Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/74289
playAround Town Making the most of the city's watery getaways Th ere's something irresistible about our lakes in the summer: the sparkling water, cool breezes and leave-your-cares-behind hiatus they offer from daily life. Whether you're yearning for active days in the sun, mellow evenings gliding under the moon- light, or scrumptious eats from the shore, local lakes offer plenty of ways to escape this summer. When you're looking to break a sweat Escape to the Lakes with the lake underfoot, grab an oar and head to Paddleboard Specialists for a les- son in stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). One of the hottest sports on the water, SUP will take center stage July 14 at the Midwest Stand Up Paddle Festival, where you can try it yourself. Already an SUP pro? Wingra Boats on Lake Wingra offers paddleboard, rowboat, kayak rentals and more, making it easy to sail into the water. Or head out with Hoofers Sailing Club, which provides sailing lessons on Lake Mendota all summer. If you'd prefer to let someone else do Make it a Ladies' Night Looking for a lake-bound adven- ture to share with friends? Head to Rutabaga Paddlesports for Water Divas' Night on the Water, a free out- ing for ladies every Tuesday evening from 6-7:30 p.m. through August. Canoes and kayaks welcome. Rentals $10 per person. Visit rutabaga.com. the driving, Madison's biggest cruise line Betty Lou Cruises, offers a variety of options, from romantic dinners to eventful afternoon sailings for the family, while pontoon rides courtesy of Madison Schools and Community Recreation offer dinner cruises, themed rides for kids and more from Tenney Park. When you'd rather take in the views from dry land, venture out for shoreside dining. Down- town, Sardine and Paisan's Italian Restaurant (pictured) serve up quality eats alongside relaxing views of Lake Monona. Or head across the isthmus to Th e Edge- water Hotel's Café on the Pier, where you can sip martinis under their signature blue and white umbrellas. Further afi eld, Mariner's Inn offers classic seafood fare, live music on Satur- day evenings and plenty of views from the north side of Lake Mendota. Or take a short journey to Lake Waubesa where Christy's Landing Bar and Grill has the recipe for a summer evening well spent: classic Ameri- can fare and volleyball games on the sandy shore. —Tuesday Wustrack July 2012 bravamagazine.com 65 Photo by Kristin Joiner