As the seasons change from summer to fall, be sure to catch the leaves turn into their brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues. Check back for updates using the fall color report map at TravelWisconsin.com, which estimates that the Madison area will reach peak in late-October. There are several spots throughout Dane County that we recommend for autumn color viewing, but these six stand out for their expansive views of the tree-filled landscape.

Lake View Hill County Park

1202 Northport Dr., Madison: This park is home to the highest point on Madison's north side with gorgeous views of Lake Mendota and downtown. After meandering around the Dane County Human Services building (the former sanatorium) and checking out the newly restored fountain, you can

Fall is here and snowy weather is right around the corner. If you're a skier or snowboarder, you are likely already thinking about snow! For skiers and snowboarders alike, this is the time of year when you start blowing the dust off your gear and figuring out where and when you're going to hit the slopes. In the Madison area there are four ski areas: Tyrol Basin, Cascade, Devil’s Head, and Blackhawk, which is a private ski club. Typically, the ski areas in southern Wisconsin are open by Thanksgiving. 

Did you know that nearly every ski area in the United States has a ski patrol? If you have ever skied at one of our local ski areas, you likely saw them wearing red coats with white crosses. My name is Alan Feder, and I have been a ski patroller for

Keeping your living space organized can be a challenging task but once you decide to meet the challenge and get organized you will reap the benefits of doing so. Some of those benefits include quality of life, peace of mind and financial savings.

Quality of life and peace of mind

Improve your quality of life and gain peace of mind by spending less time trying to locate items and more time doing the things you enjoy. You may desire an inviting space in which to visit with your family and friends. Visiting in a cluttered space can be unpleasant and stressful for you and your visitors.

Financial savings

Having an organized pantry or storage closet will help you see immediately how many of each item you have before you head to the store. You may

We love how these Madison homeowners use art and a splash of color to beautify their yard. Our days are a little lighter and brighter when we encounter another person's art :)

At Mad City Dream Homes, we're always striving to be a positive influence in the business community and the community at large. And our monthly newsletter is an important part of our goal. With this spirit in mind, if you know someone who might appreciate receiving our monthly mailer, please ask them to contact us. We'd be happy to add them to our list. 

We tend to think of our homes as the place where we lay down our roots and raise our family, as a safe space for ourselves and our loved ones -- especially in these post-pandemic times. 

But what if we allow our minds to wander a little bit and to think of our homes as a place where we build community? A place where we bring people together, break bread, and care for our neighbors. A place where we exchange ideas. A place where we experience connection. 

It could be as simple as having friends over for coffee, dinner, or a backyard barbeque. Inviting neighbors in who are living by themselves and who may feel lonely. Hosting a book club or a non-profit that is near and dear to our hearts. Making art with another. Or creating a safe space for kids in

Recently we've had two friends work with Jimmie Copus from Lawn Arts Landscaping, and both friends have been very impressed with Jimmie and his work. Jimmie is available to work on virtually any aspect of your yard or lawn. His list of services includes landscaping, mulching, tree and bush trimming, spring and fall yard clean-ups, lawn mowing, and ongoing lawn care. 

Jimmie offers reasonable rates and he's easy to work with. For more information, we encourage you to call Jimmie at 608-205-7073. 

Built in 1928, the Terrace Homes Apartments at 114-118 N Breese Terrace are the earliest known example of cooperative living in the city of Madison. A century ago, cooperatives (or co-ops) preceded the condominium movement, and were most common in larger, urban areas like New York City.

Just like a condominium, ownership at the cooperative includes a monthly fee. At the co-op, the monthly fee covers your property taxes, your utilities (with the exception of electricity), and the ongoing care of the grounds and common space. But unlike a condo, buying into the cooperative involves the purchase of stock, not property, so there is a unique process for becoming a co-op owner.

Talk to the neighbors here, and they'll tell you that they love the

You have probably seen a No Mow May sign in your neighborhood and maybe you have heard some debate over the pros and cons of waiting until late spring to mow. Our intent is not to join in on the debate but to break down some of the options and the theories behind the movement of changing mowing behaviors and providing a better habitat for bees. 

BeeCityUSA.org says that No Mow May is a gateway to understanding how we share our lawns with small creatures. Spring is a crucial time for emerging native bees. When we allow lawns to grow longer and let flowers bloom our lawn can provide nectar and pollen for bees to thrive! 

Here are 3 options to consider:

• No Mow: Don’t mow for the month of May.  

• Low Mow: Mow twice a month instead of

For the second straight year, Livability has named the city of Madison as the #1 place to live in America. No doubt, Madison's reputation for being a great place to live, work and recreate is spreading far and wide. 

Which lead us to 4 important questions

#1: In this age of worker mobility, how many people from across the country are viewing the Livability rankings right now and considering a move to Madison?

#2: How many retirees, who could choose to live anywhere, are putting Dane County at the top of their list?

#3: And how many out-of-state investors, who are flush with cash, are wondering how they, too, can get in on the action?

#4: And last, when it comes to climate change, how many people from the west and southwestern parts of