Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/56679
playAround Town Brave the chill (and the night) to take to the trails Frosty Fun, Closer to Home Enjoy a bit of winter magic in Madison at family friendly events such as the Feb. 3 Ice Skating Party at Elver Park featuring fun on the ice (cityofmadison.com/parks), or the annual Madison Winter Festival with activities for all ages on the Capitol Square Feb. 18-19 (winter-fest.com). Magic by Moonlight Dropping temperatures and dark nights sure make snug- gling under a soft blanket sound oh so nice. Temper these low-key evenings at home with a chance to get out and about in a whole new way. From candlelight skiing and snowshoeing to moonlight hikes, parks across the state present a chance to take to the trails on a winter eve. Start your nighttime adventures on Feb. 4, as both Blue Mound State Park and Mirror Lake State Park—each within an hour of town—lay out a trail of candles to guide skiers, hikers and snowshoe trekkers through the wintery wilderness and back to scrumptious baked goods, hot drinks, a bonfi re and more. On Feb. 10, follow the light of the moon two hours north to Appleton's Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve for an evening ski featuring food, drinks and ski rent- als alongside the chance to glide along the trails under a dark winter sky. If dinner and a movie isn't your idea of the ideal date night, grab a loved one and celebrate Valentine's Day a little early with a trip 60 miles east to Lapham Peak Unit in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. On Feb. 11, the park is set to offer a can- dlelit ski and hike boasting live music and roaring bonfi res that will warm your heart and your toes. On the same evening, the nearby Pike Lake Unit is taking it to the stars. Head over to fi nd two trails alight and telescopes available for gazing far into the chilly night sky. Not matter where you venture, you'll fi nd a bit of late-night winter magic in the great outdoors. For a complete listing of evening events at state parks, visit dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks. February 2012 bravamagazine.com 63 Photo courtesy of Wisconsin DNR Photo