Things to do in the Lake Geneva Area

Cheese Box…

~ bwebster

First opening its doors in 1940, the Cheese Box in Lake Geneva continues to offer a tremendous selection of fresh cheese and sausage. They stock only natural cheeses of the finest quality and are continually searching for new additions that are worthy of the cases in their store.

Specializing in gift baskets and boxes filled with cheese, sausage, wine and other Dairyland favorites, they will pack your selections and ship anywhere in the United States. Wisconsin cheese and sausage selections can be great gift giving ideas for holidays and special occasions. Plan to keep the Cheese Box in mind for your next backyard cookout. Their brats are amazing!

Looking for a great sandwich? Check this place out! Deliciously fresh sandwiches with all the trimmings are made to order and can be frequently found in our office lunch room. In fact, they have been known to disappear from the refrigerator from time to time. All sandwiches come with a pickle spear and your choice of a homemade cookie or brownie.

The Cheese Box is located at 801 S. Wells Street in Lake Geneva.

Fitzgerald’s Genoa City Junction…

~ bwebster

Did you know that you can enjoy one of Door County’s most treasured traditions without ever leaving Southeastern Wisconsin? Fitzgerald’s Genoa Junction is located right in Lake Geneva’s backyard and serves an all- you-can-eat North Atlantic Cod “fish boil” year-round.

The restaurant is located in a historical octagon house in Genoa City. The home was built in the mid 1800’s and was owned by the same family for over 150 years. The Fitzgerald’s bought the home in 1989 and made renovations to turn the private residence into a restaurant.

All cooking (with the exception of the frosted apple squares that are served for dessert) is done behind the house using large outdoor kettles suspended over a wood fire. The fish boil consists of boiled potatoes, onions and Cod, along with rye bread and coleslaw. For an additional charge you can add honey-BBQ chicken and/or BBQ pork ribs to your dinner.

This is surely one of the 365 Things To Do in Lake Geneva, WI that you don’t want to miss. Dine inside in one of several quaint dining rooms or sit outside on the deck and enjoy the beautiful gardens (weather permitting).

A Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute…

~ bwebster

Lake Lawn Resort is hosting Piano Man’s Production of A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John this Saturday, April 21st at 8:00 p.m. Don’t miss this tribute to two stars who are speculated to have inspired the ever popular dueling piano shows after their 1994 Face to Face Tour.

Mike Sigman’s piano and vocal talents, accompanied by his hand-picked musicians will entertain you throughout the evening, showcasing all of Billy and Elton’s hits, so be prepared to enjoy the song after favorite song.

Tickets are $25.00 and seating is general admission in the Geneva Ballroom. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m.

If you are looking to make an evening of it, show your ticket at the Frontier Restaurant at the Resort to receive $5.00 off their Prime Rib Buffet. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Lake Lawn Resort is located at 2400 E. Geneva St. (Hwy 50) in Delavan.

Preschool Story Time…

~ bwebster

Are you looking for something fun and affordable to do with your little ones?

The Lake Geneva Public Library offers Preschool Story Time every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for children ages 3 to 5 years. Plan to join them as often as you like for a half hour of fun-filled reading programs tailor-made for your little ones.

Reading is such an important part of a child’s development, so make this weekly outing something they will look forward to each Thursday and encourage them to stay enthused about reading during the rest of the week by setting aside some quiet time to share a book or two.

Moms, Dads, Nannies and Caregivers, everyone is welcome, but the library requests that all children be accompanied by an adult.

The Lake Geneva Public Library is located at 918 W. Main Street.

Northwind Perennial Farm…

~ bwebster

Despite the recent snowfall, Northwind Perennial Farm will be opening their Garden Shop and Retail Nursery this Saturday, April 21th with lots of great items and ideas.

Located on Hospital Road at the site of what was once a 19th Century dairy farm, this 10 acre property has been beautifully transformed into gardens while still maintaining the feel and look of the old farmstead. Whether you are an avid gardener or you’re just looking for something new to spruce up your yard, you are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired. The owners offer an impressive 80+ years of horticulture experience, which they gladly share with fellow enthusiasts.

Northwind’s nursery has a large selection of field-grown perennials, ornamental grasses, shrub roses and more. Even if plants aren’t really your thing, you can’t help but be awed while walking through nature at its finest. They offer an outstanding selection of birdbaths, fountains, planters, benches and more. Stop out and walk the garden paths. You won’t be disappointed.

Lake Geneva Museum of History…

~ bwebster

Have you ever tried to visualize what downtown Lake Geneva might have looked like back in the last 19th century? If so, you might want to consider stepping into the Lake Geneva Museum and take a walk on Main Street. Complete with homes, stores and a school room, the museum provides an authentic look at the lifestyles of Lake Geneva during a simpler time. Experience “old time” Lake Geneva through the authentic displays including a general store, blacksmith shop, log cabin, dental work station and a fire house complete with a hose wagon from 1890.

