She Magazine

Inspired by Spring Green

Published:
By Mary Bergin

Frank Lloyd Wright has been dead more than 50 years, yet his work remains stylish, distinctive and visionary.

Drive into southern Sauk County and you’ll see the inspiration for this legendary architect’s designs. In the remarkable uplands of southwest Wisconsin, especially the curvy and woodsy Wyoming Valley, are Wright’s roots and wings. Seasonal tours of the Taliesin estate, where he lived and worked 48 years, attract thousands to the Spring Green area every year.

But that’s not all. Pick up a map for visitors and drive to more than a dozen other structures pertinent to Wright’s life or designs. The simple quarters of his summer boyhood playground, Aldebaran Farm — near his family’s Unity Chapel — are rented to groups for overnight stays.

Wherever you head, feel the creative energy and connections to nature. They merge boldly and deeply at American Players Theatre, the astounding outdoor theater in the woods that presents Shakespeare plays and other classics. Pack a picnic, then take a short uphill hike to an amphitheater seat. Add tickets to “Waiting for Godot” or another show at the new, more intimate and indoor Touchstone Theatre.

What else enriches a Spring Green adventure, especially among girlfriends? Consider:

-- Spring Green General Store.

Buy spices at bulk rates, clothing that resembles art, quirky gifts that are clever and affordable. Then sit down to lunch in an unpretentious café with bold wall colors and an affordable, unpredictable menu. My quiche of zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, green olives and havarti came with warm bread and a soup of lentils, spinach and roasted red peppers. Add one of six or more kinds of bars for dessert because this, after all, is Wisconsin.

-- Albany Street Shops.

Watch fiber artist Dennis Alfred Phillips knit, dye and weave wearable art — or check out the resale clothing upstairs at Panacea. Personal care services and products, artwork and gifts also are sold in this brightly colored strip of shops.

-- Nina’s Department and Variety Store.

Joel and Judith Swartz Marcus are the fourth generation to operate the unusual emporium of practical and whimsical merchandise. It’s been open since 1916, with a yarn shop that draws raves because of Judith’s expertise; she has written several knitting and crocheting books, including “Hip to Knit.”

-- The Bank.

Fine dining (including a steak “cut of the day”) occurs in the vault and behind the old-time bank teller bars of the former State Bank of Spring Green, built in 1915. Unusual cold and hot tapas (like Quinoa Sliders, Duck Pizza), plus cheese flights, also are served in the historic, classy setting.

-- Spring Green Preserve.

Prickly pear cactus, surviving outdoors? The Nature Conservancy property, referred to as the Wisconsin Desert, is home to a mix of unexpected plants and wildlife. A self-guided hiking trail explains more.

-- Wisconsin Riverside Resort.

Rent a canoe, kayak or inner tube and float along the Wisconsin River for a while, then camp overnight on a sandbar or get picked up by a shuttle.

Seek out other galleries and boutiques (Jura Silverman Gallery for Wisconsin art, Global View for Asian artisan art, Convivio for fun housewares) and local foods (listed by source of origin on a map at Local Choice Farm Market). Much of what you see will be one-of-a-kind in this land of creative spirits.

For more about tourism in and near Spring Green, go to www.springgreen.com or call 800-588-2054. Many businesses stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Visit during your birthday for special discounts because this community aims to be known as the Birthday Town.

Other phone numbers and Web sites

-- Taliesin: www.taliesinpreservation.org; 877-588-7900

-- Aldebaran Farm: www.aldebaranfarm.us; 773-334-4924

-- American Players Theatre: www.americanplayers.org; 608-588-2361

-- Spring Green General Store: www.springgreengeneralstore.com; 608-588-7070

-- Nina’s Department and Variety Store: 608-588-2366

-- The Bank: www.thebankrestaurantandwinebar.com; 608-588-7600

-- Spring Green Preserve: www.nature.org

-- Wisconsin Riverside Resort: www.wiriverside.com; 608-588-2826