Anticipating a trip to Spain next April, including 7 days in the Madrid area, I am in search of a small town within one hour by public transportation from Madrid where I can spend the day,read the paper,drink coffee, and hopefully find people willing to speak Spanish with me. I'm not looking for a bar scene(too old for that) but more a cordial, quaint change of pace from city life. Also in Madrid what are the best opportunities, short of enrolling in a school, for Spanish conversation? Any/all suggestions appreciated.

Hi Mike! There are many nice towns surround Madrid and within an hour by public transportation. How about Alcalá de Henares? This place is popular with nearly everyone and busses go to/from Madrid constantly as well as the train. They have a wonderful Plaza Mayor too where you're likely to strike up conversations with others sitting on the benches.

As for your being into "the bar scene", keep in mind that "the bar scene" is not like "the bar scene" in the US or other places in the world. Bars in Spain is where families go for dinner, drinks, and conversations. Bars ARE where most Spaniards meet to talk for hours and they may only consume one beer the entire time. Bars are busy all afternoon and until closing time.

I'm sure you'll get MANY other suggestions as to where to stay for your 7 days in the Madrid area. There are PLENTY!! I'd suggest Chinchon too, but it's not as easy to travel between the two - by bus only I believe, but not a city bus like from/to Alcalá de Henares.

Saludos, MadridMan

Alcala is a great idea; so is El Escorial. But you don't have to leave Madrid to find a quaint neighborhood and people to chat with you. Pick one of the older traditional neighborhoods in Madrid-- Lavapies, Chamberi, or the San Bernardo areas come to mind. Then plunk yourself in the same cafe/bar every day and talk to the regulars! Live in a friendly pension where the owners talk to the guests.
rgf

Alcala de Henares is a great suggestion but most of the people who 'hang out' around the Plaza Cervantes are 'seniors,' like me. It may be a 'Spanish' thing, but most of the people you see strolling are in pairs, often discussing the news or the results of futbol games. You might do better in the old Jewish quarter.
If you don't want to go that far, consider Barajas pueblo: You can get there by Metro (Metro stop is about 500m north of the main square (Plaza)) or the 114 Bus from Avenida de America or the 101 Bus from Canillejas will take you right to the Plaza. I have already mentioned Toribio's Churreria (open 05:30 to 11:00) on the Plaza as one of my favorite stops in Madrid.