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As someone who loves to travel, my mind often drifts to far away places, and my travel bucket list is forever expanding. While visiting other states and countries is certainly a passion, as I discovered two weeks ago, I have a gem of a vacation destination a scant 40-minute drive from my backyard: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The best things to eat, see, and do in Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Located in between Chicago and Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is a charming town on the shores of beautiful Geneva Lake. From luxury resorts, to year-round outdoor activities, to shopping, to a fabulous food scene, Lake Geneva truly has something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, a family vacation, or in my case, a girls’ getaway with your college best friend, Lake Geneva is ideal.

Grand Geneva Resort. A beautiful place to stay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Although Laura, one of my closest friends from college, and I have stayed close, between living in different cities, busy work schedules, and getting married, the two of us had not enjoyed a block of dedicated “girl time” since either of us could remember. Although I adore Laura’s husband (and she is a close friend of Ben), the two of us decided to ditch our boys and meet in Lake Geneva for a girls-only weekend of food, wine, and pampering.

Grand Geneva Resort

Lucky ladies that we are, we had the privilege to stay at the Grand Geneva Resort. I’d read many positive reviews of the resort, but nothing prepared me for the vast, sprawling beauty of the grounds, the wide array of on-site activities, and the many relaxing spaces that the Grand Geneva offers.

Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. A great place to stay in Lake Geneva!

From a fireplace lounge that turns into a late-night bar/dance spot, to an outdoor patio with a fire pit, to a spa and fitness center, Grand Geneva has plenty to keep guests of all ages occupied without ever leaving the resort. On-site activities include two golf courses, cross country and downhill skiing, horseback riding, and an adventure center. The resort is large—more than 1300 acres—and a free trolley is available to transport guests anywhere on resort grounds. Feeling overwhelmed by the options? The Grand Geneva also offers themed itineraries to help plan your stay.

Grand Geneva Resort Hotel Room

From the moment I arrived, I knew the Grand Geneva was going to quickly feel like home. Outrageous amounts of fluffy pillows and artisan chocolates left as a welcome gift? I’m sold for life. The resort also has a private lake, and we watched the sunrise over it from our hotel room (it’s the first picture in this post).

Club room and other amenities at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Our first morning, we woke up early to explore the resort, and enjoyed a light breakfast in the Club Room (pictured above), a small upgrade that guests can add to their stay. In addition to being a quiet, cozy space to relax, the Club Room offers continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, discounted cocktails, and a warm fire place that’s the perfect spot to relax.

Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort

Once Laura and I arrived (and consumed our welcome chocolates), we dressed up and headed out to dinner at Frontier Restaurant, located at Lake Lawn Resort. The larger Lake Geneva area is actually comprised of three lakes, and each offers its own charms and options for accomodations. Lake Lawn is a lovely resort located on Delavan Lake, only 15 minutes from the town of Lake Geneva. Although Laura and I didn’t have much time to explore the resort itself, based on the phenomenal service and excellent meal we enjoyed at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Frontier, I would return in an instant.

Best restaurants in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort

We could not have wished for a better way to kick off our weekend than the spread at Frontier. Every dish was beautifully presented (I almost felt guilty cutting into my expertly arranged beet goat cheese salad), and the lobster mac and cheese we ordered as an “appetizer” was one of the best things we tasted all weekend.

Avani Spa at the Abbey Resort

Nestled on the southwest edge of Geneva Lake, you’ll find the Abbey Resort, home of a special destination I was ultra excited to visit: Avani Spa.

Where to stay and best spas in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Abbey Resort and Avani Spa

If you are looking to feel pampered, search no farther than Avani. Laura and I both enjoyed a relaxation massage, with our pick of “add ons.” I opted for an exfoliating hand and foot treatment (my poor dry Wisconsin winter skin will be forever grateful), and Laura added aromatherapy to hers. My massage therapist could not have been kinder, and I felt both incredibly relaxed and soothed afterwards.

After our massages, Laura and I enjoyed the spa amentities, which are open to any guest who books a spa service. We checked out the sauna and whirlpools, read magazines by a cozy fireplace, and enjoyed a light pool-side lunch and glass of wine. It was a long, lazy morning I’m anxious to repeat.

Pool at Avani Spa, a great place to stay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

In addition to offering a variety of activities and packages for couples and small groups, the Abbey Resort and Spa also offers fun options for wedding and bridal parties. The spa even has a private room with a pool that’s often rented by couples looking for a private escape or for a bachelorette or bridal party. The main pool area (pictured above) is open to all spa patrons and will be undergoing renovations this winter. I can’t wait to see its new, improved look.

Lake Geneva, The Town

Ultra pampered, well fed, and refreshed, Laura and I set out to explore the town of Lake Geneva.

Lake-Geneva-Wisconsin

In addition to the array of resorts and corresponding resort activities (golfing, spa-ing, cross country skiing, etc.) one of Lake Geneva’s best amenities is the town itself. The downtown is compact enough to enjoy on foot and filled with blocks of charming boutiques, wine shops, restaurants, and stores selling homemade local goods. Laura and I easily passed a few hours window shopping, wine sampling, and fudge tasting, and had time and shoe-selection allowed, we would have hiked a portion of the lake’s 21-mile walking path too.

