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Old 04-04-2014, 10:26 AM
 
Location: At the corner of happy and free
6,473 posts, read 6,679,753 times
Reputation: 16346

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My husband's son/wife/2 granddaughters (age 4 & 6) live in Wisconsin. We live in Texas, and have spent very little time with the granddaughters due to many reasons beyond our control.

We would like to plan a trip in August to Wisconsin to visit the family, but we are not familiar with the area. We would probably fly into Milwaukee, and hopefully they could drive to meet us somewhere. I'm thinking of perhaps renting a home on a lake for a few nights (Fond du Lac? others?), or a state park (though I know family cabins tend to fill up quickly, and it may be too late for this summer). Maybe even Wisconsin Dells?

My husband and I will need to pay for everything, so cost will be somewhat of a factor. So I'd like a place with a kitchen so we don't have to eat out every meal.

The actual activities don't matter so much to us as simply having time with them. We thought if we all stayed in one house, we could have some good quality time, but of course we'll want to get out of the house and enjoy the area too.

I welcome any and all ideas!
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Old 04-04-2014, 10:59 AM
 
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Hi! Former Wisconsin resident, here!

Wisconsin Dells is most definitely very touristy, especially in summertime. BUT, Green Lake is lovely, so maybe look into that area, as well.

Fond du Lac (where I lived for many years) isn't really the easiest place to find a lake home rental, I'm afraid. Not to say it's impossible, but it's probably less likely. You might look into Sheboygan area. It's on Lake Michigan, a very lovely community. In the vicinity is Plymouth and you may be able to find a vacation rental there, as well. Also look into Elkhart Lake.

Door County is the favorite destination... it's lovely there. I'm not sure how far in advance rentals book, but I'd definitely recommend at least a day trip there, if you can! Sturgeon Bay might have places to rent since it's slightly larger.

If you haven't checked out "Vacation Rentals By Owner," I'd recommend that, too. You can choose the area in which you'd like to stay and it will show the homes that are available to rent (along with amenities, prices, etc.)

"Up North" is always a nice place to spend time in WI... Townsend, Lakewood, to name two. They're very small town and quaint.

Also look into Redgranite, Wautoma, and Shawano.


Wherever you choose to stay, I hope you enjoy your visit! I'll keep an eye out for places available for you.
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Old 04-04-2014, 11:17 AM
 
Location: At the corner of happy and free
6,473 posts, read 6,679,753 times
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Thanks Nicci! I appreciate the list of places to look into. I forgot to mention that part of our time in Wisconsin will be spent with friends in their summer home on Lake Geneva (that will be totally separate from our time with the grandkids), and husband's son & family are in Appleton. I mention that as factors in what general area might be convenient for all of us.
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Old 04-04-2014, 11:32 AM
 
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If you book now, you still might be able to find something in Door County or the surrounding areas of Kewaunee, Algoma, Two Rivers, etc. But you will definitely not want to wait if you want to be in that area. Its beautiful, and lots to offer from State Parks, to Marine Museums, to Summer Theatre, to fun places to eat and shop. This would be accessible from both the Appleton area and Lake Geneva area.

I would stay away from Wisconsin Dells if I were you. Very commercial area and kind of obnoxious unless you are under 12.

I also agree to check out "Vacation Rentals by Owner" (VRBO). Google it. I have stayed in everything from Condos to Caribean Beach Houses, and VRBO is GREAT!!!

Door County Vacation Rentals, Condo Rentals & more on VRBO

Two Rivers Vacation Rentals, Condo Rentals & more on VRBO
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Old 04-04-2014, 11:49 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kayanne View Post
Thanks Nicci! I appreciate the list of places to look into. I forgot to mention that part of our time in Wisconsin will be spent with friends in their summer home on Lake Geneva (that will be totally separate from our time with the grandkids), and husband's son & family are in Appleton. I mention that as factors in what general area might be convenient for all of us.
You're welcome! (Can you tell I'm slightly homesick for WI lately?)

Lake Geneva is lovely. I think you'll enjoy your time there.
I don't know if you enjoy Indian food or not, but if you're in Appleton, visit Sai Ram -- 253 W Northland Ave. Man oh man, I miss that place.

I have a lot of family in Appleton. It's a nice town. It's very central... I'm sure you'll find something convenient. Smart to start looking now.
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Old 04-04-2014, 01:37 PM
 
Location: SE WI
747 posts, read 840,018 times
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Also try http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/wisconsin

All good advice on above quotes. Avoid the Dells. So nice to hear such positivity about our beautiful state!
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Old 04-04-2014, 02:17 PM
 
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I'd suggest anywhere from Two Rivers north up into Door County.
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Old 04-04-2014, 09:11 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nicci6Squirrels View Post
I don't know if you enjoy Indian food or not, but if you're in Appleton, visit Sai Ram -- 253 W Northland Ave. Man oh man, I miss that place.
Oh, Sai Ram. I dream of that place! No other Indian restaurant can match it.

How about Lake Michigan? I could relate a bunch of places up north, but my knowledge is thin on the SE part of the state.
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Old 04-04-2014, 09:36 PM
 
Location: Indiana Uplands
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The Northwoods region would also work if you don't mind a bit longer drive and being in a more isolated location.
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Old 04-04-2014, 10:12 PM
 
Location: At the corner of happy and free
6,473 posts, read 6,679,753 times
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Thanks so far all the suggestions so far. I had heard of Wisconsin Dells, so was thinking of learning more about that....until several of you said to avoid it. I'm now guessing that it is a tourist trap, and we don't like like places like Disneyworld, so want to avoid that kind of place for sure! Thanks for the warning!
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