Bascom Hill
You may be out of breath after climbing up the hill-which can be quite inconvenient for conversing with your loved one and feel uncomfortable with Abe looking down on you-but Bascom Hill can be very romantic. This can be a dreamy setting to spend the night glazing at the illuminated Capitol and State Street's bustle. Pick a Friday night to avoid crowds staring at you, kiss under the stars and leave when your feet feel frozen. This is a romantic spot-and Honest Abe wouldn't steer you wrong.
9th floor Van Hise
After waiting for at least fifteen minutes crushed between Spanish TAs and students eager to go to their kinetic lab, the doors of the elevator will open on a little piece of paradise, the Pilinger Library for classics. While flipping through Ovid or reciting Homer, you may be interrupted by a few classics majors who actually really enjoy translating Aristotle-but the view, including the waters of the lake and sharing dactylic hexameters your loved one is worth the hike up the stairs and the interruptions.
Picnic Point
This is probably THE romantic place on the UW-Madison campus. Nevertheless, it is quite a journey before you can actually hit this idealistic peninsula. First, you need to avoid all the people working out in that area, as to feel more intimate. A stroll along Lakeshore Path holding hands and whispering sweet words to each other is perfect around sunset. Hopefully, the 40-minute walk from the Union will enable you to better know your partner-and the view is worth it.
Memorial Union
For most, Memorial Union is a place to spend a sunny afternoon enjoying the view from the Terrace or an oasis where one can find overpriced sandwiches and e-mail access. For others, though, this dated yet distinguished building possesses an ambiance of romance that makes it the perfect location for a wedding. Tripp Commons and Great Hall are two of the secret romantic spots buried within Memorial Union.
Great Hall is the quintessential ballroom: Think Beauty and the Beast, with marble pillars, gold inlay and picture windows that allow for sweeping views of the lake. Tripp Commons is less formal but includes an enormous wrap-around balcony which looks out over Lake Mendota.
Nate Collins and Kristina Keppel, are two UW graduates who plan on having their upcoming wedding in Great Hall not only because \it is beautiful, outdoors and overlooks the lake"" but also because it brought them together in the first place.
Old Music Hall
It's noon on a Monday afternoon in February and thousands of people are traipsing up Bascom Hill on their way to classes, completely oblivious they are passing right by one of the oldest and most romantic buildings on campus-old Music Hall.
This tiny chapel-like building located on Park Street looks like something out of a fairy tale with its clock tower, stained glassed windows, and quaint elegance. Old Music Hall, sandwiched between the concrete monstrosity of the Humanities building and the ultra-modern glass and steel Law building seems to be lost amongst the hodgepodge of architectural stylings that characterize the Madison campus.
William Farlow, director of the University Opera, explained part of old Music Hall's charm when he said, ""Anything having to do with history has a certain romantic feel.""
Along with its history and the unique architecture, this building offers an air of seclusion that in a world often interrupted by inconsiderate roommates or loud neighbors any true romantic could appreciate. Another unique benefit offered by Old Music Hall is the chance for a free serenade. As home to the University Opera it is difficult to enter this building at a time when there is not a rehearsal or practice taking place.
Allen Centennial Gardens
What could be more perfect than taking your Valentine on a romantic walk at the Allen Centennial Gardens today? These spectacular gardens which according to William Hoyt, the head gardener, derive the ""mystery and whimsy"" of their design from the Romantic Movement (of art, literature and music) are often the site of weddings in the summer months. In the winter the gardens offer more peace and solitude since most are not willing to brave the snow and cold to linger on these grounds. The prairie grasses, bare trees with their delicate branches and pines laden with snow make the garden beautiful and interesting even in the winter months. Also, the large vine-covered pergola toward the back of the garden offers a shelter with benches.
