Options for getaways

The Edgewater

A lake view is always good to get the creative juices flowing, which is why the three meeting rooms here that look out over Lake Mendota are always in demand. Yet, even if one isn't available, attendees can walk around the premises and out on the pier during breaks. All meeting rooms have highspeed Internet access, and half of the guest rooms now do. Rooms can accommodate groups as small as five to as large as 400. But if you want a lake view, keep the number under 60.

The Edgewater also owns Wildwood Lodge on Mirror Lake in the Dells.

The 6,000-square-foot stately log home has eight bedrooms and is situated on 18 private acres surrounded by a wildlife refuge owned by the state of Wisconsin. It's operated like a hotel and is used often as a retreat during the week by boards and on weekends for family reunions.

Arbor House

This small inn on the near West Side of Madison was recently named one of the top 10 ecological hotels in the world by Fine Living Network. Everything attempted by the staff has an energy saving or environmentally safe practice attached to it, from recycling office paper to brewing organically grown coffee. It's a relaxing setting for a small group ? 18 or under ? to do some "warm and fuzzy" problem-solving. Can't bear to leave? The Arbor House provides 10 bedrooms. It's a warm respite in a bustling urban neighborhood.

ANiU Salon Spa & Yoga

2275 Deming Way, Middleton;
608-833-2898;
www.aniusalonandspa.com

Need a facial after that brain-storming session? Or maybe just a quick plunge to rid yourself of all that nervous energy? This new state-of-the art facility in Middleton's Discovery Springs park off Highway 12 combines wellness classes and a variety of spa treatments with meeting rooms equipped with individual hookups for laptop computers.

The spa can handle a group as large as 80 people. This is a perfect spot for people looking to add a holistic approach to their business retreats.

The House on the Rock Resort

400 Springs Drive, Spring Green;
800-657-7677;
www.houseontherock.com

The secret about this getaway- resort got out when presidential candidate John Kerry camped here for a spell to prepare for the presidential debates. Formerly called The Springs, The House on the Rock Resort features 80 two-room suites in a secluded setting that is close to several of Wisconsin's biggest tourist attractions, from The House on the Rock to Frank Lloyd Wright's Spring Green estate, Taliesin. The resort, which also features 27 holes of golf, plans many business retreats for companies from Madison ? a 45-minute drive away ? and Milwaukee.

If sleeping options are not required, the Wintergreen, a conference facility located four miles away and also owned by The House on the Rock, is another option. It sits on top of a hill overlooking the Wisconsin River valley.

Olbrich Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave., Madison;
608-246-4733;
www.olbrich.org

Olbrich Gardens can accommodate groups as small as 10 to as large as 400.

All three of its meeting rooms have window views and access to the gardens. In the warmer months, that is certainly a draw. In the winter, for a nominal fee, attendees can walk into a rainforest setting, compliments of the Bolz Conservatory. Audiovisual equipment is available, as well as a list of caterers for food and beverages.

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