Water, water everywhere, and lots of ice cream, too. Thus describes Madison, Wisconsin, our latest addition to America's most walkable places. Madison is the capital of the Dairy State, situated on an isthmus and surrounded by four beautiful lakes.

Aside from a substantial Holstein population and fresh water, how is Madison relevant to Otsego County? For one thing, it is now the home of former resident and Cooperstown Presbyterian Church minister Lin Grace Rohr (nee Quinlan.) She sends her best to all.

Madison is also a walking/ cycling paradise and could serve as fine inspiration for establishing and achieving path and trail goals in Otsego County.

Their non-motorized transportation venues could make an incurable pedestrian go weak in the knees. For example, they have roads where the bike lane is actually as wide as the auto lane. They also have much used trails surrounding their lakes, even elevating them in marshy areas. There are lively downtown neighborhoods, such as the historical Marquette area, as well as suburbs and malls. Sidewalks are everywhere and Madison boasts an efficient and economical bus system (including night runs) connecting everything and charging $47 per month of unlimited use. How much did you pay on your last visit to the pump?

The twin gems in downtown Madison are the State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin, just a mile apart and connected by the vibrant, flourishing and brilliant State Street. Try to walk State Street and not smile.

The considerable downtown acreage of the classic Capitol grounds hosts a farmers' market every Saturday, overflowing with seasonal agricultural bounty. The autumnal fare includes cheese curds (the squeakier, the better,) dozens of apple varieties, cheese, organic meats, beautiful breads, cheese, gargantuan mums, vegetables and' cheese. Wisconsin is America's Dairyland for good cause.

A mile walk down State Street, past the multicultural shops, the ethnic restaurants and the balance of local businesses mixed with national names, takes you to the heart of The University of Wisconsin.

The campus is situated on nearly a thousand walkable, bikeable, don't-even-think-of-bothering-with-a-car acres. Bought for $1.25 per acre in 1848, this pretty campus sits on the shores of Lake Mendota and is a phenomenal use of public space. It must be a condo developer's heartbreak. To gaze at the Lake, ice cream in hand, and appreciate the splendor of a Holstein painted sailboat must make a great break between classes.

Madison is considerably bigger than Otsego County, but still its transportation and public space priorities set a grand example of what we could do to improve the quality of life here. From one Dairyland to another.

Brenda Berstler is the founder of the Walking Example Group (WE-GO) a non-profit organization encouraging walking and walkable communities. Visit their website at www.we-go.org.