January and February Green Cty Wi Real Estate Market report

I realized today that it has been a while since we did a comparative market report for the Green County, WI area:

• 45 homes sold though the MLS in January and February of 2011,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 102 days,
  
• The average sale price was $116,028,
  
• The median sale price was $109,900,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $363,587,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $10,000.

Let's compare with January and February of 2010:

• 21 homes sold through the MLS in January and February of 2010,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 141 days,
• The average sale price was $158,385,
• The median sale price was $129,900,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $333,500,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $57,500.

Our interpretation of these numbers? The average and median home prices have dropped due to the larger number of less expensive foreclosure homes that have been moving. 22 of these 45 homes sold in January and February were under $99,999.

These numbers also mesh very well with what we have been seeing personally in the real estate market so far this year - things are starting to move again. This is not only true for single family homes. When we look at commercial properties, 4 sold through the MLS in January-February of this year, but only 1 in the same time last year. 3 parcels of vacant land sold this year compared to one last year; 3 multi-family properties have sold this year compared to none last year. The only class that sold better last year was condos: 1 this year compared to 4 last year.

Taking a look at the future, there are 17 single family properties currently pending sale in the MLS. That means that all contingencies have been removed and the parties are just waiting for the closing date. 22 single family homes are also listed as having an offer that still has contingencies. We like seeing those kinds of number in Green County again.

Let's keep real estate recovery going here in Cheese Country.

Things to do around Monroe, WI

Time once again for a things to do in the area in the upcoming week.

~ Monroe Youth Hockey is sponsoring "Give Hockey a Try" this Saturday from 8 - 10 am and 10 am - noon at SLICE in Monroe. This if for boys and girls 10 and under who have NEVER played hockey to try on some equipment and skate with our coaches to try hockey. Must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

~ Do some holiday shopping early at the Monticello Lionesses Craft and Nut Fair this Saturday. The gym at the high school will be filled with exhibitors featuring handmade goods of all sorts. The Lionesses also will have nuts of all varieties available to purchase for your holiday baking. There is a cash raffle, and lunch is available on site.

~ The growing season is drawing to a close, but local farmers markets are still open for a few more weeks. Visit the market in Monroe, Monticello, Paoli, or Lena to stock up for winter. Honey, preserves of all sorts, baked goods, root vegetable, meat and much more area still available.

~ Local athletes always need community support. Come to a youth football or volleyball game this weekend and lend your voice to cheer for the home team!

~ Come back to Monticello on Sunday morning for the Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. The proceeds go to support Monticello school scholarship program, vision screening programs, and the Wisconsin Lion's Camp and more

~ Dad's Farm Corn Maze is open for the season. Friday night is flashlight night. They will be open until 9 pm, so bring your flashlight and get ready for a spooky time finding your way through the maze. The maze is open 10 m to 6 pm on Saturdays and 12-5 pm on Sundays.

~ Monroe Arts Center has two events coming up in the next two weeks. Have you purchased tickets yet? Dallas Brass performs at the PAC on Monday starting at 7:30 pm. Monroe High School band students will spend time with the band that afternoon and will take the stage with them that evening. Tickets are $10, general admission. Folk musician Arlo Guthrie will also perform at PAC next week, on Friday evening starting at 7 pm. Tickets for that event are $20-75 depending on section. Contact MAC to reserve your tickets.

~ The Young Professional of Green County have a social event scheduled for Tuesday evening. Join them at the Monroe Country Club after work from 5-6:30 for conversation, a drink and an chance to win free golf.

We apologize for the weeks without our regular "Things to Do" feature. Between vacation and illness, Brenda clearly missed a number of weeks. We're healthy now and back on track. See you around town!

Things to Do Around Monroe

Such choices this weekend!

~ The Cedarville Historical Society is showing a free outdoor classic movie this Friday evening at dusk. View "Comin' Round the Mountain", a Bud Abbott and Lou Costello comedy as to main feature, and selected shorts will be shown before it. Popcorn, soda and candy available at 1950s prices.

~ Get out the bikes again for another Bike the Badger Trail Explorers Ride. The group will leave Freeport and bike to Monticello on Saturday. Join the Friends of the Badger Trail on this 46 mile ride, and complete one leg of the trail for this year's Bike the Badger patch.

