Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nearby: Fall Fun in Tenney-Lapham
A Cozy Guide to Crunchy Leaves, Local Lattes, and Easy Autumn Adventures Near City Row
As fall leaves begin to paint the Tenney‑Lapham neighborhood in golden hues, here’s a cozy lineup of walkable fall delights around 614 E Johnson St in Madison’s Downtown:
Walk It Out at Tenney Park
Just a short stroll away, Tenney Park is your go-to for fall foliage and serene lake views. Crunch through leaf-covered trails, watch the ducks do duck things, or just bench it with a hot cider and your favorite podcast. Once the temps dip, the lagoon turns into an ice-skating wonderland—so don’t stash those mittens too far.
Cozy Up at Johnson Public House
Fall and coffee go together like scarves and literally every Madisonian in October. This indie cafe on East Johnson is just down the block and serves up top-tier espresso and baked goods worthy of a candle scent. Try their fall seasonal drinks—bonus points if you bring a book and pretend you’re in a novel.
Halloween on the Isthmus
Between Willy Street’s spooky shenanigans and Capitol Square's family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of fall festivities. Keep an eye out for local pop-ups, art fairs, and farmers' markets with enough gourds to fill a cornucopia.
Shop Local While It’s Still Nice Out
Browse the little shops on East Johnson and nearby streets—places like Good Style Shop and Hatch Art House carry funky finds, perfect for early holiday gifting or a self-care splurge. Fall is retail therapy season, after all.
Golden Hour Walks on the Yahara River Parkway
Sunset hits different along the Yahara River in fall. Grab a warm drink and head south along the path to bask in the golden-hour glow bouncing off the water. It’s basically a real-life Instagram filter.
Madison’s downtown neighborhoods come alive in the fall, and Tenney-Lapham is no exception. If you’re looking for apartments in Madison’s downtown, or on the hunt for affordable apartments in Madison, WI, this walkable, tree-lined neighborhood deserves a spot at the top of your list.
City Row offers cozy and eco-friendly apartment rentals in Madison, Wisconsin, with income-restricted options for those looking to keep things both budget- and planet-friendly. Want to be a short walk from all of the above? Learn more or come take a look.
Happy fall—and happy wandering.
