Unfolding tidily at the southern semicircle of Lake Winnebago, the small town of Fond du Lac is a top fishing destination even when frigid temperatures send less single-minded travelers scurrying indoors.

Like many southern towns, Madison flourished on the cotton economy, and wealthy planters built large homes here. It boasts the largest designated historic district in Georgia. Brick sidewalks, well-maintained storefronts, and beautiful planters set the stage for charming specialty shops, local art shops, and casual dining. The town square is full of stately magnolias and anchors the downtown district. An extensive array of recreational opportunities can be found at the nearly 6,000-acre Hard Labor Creek State Park. While best known for its wonderful golf course, it also offers 22 miles of horseback riding trails, a lakeside beach, hiking, cottages and camping.

Anyone with a passing interest in architecture won't want to leave southwestern Wisconsin without visiting the favored haunt of Frank Lloyd Wright, a man whose innovative designs challenged notions about the form and function of buildings. Surrounded by rolling countryside and watered by the Wisconsin River, the small town of Spring Green serves well, when there's a room to be had, as a base for exploring some of the area attractions.

It's easy in life to get so caught up in the serious business of everyday bustle that you forget to have fun. Happily, there's a temporary fix to be found on the Wisconsin River, the Wisconsin Dells ? at times it might be a little, well, too much fun ? but it certainly will entertain you, even if it won't garner you shorter office hours once you're back at work.