Changing homes can mean so much more than adjusting to a new commute, improving a floor plan or selecting the right schools. Many buyers are also bringing Fido along for the transition. And considering four legged family members means considering recreational areas that are pet friendly.

The Dane County Parks Department is on the forefront of dog park implementation and design. In 1994 it was the first county in the nation to create a dog park program. Since then, it has expanded to include 7 county parks allowing off-leash areas. Dogs are also welcome at all county parks with a leash. "We found out over time, it's not only a benefit for dogs, but for the community as well. Everyone gets exercise and enjoys the outdoors," says Darren Marsh, Dane County

There is nothing quite like a fresh-picked tomato, or the crunch of a newly harvested sugar snap pea. In just a few short weeks, residents will enjoy fresh, Wisconsin-grown produce again. It's time to think spring. And with spring in Madison, comes the re-opening of numerous farmer's markets. The Dane County Farmer's Market returns to the Capitol Square April 18, and leads the way for a large variety of markets to reopen all over the county. There are more than 50 distinct farmer's markets in the region, with Madison offering at least 9. In many cases, the markets are within walking distance from popular neighborhoods like Hill Farms, Sunset Village and Bay Creek. If you ask the locals, one of the major perks of life in Madison is the abundant supply of

The Irish and Irish-ish alike will fill downtown Madison for the city's annual Saint Patrick's Day festivities. On Sunday, March 16, the fun begins at 10 a.m. with the Shamrock Shuffle, a 5K/10K race or 2 mile walk providing exercise and entertainment down State Street, and around campus. "It's fun to grow something that helps nonprofits, and provides a healthy activity at the beginning of spring," says Race Director Steve Donovan. The 12th annual Shamrock Shuffle will include up to 5,000 participants. Families, and even kids in strollers are welcome to run or walk the course. Pets can't participate, due to insurance guidelines. All are encouraged to wear green, and pick out their best Irish-themed costumes. Spectators can station themselves anywhere

Whether it’s the grace of a dance troupe, the beauty of an orchestra’s music filling the air, an innovative story told by a theater group or the complexity of local art, Madison enjoys a vibrant arts scene.

But did you know that this collection of artists and entertainers are improving the city’s economic health?

Overture Center for the Arts brings world-renown artists to Madison, contributing to the city’s entertainment prospects, and its bottom line. It’s estimated that $10 million dollars enters the city annually as a direct result of people attending Overture’s programs. “The city benefits from an artistic scene. It’s one reason people choose to live here. It gives employers another tool for recruiting employees, and adds the “creative class” to

Could pulling a sled help you with your fitness goals? What about an obstacle course? It’s no secret that our nation faces an obesity epidemic, and kids are included in the latest statistics. It’s with this in mind that Physicians Plus, Meriter and Madison Moms blog have joined forces. They created the Polar Dash- an annual event designed to encourage kids and their families to be active, even in the cold. On January 24, the 8th Annual Polar Dash will take place at the Meriter Monona Clinic (6408 Copps Avenue, Monona).  Kids, ages 12 and under, are invited to participate in a race, where they pull a sled (or perhaps a wagon, if the snow is melted), carrying a plush polar bear. Outdoor hula hooping, an obstacle course and bean bag toss create additional

Imagine music, lights, disco balls and glow sticks. Put all of this on ice, and you have a fun and free family event every weekend at Madison Parks. Called “Groove and Glide,” the ice skating event travels from park to park throughout the winter. This year skaters can even join Bucky and the UW Women's Hockey Team at one of the events. Groove and Glide makes stops at Vilas, Tenney, Elver and Westmorland parks. Enjoy a few laps around the rink, and warm up with hot chocolate or a cappuccino. Concessions are available for purchase at every location except Westmorland, and skate rentals can be obtained for $6 for adults and $3 for skaters under age 14. After the first hour, skate rentals can be extended for $2.

The current schedule includes:

Friday,

With just a few days left before the close of 2014, there are still chances to save on your upcoming tax bill. Cindy Meicher Hasenfratz, CPA, CVA and partner at Meicher CPAs, offers the following suggestions for preserving your income:

Clean out your closets

If you itemize, now is the time to make some trips to Goodwill, Salvation Army or your favorite charity.  Make a list of each item you donate, get a dated receipt, and you can deduct the fair market value of each item (their value may surprise you). You can claim up to $5000 worth of items without requiring an appraisal. The bonus- you’ll have cleaner closets!

Give, especially appreciated stock

You can also donate financially to your charity of choice. Gifts of appreciated stock provide

Are you struggling to buy for that person who has everything? Perhaps it’s time to step away from the crowded shopping places, and enjoy the Madison museum scene. The city offers a wide variety of museums and entertainment venues. Museum gift shops benefit local arts and entertainment, while providing a unique selection of gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

For the veteran, collector or military historian

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum gift shop has a broad selection of books, branch-specific military gifts, and Civil War collectibles. Shoppers will be surprised by the apparel- both vintage and modern styles, and the variety of options for veterans to proudly display or preserve their memories. Collectors will be thrilled by authentic Civil War

Have you heard this at your house? One of the many great things about Madison is if you have an interest in a hobby or activity, there will be opportunities to share it. If you have Lego-lovers in your family, you’ll be thrilled to know that Olbrich Gardens has combined their annual Holiday Express train exhibit with the popular toy bricks! Each year Olbrich Gardens invites the Wisconsin Garden Railway Society to display model trains during the holidays. The trains vary by the day. Hundreds of beautiful poinsettias and other holiday garden themes surround the sets. This year, the surrounding villages are constructed with….you guessed it….Legos. Visitors are sure to enjoy the Victorian homes, ships, and even Star Wars themed portions of the exhibit.

School's almost out, and the temperatures are one the rise. It's starting to feel like summer in Madison, WI. That means it's pool season once again in Madtown.

Wisconsin's Capitol City is home to a great number of neighborhood pools. They're a summertime tradition in this town, and one of the many things that make living in Madison unique. The city's many pools provide a social anchor for a number of different neighborhoods on the near west, west, far west, and southwest sides of town. They're a place where kids learn how to swim and learn how to compete. Most of all they're a place where neighbors gather to relax during the warm days of summer. 

Want to learn more about the neighborhood pools in Madison? Visit www.AllCitySwimDive.org for a