies.

has a cool corner mirror that is perfect for a mirror selfie pitstop. The minimalist design and fun lighting are also a draw for many folks, according to Hazel E.

 has a couple of the coolest bathrooms in Madison, Barb W. said. The one on the first floor has a natural vibe with lights in the ceiling to emulate stars, rocks on the counter, and birds chirping. The one on the third floor has a chalkboard wall for people to write different messages.

 is another bathroom staple and is open to the public. Readers John F. and Sam F. said It is kept very clean and is very pretty, matching the vibe of the whole building. 

! Chelsea J. and Vicki L. said most Kwik Trips tend to be fairly clean for a gas station pitstop. On your next road trip, you can stop here for a snack and a bathroom break.

Where Do You Go in Madison?

What’s something we all have in common? We all use the bathroom. Now I am curious — where are the best bathrooms in Madison? This list will highlight some of the best bathrooms to use when you’re out and about. Here’s where Madison Minutes readers like to go!

The Best Bathrooms in Madison 

Find the best of everything that Madison has to offer.

Madison’s Best

Madison's Best

Allergy season can make us feel like we have no control. Out of the blue, you’re suddenly sneezing, and wheezing, and your eyes are so itchy that you feel helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you 

control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Madison Minutes is here with you your room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy season

Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

If you live in a humid region, consider a 

What tips do you have for allergy season? 

'Tis the season for sneezing! Don't let spring time allergens get the best of you. Here's how to prepare your house to keep pollen and mites at bay. Your sinuses will thank you.

How To Prepare Your Madison Home For Allergy Season

Prepare Your Madison Home For Allergy Season

We made it to March! Let’s celebrate by taking full advantage of this unseasonably warm weather and the many bountiful experiences that await you in Madison this month. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin and your one-and-only Hayley Sperling hopped on the mic last week to discuss 

. Check out a few of their favorite happenings in town this month:

🌝 If you’re craving music and dreaming of the stars:

Head to the Madison School District planetarium to listen to Pink Floyd’s “

'' on the 50th Anniversary of the iconic album’s release. You’ll be immersed in the wonders of the moon and outer space with surround sound and stunning visual production.

 at its Madison location. Expect a themed special drink menu, cute decor, friendship bracelets, trivia night, bingo, and so much more. And of course, you can enjoy and revel in your favorite pop star while sipping on their regular menu of drinks, from bubble tea to herbal.

🎤  If you love podcasts (like ours) and want to hear more:

Head to Gibbs Bar on Willy Street on March 10 at 7 p.m. for a live taping of 

“Several Questions with Nate Chapell.”

 This interview-style talk show features the local funny man asking his guest's questions that were generated by his Questionator 5000 machine, and it can get pretty silly. The special guest this time will be our one and only Bianca Martin!

☘️ If you’re feeling lucky and green is definitely your color:

! The 24th annual event will take place in Downtown Madison on March 17. There will be tons of family-friendly activities and a full celebration of Irish culture and the legend of St. Patrick.

And you know the Madison Minutes and City Cast Madison teams 

🎧 Memorable March in Madison

The City Cast Madison team shares all the fun ways to explore Madison this month, take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, and create a memorable March

Your Guide to March in Madison

What Madisonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Madison are the way they are and how they work.

life hacks

Tips for Winter Driving in Madison

How to Compost in Madison

The Best Bathrooms in Madison

Latest articles

Tips for Winter Driving in Madison

How to Compost in Madison

The Best Bathrooms in Madison

Prepare Your Madison Home For Allergy Season

Your Guide to March in Madison

Latest articles

Prepare Your Madison Home For Allergy Season

Your Guide to March in Madison