by Marcia Hay

The secret village of El Olivar, Spain

When you drive about an hour northeast of Madrid, Spain, and then through olive groves and farming fields, there is what appears to be the quaint farming village of El Olivar. However, if approached from the south, the village appears as a typical hill town perched atop quite a steep hill. From there, one can see for many miles over the old countryside.

The houses mostly are 200 or more years old, constructed from local stones with walls two feet thick. Many have high stone walls surrounding front and back court yards while some are interconnected like row houses.

Originally, this was--and still is-- a village of shepherds and olive growers.

There is one church by the small town square that was built in the late 1400's.  A recent newcomer climbed up the bell tower and tested the ancient bell.  Upon descending, the entire town was assembled to hear the emergency news - from that established signal.  A bit embarrassing !

There are no shops in El Olivar but there is a "bar" where some basic groceries are available. That old family created a restaurant within the "bar" where wonderful local dishes are served. Recently, another of the old families has started a second "bar" also serving local dishes.

A few Madrileños and even some vacationing English families like the peace and hideaway atmosphere that El Olivar can provide.  This is a secret village known to a very few outsiders.

And now you know.

--Marcia Hay

Thanks to contributor Marcia Hay for her sweet portrayal of this secret hill town.  Ms. Hay is an American who has lived in Spain for more than thirty years.  Married to a Spaniard, she divides her time between the USA, London and Madrid--and El Olivar.  Her family now owns several of the ancient houses there.  She loves this village "where the road ends and children can play safely in the streets and town square."

If art and scenic landscapes inspire you, you're going to want to step into the scene in Boerne, Texas (population 10,283, elevation 1,421 feet, median home cost  is $172,720).

Beautiful Boerne -30 minutes NW of San Antonio - earns our MVV (Most Vibrant Village Award) for its bountiful creativity and natural beauty.This lively town boasts a bustling art scene.

Ride the trolley to beauty

Boerne showcases both local and global artists every second Saturday when art patrons hop aboard a red and green trolley and go gallery to gallery.  Laughter and art go hand-in-hand during this popular monthly event.

One creative artful event celebrates the town's creativity by including man, woman, child and beast.  The Boerne Dance Festival & Arts and Crafts Bazaar features a dance festival, local foods and vendors, a mini-carnival for kids, and a pet adoption.

That's what we call imaginative—and inclusive—multi-tasking. Bonus points for helping lonely animals find homes.

Happily located in the Texas Hill Country, the backdrop includes rolling hills, majestic oaks, caves, streams, and rivers.  The appealing Cibolo Nature Preserve's right in town. Walks along the stream bank are special.

Want more space? You'll find it thirteen miles east of Boerne. Here you'll discover 1,900 acres of inspiring Hill Country landscapes with the clear cypress-edged river flowing over natural rapids.

Natural pleasures are many--camp, fish,  hike, canoe and picnic, feeling as though you've stepped into a Monet painting.  While cloud-gazing, keep a look-out for the rare golden-cheeked warbler.  The bird sings merrily away (as do those Boerne residents fortunate enough to have been born here or have newly discovered  this vibrant Texas village).

Creating a work of art takes creativity and an eye for beauty--and sometimes the vision of one gifted individual who encourages and inspires others.

Fairhope, Alabama (population 16,618, elevation 23, median home price $223,900).

Legend says Fairhope got its name from the 1894 settlers who thought the town had a 'fair hope' of success.  They came seeking a new utopia.  The founding dream of Fairhope has once again come true, but it hasn't always been so.

Despite its pretty Mobile Bay front setting, this resort community's star had become a bit tarnished  by the 1970's. But fate—and hard work—had another destiny in mind for Fairhope.  The  determination and enlightened leadership of  Mayor James P. Nix polished up Fairhope's star and today this pretty town shines brightly once more.

Elected to office for seven terms, Mayor Nix and the townspeople demonstrated what vision and can-do spirit can accomplish.

Today, this friendly village is once again a strong draw for new settlers from near and far.

