The good people of Phillips, Wisconsin, will spend more local money on their schools next year, but will have much less money overall because of cuts in federal and state spending. The only thing that made the local story bearable was a visit to Bonnie's Diner.

It usually doesn't take long to find a treasure in any town. In Gladewater, Texas, it was the old school and football stadium.

The nation is spending vastly more on health care in some rural areas than in others without any indication that the increased spending results in better health.

Break out, and head in to a rural coffee house for brain fuel, live music, wifi, and a climbing wall.