Living in a college town, does have its advantages. Did you think I was referring to Boston? Think again.

Wellesley is a "college town" too, and last week's visit by former Secretary of State Madeline Albright to her alma mater got me thinking about all of the ways the local colleges enhance life here.

If listening to the former Clinton Administration official discuss the merits of multilateralism is not for you, Wellesley's Botanic Garden and the campus Tropical House offer up a mid-winter respite for the weather-weary.

In fact, there are so many things to do in town thanks to our college communities, it's difficult to keep up with all of the offerings.

Did you know that Margaret Ferguson Greenhouses are open every day of the year?

You may already know about the creative student artwork gracing many of Wellesley's empty storefronts, but also, in the campus's Jewitt Art Gallery, an exhibition of staff member's creativity runs until Feb. 4.

And, Wellesley's Davis Museum is offering up a watercolor and botanical imagery exhibition this month and through February. Admission to Davis is free.

That's just the short list from one of the town's educational institutions. For more mid-winter breaks and things to do, look no further than Babson College. This weekend, the school known for its focus on entrepreneurship, hosts a competition for alumni and students who compete for thousands of dollars in cash for this business ideas. The MassChallenge is being held on Thursday. Babson is hosting the work of sculptor Josephine Burr, who will discuss her work on Feb. 7 

Babson's Sorenson Center for the Arts has an extensive calendar on its Facebook page and here as well. My favorite winter offering from Babson is the school's public skating and hockey offerings, which are a great deal for any age.

During his annual "state of the State" address last week, Governor Deval Patrick pledged to raise millions of dollars to give the community college system in Massachusetts a shot in the arm. The governor followed up his speech by visiting faculty and students at Mass Bay Community College last Thursday.

Did you know online classes are available through Mass Bay's website? Mass Bay is also home to Wellesley's Symphony Orchestra's schedule of performances, Sundays at 3 p.m. with the next concert slated for Sunday Feb. 12. The Newton Country Players also call Mass Bay home, and will perform "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in March.

That's Wellesley: a college town sharing arts, music and a host of great offerings to beat the mid-winter blahs with a grateful community.