Info on Reedsburg (Madison, Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells: theatre, to live in, restaurants)

[massdane]

I had a job interview a few weeks back in Wisconsin Dells area, and had planned on moving to Wisconsin Dells. Didn't take the job as I had a death in the family while I was gone, but am still looking at that job next year perhaps.

However, after visiting the Dells area, didn't want to live there. I liked the area of WI as a whole, but don't want to live in the Dells/Lake Delton area. I found Reedsburg as a close-by option, and it seems (0n-line) to have the things I'd require...decent restaurants, good coffee shop, gym, library, biking/hiking trails, small town feel. I'd like to be able to live in town and walk everywhere. It appears that the commute to W Dells wouldn't be too bad.

But, haven't been to Reedsburg...any opinions, pro or con? My hubby will be retiring, so job for him is moot point. We're both into the outdoors, very active physically, and very liberal (socially, politically). I like the idea of being so close to Madison, which sounds like a great town.
Thanks!

[Paige65]

Reedsburg is okay, but I think Baraboo would be a better choice. Baraboo downtown is on a square with a decent number of shopping and dining options, it's more charming and has the historic Ringling Theatre, which provides a bit of culture (they have plays there as well as other community events). There is also a great coffee shop/cafe on the square there, called Java Cafe. I think it's owned by a San Francisco transplant. The Village Cafe downtown is also good. There's a great used book store and a fabulous kitchen and housewares store, Bekka Kate's, that rivals anything you would find in a major city. I don't know about the library. It's also close to Devil's Lake State Park, which is great for hiking and outdoor activites. The one negative for Baraboo is that the 400 State trail (bike trail) starts in Reedsburg. There are plenty of low traffic roads to get you over to Reedsburg from Baraboo, but they aren't trails, and it will be about 20 miles of riding on backroads to get you from Baraboo to the 400 State trail in Reedsburg.

I like Reedsburg, but I'm not sure the downtown is quite what you are looking for. It does have a good library and all the things you mentioned, but I think Baraboo is just a little more vibrant while still being a small town.

The commute from Baraboo to the Dells is about 15 minutes.

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by Paige65

Reedsburg is okay, but I think Baraboo would be a better choice. Baraboo downtown is on a square with a decent number of shopping and dining options, it's more charming and has the historic Ringling Theatre, which provides a bit of culture (they have plays there as well as other community events). There is also a great coffee shop/cafe on the square there, called Java Cafe. I think it's owned by a San Francisco transplant. The Village Cafe downtown is also good. There's a great used book store and a fabulous kitchen and housewares store, Bekka Kate's, that rivals anything you would find in a major city. I don't know about the library. It's also close to Devil's Lake State Park, which is great for hiking and outdoor activites. The one negative for Baraboo is that the 400 State trail (bike trail) starts in Reedsburg. There are plenty of low traffic roads to get you over to Reedsburg from Baraboo, but they aren't trails, and it will be about 20 miles of riding on backroads to get you from Baraboo to the 400 State trail in Reedsburg.

I like Reedsburg, but I'm not sure the downtown is quite what you are looking for. It does have a good library and all the things you mentioned, but I think Baraboo is just a little more vibrant while still being a small town.

The commute from Baraboo to the Dells is about 15 minutes.

I think you nailed it right on head, Paige! I love Reedsburg, but as Paige said Baraboo may be a better fit for you. Devils Lake is my favorite place in Wisconsin and its just beautiful there, check it out.

[massdane]

Thanks everyone....
Had thought about Baraboo since it seemed close...but didn't have time to check it out. Think we'll take a trip early summer and see it for ourselves. Thanks again!