Known as the Troll Capital of the World, Mount Horeb is more than a Scandinavian tourist destination. As this village grows on the west side of Dane County, just a half hour from Madison, it has managed to retain its authentic and walkable downtown, small-town charm, and beautiful views of the Driftless Area.

More than 7,000 people and 250 businesses and organizations call this place home, and the energy has contributed to a strong downtown corridor. Historic buildings are being repurposed, and more businesses and housing developments are branching off of the “Trollway” and the five roundabouts on the east side of the village.

Among them are Miller and Sons Supermarket, Sjölinds Chocolate Factory (which also has a Main Street location

Nearly every day in summer you can visit a farmers market in the area. But did you know that there is another option for getting fresh, local produce? By becoming a member of a CSA, or community supported agriculture, you can receive a weekly or biweekly box of seasonal produce that is often available for pickup at the nearby farm or distribution sites throughout the county. Purchasing a "share" in advance helps to cover some of the farm operating costs, so members are directly supporting the farmers who grow their food.

CSAs have gained popularity over the last decade, and one of the earliest adopters for this model in Dane County was Vermont Valley Community Farm, LLC. Barb and David Perkins started their family-owned farm on 5 tillable acres in Blue

With Madison at its core, Dane County is the fastest growing county in Wisconsin. But that growth is spreading to surrounding communities as well, like the Village of Mazomanie. Halfway between Middleton and Spring Green along Hwy. 14, Mazomanie straddles the line between Dane and Iowa counties and helps bridge the gap between urban and rural life. It feels like small-town living, but you're just 20 minutes away from everything.

Part of this growth is due to larger businesses taking root here, such as Wick Buildings and Roundy's Distribution Center. Between 2000-2013, Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC), Plastic Ingenuity, and Cardinal Coated Glass also moved into large facilities in town that have attracted numerous employees. In turn, there has

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