~ If that ride is too advanced, consider the Smart Cycling for Trail Users, also sponsored the the Friends of the Badger Trail. Get the confidence you need to ride safely and legally on recreational trails and roads. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques.
Recommended for adults and children above age 14. Register by calling 608-897-8300 and bring your bicycle and helmet to the class. The class is free but a State trail pass ($4) is required.

~ It is Christmas in July on Monroe's Downtown Square this Friday through Sunday. There will special sales, decorations, snow and music.

~ ~ The Stephenson County Fair is going on all weekend at the fairgrounds in Freeport. From 4-H judging to grandstand events and demolition derbies, all the classics are here. Are you up for something special? Participate in the American Barnstormers Flying Circus! The vintage New Standard D25 can hold up to four passengers (plus the pilot) and is perfect for a family flying adventure - there is no minimum age for flying. Go all out and sign up for the Stearman flight. This is a trainer plane, and for 30 minutes, the passenger will be able to fly. The pilot will handle take off and landing, but once in the air, the flying is up to you. No flying experience is required. Interested? Call 863-899-4322 to sign up.

~ Calling all Pink Ladies and T-Birds! Grease is playing at Highland Community College this week and next on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

~ It is Bastille Day in Belleville this Saturday. Who knew we celebrated that here in Green County? The day is full of family events: K-12 talent show, live music, tours of the tunnel, wine and cheese tasting and more. The event starts at 11 am with the live music running from 3-10 pm.

~ Tret Fure is playing at the Monroe Arts Center this Saturday evening at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $17-25 and can be purchased through the MAC box office.

~ There are many other options to enjoy live music all over the area this weekend. Baumgartners, Tofflers, Turner Hall, and New Glarus Hotel will all feature bands this weekend. Brodhead also has their Twilight Music in the Park Sunday at dusk.

~ There is a concert and dinner at the Piazza this Saturday evening. The Piper Road Spring Band will play bluegrass starting at dusk. The potluck theme is Call Any Vegetable, and the potluck starts around 6:30. This is a pass the hat event with a recommended contribution of $10-15. If you haven't been to a concert at this country estate yet, give us a call and we can walk you through the details. Piazza concerts are magical.

Have a great weekend in Cheese Country!

June 2010 Green Cty Wi Real Estate Market report

Regarding the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in June of 2010:

• 29 homes sold in June of 2010,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 106 days,
  
• The average sale price was $143,386,
  
• The median sale price was $128,000,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $322,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $27,000.

Let's compare with June of 2009:

• 32 homes sold in June of 2009,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 159 days,
• The average sale price was $148,459,
• The median sale price was $140,957,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $375,900,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $43,000.

Many of the numbers are holding steady against this month last year, but it is great to see that the average days on market is significantly lower again.

Six homes in the over $200,000 price range sold last month. Considering how hard this price range was hit during the last year and a half, it is good to see some signs of life in the higher priced market.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Have you figured out your weekend plans yet?

~ The Friends of the Badger Trail are meeting at the Old Library Building in Belleville this evening at 6:30.

~ The Distinguished Speaker Series continues at Monroe Arts Center on Thursday evening. Brett Davis, currently our state representative and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, is speaking starting at 7.

~ Pure Wood Art in Albany is opening a new show on Saturday from 3 until 9 pm. The reception will feature food and drink, and the new exhibit will feature mixed media, abstract watercolor and more.

~ Spring Fling! Monticello is celebrating their annual Spring Fling this weekend. Events start on Friday and run through Sunday. Come for music, foods, arts demonstrations and art fair, softball and mud volleyball tournaments, pig roast, car show and more.

~ Monroe celebrates A Square Affair, a grand opening finally of the newly renovated Downtown Square. Reserve a table if you plan on being there for the evening; $30 will keep your table for 8. There will be a contest for decorating the tables, so pick and era and have fun with it! There will be activities for children from 4 until 6 pm including a bouncy tent, face painting and clown. Dinner is to be served at the tables at 5 pm (reserve your suppers from Cafe Claudeen, Turner Hall, Garden Deli, Poncho and Lefty's or Chopsticks). There will also be music from the Brian Whitty band and Stranded in Iowa.

~ The Democratic Party of Green County is hosting their Spring Forward Fundraiser on Sunday from 3 until 5 pm at MAC. Meet the local candidates, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and participate in the white elephant auction.

