Just over 20 miles west of Madison along Hwy. 14 are two suburbs with a lot in common: Black Earth and Mazomanie.

Established as villages in the 1850s, nearly 1,500 people now call each of these places home. And it doesn't take long to understand why.

With rolling hills, historic downtowns and plenty of room to breathe, you'll be drawn to the beautiful views that surround these close-knit communities.

They are both located near a railroad and Black Earth Creek (a hot spot for trout fishing), on either side of Lake Marion and south of the Wisconsin River. They are also covered by the local newspaper, Star News, and share a school district, Wisconsin Heights, that boasts small class sizes for K-12 in the countryside.

This summer, families

This week from sunrise to sunset, The Friends of Pope Farm Conservancy in the Town of Middleton invites the public to attend its annual Sunflower Days. 

Bring the whole family and your camera to the free event, which runs from Aug. 12-20. Just be sure to leave your dog at home and refrain from touching the flowers.

Hundreds of thousands of sunflowers grew on the 9-acre field between Old Sauk and Blackhawk roads on a hill that overlooks Lake Mendota in the distance.

While most people pick a direction and walk around the field, this year there is also a trail that carves into one of the corners so they can get a closer look.

From a distance it may seem like all the sunflowers are alike, but as you walk the perimeter you'll notice

Growing up in the country, I spent many summer days chasing swallowtail and sulphur butterflies through the hay fields. But one of Wisconsin's most recognizable butterflies, the monarch, has been facing a population decline over the last decade.

Some city neighborhoods, including many along bike paths in Madison, have established gardens with prairie plants like milkweed to try to bring back the orange and black beauties and other insects. If you're having trouble spotting them on your own, Olbrich Botanical Gardens on the east side offers a Blooming Butterflies exhibit that features thousands of butterflies for the public to see from mid-July to mid-August.

While some butterflies are naturally drawn to the outdoor gardens at Olbrich, the indoor

On a sunny August morning, Val Murphy tends the flowers around her nearly vacant home on Madison's west side.

Having spent over 30 years in the Parkwood Hills neighborhood with her family, she's ready to downsize -- but she's taking decades of memories with her.

"We loved the neighborhood the whole time through," she said.

The Murphys moved into their first house in 1986 on South Yellowstone Drive, but they outgrew it when their third child was born. So in 1993 when their daughter was 6 months old, they found the perfect spot to continue raising their family: just a few blocks away on a quiet, tree-lined street at 310 Everglade Drive.

"There's tons of space," she said. "And it's a great house for kids."

Now they want another family

Many of those living in the Parkwood Hills neighborhood on Madison's west side view it as the total package.

"It's very social and welcoming," said resident Peter Zarov. "I've been here for 14 years now and still love it."

Close to parks, a pool, community center and four schools, you'll often see families greet each other while walking along the quiet, tree-lined streets. And even though it's just around the corner from West Towne Mall and other stores and restaurants near Mineral Point and Gammon roads, it still has a small-town feel.

Kimberly Cowles, who has lived next to Everglade Park for the past six years, said her family is "very lucky" to have found a neighborhood that is "friendly and approachable."

"People will be walking

Just about 150 years ago, Frank Lloyd Wright was born right here in Wisconsin. He went on to become a renowned architect, and many of his unique homes and buildings can be found in Madison. His belief that structures should be designed in harmony with the environment influenced other architects to adopt a "modern" style after World War II.

Many of these mid-century modern homes were built from the 1940s-60s, with an emphasis on being open and functional. They can often be identified by their flatter roofs, asymmetrical exterior and large windows that make nature the focal point.

The mid-century modern style has gained popularity in the housing market in recent years, and there are quite a few scattered throughout the Madison area - especially on

"Let's eat out." 

It's a phrase often uttered begrudgingly at the end of a long work day when there's little time – or motivation – to cook. But add an exclamation point and suddenly it takes on a new meaning.

Let's Eat Out! is a summer series of rotating food cart dinners at more than a dozen outdoor locations in the Madison area. People can stop by various parks from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, weather-permitting, until Aug. 3 to grab a bite to eat from nearly 30 local vendors.

"Let's Eat Out! promotes and advocates for the success of local mobile food entrepreneurs while bringing neighborhoods together and expanding access to local food," according to its Facebook page.

Even though many meals are made quickly, you don't

On any given summer day at the UW Arboretum, you'll likely cross paths with bikers, runners and perhaps even a turkey.

The free, public space south of Lake Wingra includes 20 miles of trails that wind through woods, gardens, prairies, marshy ponds and oak savannas. This time of year they are bursting with colorful wildflowers and chipper critters.

Take in the beautiful sights and sounds at your own pace from dawn to dusk. And be sure to stop by the visitor center to fill up your water bottle, ask a volunteer for a map, and check out the bookstore and art gallery.

You can also bring along your binoculars or camera during guided hikes, often held Sunday afternoons, and learn about everything from butterflies and birds to blooming plants and

When tents start popping up next to gas stations along country roads, you know it's fireworks season. 

But sometimes it's best to let the pros handle the big shows.

The Madison area is full of events where you can watch the colorful displays and hear the booms, from summer festivals to Fourth of July celebrations.

Most of the 10 events listed below around Dane County for 2017 are free to attend and also offer live music, food and kids activities. Fireworks will kick off around dusk (most start between 9:20-10 p.m.), so be sure to get there early and check the event websites just in case they are canceled due to unfavorable weather. And have fun!

Friday, June 23

Oregon Summer Fest
Kiser Fireman's Park, 245 Brook St., Oregon

Saturday,

Known for its disc golf course and splash pad, the largest community park on Madison's west side welcomed a new family-friendly attraction this month.

The Elver Park Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning throughout the summer, featuring educational displays and nearly a dozen vendors selling fresh foods, flowers and other locally sourced and made products.

The market is visible from McKenna Boulevard, located in the corner of the parking lot between the playground and splash pad. So while parents are scouting out sales on produce, kiddos can put on their swimsuits or sneakers for a morning of fun.

Families who live nearby can ditch their cars and choose to walk or ride their bicycle to the park since it's conveniently located along a