There's a possibility that we'll see snow this weekend, and no one could be happier about it than the organizers of Madison's Winter Festival. The Festival is an annual tradition in its 14th year. It features many ways to enjoy winter weather, with room for both beginners and experienced participants.  The festival moved from downtown Madison to Elver Park last year, where the cross country ski trails, ice skating rink and large hill make a perfect venue. In the absence of snow, Elver Park also has the advantage of snow-making machines, to ensure a successful event.

Last year- the festival landed on an unseasonably warm weekend. This year, it's cooler, and the forecast looks more promising. In any event, there will absolutely be snow. The Winter

It can be tempting to stay indoors this time of year. Evenings are darker, weather is colder, and home is just cozy. But Madison Magazine has come up with a very good reason to get out. Winter Restaurant Week is happening right now, offering a delicious variety of meals at some of Madison's finest restaurants, and all for the low price of $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner. That's not just for the main plate. That's for a meal AND dessert at lunch, or for 3 courses of mouth watering goodness at dinner.

Madison Restaurant Week is in its 12th year. The idea was born after Madison Magazine staff attended a conference in San Diego. The conference included discussions about the success of such events in different cities around the nation. Madison locals

We had some beautiful snow this week. If you haven't been out yet, this weekend is the perfect chance to enjoy the winter weather at one of Madison's many city parks. 

The Parks Department provides a wide range of activities to be enjoyed all season. There are 12 outdoor ice skating rinks, 22 miles of cross-country skiing trails (only Elver Park is open now, due to the lack of a solid snow base), 10 parks with hills recommended for sledding, a snow mini-golf course, a winter disc-golf course, and additional trails for snow-shoeing, hiking and just enjoying the beauty of winter in Wisconsin.

Tonight, the City of Madison Parks Department kicks off its Groove and Glide party series. The ice skating fun travels around town, with a stop at each rink

Binoculars, iPads, smartphones, and telephoto lenses were all pointed toward the sky as two large raptors soared above the water.

Their dark, speckled plumage suggested they're immature bald eagles. Across the bank of the Wisconsin River perched at the top of a tree was an adult -- unmistakable by its stark white head and tail feathers.

These magnificent birds of prey are drawn to the open water for fishing in winter, and there are some great spots to watch them in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. This gathering place of sorts is the impetus behind Bald Eagle Watching Days, held January 12-13, 2018 in the Sauk Prairie area just north of Madison.

Earlier this week, dozens of people hoped to catch a glimpse of the eagles before the crowds

It's the time of year when some get restless, and need a place to burn off some steam, or get their creative juices flowing. This weekend, there are a few opportunities to get out of the house, and enjoy some indoor time with the family.

Friday, January 12: Warner Park is hosting their Family Fun Night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The event is planned by Madison Parks and the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.  Families can pay $5 for admission, and enjoy a wide range of activities.  There will be bouncy houses, an imagination playground, and fitness activities planned to help energetic kids burn off steam and keep moving through the winter. Then, check out the winter themed crafts, pottery projects with MSCR (Madison School and Community

Home and garden projects can be daunting, especially when you're unsure how to start. Madison offers five winter expos to get you informed and connected with professionals before the construction and landscaping season really takes off.

Thousands of people will flock to these convention centers to get advice from experts, brainstorm project ideas, and learn about the latest design trends and products. Follow the links to see a schedule of seminars and list of exhibitors in the home building, remodeling, design, and landscaping industries.

Madison Home Expo

When: 2-8 p.m. Friday, January 5; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 6; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 7
Where: Monona Terrace Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison
Admission: $5 for

There are many ways to ring in the new year in Madison. If you're looking for some grown up entertainment, the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau has a link to a wide range of options.  But, if you're looking to incorporate a younger audience into the mix, Madison is ready to prove it's a family friendly city. There are several fun activities to be found, and all end with a big celebration at an age appropriate time.

First- the Madison Children's Museum has a family dance party planned for New Year's Eve. Visitors are invited to enjoy the museum during the day. At 3 p.m. visitors should head to the art room. The music will start and a dance party will ring in an early New Year. There will be a countdown at 4 p.m., complete with confetti,

As you ring in the New Year, it's the perfect time to reconsider your financial plan. Laurie Ellis-Mcleod, president of AERIE Preferred Financial Group, offers five resolutions to make for 2018:

1. Have a Tax Strategy:  If you already have one, you're ahead of the game, but it should still be reviewed. Tax strategies can change based on your projected income. Maybe your new job will increase your tax bracket. Or, perhaps retirement will move you to a lower bracket. Either way, you should talk with a financial professional that specializes in tax strategies and issues. This is especially true if you have a complicated tax filing. Qualified tax professionals are CPAs who are well versed in the current (and changing) laws, and can make recommendations

Lake View Hill Park: the name says it all. Overlooking Lake Mendota on the highest point on Madison's north side, it has been a place of reflection, recreation, and even healing.

Now a 27-acre conservancy that surrounds the Dane County Human Services building along Northport Drive, you are likely to find people walking their dogs, hiking, or watching wildlife through the wooded trails. And on the great lawn you can usually see a trio of cranes or, when it snows, kids sledding.

But there's more than meets the eye on this piece of land. Dane County Parks installed several historical displays throughout the park to help explain its storied past, which includes remnants of a 20th century sanatorium all the way back to boulders from glaciers

As the area gets teased with traces of snow, there's still not enough on the ground to trade your hiking boots for snowshoes or cross country skis. But in Wisconsin that could quickly change, so be prepared for all sorts of weather conditions for these free outdoor nature events at local parks in Madison. After many of these leisurely and family-friendly walks, warm up by the campfire and sip hot chocolate. Don't forget your binoculars or camera!

Bird and Nature Outing
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 16
Where: Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., Madison
What: Hike the bike trails and paths next to Starkweather Creek Area.
Photo (above) credit: Goodman Community Center

Candlelit Hike
When: 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday, December 16
Where: Aldo