Education

Learn. Play. Grow.

Early Education with Heart and Purpose at The Learning Experience Article by Karen Redfield | Photography by Lexia Frank for Studio Soma The Learning Experience (TLE), Academy of Early Education TLE recently opened in Middleton and is designed for children from six weeks to five years old. Each room is a different, happy, colorful space with materials that encourage play, learning, and the creation of  community. Maureen Nkwenti, TLE Administrator, brings her international experience...

Sports + Recreation

Where Movement Begins KEVA Sports Center

Helping Young Players Discover the Fun of Sports While Learning Skills That Last a Lifetime Article by Jill Heilman | Photography by Ashley Hicks Owner Eric Fritz grew up in a multi-sport household where an active lifestyle was the norm, and movement was ingrained in his membrane. He learned how competition must balance camaraderie, how confidence stemmed from the foundation of a strong skill-set, and how the right coach and a supportive environment can influence a person’s growth, both on and...

Professional Services

Groomed for Greatness

Meet the Local Groomer Competing on the World Stage—and Training the Next Generation Article by Karen Redfield | Photography by Jill Heilman Lis Johnston, an internationally known dog groomer and the owner of Serenity Pet Spa, said she originally “fell into dog grooming.” She has loved dogs all her life, especially collies, because to her they are “the most beautiful,” and, like many great loves, Lis “never had a choice” once she showed her first collie in a competition at age 12.  Early on...

Event Planning + Services

A Lasting Memory Starts with an Unforgettable Birthday

From Rockets to Yoga, and Slides to Lasers—Celebrate Your Kid, Their Way. Article by Jill Heilman | Photography by Provided Stellar Tech Girls Following a career as an aerospace engineer that included launching rockets at SpaceX and working with astronauts at NASA, Marina Bloomer wanted to bring more gender diversity to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) industries, as she often found herself to be the only woman in the room. Marina wanted to instill confidence in kids...

Food + Beverage

Middleton's Italian Scene

Italian-Inspired Restaurants, Rooted in Family and Flavor, Serve Up Fresh Ingredients, Neighborly Connection, and the Italian Art of Slowing Down Article and Photography by Jill Heilman   Gino’s Italian Deli, Villa Dolce, and Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano offer more than just a meal. Shaped by family roots, cherished memories, and decades of dedication, they share a belief that community is their foundation. From quick, wholesome lunches to relaxed dinners with friends, they remind us that a...

Home + Design

Where Lifestyle Meets Design

Explore the developments shaping Middleton’s future—where architecture, outdoor living, and intentional planning come together. Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Provided Bishops Bay Middleton, WI Set on 780 acres overlooking Lake Mendota, The Community of Bishops Bay, developed by T. Wall Enterprises, is a master-planned neighborhood that blends natural beauty, diverse architecture, and outdoor living. The 780-acre community includes seven distinct neighborhoods (five...

Local Services

Explore the Outdoors, Locally

Hike, Paddle, and Unwind in these Five Parks Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Jill Heilman Lakeview Park   Middleton’s largest at 80 acres, offers trails, playgrounds, sports courts, splash pad (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), fishing piers, and reservable shelters. Don’t miss the Veterans Memorial honoring local service members!   Cherokee Marsh   Offers over four miles of scenic trails, river views, boardwalks, and a canoe launch. Spot wildlife like sandhill...

Life + Culture

Harvest Hill, Waunakee's Golf Course for All

Golf Beyond Country Clubs – Sil Maly’s Mission to Make the Game Accessible Article and Photography by Jill Heilman Ranked 9th for most golf courses per state, Wisconsinites know how to maximize their summers, finding it socially acceptable to take a partial day from work to slide in a round of golf. As a sport, however, it is tough to break into with course fees, brisk fairway etiquette, and a specialized skill earned only through repetition and dedication, which can be difficult for young...

Home Services

Preparation is Key

VR Painting & Contracting Brings Pro-Level Preparation to Every Project Article by Karen Redfield | Photography by Jill Heilman Anyone who watches a sporting event knows that a great deal of preparation goes into success on the field. As a former professional soccer player, Rolando Salas knows this first-hand and has taken this into his company, VR Painting and Contracting. A quality outcome was the primary goal in every soccer game for Rolando, and is the goal in every painting job. He notes...

Local Services

Driven by Legacy

How Triton Auto Spa combines sustainability, top-tier service, and generations of auto passion. Article by Middleton City Lifestyle | Photography by Ashley Hicks Clay Carlson, co-owner/operator of Triton Auto Spa, is a self-described “car enthusiast.” He grew up in the retail car business, working with his dad and grandfather in their General Motors dealership. After graduating from Northwood University in Automotive Marketing and the National Auto Deal Cadet Academy, Clay spent 15 years...