CAMBRIDGE-  Cambridge is a small village of over 1200 people, located about a half hour southeast of Madison along HWY 12.  Cambridge calls itself "the village with the best of yesterday and today."  It is well known in the area as an excellent place to spend a pleasant day shopping in its downtown historic district that has many speciality shops.  Rowe Pottery Works has been located there since 1975, offering historic Early American pottery that is hand made using traditional methods.  Stop by on Saturdays to watch the potters working on their wheels.  Other activities include a Renaissance Faire in May and a June Art Fair.  For more information on area businesses and events, see the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.  The Village of Cambridge website has information on local government, resident services, and more.  For area school information, see the School District of Cambridge. 

  COTTAGE GROVE-  Cottage Grove began as a farming community.  It is both a Village and a Township east of Madison, with a combined population of over 8000.  The Village is located 5 minutes east of Madison, between Interstate 90 and HWY 12/18, at the intersection of HWY BB and N.  It was created when the railroad went through the area in 1881.  It remained a shipping center for farm goods until the advent of semi-trucks. The railroad line has now been converted to the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail, a 52 mile trail that begins in Cottage Grove and travels east toward Milwaukee, ending in Waukesha.  See the Village of Cottage Grove website for new resident information, the Village Newsletter, and information on local parks, local government, and the community librar.  See also the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce site, which includes a calendar of events, local business listings, and more.  Cottage Grove Online includes local news, a community directory, community demographics, and information on the local Historical Society.  For information on schools, see Monona Grove Schools. 

  DEERFIELD-  The Village of Deerfield has a population of over 2000 and is located 10 miles east of Madison along HWY 73, in the Township of Deerfield.  The area was so named due to the large number of deer living there.  It was also once the fourth largest Norwegian community in the US.  The Village continues to offer small town friendliness with nearby urban amenities, and considers itself to be "The Best of Both Worlds," with an historic downtown, annual festivals and events, and the nearby 760 acre Goose Lake Wildlife Area.  The active Deerfield Community Center sponsors youth programs, adult recreation, Senior services, and special events and training opportunities.  The Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail runs through the Village.  For more information, see the Deerfield Chamber of Commerce site, which includes a Deerfield street map and visitor information.  The Village of Deerfield site has descriptions of local parks, the Village newsletter, and more.    For information on the local schools, see the Deerfield Community School District.  For information on the area's technically advanced library, see the Deerfield Public Library. 

  MCFARLAND-  The Village of McFarland is located 10 miles southeast of Madison, via HWY 51, on the eastern shore of Lake Waubesa.  It has a population of over 7000.  The Village of McFarland website includes information on the local library, local and nearby parks, senior services, local government and services, and more.  See the McFarland Chamber of Commerce website for a calendar of events, local business listings, and information on getting a New Resident Welcome Packet.   For information on McFarland Schools, see the McFarland School District.  See also the McFarland Youth Center for community youth programs.

  STOUGHTON-  With a population of over 13,000, Stoughton is located less than 20 miles southeast of Madison via HWY 51.  It is situated along the shores of the Yahara River and Lake Kegonsa.  It began as a small community of 800 acres settled by Luke Stoughton in 1847.  It was later populated by Norwegian settlers.  The area's Norwegian heritage is celebrated each May with the Syttende Mai festival, a fun, family friendly event with a canoe race, parade, food, crafts, dancing, and performances by the world famous Stoughton Norwegian Dancers.  Area activities include water sports, hiking, and camping at Lake Kegonsa State Park, racing at the Madison International Speedway, and performances at the Stoughton Opera House.  For information about local landmarks and history, see the Stoughton Landmark Commission website, which includes information on walking tours, and the Stoughton Historical Society.  See the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce site for more information on events and festivals, as well as lodging, shopping, dining, and community information.  The official City of Stoughton site includes information about the accredited Senior Center and the active Youth Center.  The site also has information about other area services.  For information on area schools, see the Stoughton Public Schools website.