Fall In Lake Geneva
By Lauren Wulf
Planning a weekend getaway? Located 80 miles from Chicagoland, Lake Geneva, WI, provides a perfect escape for Chicagoans trying to avoid expensive plane fare or hours in the car. Though Lake Geneva, is known for its waterfront, beaches, festivals and resorts, that doesn't mean it's only a warm weather town. Many places feature seasonal activities and ways to see the beautiful fall color changes at the lake.
Fall Events
Holiday Happenings
Saturday, November 10 to Sunday, November 11
All-Day Event
Downtown Lake Geneva Businesses. This "Streets of Lake Geneva" event features an explosion of holiday happenings from over 20 downtown merchants. Patrons are invited to stroll to preview the offerings for the coming Holiday Season, while musicians, authors and artists invite guests to sip and taste their way through our historic downtown district.
"At the Lake" Winter Wonderland Weekend
Friday, November 16
atthelakemagazine.com/celebrate.php
Celebrate "At the Lake" Winter Wonderland Launch Party! Friday, November 16th, at The Riviera Ballroom, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm. The latest issue of "At the Lake" Magazine will make its debut at this party filled with bubbling champagne, live music and dancing, assorted desserts, chocolates and goody bags.
Indoor Fun
Geneva Lake Museum
255 Mill Street
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-6060
www.genevalakemuseum.org
Travel back in time to see life from 1880-1920 at the Geneva Lake Museum. Step onto the brick pavement and step back in time. Walking along their "Main Street" you can not only peek into historic stores, homes, a school room and other places, but you can actually go into them for a close up look at furniture, clothing, tools, machines, merchandise, photos and other artifacts of daily living. Take this stroll and you will get a real feel for life and lifestyles in the late 19th and early 20th century in the Geneva Lake area.
1888 Black Pointe Estate
W4270 Southland Road
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-1888
blackpointestate.com
The only historic lakefront estate open for scheduled public tours is the 1888 Black Point Estate. With much of its original furnishing, it is considered to be one of the best collections of Victorian furniture. It's a great spot for history buffs on a cold fall day.
See Fall Colors
Riviera Docks
812 Wrigley Dr
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-6206
www.cruiselakegeneva.com
There's no better way to see the changing colors of fall than on a boat cruise. Lake Geneva Cruise Line will be offering daily tours up through Sunday, November 4th. Weekend tours will continue through November as long as the weather permits. Continue to check the tour schedule for updates, or contact the tour office for an updated November schedule.
a-MAZE-ing Corn Maze
Now-thru October 31
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
www.grandgeneva.com
Open daily 10am - 4pm, Dan Patch Stables
Hotels/Resorts
Abbey Resort & Spa
269 Fontana Blvd.,
P.O. Box 50
Fontana , WI 53125
www.theabbeyresort.com
Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation, romantic getaway, girlfriends spa retreat or fall fun, look no further than The Abbey Resort. This full service resort features fall activities including; bonfires with s'mores & cider and seasonal crafts for kids. Their massive renovation includes 334 guest rooms and 13 spacious suites.
Bella Vista Suites
335 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
(800) 773-5119
www.bellavistasuites.com
Whether you want to get out on the lake, or curl up by a cozy fire with a good book, Bella Vista Suites offers the perfect fall getaway. Lake Geneva's fall activities are right outside their door.
Grand Geneva Resort &
Spa Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
www.grandgeneva.com
Tucked within historic Lake Geneva, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of only five AAA Four-Diamond resorts in Wisconsin. An enchanting landscape of rolling hills and pristine views awaits you. Accommodations include executive hotel suites, deluxe hotel suites, deluxe guest rooms, and junior rooms. In the fall, activities include; indoor pools, Moose Mountain Falls-indoor/outdoor waterpark, indoor tennis, fitness center and spa.
The Cove of Lake Geneva
111 Center Street
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(800) 770-7107
www.cove-lake-geneva.com
In the heart of Lake Geneva, famed for its scenic crystal clear lake and lavish mansions, The Cove of Lake Geneva resort offers all the ingredients for an exceptional stay. Steps from the shimmering lakefront, their beautiful all-suite accommodations are a decadent retreat, complete with fireplaces, whirlpools, flat screen televisions, full kitchens and spacious balconies/patios. In the fall, take advantage of their indoor pool, fitness center, restaurants and suites.
Restaurants/Bars
Lake Geneva is filled with great restaurants and bars. Here's a collection of places that are all worth checking out:
Egg Harbor Café
827 W. Main Street
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
(262) 248-1207
www.eggharborcafe.com
Harbor Side Pub & Grill
100 Broad Street
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
262-248-3835
Hogs & Kisses
149 Broad Street
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
www.hogsandkisses.com
Popeye's On Lake Geneva
811 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
(262) 248-4381
www.popeyesonlakegeneva.com
Scuttlebutt's Restaurant
831 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
(262) 248-1111
Sopra
724 Main Street
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
(262) 249-0800
www.soprabistro.com
Sprecher's Restaurant & Pub
111 Center Street
Lake Geneva , WI 53147
(262) 248-7047
www.sprecherspub.com
Lauren Wulf, CBS Chicago
Lauren Wulf writes about living in Chicago on a budget on her website, A Poor Girl's Guide Chicago.