~ Make your dinner plans for next week Wednesday evening and Take a Bite Out of Cancer. Turner Hall, Suisse Haus, Heritage House, Swiss Alps, New Glarus Hotel, Glarner Stube and Puempel's Tavern are all participating in this Relay For Life event. A portion of the proceeds from all meals at these restaurants next Wednesday will go to Relay For Life.

Next weekend, look ahead for Breakfast on the Farm, Yesteryear Days, New Glarus Community Fest and more!

April 2010 Market Report

We knew that April was shaping up to be a great month for single family home sales here in Green County, but it ended up exceeding our expectations, to be honest!

Regarding the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in April of 2010:

• 50 homes sold in April of 2010,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 116 days,
  
• The average sale price was $131,080,
  
• The median sale price was $120,650,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $302,500,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $5,500.

Let's compare with April of 2009:

• 18 homes sold in April of 2009,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 145 days,
• The average sale price was $140,824,
• The median sale price was $125,200,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $340,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $24,235.

Clearly that first time home buyer's tax credit was working here. Sales were way up, and the number of classic first time buyer homes were certainly up too. 37 of those sold properties were priced under $150K. It is nice to see that the higher priced home market is moving a bit more as well. Five homes priced over $250K sold last month, which is a big change from a year ago when only two homes in this range sold. This higher priced range has been hit the hardest locally, with the largest price drops and the highest inventory counts. Seeing these homes starting to change hands with more regularity two months in a row is great.

March 2010 Green County Market Report

Market report time. What happened with the County, Wisconsin real estate market last month?

Regarding the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in March of 2010:

• 19 homes sold in March of 2010,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 110 days,
  
• The average sale price was $128,452,
  
• The median sale price was $110,000,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $358,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $25,000.

Let's compare with March of 2009:

• 25 homes sold in March of 2009,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 112 days,
• The average sale price was $142,654,
• The median sale price was $1118,500,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $513,500,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $25,000.

Days on market has stayed steady, and the the change in median sale price was pretty minimal. Steady is a good thing.

Out of curiosity, I pulled the same statistics from 2003, a time when no one was complaining at all about a real estate market prices.

• 26 homes sold in March of 2002,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 85 days,
• The average sale price was $108,042,
• The median sale price was $109,000,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $225,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $30,000.

Median sale prices, average sale prices, and highest priced property are all significantly higher in 2010 than eight years ago. This is what happens with regard to pricing throughout history. Seeing that the trend is continuing, even with the difficulties we've had in the real estate market over the last few years, it is good.

Homes are staying on the market longer now, which is a reflection of the fact that we still have a higher inventory of homes for sale. We are still working our way through the extra inventory of homes that did not sell during the winter of 2008-2009.

Peeking ahead at April, 5 homes have already sold this month as of today, only the eighth day of the month. 24 homes are currently pending sale. Let's see how the month keeps going. I personally think that the Home Buyer's Tax Credit has been a helpful thing for real estate in our area after we got through the depths of winter.

April 2010 Green County Market Report

Another month has ended, so it is time for monthly report on the Green County, Wisconsin real estate market.

Regarding the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in February of 2010:

• Only 5 homes sold in February of 2010,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 119 days,
  
• The average sale price was $157,180,
  
• The median sale price was $131,900,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $275,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $57,500.

Let's compare with February of 2009:

• 12 homes sold in February of 2009,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 100 days,
• The average sale price was $,191,858
• The median sale price was $128,036,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $525,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $47,000.

There was obviously a difference here, and I think that the weather can account for a good deal of it. No one likes to look at homes when the weather is cold, when there are multiple feet of snow on the ground. The only people who look for homes in these conditions are those who absolutely need to purchase something. Buyers like to be able to see something of the yard and get a look at the foundations of homes. In previous years, we had a late January snow melt, and the phone starts to ring when the snow melts. This year, it was cold and snowy all the way through February.

I took a minute to check pending home sales for Green County. Sure enough, there are already 15 homes pending sale. This means that the home has an accepted offer on it, all contingencies have been met, and the buyer and seller are just waiting for the closing date. 25 homes sold in March of 2009. We are only on the 10th day of the month, yet 2 homes have already sold and another 15 are pending sale.

