Posted Saturday, August 23 --- 6:00pm

It is off the beaten path...a small Wisconsin village hardly considered a major tourist destination, like Wisconsin Dells.

But, as NBC 15's Chris Woodard reports, Mazomanie has earned a spot on a top ten list.

It's a downtown that's taken quite a turn over the last few years.

(people at restaurant, talking & laughing)

And laughter is contagious as this cities reputation begins to glow.

Mazomanie has been named one of the 10 coolest small towns in the country by Budget Travel.

According to Webster's Dictionary the word cool means very good. Apparently, that's what you have here.

Dan Viste, Old Feed Mill Restaurant, said "for us I guess it's validation."

Validation of a lot of hard work.

"It's a much different community than it was as little as two or three years ago" said Viste.

Karisa Friske, Walking Iron B&B said "It is.... a lot of people sticking their necks out to see it come finally."

Business owners say this downtown is a far cry from the crumbling buildings they had just a few years ago. Now a city often talked about for its clothing optional beach... is building a new reputation.

"We embrace anything that helps bring people here out of curiosity or what not" said Viste.

There is no question that art is a huge draw here but even the artists will tell you there's a lot more to offer than that.

A bed and breakfast recognized by home and garden magazine and a restaurant profiled by the Food Channel compliment a stress full of art galleries.

"I don't know Mazomanie well but I might come back" said one visitor.

"really good food and nice character" said another visitor.

They're the kind of compliments people are are finally getting used too after so many years of work.

The magazine only considered towns with fewer than 10-thousand people.

Click HERE to read the article in Budget Travel