Comments on: Spotlight on Bookstores: Castle Arkdale and Happy Tales Bookshop; Markesan, Wisconsin

By: Denise Cairns

Denise Cairns — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:47:46 +0000

I grew up maybe 15 miles or so away from this place. I take some offense at it being called ‘the middle of nowhere.’ Every place is somewhere, and this is no different. Believe it or not, the whole world does not revolve around New York or LA or Chicago or any other big city where lots of people live. The world revolves around where each of us is at any given time.

P.S. If you drive out there, watch out for deer. They are as thick as thieves in those parts, especially at dusk and dawn and during the rut (mating season). I’m not kidding. You DEFINITELY don’t want to hit one!

By: Alea

Alea — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:48:41 +0000

Ahhh I may have very well passed nearby this bookstore this summer!

By: Angie Rayfield

Angie Rayfield — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:44:29 +0000

Wisconsin is now definitely on my “gotta get there” list of places! This was great!

By: Maria Palma

Maria Palma — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:57:41 +0000

Wow – this is them Disneyland for book lovers! That will definitely be one of the stops when I make my cross-country trip next year. And I thought I had too many books…

By: avisannschild

avisannschild — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:48:09 +0000

Thank you thank you for posting this, especially the YouTube video. I definitely want to visit Wisconsin now! Unfortunately, this bookstore is 1600 km away from where I live. I hope if anyone who reads this post actually visits the shop, they will report back to the rest of us!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:11:33 +0000

Wow, that is the most fantastic store(s) I have ever seen. Twelve buildings of books? I have to plan a visit. Thanks so much, Lisa. You did a great job, and I envy the heck out of you for living much closer to that place than I do.

By: -V-

-V- — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:04:15 +0000

I saw this episode and fell in love with this place. What a love of books she has and what love he has for her! And how much fun would this be for the joy of the hunt.

My sister went to graduate school in Madison, which I totally adored. The whole state is gorgeous, except for the waysides…at least back in the day…not sure if they are any better. Everything else, though, ROCKS! I could happily live in the state.

By: Dawn (SheIsTooFondOfBooks)

Dawn (SheIsTooFondOfBooks) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:20:56 +0000

Carey – yup! That’s what the “Spotlight on Bookstores” series is all about. Anyone is welcome to share a tale … just contact me.

Booklogged – eeks! What would they re-purpose to make a B&B? Cool idea to carry on the theme …

Allison – were you laughing so hard you were crying? (“pass the tissues”)

Ladytink – I saw a few books in the video pan that I coveted as well.

Dana – you and “booklogged” got it right! The Dickmanns do seem to be having a great time! What a labor of love.

By: Dana

Dana — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:41:02 +0000

I want to go and meet those wonderful people!! I wouldn’t buy a thing there. HAHA

By: Ladytink_534

Ladytink_534 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:58:04 +0000

I sure hope they don’t just throw those away once they pass away. I will certainly make visit if I ever make it up there. I want that Lassie book!!!