New spa adds to Wisconsin city's appeal

The Midwest may not be known for its great spas, but that might change. A noteworthy newcomer, Evensong Spa, opened in September in Green Lake, Wis., a small tourist town whose main draw until now has been the celebrated Heidel House Resort.

The prairie-style Evensong Spa offers a relatively rare feature: a labyrinth, with a soothing slate and riverstone design. Labyrinths originated millenniums ago for various purposes. Today, they're regaining popularity as a way to quiet the mind, reflect, meditate and celebrate -- just in case massage doesn't do the trick.

Why go now

There's nothing like a spa visit to prep the mind and body for summer. Early spring isn't high season in Green Lake, so the spa isn't crowded -- meaning you'll have a more relaxing experience. And that, of course, is a large part of what spas are all about.

Favorite feature

The labyrinth is in a prime location. A lot of spas are separated from nature -- tucked within a complex of buildings or adjacent only to manicured fairways. While Evensong partially faces Tuscumbia Golf Course's third hole, its main views are of the property's surrounding 38 acres of deer-filled forest and wetlands. With immense banks of windows in the relaxation lounge and restaurant, plus more intimate views from the locker rooms' whirlpools, you're continually exposed to nature's soothing views. And a breath of fresh air always beckons from the back-yard patio's comfy chairs.

Doin' the 'rinth

Meditating your way through a labyrinth isn't something most people are familiar with. So your first inclination might be to skip it, despite the enticing phrase, "The journey is the reward," scripted in variegated copper leaf on the labyrinth room wall. Don't. I was afraid my mind would wander as I walked the serpentine pathway, or that I'd race through it without really focusing on anything. Instead, my thoughts unexpectedly flew to my oldest child as soon as I stepped onto the smooth path, and I was surprised to find myself meditating on his upcoming graduation and flight from the nest. You might not experience any major revelations or deep insights during your walk, but it's worth 20 or 30 minutes of your time to see what might pop into your head.

Good to know

Unfortunately, the labyrinth is situated just off the spa's lobby, and guests must pass the labyrinth to get from the locker rooms to the restaurant and relaxation lounge. So it's fairly likely that your meditative walk will be interrupted by chattering guests or curious glances. Find out when the spa has the fewest services scheduled, then walk the labyrinth during that time.

No gimmicks

Most spas offer some specialty service (generally a mix of treatments given a fancy name and a hefty price tag) or promote treatments using native products such as a citrus body wrap at a Florida spa. Evensong has no such gimmicks, just a solid range of services, from facials and massages to body scrubs and pedicures.

Best surprise

The locker rooms feature a whirlpool, steam room and lounge. But Evensong caters to the sometimes-reluctant male spa-goer by equipping the men's lounge with leather armchairs and a plasma TV. It's been a big hit so far. My husband burst out of the men's locker room, exclaiming, "Hey, there's a plasma TV in there! I'm coming back later to watch the football game."

GETTING THERE

Green Lake is about four hours from Minneapolis-St. Paul. Take Interstate Hwy. 94 east, to Hwy. 82 east, to Hwy. 23 east to Green Lake.

BEYOND THE SPA

You might not want to leave Evensong's soothing interior, but you must. Take the mile or so "Heidel Walk" on the spa grounds, which winds through a pocket of woods and wetlands. Head downtown and check out the specialty shops. Stroll along scenic paths at the nearby Green Lake Conference Center/American Baptist Assembly.

CHECKING IN

Bunk at the Heidel House Resort (-800-444-2812; www.heidelhouse.com), a Green Lake institution since 1945. The resort offers several spa packages that make it economical to stay-'n'-spa, plus has three restaurants (all overlooking Green Lake), a pool and ice rink. For more intimate digs, there's the Angel Inn (1-920-294-3087), a Greek Revival mansion also on the shores of Green Lake. All five rooms feature fireplaces, king or queen beds and whirlpool tubs, plus guests are treated to evening dessert, cordials and hors d'oeuvres, not to mention a full gourmet breakfast.

EATING OUT

Celebrate your escape by dining at the Heidel House's Grey Rock Mansion, consistently named one of Wisconsin's top restaurants. Start off with Wisconsin's signature drink, a brandy old-fashioned, then select just about anything from the seasonal menu -- it's all good. For lunch, head to Evensong's spa cafe. The small menu features salads, sandwiches and wraps, plus dessert and drinks, including wine. The Evensong salad (fruit, nuts, cheeses and chicken salad) is superb, as is the grilled spinach quesadilla with roasted veggies and dill- havarti cheese.

MORE INFO

For a list of services and more information on Evensong Spa, phone 1-800-444-2812 or go to www.evensongspa.com.

Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance writer in Sun Prairie, Wis.