I do believe that we will be back on track in March.

January 2010 Green County Market Report

Another month has ended, so it is time for monthly report on the Green County, Wisconsin real estate market.

Regarding the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in January of 2010:

• 15 homes sold in January of 2010,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 126 days,
  
• The average sale price was $153,993,
  
• The median sale price was $122,000,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $333,500,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $19,500.

Things are still looking better than they did in January of 2009:

• 11 homes sold in January of 2009,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 124 days,
• The average sale price was $128,036,
  
• The median sale price was $117,500,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $264,900,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $9,500.

One of the most promising things I see in looking at the homes that sold was they were in a large variety of price ranges. Yes, six of them were under $100K, but many of our homes in the area are in that price range. There were homes that sold in almost every single price bracket in our realtor data base up to $350,000 instead of a bunch of starter homes and just one or two higher end homes. Considering the abundant inventory in higher end homes in the area, it is excellent to see these starting to move again.

Three months in a row of positive numbers. This is great to see!

December 2009 Green County Market Report

Time for another monthly report on the Green County, Wisconsin real estate market.

Regarding the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in December of 2009:

• 21 homes sold in December of 2009,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 141 days,
  
• The average sale price was $142,750,
  
• The median sale price was $140,000,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $250,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $49,900.

Volume-wise, this is a huge improvement from December of 2008:

• 12 homes sold in December of 2008,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 95 days,
• The average sale price was $138,585,
  
• The median sale price was $123,200,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $264,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $58,425.

Historically, December is a very slow month for real estate sales, especially single family homes. I had to go back to 2005, the height of the real estate boom, to find a month where more homes sold in a December. so it is very interesting to see this many homes selling last month. Interestingly, the median home price sold in December of 2005 was $141,000, almost the same as last month too.

Coming on the heels of the November home sales holding steady, I am very heartened by the December statistics. I hope that the January sales are in this same vein.

November Market Report

First, the number of single family homes that sold in Green County in November of 2009:

• 19 homes sold in November of 2009,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 88 days,
  
• The average sale price was $111,000,
  
• The median sale price was $133,047,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $265,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $59,000.

Things have not changed very much when compared to November of 2008:

• 21 homes sold in November of 2008,
• The homes were on the market for an average of 76 days,
• The average sale price was $136,242,
  
• The median sale price was $121,000,
  
• The highest priced property sold was $450,000,
  
• The lowest priced property sold was $55,000.

It is nice to see the average days on market dropping down from the 95+ days that we saw earlier this spring.

I find it very positive that the November statistics are similar to where they were last November. Given the way that the market slowed down so much in the early spring of this year, it is great to see things holding steady again. The average sale price is lower, which is reflective of both the fact that prices did drop in our area in the last year as well as the fact that the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit was a great incentive that encourage a number of former renters to take the leap into home ownership in recent weeks.

December is historically a slower month for real estate sales, so I am curious to see how this year shapes up. Interestingly, one home has already sold in Green County this month, and it is

Local Money

Have you heard of Monroe Money or Monticello Money?

Both of these area communities have special programs where area residents can purchase certificates to be spent at any one of a number of local businesses. Monroe Money may be purchased at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and can be spent at any Chamber of Commerce member business.

Monticello has Monticello Money, and the certificates can be spent at any of the Monticello Business and Professional Association members. Monticello Money may be purchased at the Bank of Monticello's Main Street location or at the Village Hall.

Monticello is doing a special Black Friday promotion to encourage people to shop locally this holiday season. Monticello Money will be 10% off on Friday, November 27.

Monticello Money or Monroe Money also make great gifts in and of themselves. Both can spend these at any member businesses. With lists of members that include hair salon, grocery stores, bowling alleys, repair centers, gift shops and much, much more, there will be myriad options for the lucky recipients.

Austrialian Wine Dinner

The Dining Room at 209 Main in Monticello is having an Australian wine dinner next week, November 12. The dinner will feature speaker Rebecca Loewy from Old Bridge Cellars, and there will be a custom menu for the evening.

