A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

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  • July 25, 2016

Vacation. What does that mean to you? For me, it is something to look forward too. An escape from the real world of stress, work, traffic and just life. It doesn’t have to be long. Doesn’t have to be far away. Just has to be new scenery. In other words, days off but not staying at home as that is not a vacation in my eyes. You go SOMEWHERE.

Maybe you are able to get on a plane and land in a place that is your piece of heaven. Or maybe, you are lucky enough to have a small piece of sunshine just a short drive away. In my case, it is the latter. The glorious land of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Getting to Lake Geneva is a pretty easy drive. You start in the land of crazy traffic and soon see green fields and farm stands. As you get closer, the quaintness of the town becomes known in the architectural designs of the homes. Stained glass windows. Framed homes with perfectly manicured landscapes. And then water. And its accompanying beaches. Volleyball nets ready for a game. Laughing children playing in the shallow, sparkling water with adults nearby.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Having grown up in Wisconsin, I have been to Lake Geneva many times. And each time is new and more comfortable. This trip was an experience in luxury at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. As you approach the entrance to the resort, you are welcomed by hills and valleys of rich shades of green, bubbling waterfalls, shimmering lakes and a view of the perfectly manicured golf course. 

A Vacation Guide to Lake GenevaThe warm welcome of the staff as you are escorted to your room is inviting. Entering the room feels like being home. Only so much more peaceful as the open balcony door overlooks the lush landscape.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Technology is evident in the bathroom’s design with the opportunity to stay informed of the latest news and entertainment via the television in the mirror.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

On a cold winter day, the fireplaces would be most enticing. 

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

But in the heat of the summer, it was the swimming pool that was capturing our attention.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Full service spa on the grounds ready to help remove any stress you came with leaving you peaceful and reinvigorated. Soft sounds, fragrant scents and expertly trained technicians whose effortless skills make you feel content and happy.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Now that we are settled in our weekend home, we are off to wander the downtown area of Lake Geneva. Shops that offer everything from clothing to household goods to art to wine to vacation must-haves abound.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

The small town feel of the street lamps add to the ambience as do the greetings of folks casually strolling through the area.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

The fun of being in Lake Geneva is all the opportunities to be near, on or in the Lake.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

For us, it was dining at restaurants overlooking the lake and boats, jumping on wave runners enjoying the natural high of the water, sunshine and even competition or just relaxing on the beach. Life’s simple pleasures. Take a look at the view from Pier 290 restaurant. How calming is that?!A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

For a little more adventure, we went exploring the area, landing at the Studio Winery where wine tasting and friendly banter with the locals was a given.

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

And even found the New World Wine Shop in the heart of downtown that offers wine tasting classes and introduces new wines and spirits. Our find was this Plantation Pineapple Rum that is a must for tropical cocktails. 

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

If you have an interest in history and design, then visiting the Maxwell Mansion is a must. This renovated home turned hotel is a beautiful example of when owners love the property as much as they love the story behind the space.A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Weddings, business meetings, couples getaways and girls weekends align beautifully in this warm and friendly property. Notice the detail work in the design of each room. The black leather walls above the red velvet sofa complete the look in this intimate space. Crystal chandeliers echo the hotel’s history. Excellence in guest service is proudly noted in the Trip Advisor flag waving as you enter the property. 

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

The dining options whether casual or more formal are abundant. There is no shortage of talented Chefs in this town. So many places have been around for years welcoming diners back season after season. New artisan cafes have joined in the mix with pizza-oven baked pies, ceviches, gourmet salads and fresh seafood. A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

Well-known (and loved) Next Door Pub is packed with locals and tourists who have discovered the secret to casual, always delicious, dishes. And since we are in Wisconsin, fried cheese curds are a must. 

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

If you are looking to host a party of any size, there are wonderful bakeries to stop by for croissants, cakes and pastries. And of course, the ice cream. Wisconsin dairy ice cream. Rich, creamy and so good. And yes, that is my favorite type of ice cream: coffee! A flavor that may not surprise you if you follow my posts and on social media. 

A Vacation Guide to Lake GenevaThe gloriousness of Lake Geneva is the peacefulness of the surroundings whether water or greenery, the kindness of the locals, the quaint shops, beautiful history and architecture and overall ability to relax and just be. Drive around the nearby towns of Fontana and Williams Bay to see the homes, hotels and landscape of this lovely area. This all sets the ambience for your vacation in Lake Geneva. Summer or winter, there are many reasons to visit. We will be back to see this sunset very soon. How about you? 

A Vacation Guide to Lake Geneva

13 Comments

  • Lake Geneva looks so wonderful! I love everything there is to do and see, and I love those accommodations that you showcased. I’d love to take the family there one day.

  • Kaila says:

    I have always wanted to visit Lake Geneva but wasn’t sure what to do there. Thanks for the visuals! I can see our family on that beach and in the pool. Grown up and kid fun.

  • Sarah says:

    What a fabulous vacation guide to Lake Geneva, this looks like a beautiful place to stay for sure. I am so glad that you shared this. I hope it helps many to whisk away to this location and enjoy it!

  • Ann Bacciaglia says:

    Vacation for me means relaxation and recharge my batteries. Lake Geneva looks like an amazing vacation spot. I would love to spend a week there.

    • Inspiring Kitchen says:

      Ann, I feel the same way. It’s a beautiful place. I hope you get a chance to visit. Thanks for your thoughts.

  • Rebecca Swenor says:

    I have never been to Lake Geneva but have heard great things about it. The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is indeed a great place to stay at if in Lake Geneva. I love the fireplace and the bathroom with the tv/mirror. There is so many fun things to do in Lake Geneva and I really hope to go there some day. Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • Nancy L. says:

    What a lovely place to get away from it all! It looks so relaxing and I absolutely love the fire wall. I could sit there all afternoon and read a book! There are so many things to do you could easily spend an entire week here! 🙂

    • Inspiring Kitchen says:

      Nancy, I so agree with you! I love this fire pit. We just saw there and looked out over the landscape and just relaxed. So lovely! Thanks for thoughts.

  • Nancy L. says:

    What a beautiful place to spend your vacation! I especially love the long fire pit/place. It is gorgeous and I could see myself curling up with a good book and spending a quiet afternoon there! It doesn’t get any more relaxing than having great food in close proximity, swimming and a beautiful setting!

  • Jenny says:

    Wow what a beautiful place to visit. I wished I lived closers, i wanna go now to have a nice, relaxing couple of days!

  • Now that is a vacation! Looks like you had an awesome time. I just got back from vacation and I need a vacation from my vacation. Yours looked so relaxing.

  • Marla says:

    This is perfect timing. We don’t live too far away and have been looking for a getaway that would be relaxing. Thanks for sharing about the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. This is the type of place we would want to stay at based on everything you described. Going to check out their site now.

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