Learn about the private mansions, boats and yachts on the lake and how the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was built to provide transportation for wealthy individuals from Chicago looking for a place to get away from big city life.

Located at 255 Mill Street, in what was once the 1929 Wisconsin Power & Light building, this museum is the product of volunteers spending countless hours to research and gather both items and information, making the museum a place to celebrate Lake Geneva’s history.

The Lake Geneva Museum is a Blue Star Museum and therefore welcomes Active Duty Military members and their families by offering free admission (up to 5 family members with a current ID) beginning Memorial Day, May 28th and running through Labor Day, September 3rd. Active duty military includes National Guard and Reserve members.

Museum Hours for April are Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays 11:00AM to 3:00PM.

Calling All Kids…Planting for Mom

~ bwebster

Dads, here is your opportunity to spend some time with the kids, give Mom a break and get some early Mother’s Day shopping done all at the same time.

Plan to take the kids to Pesche’s Greenhouse on Saturday, April 21st from 10:00 a.m. to Noon and they can plant a container of flowering annuals for Mom. A $15.00 fee covers everything they will need. Pesche’s helpful Garden Coaches will assist the kids in putting together a blooming treasure for Mom, and the best part is, Pesche’s will keep and care for the container until just before Mother’s Day. Children of all ages are welcome.

To allow Pesche’s to plan accordingly for this event, pre-registration at (262) 245-6125 is preferred but not necessary.

“You plant, we grow, you give”. Dads, it doesn’t get much easier, and Mom receives something she can enjoy all summer!

Craft Brews & Chicago Blues Festival…

~ bwebster

Order your tickets now for the 7th Annual Craft Brews & Chicago Blues Festival on Saturday, April 21st at The Ridge Hotel in Lake Geneva.

The festival runs from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. offering you plenty of time to enjoy unlimited tastings of over 100 beers from over 35 breweries from around the U.S. including Geneva Lake Brewing Company, Blue Moon Brewing Co., New Glarus, Goose Island, Lakefront Brewery, Sam Adams, Central Waters Brewing Company and many more. The options are practically endless with countless craft brews to choose from. While you stroll leisurely through the event, be prepared to enjoy some great music from the Big Al Wetzel Band.

Tickets are $45.00 and include a commemorative tasting glass, food sampling and unlimited beer tasting. Designated Driver tickets are available for $15.00 and include the commemorative glass, unlimited gourmet soda and water, as well as food sampling. Make sure to leave a few extra minutes to check out the photo booth with your friends and family.

Attendees must be 21 years or older and photo identification will be required at the door. No exceptions! No infants, toddlers, children or pets will be permitted, and again we are being told, no exceptions. If you are planning on having a little too much fun and don’t have a designated driver, why not plan ahead and book a room at the resort? The Ridge is located at W4240 Hwy 50, just 3 miles west of downtown Lake Geneva.

If you are a self-proclaimed beer snob this event is one you won’t want to miss!

Christmas Around the World…

~ bwebster

Gooseberries Fresh Food Market in Burlington will be hosting their Annual Holiday Show from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday December 16th. The store says it is their “most fun event” of the year, so you can be sure there will be lots of food items and free samples.

This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World” so sample offerings will be representative of countries far and near and will include Cranberry Breakfast Sausage and Potato Sausage from Germany, Bacon Water Chestnut Dip from Norway, Deviled Egg Dip from Ethiopia, Wreath Salad with Pears from Spain and Tamale Casserole from Mexico. The United States will be showcasing Cranberry Orange Meatballs and an Overnight Egg Bake just to name a few.

Gather family, friends or co-workers for this Family Friendly event and go check it out! Tons of samples and lots of fun, plus the ideas for food prep going into the holidays will be invaluable.

Gooseberries is located at 690 W. State Street (Hwy 36) in Burlington.

 

Santa Cruise…

~ bwebster


Holiday Cruisin…

Here is your chance to see some of the most beautiful lighting displays in the area from a particularly unique point of view, when you board the Santa Cruise for a ride on Geneva Lake to view lakefront estates all decked out for the holidays.

Join Gage Marine this holiday season for a Santa Cruise Boat Tour on Geneva Lake. Cruises depart the Gage Marine dock in Williams Bay hourly beginning at 4:30 p.m. everyday through the end of the year with a few exceptions.

Before you board your boat, you will have the opportunity to walk through the Twelve Charities of Christmas Tree Festival. As you travel around the lake, the lights on each estate are said to tell a magical story of a journey to Santa’s North Pole Hideaway. The cruise provides activities for the kids, along with a snack bar and beverages for kids as well as adults. So, start a new tradition this year and make a reservation to take a December Cruise on Geneva Lake. Plan to arrive early or stay late and enjoy a holiday cocktail and/or meal at Pier 290.

$2.00 from the sale of each ticket will go to support the Santa Cause and the Twelve Charities of Christmas. Please note that cruises only run if weather permits, so please check with the Gage Marine office or their website for tour schedule updates.

Gage Marine and Pier 290 are located at 1 Liechty Drive in Williams Bay.