Letter from the Editor: Fall 2024

This is not a knock against leisurely vacations, and it’s not to say I don’t enjoy a bit of relaxation. For me, however, travel has always been about discovery—exploring and learning with an added element of surprise—and it probably comes as a shock to no one that most of my favorite travel discoveries involve food.

There are few things better than discovering a new favorite delicacy while traveling and then seeing how many times you can reasonably eat it before leaving. I’ve found myself here often—going back a third time for bun bo nam bo (a warm noodle salad) at a small, street-side restaurant in the heart of Hanoi or devouring one final mangosteen at an Indonesian airport before passing through security.

So often what you find on a plate and knowing how it was made or grown can tell you an incredible amount about a place and its people. And travel, at its best, provides an opportunity to broaden our understanding of the world as well as ourselves—an opportunity that exists no matter if you’re a thousand or thirty miles from home.

Crafting this fall travel-themed issue of the magazine has reminded me of the many discoveries that can be uncovered within our own state. Maija Inveiss shines a light on a 10-acre farm and community space, only a two-hour drive from Madison, that is teaching the traditions and methods of Indigenous farming practices. And in the southern part of our state, Janesville and Beloit are emerging as must-visit destinations thanks to a host of locations where you can find artisan products and unique dining experiences.

Some of the most rewarding discoveries are the ones made when you least expect them, and this fall issue is certainly packed with stories, recipes and ingredients which have yet to appear on many radars. This season we encourage you to hit the road, try a new restaurant, cook a new dish. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your own bun bo nam bo!

Cheers,

Marissa DeGroot, Managing Editor