Lake Geneva, March 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lake Geneva, WI (March 31, 2016) – Summer in Lake Geneva means boat cruises, fireworks, festivals, outdoor recreation, music, dining options, shopping and long pleasant evenings. The variety of activities and events, coupled with the most accessible body of water in Wisconsin, creates the perfect destination for a summer vacation. Easy to get to from Chicago and Milwaukee, here are some tips to help you plan your Lake Geneva summer vacation.
1. Get In and On the Water: The area’s four beaches with bathhouses are open Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. The Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a variety of boat tours including sightseeing and dining cruises such as the popular Black Pointe Estate and the Mailboat tours. Or rent a speedboat, jet skis, kayaks or stand up paddleboards readily available from many watercraft rental businesses including Fontana Paddle Company, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Jerry’s Majestic Marine, Clear Water Outdoor, or Marine Bay Boat Rentals.
2. See Fireworks: There are plenty of options to see great firework displays on Fourth of July weekend; it’s just a matter of choosing which one. Will it be the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, fireworks over Delavan Lake at Lake Lawn Resort, or on Fontana Beach. The annual Venetian Festival, held August 17 – 21, also culminates with a beautiful fireworks display high above Geneva Lake.
3. Plan Around a Special Event: Foodies may want to plan their vacation around Restaurant Week held June 3rd – 12th; art lovers may want to plan around the Paint-In held June 11th and 12th or Art in the Park held August 13th and 14th; and shoppers may want to plan around Maxwell Street Days held August 26th – 28th.
4. Set a Tee Time: With 11 courses ranging from championship to par-3 level experiences, golfing options galore are available to serious players and competitors, as well as beginners, women and kids. Geneva National Golf Club features 54 holes of legendary golf designed by Palmer, Player and Trevino. The Brute at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the most challenging layouts in the Midwest with huge rolling greens and 68 bunkers. Lake Lawn Resort’s championship golf course is best known for its stately oaks, deep sand bunkers and subtle undulations. Beginners, families and kids enjoy a walkable par-3 experience on the Barn Hallow course at Hawk’s View Golf Club.
5. Consider Something Different: What’s out of the ordinary for you? Horseback riding, ziplining, water skiing, a hot air balloon ride? Or perhaps its simply taking it slow with a stroll along the Geneva Lake Shore Path to see multi-million dollar mansions built by Chicago notables such as the Wrigley’s, beautifully manicured gardens, and designer boat houses. The choice is yours.
6. See Some Live Entertainment: Live entertainment is affordable and often free in the Lake Geneva area. Music by the Lake concerts take place on Saturday’s and Sunday’s throughout July and August at the Ferro Pavilion overlooking Geneva Lake on the George Williams College Campus. Concerts in the Park, a free concert series, takes place every Thursday, 6 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. throughout July and August at Flat Iron Park, a lakeside location in downtown Lake Geneva. Kids and adults alike find entertainment value at The Dancing Horses Theatre & Animal Gardens. The area’s newest entertainment is the Tristan Crist Magic show which leaves all ages in awe.
7. Dine with a View: Waterfront dining options include Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn, Pier 290, the Waterfront Restaurant & Bar at the Abbey Resort & Spa, and the Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort. The Hunt Club Steakhouse offers panoramic views of the Gary Player-designed golf course and the western shore of Lake Como.
8. Boutique Shop: The walkable downtown is filled with specialty shops and boutiques offering antiques, jewelry, clothing, home décor, outdoor gear and more. My Sister & Me is a favorite for antiques, Clear Water Outdoor for outdoor gear, Plum Crazy for gifts and clothes, and Bob’s Beach Shack for an array of items at low prices.
9. Take Advantage of Special Packages: All summer long, the area’s luxury resorts, hotels, and bed and breakfasts feature packages that include accommodations and a variety of options such as breakfast, resort credits, event admission, attraction discounts and more.
It’s not too early to start planning your summer vacation. Call (800) 345-1020 or go to www.visitlakegeneva.com.
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About Lake Geneva
Situated on the shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin, the Lake Geneva area is a four-season recreation, resort and meeting destination easily accessed from Chicago and Milwaukee. Steeped in rich history, the area is known for its beautiful estates built by Chicago notables after the Great Chicago Fire. Many of these early mansions, and newer modern homes, can be viewed by walking along the areas one-of-a-kind, 21-mile Geneva Lake shore path.
Those who escape to the Lake Geneva area find pristine surroundings in every season and a wealth of leisure activities including three season golfing, on the water options, boutique shopping, events and entertainment. From luxury resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts and plenty of dining choices, there are options to fit the needs of every type of visitor. Plan your visit by calling (800) 345-1020 or go to www.visitlakegeneva.com.