It’s best to have a detailed county map when exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding Spring Green. Otherwise you might never veer off onto the back roads and discover such treasures as the Friendship Historical Wayside on Friendship Drive, about 18 miles north of Spring Green (off highway 23), near Loganville. It’s a restored one-room schoolhouse and picnic site that sits high on a ridge, offering breathtaking views even on a cloudy day.
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For one of the most scenic drives in the area take highway 130 south from Lone Rock. The road travels over and along the Wisconsin River, then into the picturesque farming community of Clyde, named by early settlers because it reminded them of the hilly, rugged terrain around the Firth of Clyde in Scotland, from which their ships embarked for America. There’s a community center (6281 highway 130) that houses the Clyde Cafe (608-583-4009), a popular, friendly place, and worth a stop for hearty country breakfasts and dinners that don’t run much higher than $5. It’s open until 2 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 8 PM Friday. Go a couple of miles farther south on highway 130 and then turn left on Limmex Hill Road, and you’ll find the Silver Star (3852 Limmex Hill Road, 608-935-7297), a spectacular new cafe and inn. The large, rustic yet elegant log structure opens onto 340 picturesque acres that overnight guests can use for hiking and skiing. The place was conceived and designed by the owner, an artist, who filled the ten spacious guest rooms with fine art and vintage furnishings. She’ll soon be planting herbs, vegetables, and strawberries, which she’ll use in the restaurant. Rooms run from $95 to $135, with a two-night minimum stay on weekends.
Another attraction in the area is Global View (6593 Clyde Road, 608-583-5311), where you can hike in the fields or browse through a large selection of Asian jewelry and art on sale in a restored barn. The shop is closed in winter and opens in mid-April. In nearby Highland there are winery tours and wine tastings at Spurgeon Vineyards and Winery (five miles west of Highland on highway Q, 608-929-7692).
Two special events during the year bring many tourists to Spring Green. The annual Arts & Crafts Fair (June 24 and 25 this year) draws more than 250 exhibitors from all over the country. And during the first three weekends in December the town hosts a Country Christmas Festival of the Arts, which includes holiday concerts, house tours, and special lodging and entertainment packages.
