Lake Geneva: Luxury and the Lake - Lake Geneva WI Weekend Getaway

Preview: If you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t like to shave on the weekend, you may perceive Lake Geneva to be too tony for your tastes. But that elitist air is as much part of the area’s history as the lake itself. As far back as the 1870s, Chicago’s chewing-gum, meat-packing, and retailing barons turned this into a playground of the rich by practicing competitive mansion building. Today a lot of the formality of Lake Geneva is gone. There are still a few places that require jackets and ties at dinner, but for the most part you’ll find an equal mix of suburban families and stylish young professionals. Lake Geneva is just one resort community situated on the 26 miles of shoreline that rim this picturesque, spring-fed lake. The two others are Fontana and Williams Bay, but visitors tend to refer to the entire area as “Lake Geneva.” You’ll find a wealth of accommodations, from sprawling resorts to rustic cabins and cottages—but that doesn’t mean you can count on a vacancy. With the lake’s being the absolute center of activity, it should come as no surprise that the area is positively packed during summer weekends. The long lines and bumper-to-bumper traffic can really diminish the experience, so consider a midweek or post–Labor Day visit instead. In the fall the lake positively shimmers against reds, oranges, and golds. Even in the dead of winter, Lake Geneva is warm and hospitable, thanks to a concentration of resorts that cater to skiers, snowmobilers, and sailors. That’s right: During the last few years, ice sailing has become popular among the diehards who can’t bear to put their boats in dry dock. Sailboats are mounted onto large skates and glide atop the frozen lake at speeds as high as 60 miles per hour. Those brave enough to try it claim it is an invigorating experience; others may find that curling up with a good book near the hotel hearth provides all the activity one needs. Best of all, Lake Geneva is just 75 miles away—and if traffic cooperates, you can leave the Loop by six and be sipping a glass of chablis by eight. One last piece of advice: While there are some lovely B&Bs for couples, the pool of family-friendly lodging that is both modern and affordable is thin. Befriend someone with a summer home. Highlights include: Antiques, boating, fishing, shopping, skiing, and golf. The detailed itinerary in this chapter is a driving tour that features extensive recommendations for sightseeing attractions, recreational activities, lodging, restaurants, shopping, and more.
© Copyright Bonnie Miller Rubin, Marcy Mason published by The Globe Pequot Press all rights reserved.


Duration: 2 Nights
Best Time to Go: Year-round
This travel guide comes from:
Quick Escapes: Chicago Guide Book