Visitors, too, arrive to enjoy the vibrant mix of retail, waterfront strolls, and gracious hospitality. Enlivened by talented artisans and writers, the Fairhope community sparkles with creativity.

This new vitality proves there's more than 'Fair hope' for success when a course is plotted with a steady hand on the helm--and supported by a boatload of talented crew members.

We like towns -- and people -- who believe in their communities and demonstrate sheer grit and determination. Fair Hope gleams with renewed vitality.

Blown a bit off course for a bit, Fairhope has steered a new course to bountiful success—and thereby earns her MVV (Most Vibrant Village) star from Vibrant Village.

Historic riverfront towns often sparkle with a certain raffish allure. Maybe that's why wee Augusta, Kentucky's Ohio River setting is so darn appealing. Just ask actor George Clooney, who owns a home here. As did his aunt, Rosemary Clooney.

You can see Mr. Clooney's high school football jersey and other memorabilia at Aunt Rosemary's home where she came to retreat from her world-wide singing performances. Ms. Clooney's home is now open to the public and maintained as a nostalgia-filled salute to the famous singer.

The Clooney warm hospitality is so fitting—after all, one of Ms. Clooney's 1950's hits was Come On-my House.

Augusta's pretty setting was found to be perfect for another famous person—Mark Twain's Huck Finn. Disney used Augusta as the setting for their Huck Finn film. Today, Augusta proves a wonderful place for modern-day Huck Finns.

Lively conversations also bubble forth aboard one of the colorful stern wheeler river boats, and a goodly selection of eclectic dining  establishments make sure each modern Huck  has a happy tummy. Visitors will find dining at The Augusta General Store, the venerable Beehive Tavern overlooking the Ohio River, Parkview Country Inn and the Bravo Cafe.

Summertime brings the lively Riverfest Regatta & Art Festival (2010 dates:July 23- July 25) which showcases both art and river craft.

Augusta has woven riverside magic since the 1790's and she still does today. Vibrant Village gives Augusta the nod for their grace in preserving their exciting river town heritage while stepping forward with artful gusto.

For more information, contact: City of Augusta tourism

Head 2 ¼ hours up the thruway from NYC, take exit 19 to discover petite and sweet Margaretville (population around 657, elevation 1300 feet, median home price $149,000).

Located in the heart of the central Catskill region of New York state, we honor this tiny town for their big ideas.

Faced with an aging population, this community decided to dish up a nourishing serving of good health. They've reshaped their community infrastructure to promote a healthier and more vibrant community by focusing on wellness instead of illness.

All sorts of outdoor possibilities invite residents and visitors to exit their cars, rise from their couches and get active in the sweet air of the Catskills.

Fishing a nearby stream

Walking stars in this community. Village projects include the beautification of Main Street with gardens and signage, nature walking trails, a historical walking tour, and a fitness trail.

Comfortable summer temperatures, breathtaking autumn colors and plentiful hiking, bicycling, fly-fishing and skiing season this area with year-round recreational spice.

If all that activity has appetites eager for sustenance, Margaretville will not disappoint. Cafes and coffee shops deliver hot coffee and bagels.  Italian and French cuisine tempt continental palates. There's even a restaurant on a pier over the Delaware River that serves succulent Swiss schnitzel and hearty American favorites.

Country lanes near Margaretville invite cyclists

Chat with local shop-keepers as you stroll and shop Main Street. Discover art at the local gallery. Filled with sweet surprises, no wonder this village was the recipient of New York State Quality Community Award.

Margaretville proves that the best vibrant villages often come wrapped in small packages. It doesn't hurt that the town is so cute that you want to wrap your arms around it and give it a hug.

The annual Cauliflower Festival celebrates local vegetables

Local growers and fresh vegetable fans will find bountiful produce and rich growing soil. And lovers of all things cruciferous will appreciate the annual Cauliflower Festival. I'd like mine lightly steamed, with a nice cheese sauce, please.

Come for a visit, maybe stay for a lifetime. Margaretville is that kind of place.

For more information, contact the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce.