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.

You don't need a passport for an escape to Lake Geneva ? provided you're thinking of the popular Wisconsin resort destination on Geneva Lake and not some city in Switzerland. An easy drive inland from Racine and Kenosha or up from Chicago, Illinois, it's partly location that keeps this lakeside haunt hopping. Central Lake Geneva is situated along the northeast shore of the lake, but beaches and other area attractions are within easy water taxi reach.

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.

Racine and neighboring Kenosha stretch out along Wisconsin's southeast side, toes lapped by the waters of Lake Michigan. Both cities can claim strong industrial roots, but modern efforts to clean up, from lake-front face lifts to new culturally oriented construction, have made Racine and Kenosha increasingly popular stops in this part of the state.

Settled comfortably along the shores of Lake Michigan north of Milwaukee, Sheboygan, half-way up the side of Wisconsin, is a medium-sized city with a very Bavarian past. Efforts to set Sheboygan up as a destination popular with a 21st-century crowd have succeeded, awarding visitors with pleasant parks to wander and a fine clutch of cultural sights.