Spread out comfortably in a valley near the Wisconsin River, the small town of Baraboo has some relatively big claims to fame. You won't find a lion tamer putting his big cats through a routine on every street corner of small-town Baraboo, but as the one-time residence of the Ringling brothers, chances are you'll be able to catch a show at the Circus World Museum.

You don't ever have to step foot outside of the continental US to be able to do a bit of European traveling Wisconsin style ? steer instead straight for very Norwegian Mount Horeb or distinctly Swiss New Glarus, the only thing noticeably absent are fjords and soaring Alpine peaks.

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.

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.