Guests will enjoy the following:

• Procuitto wrapped shrimp with antipasto relish with Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling '08, Clare Valley,
• Smoked gouda tartlett with crispy shallots d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne '08, McLaren Vale,
• 5 spice & galanga pork wontons with shiitake mushroom glaze with d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache '06, McLaren Vale,
• Lamb loin with herbed root vegetable gratin and red wine jus with Penley Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon '07, Coonawarra,
• Braised beef shortribs with balsamic tomato reduction sauce, pancetta,and garlic mashed red potatoes with John Duval Plexus Shiraz - Grenache - Mouvedre '06, Barossa,
• Honey sabayon with fresh berries & ginger orange shortbread with Chambers Muscat NV, Rutherglen
  

Reservation are strongly encouraged as seating is limited to only 40 guests. To make your reservation, please call The Dining Room at 209 Main at 608-938-2200. The cost is $70.00 plus 5.5% tax and 20 % gratuity per person, payable at the time of reservation.

This will be a great evening to learn a little more about Australian wines while enjoying the superb food an ambiance of The Dining Room.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Boo! Are you looking for something fun for this trick-or-treat filled weekend?

~ Bring the little ghosts and goblins to Monroe's Downtown Square for the annual Halloween Parade. The parade begins and ends at Monroe Middle School. Children of all ages (and parents if they are so inclined) should line up at 3:45 for the 4:00 pm step off. Trick or Treating hours for Monroe begin after the parade and go until 8:00.

~ Wisconsin's Area 51 is celebrating this weekend. The UFO Capitol of the World - aka Belleville - is celebrating UFO Day this weekend. There will be the annual UFO Parade, a Fun Run, a pet costume contest, children's games, a craft fair, a Haunted Forest, pumpkin carving, food fair, and a Monster Costume Ball. Join in the festivities all day Saturday in Belleville.

~ Curious about the new Justice Center for Green County? There will be a dedication ceremony and open house this Saturday. The dedication ceremony will be at 10 am, and there will be building tours until 1 pm.

~ Toffler's in New Glarus is having live blues and classic rock music to go with their costume party this Saturday evening. The Mud Angels take the stage at 9 pm.

~ Monroe Theatre Guild hosts another of their member's only movie nights on Saturday evening with a showing of the classic Psycho. The showtime is 8 pm, and tickets are $5 at the door. Seating is limited, so call to reserve your seats, 325-1111. Concessions will be available, and all the popcorn you can eat is only $1. Not a member? No problem. Individual memberships start at $15, family memberships start at $20. Get your yearlong membership, and you'll be guaranteed reduced ticket prices for all MTG productions and access to movie nights and other members only events.

~ SLICE has their annual Annual Pumpkin Ball and Costume Contest on Saturday evening. $5 per person will get you ice skating, live DJ, dancing, costume contest and more. Rentals are available, and the concession stand will be open.

~ The Green County Entreprenuers and Inventors Club meets this Monday evening starting at 6:30 pm in the New Glarus room of the Monroe Hospital. This month, Dave Babler, Dave Mosher and Dave Smith will speak on entrepreneurs sharing resources to reduce costs and benefit all. Contact Susan at GCDC if you have any questions: 328-9452.

If you are new to the area and wondering about Trick or Treat hours for your community, a good place to contact is your local city clerk: Albany (862-3240), Brodhead (897-4018), Monticello (938-4383), New Glarus (3 pm until 8 pm), Albany (862-3240), Argyle (543-3113) or South Wayne (439-1011).

Things to Do Around Monroe

Another weekend is approaching quickly. Do you have your plans ready?

~ Monroe Main Street hosts a webinar on Green and Sustainable Downtowns on Thursday, October 17 at Wisconsin Community Bank over the lunch hour. Contact Cara at Green County Extension to register: 328-9440. Cost is $12.50 for the webinar, and that includes lunch.

~ John and Lisa over at Inn Serendipity are hosting a Sustainable Living in the 21st Century workshop on Friday and Saturday. Nationally recognized in the green movement, they are an incredible resource in sustainability and going green. This workshop covers buying a farm property, sustainable gardening, renewable energy, divirsified business planning in a rural setting and raising a family on the farm. There will be resources on getting started and a hands-on tour of the farm, gardens, a strawbale greenhouse under construction and various renewable energy systems. Registration required, $30 per person. Call Lisa or John at 608-329-7056 for information and registration.

