It's "Madison Week" at OnMilwaukee.com. We sent our editorial staff to check out bars, restaurants, retail outlets and cultural venues in order to uncover some of the best of Wisconsin's second-largest city. 

Years ago, I took day trips to Madison a few times a year. I had a long list of places I liked to visit, including Community Pharmacy and Ragstock, but Urban Outfitters and Noodles & Co. were my favorite places to crash.

The fact I loved Noodles so much -- and would beeline for a bowl of Japanese pan noodles -- is particularly humorous to me now, considering the chain is one of the "McDonald’s" of the new millennium. But 10 years ago or more, the concept was fresh and the food was tasty, especially to my unsophisticated palate that savored any noodle dish that didn’t come in a package stamped with the word "Ramen."

I also adored going to Urban Outfitters. I would spend hours in the place looking at everything, from the fashions to the funky home furnishings, and would usually walk away with what would become my new favorite sweater, necklace or drink coasters.

I still love Madison, but it’s just not quite as magnetic as it was a decade ago.