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Make Spring Green your Fall Travel Destination
By Stephen Milligan
Ah…fall. The arrival of crisp temperatures and blazing foliage means there’s no better time to visit Spring Green, WI to enjoy the natural and architectural beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin. While you’re here, take the opportunity to explore and see what else the area has to offer. You’ll find plenty of good food to fuel up before or after your Taliesin adventure and many charming shops where you can find a souvenir or gift for someone—or simply treat yourself to something special.
Pro Tip- If you’re traveling from far away it is best to come to Taliesin by car. Don’t Uber or cab it out from Madison, you’ll be stuck here with no way back into the city.
Perhaps you’d like to spend more time in the Spring Green Area after your Highlights Tour. There are plenty of opportunities to dive deeper into the Driftless Area if you’d like to extend your stay with us.
American Players Theater – If These Trees Could Talk Tour Our friends and neighbors have created a new experience on the grounds of APT. “If These Trees Could Talk,” is an immersive, auditory experience. You’ll follow the paths around APT’s glorious property on a self-guided tour, as you listen to recorded poetry, stories and recollections read by APT’s core company and other talented artists. The route will take you on a walk around the grounds, with a finale in the Hill Theatre.
Tower Hill State Park – Home of the Tower Hill summer retreat and where lead shot was made in the mid-1800s. Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Uncle Jenk” became the Reverend Jenkin Lloyd Jones of All Souls Church, Chicago. He founded the nearby Tower Hill summer retreat and brought to this remote rural chapel many preachers, rabbis, and monks of diverse faiths to share their beliefs and inspirations. Picnic areas, camping spots, and bluff views of the Wisconsin River make this a must-see spot in the valley.
Dining al fresco is a great way to enjoy the fall weather. Don’t worry about packing and bringing food all the way from home—there are plenty of spots nearby where you can pick up some local delicacies before heading out to Family Day or the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center for an outdoor feast.
Hometown Supermarket – This locally owned grocery store gives the big chains a run for their money. You might stop in and head to the deli and bakery for a few dishes to make up a nice outdoor lunch. There is also a great selection of local beers and wines to grab and go.
The Paper Crane – Located within Arcadia Books, an independent bookseller, the Paper Crane has it all: Beverages include smoothies, coffee and tea, beer and wine…or if you’re looking for something to eat, there are homemade pastries and local cheeses and meats, along with salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Prem Meats – At Prem Meats, you’ll find a selection of items to fill your fall picnic basket or cooler, as well as some Wisconsin cheese staples to take back home. This meat market offers all sorts of delicacies for your grill or ready-made options to take to one of our fine state parks or natural areas.
If you need a bite to eat after Family Day at Taliesin stop by one of our many restaurants that offer outdoor seating. Enjoy a casual, sit-down meal with full service. Practically any taste and budget can be accommodated, whether it’s just the adults or families with kids. Outdoor seating is available as well.
Arthur’s Supper Club – The supper club is a dining tradition here in Wisconsin. The menu features a variety of entrées for almost any palate—pasta, pork, poultry, sandwiches, seafood, and steak are joined by salads, sides, and soups. Be sure not to miss the classic Friday night fish fry. The extensive bar selection features traditional supper club ice cream drinks.
The Shed – This classic American restaurant serves up casual, pub-style food for lunch and dinner, both at a fair price. Burgers, pasta dishes, pizza, ribs, sandwiches and wraps, and desserts such as the grasshopper pie. There’s a full bar, but families with children will feel comfortable here, too. And everyone will enjoy the live, local music on Thursday nights in the Post House Garden.
Culver’s – Frozen custard. That’s all you need to know. Culver’s, a Wisconsin tradition started some twenty miles from Spring Green by the Culver family, has grown to a multi-state chain, but the heart of the business has remained the same: signature ButterBurgers, fried cheese curds, and frozen custard. Don’t forget to order a root beer to wash it all down!
Spring Green General Store – Architecture buffs will appreciate this repurposed cheese warehouse, now a café and general store. Both the lunch and weekend breakfast menus feature vegetarian options, and gluten-friendly dishes are available. Locally grown or sourced ingredients and products are used whenever possible. Drinks include beer and wine, coffee and tea, and local sodas. In the general store, you’ll find cards, clothing, gifts, jewelry, souvenirs, and toys.
Perhaps after your Driftless Landscape Tour and Welsh Hills Hike, you’d like to kick back, relax, and reflect on the experience while enjoying a cocktail. Or maybe you’ll feel energized and want to hear some stimulating, live music along with your drink. Several options with outdoor seating for you to indulge in either desire can be found nearby.
Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret – Beers on tap, cocktails and mocktails, various spirits, and a selection of wines are among the offerings that await you here, along with a small snack menu for something to accompany your libation. Stay awhile to play a record from the available collection. Sip fall cocktails out front on Jefferson Street or in the rear beer garden.
Wisconsin Riverside Resort – Serves up local beers on tap, liquors, and wine, all of which can be enjoyed outside on the patio while you watch the waters of the beautiful Wisconsin River flow by and the sunset on the water. The lower Wisconsin Riverway is now a Wetland of International Importance.
Pleasant Ridge Store – A favorite local watering hole. You’ll often find some of our famous farm alliance partners here. Take in the architecture and décor—this old building was once a corner store and retains classic woodwork that’s enhanced by vast displays of memorabilia on the walls.
Taliesin is just the beginning. The Spring Green area welcomes you to discover these and other local businesses and services. Please note that this is the most accurate information at the time of publication. It’s always a good idea to call ahead as you make your plans to visit this fall.