~ Toffler's in New Glarus has special events for the weekend's football games. Saturday they are playing the UW game on the big screen, and come in on Sunday for the Packer game and a free nacho bar.

~ Live music at Baumgartner's this Saturday evening. Fever River String Band takes the stage at 8 pm.

~ Dad's Corn Maze just east of Monroe has Flashlight Night this Saturday until 9 pm. Bring your own flashlight and wind your way through the twists and the turns of the maze.

~ The Monticello Lioness Craft Fair is Sunday from 9 until 3 in the school gym. There will be over 60 vendors on hand, and the Lionesses sell nuts every year as well. Don't forget your tickets for the raffle!

~ Plan ahead for next weekend! Monroe Theatre Guild has a lot going on at the Stage building. Get your tickets for Singin' on Sunday and Craig Tuttle, performing on Friday and Saturday evening. There is also a Stage Right Youth Theatre workshop on Saturday, Acting Essentials for Teens.

Things to Do Around Monroe

Time to look ahead to what is happening in the next week or so.

~ There is still a little bit of time to register for tomorrow's See Jane Grow workshop led by Lisa Kivirist of Inn Serendipity and hosted at Kookaburra's in Monroe. I just spoke with Lisa, and while there are 20 registered attendees, there is still room for a few more.

~ The Monticello Historical Museum opens for the season on Saturday. They will be unveiling a new exhibit, Jim Town, and there will be a Civil War Living History Encampment. The encampment will be across from the fire department at the end of Main Street, and it will open at 9 am. The museum opens at 10 am, and there will be a parade at 1:30 pm. Following the parade, the City Band will have a concert at 2 pm in Community Park (alternate location is the school gym in case of inclement weather). Free, but donations are appreciated.

~ Time is running out to register a team for the annual Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bowl For Kids Sake. The event takes place over the next week and half at area bowling alleys. Register your team and gather your pledges, then lace up your bowling shoes.

~ The UW Extension Master Gardeners are having a plant sale in the Auditorium of the Government Services building on Saturday from 9 until noon. They will have perennials, annuals and herbs, and volunteers will be available to help you choose the best plants for your garden.

~ Live Music! Come to Baumgartner's on Saturday night to listen to the sounds of Robert J and the Rowdy Prairie Dogs. Tofflers will feature Joel Pingitore and the Playground of Sound. Tofflers is also having a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday including a Fancy Hat Contest at 5 pm.

~ Thursday, April 30 is the last day to register to attend Monday evening's "Taste of Spring" benefit event for MAC.

~ Young Professionals of Green County are having a Business Showcase at Quest Industrial, a locally company owned by a YP'er, on Monday evening at 5:30. Tour the facility and learn about the company's current robotics projects. There will be a socializing time at Smokey's following the event for anyone who wishes to stay.

We'll see you around town!

Thank you Midwest Living!

The latest issue of Midwest Living recognizes what we have known for a long time - this is a great place to be!

The new travel trends are apparently shorter trips closer to home; wanting to see real communities, not just tourist venues; and focusing on food. Southwest Wisconsin fits this description beautifully, and area communities are featured in the section of the article called "Surprisingly Hip Small Towns."

Eat local. Go green. Support independent businesses and artistic communities. These are all things we have been doing in the area for a long time, and the article recognizes that travel tastes are catching up with us.

Both Monroe and Monticello are mentioned in the article, along with area communities like Spring Green, Mount Horeb and Mineral Point. All of these towns are within about sixty to ninety minutes of Monroe, and I have to second Midwest Living's opinion that they are places to visit. Stay in one of our local B&B's and town hop for a few days to explore this area of wonderful arts and food yourself. Spend one or two days on your bike along the Sugar River Trail to work off some of the meals you enjoy at our surprisingly good restaurants. See for yourself why Midwest Living felt the Sugar River Trail, Earth Rider Inn, The Dining Room at 209 Main (the Monticello restaurant it references), and Monroe are worth the visit.

If you are planning a visit to the area, visit our website for an article with area resources for traveling green as well as local lodging options which include the aforementioned Earth Rider Inn along with another B&B that is a nationally recognized top 10 eco-destination.

Come visit. Enjoy the quiet of our bike trails, back roads and state parks or the flair of our concerts, plays, arts venues, and dining establishments. Cars will stop for you when you cross the downtown streets; people will smile and say hi.