Top Reasons for a Fall Getaway to Lake Geneva, WI
Named one of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns in America During Fall by Travel+Leisure, Lake Geneva has many reasons to get out of town for an easy fall getaway.
LAKE GENEVA, WI, USA, September 18, 2014 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Brimming with autumn harvest activities and events, those who visit Lake Geneva will also find relaxed dining and shopping in this resort destination located only a short drive from Chicago and Milwaukee. So as you think beautiful scenery, apples, and pumpkins, consider these top reasons for a fall getaway to Lake Geneva.Gorgeous Colors September - November
Thanks to America’s foremost landscape architects who responded to estate owner requests for the longest lasting color display possible, landscapes were carefully selected from a wide species of trees and shrubs that yield specific colors. These estates, built by wealthy Chicagoans such as Wrigley (of chewing gum fame), Swift (meatpacking mogul) and Selfridge (founder of Selfridges and Co. department store), can be viewed by walking a piece of the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path. The beauty of Lake Geneva’s dramatic fall colors can also be enjoyed by boat. Scenic boat tours and signature cruises on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line, which continue through October, offer an in-depth historical narration about the many estates and mansions that line the shores of beautiful Geneva Lake.
Apple Picking
Pick some apples and pumpkins at Apple Barn Orchard and Winery, a 40-acre orchard that has been cultivated since 1976. They grow and sell popular varieties of apples such as Honey Crisp, Cortland, and Jona Gold. The Apple Barn also makes apple cider and fresh cider donuts and offers orchard rides. Also popular is the Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, WI. Their Harvest Fest is going on now through October 26, and features pick-your-own pumpkins and apples, as well as train rides, pony rides and hayrides. Don’t forget to try their world-famous Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag!
Tee It Up
Lake Geneva is home to some of the top rated golf courses in the country, and there has never been a better time to get out on the links and enjoy all that fall golf has to offer. Whether you are hitting that perfect long drive off the black tees on the Arnold Palmer course at Geneva National Golf Club, or taking in the beautiful scenery with a round at Hawk’s View Golf Club there is a course to fit every preference and stunning views all around. If you have not yet experienced golf in Lake Geneva, fall is a perfect time to do so.
Oktoberfest (October 11 & 12)
Held in downtown Lake Geneva, Oktoberfest offers visitors live music, wagon and pony rides, a farmer’s market, craft booths, food vendors, seasonal menus and craft beers at eateries and special sales at stores. The Great Pumpkin Giveaway, an annual tradition that awards free pumpkins to the first 400 children age 10 and under, should not be missed. The Great Pumpkin Giveaway takes place at 1:00 p.m. at the 200 block of Broad Street. Admission to the event is free and a free shuttle bus to and from the event in downtown Lake Geneva is available. Also going on during Oktoberfest weekend will be Sprechtoberfest on October 11th. This fun-filled event held in the parking lot of Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub will include children’s activities, food and beverages as well as live music. It will be benefitting the Lake Geneva Fire Department. Another not-to-miss event is the 6th annual “Skootoberfest” also on October 11th beginning at 12:00 PM. This event, sponsored by the Club Scoot Jockeys of Lake Geneva will feature a Fall Foliage ride to enjoy the fall colors and will culminate with games and festivities in Flat Iron Park. Attend one or all of these great fall festivals; your only problem will be having enough room on your camera to capture all the fun!
Outdoor Adventure
Get adventurous and see the rich fall colors by ziplining with Arial Adventures or Lake Geneva Canopy Tours. Or climb aboard a hot air balloon and experience breathtaking vistas as you glide over the treetops with Lake Geneva Balloon Company. The Dan Patch Stables is also a great option for horseback riding. Located at the entrance of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Dan Patch Stables offers guided trail rides, allowing visitors to take in the fall colors as they weave through acres of the expansive Grand Geneva property. Pony rides are available for children under 6 years old.
Small-town Shopping
Enjoy Lake Geneva’s walkable downtown with one-of-a-kind shops that are worth more than a browse. Shoppers find art, antiques and home décor, jewelry, clothing, gifts, food, wine, and more. For those serious about antiquing, the Lake Geneva Antique Mall provides 11,000 square feet of show space featuring 40 plus vendors who offer every category of antiques. After all the walking you will be doing when you visit Lake Geneva, a new pair of shoes may be in order. Set in the heart of downtown Lake Geneva, the Bootery has an extensive collection of women’s, men’s and children’s shoes, as well as women’s clothing and handbags.
Relaxed Dining with Views as Great as the Food
Head to one of Lake Geneva’s favorite restaurants with a view. The Hunt Club Steakhouse has beautiful panoramic views overlooking the Gary Player signature golf course at Geneva National Resort, and features mouth-watering entrees such as corn-fed Black Angus steaks and a fantastic Berkshire pork chop. Shore Club is one of the newest restaurants in Williams Bay, and a fantastic place to go for their Friday night fish fry and great lake views. 240 West at the Abbey Resort in Fontana features panoramic harbor views and delectable offerings such as their Friday night Lobster Fest and Sunday Harborside Champagne Brunch.
The Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is always at the ready to help you plan your visit. Call (800) 345-1020 or visit www.lakegenevawi.com.
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Julie Baron
Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
email us here
847-525-3043