Today officially marks the start of fall, which means we're also in the midst of Oktoberfest. And whether or not you own a pair of lederhosen or know how to drink from a boot, you can still get in the gemuetlichkeit spirit.

The Isthmus OktoBEERfest is already in the books for 2017, but there are many other celebrations throughout the Madison and Dane County area that will highlight the German flavors and sounds of the season. Be sure to click on the event name for more details.

New Glarus Oktoberfest
When: September 21-24
Where: Downtown New Glarus
Live music, beer tent, food stands, craft vendors, farmers market, tractor pull, 5K/10K and 2-mile walk

Essen Haus Oktoberfest
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, September 23
Where: 514 E. Wilson St., Madison

The idea of opening a winery has been planted in David Korb's mind for a long time. It finally came to fruition in spring 2017 with the opening of Drumlin Ridge Winery, located just north of Madison between Waunakee and the town of Westport.

Korb, his wife Brenda, and their son Keenan eliminated their work commute by building the nearly 6,400-square-foot winery on one of the four neighboring parcels where they have lived for 27 years.

"Our home is just right out the back door," Korb said. And it's been the perfect spot to grow his dream.

He started making apple juice from their orchard in the early 1990s, and soon a friend suggested they make wine. Now there are over a dozen varieties of grapes growing on 3 1/2 acres of vineyards on the

From patching and painting to wallpapering and drywalling, Mike and Dianna McMaster have been busy updating the interior of their nearly 2,000-square-foot farm house at 501 Muller Road in the town of York over the last 15 years.

While they are ready to downsize, it will be tough for them (and their grown kids and younger grandchildren) to say goodbye.

"Being that we did most of it ourselves, it's a lot of blood, sweat and tears," Dianna said. "It's a house that we will definitely miss."

Built nearly a century ago in a nearby town, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in northeastern Dane County just hit the market, featuring plenty of updates and stunning countryside views.

Main level

The biggest change came with the addition above

Summer is winding down, but festival season isn't quite over yet. Especially when it comes to Madison's longest-running neighborhood gathering.

Bring the whole family to the 40th annual Willy Street Fair for free this weekend, from 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.

You'll find a variety of music, food vendors, and eclectic entertainment along the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of Williamson Street. Get there at 11 a.m. Sunday for the parade, and hang out for the raffle drawing later at 6:30 p.m. at the Third Lake Market lot.

There will be over 30 acts between the Main, Folk, Willy Beats, Kids, Culture, and WORT Underground stages, with something for everyone. For a full lineup, click here. All are welcome to join

On a country road between Hwys. 73 and 89 in northeastern Dane County is a beautiful farm house looking for someone new to call it home.

Situated in a hill overlooking 17 acres of woods, fields, a creek, and multiple outbuildings, the property at 501 Muller Road in the town of York is sure to catch your eye -- especially with its gray exterior set off by a white wraparound porch and balcony.

But that's not what it looked like -- or where it was -- when it was built nearly a century ago.

Home sellers Dianna and Mike McMaster share their story of saving, relocating, and updating this special Sears kit house, which has "great bones" and tons of character.

Relocation

Up until 2001, the house had been located on Egre Road in the town of

If someone asked me to go for a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26-mile run, I'd maybe be able to over the course of a year. Or two. 

And yet thousands of triathletes from around the world are about to accomplish that feat in just one day. They've been training for the Ironman Wisconsin, which returns to Madison on Sunday, Sept. 10.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the event without actually signing up, but you may still break a sweat.

Cheer them on!

Whether or not you personally know an Ironman, tens of thousands of fans show up each year to cheer them on during the grueling race. It starts Sunday at 6:40 a.m. and goes all day, ending on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., where there will be a finish line party from 10 p.m. to

Joe Hanauer, owner of Landscape Architecture LLC, started the Madison-based business 21 years ago. A graduate of UW-Madison, he is a licensed landscape architect and also has a degree in horticulture.

"I'm well-versed in the issues that involve design, construction and engineering in the landscape architecture side of things, but I'm also really well-versed in the plants, what they need and what grows well where," he said.

He spent the first seven years of his career working in the Chicago area, where he learned a lot about design on a large scale. Moving back to Madison revealed a difference in companies, customers and style in regards to the landscape architecture industry, which took some getting used to. Unlike many contractors who have a

A community tradition that spans more than 50 years returns this weekend in Middleton. The Good Neighbor Festival runs from Aug. 25-27 at Fireman's Park, featuring plenty of food, fun and music for the whole family to enjoy.

"The Year of the Volunteer" is meant to honor and appreciate all individuals and volunteer groups who dedicate their time, talents and resources to give back to their community. The theme is fitting for an event that's the biggest fundraiser for many of Middleton's nonprofits and charities, which rely and thrive on volunteers.

Some of the groups that will be represented include Boy Scouts, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists and local VFW Posts. They are working together to provide a food court in the park shelter featuring

Wisconsin is known as the Badger State, but aside from Bucky have you ever seen the burrowing animal? Henry Vilas Zoo in the heart of Madison is home to three badgers that are easy to spot if they're not too sleepy or shy. 

The Wisconsin Heritage exhibit, the newest at the zoo, is definitely worth a look, but there are plenty of other things for all ages to do while there.

See the animals, of course 

While the zoo family recently had to say goodbye to Cyber, an amur tiger, among its additions are a polar bear, rhinoceros and pair of lion cubs.

If it slithers or swims and has hooves or wings, you're likely to find it there. Most animals are behind glass or fences, but people do have the opportunity to touch and feed goats.

Go for a

Bordered by a bike trail, golf course, Mineral Point Road and South Midvale Boulevard is a near westside Madison neighborhood filled with historic architecture.

Westmorland features an assortment of home styles dating from the 1860s to 1950s. Within a few block radius is a barn that has been converted into a house, a Frank Lloyd Wright prototype and other mid-century moderns, classic Cape Cods, Tudor revival and International styles, Sears catalog homes and a few made of steel.

The Westmorland Neighborhood Association -- the fourth oldest in Madison -- produced a video promoting its oral history book and described Westmorland as a "microcosm reflecting Midwestern America's progress throughout the 20th century."

That statement certainly