Studio Winery

Of all of the downtown Lake Geneva spots we visited, Studio Winery was our uncontested favorite. Part art studio, part music studio, and all about the wine, Studio Winery is owned and operated by husband and wife team Doug and Kathy Jackson. Doug is the musician and wine-maker, Kathy is the artist, and together they’ve created a truly unique, engaging space.

Best places to visit, eat, and drink in Lake Geneva Wisconsin, including Studio Winery

Kathy’s art serves as both the tasting room décor and the bottle labels, many of which are inspired by famous songs and musicians. Doug leads all of the wine processing, fermenting, and bottling on site. I found the two of them to be incredibly warm, inviting, and indisputably cool. I could have hung out and chatted for hours, especially if Doug kept pouring wine, because every one I tried was outstanding. From dry to sweet, Studio Winery has a wine for every palate, and I was a sucker for their selection of French-style wines. If I lived in Lake Geneva, I’d be a Studio Winery regular.

Hunt Club Steakhouse

On our final night in Lake Geneva, Laura and I headed to Hunt Club Steakhouse at the Geneva National Resort. Located near Lake Como (another lake in the Lake Geneva Area), dinner at the Hunt Club is reason enough to visit Lake Geneva.

Where to eat and stay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Hunt Club Steakhouse at the Geneva National Resort

The Hunt Club is housed in a two-story mansion that was built in 1915 by plumbing magnate Richard Crane. In 2013, the building was was revived and reopened as the Hunt Club Steakhouse, and it retains all of its storied charm. I felt like I had been transported back to a more relaxed, genteel time during our meal, and what a meal it was!

Dinner at the Hunt Club Steakhouse in Lake Geneva. One of the best Lake Geneva restaurants!

From classic cocktails, to steak tartar, to seasonal salads, to perfectly prepared homemade ravioli, to trout, every dish we tasted at the Hunt Club was expertly prepared and beautifully balanced. The chef places a high priority upon sourcing local ingredients, and their quality shines in the dishes’ exquisite flavors. I honestly didn’t think I could eat another bite…until our unquestionably outrageous, yet indisputably necessary loaded brownie sundae arrived. We were best friends with a homemade brownie sundae in an old-school steakhouse. Life really doesn’t get much more wonderful.

Geneva ChopHouse Champagne Brunch

Our final morning in Lake Geneva arrived far too quickly, but it was one we spent in movie-star style at the Geneva ChopHouse Champagne Brunch.

Where to eat in Lake Geneva: Grand Geneva ChopHouse Champagne Brunch

All you can drink mimosas? Check. Crab claws, smoked salmon, and peel and eat shrimp? Check. Antipasti that would make an Italian blush with envy? Check. Eggs Benedict, made-to-order omelettes, and three types of pancakes and French toast? Check, check, and check. Don’t forget the boeuf bourguignon, carving stations, and butternut squash fettuccini.

Full yet? I hope not. There’s a chocolate fountain and dessert bar too.

I’ve never eaten at a palace, but I don’t think the queen herself could have ordered a better brunch than we enjoyed at the Geneva ChopHouse. It was the perfect way to toast to an absolutely perfect weekend.

Champagne Brunch at the Grand Geneva Resort. A perfect place to eat and stay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

I am incredibly grateful to all of the restaurants and resorts that hosted Laura and I during our stay. Being able to spend quality time with a best friend is a gift, and I know we will both treasure the memories from our weekend in Lake Geneva for years to come.

Thank you Lake Geneva. I hope to see you again soon!

 

Again, I am so grateful to the mentioned hotels and restaurants, who hosted us during our stay. I was not compensated to write this post but am doing so because we enjoyed our experience in Lake Geneva so much. All opinions are my own. Thank you also to the Lake Geneva Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for coordinating our schedule. I truly hope to return!

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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  1. I’ve been to the Grand Geneva twice. My father paid for two family Christmastime excursions there before he passed away in 2008. They were among my most memorable Christmases ever. Beautiful accommodations along with fabulous food…all shared with family. I loved it and really need to get back there one of these days.

    1. What a beautiful memory Denise! I can only imagine how magical it would be at Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing, and I hope you are able to return soon!

  2. Hi Erin,

    Sounds like you had a great time here in LG! You cannot go wrong when you stay at the Grand, it really is a great place on an awesome piece of property. Worth noting, is the waterpark is great for kids, and the golf courses are great for hubbies! The Grand can truly be a great place for the whole family to enjoy themselves!

    Cheers,
    Josh

  3. I had a friend tell me about how great of a place Lake Geneva is. I haven’t been able to get over there yet for a weekend but I will start looking more seriously now that I see that awesome places that this place has to offer.

  4. Sounds like you had a wonderful time on your visit . Stop in and see us at Cafe Calamari next time!

  5. Geneva is the perfect city for the weekend. Beautiful, peaceful and with lots of attractions. I really liked the view from the top of Saleve and swimming in the lake.