There's no place like Lake Geneva in the fall. Truly. It's remarkable. The area may be a popular summer spot, but suffice to say, Lake Geneva flourishes during the autumn months. With exquisite lakeside estates, world-class resorts and countless tucked-away gems, this Walworth County destination has got it goin' on year round. Break out your fall jacket ... We're exploring a handful of the area's top events, activities and lodging opportunities worth discovering when the leaves start to turn.
Recreation
• Black Point Estate (Lake Geneva)
This mansion - errr, summer cottage - belonged to the wealthy family of Mr. Conrad Seipp, a Chicago business mogul. This Queen Anne-style home stayed in the family for 120 years and four generations. That's just a smidgen of what you'll learn when you tour the stunning Black Point Estate on Geneva Lake.
• Lake Geneva Balloon Company (Lake Geneva)
Heaven explained: Hopping aboard a humungous colored balloon and gliding above a crimson Lake Geneva during the autumn months. Our crew filmed the area from the sky last year and I think it's safe to say, it was one of our most memorable shoots to date. The scenery is stunning and the experience itself is simply magnificent.
Events
• Oktoberfest (Lake Geneva)
Downtown Lake Geneva's annual Oktoberfest celebration includes all the festival favorites like fun music, great food and lots of shopping, plus wagon hayrides, pony rides, a bouncy castle, caramel apples and more. Oktoberfest: You had me at bouncy castle.
• Fall Family Fest at Lakelawn Resort (Delavan)
Another celebration perfect for the whole family, Fall Family Fest at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan touts old-fashioned yard games (think three-legged and gunny sack races), scarecrow building. Special guests include a balloon sculptor, caricature artist, face painter and fortune teller. There's even a decorative doughnut station. (Say whaaaaaat?)
Dining
• Medusa Grill & Bistro (Lake Geneva)
Serving up Mediterranean and American cuisine, Medusa offers fine dining in a casual environment. Try the grilled calamari, halibut, rib-eye, pasta primavera and - ah heck. You're just gonna have to try this place out for yourself. Take my word for it: You're going to love the food and atmosphere. Just make sure to call ahead to reserve a table.
• Oakfire (Lake Geneva)
If you love pizza (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), you'll love Oakfire Restaurant & Pizzeria on Wrigley Drive. Take in the gorgeous views Geneva Lake has to offer while enjoying their delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, which is prepared to perfection in a wood oven.
Lodging
• The Abbey Resort (Fontana)
This unique 90-acre shorefront property is the only full-service hotel in Lake Geneva. At The Abbey Resort, an award-winning spa, 1,000-square-foot arcade and fabulous dining options await. The Abbey Resort also hosts interesting events throughout the year such as the Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show.
• Lake Lawn Resort (Delavan)
Situated on 250 acres with beautiful Delavan Lake as its backdrop, Lake Lawn Resort is a renowned resort in the state of Wisconsin and for very good reason. Reasons, actually ... plural: Take advantage of an 18-hole golf course, tennis court, lavish fire pits, the Calladora Spa and much, much more.
• Maxwell Mansion (Lake Geneva)
About a five-minute walk to the lakefront, Maxwell Mansion is one of the most unique lodging choices in the Lake Geneva area. For starters, you can participate in a musical murder mystery dinner (which is amazing) and rest your head at the mansion itself or just across the yard at the Carriage House & Stables, which is stunning.
Know of a great Lake Geneva hidden gem? Let me know your suggestions on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
Recreation
• Black Point Estate (Lake Geneva)
This mansion - errr, summer cottage - belonged to the wealthy family of Mr. Conrad Seipp, a Chicago business mogul. This Queen Anne-style home stayed in the family for 120 years and four generations. That's just a smidgen of what you'll learn when you tour the stunning Black Point Estate on Geneva Lake.
• Lake Geneva Balloon Company (Lake Geneva)
Heaven explained: Hopping aboard a humungous colored balloon and gliding above a crimson Lake Geneva during the autumn months. Our crew filmed the area from the sky last year and I think it's safe to say, it was one of our most memorable shoots to date. The scenery is stunning and the experience itself is simply magnificent.
Events
• Oktoberfest (Lake Geneva)
Downtown Lake Geneva's annual Oktoberfest celebration includes all the festival favorites like fun music, great food and lots of shopping, plus wagon hayrides, pony rides, a bouncy castle, caramel apples and more. Oktoberfest: You had me at bouncy castle.
• Fall Family Fest at Lakelawn Resort (Delavan)
Another celebration perfect for the whole family, Fall Family Fest at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan touts old-fashioned yard games (think three-legged and gunny sack races), scarecrow building. Special guests include a balloon sculptor, caricature artist, face painter and fortune teller. There's even a decorative doughnut station. (Say whaaaaaat?)
Dining
• Medusa Grill & Bistro (Lake Geneva)
Serving up Mediterranean and American cuisine, Medusa offers fine dining in a casual environment. Try the grilled calamari, halibut, rib-eye, pasta primavera and - ah heck. You're just gonna have to try this place out for yourself. Take my word for it: You're going to love the food and atmosphere. Just make sure to call ahead to reserve a table.
• Oakfire (Lake Geneva)
If you love pizza (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), you'll love Oakfire Restaurant & Pizzeria on Wrigley Drive. Take in the gorgeous views Geneva Lake has to offer while enjoying their delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, which is prepared to perfection in a wood oven.
Lodging
• The Abbey Resort (Fontana)
This unique 90-acre shorefront property is the only full-service hotel in Lake Geneva. At The Abbey Resort, an award-winning spa, 1,000-square-foot arcade and fabulous dining options await. The Abbey Resort also hosts interesting events throughout the year such as the Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show.
• Lake Lawn Resort (Delavan)
Situated on 250 acres with beautiful Delavan Lake as its backdrop, Lake Lawn Resort is a renowned resort in the state of Wisconsin and for very good reason. Reasons, actually ... plural: Take advantage of an 18-hole golf course, tennis court, lavish fire pits, the Calladora Spa and much, much more.
• Maxwell Mansion (Lake Geneva)
About a five-minute walk to the lakefront, Maxwell Mansion is one of the most unique lodging choices in the Lake Geneva area. For starters, you can participate in a musical murder mystery dinner (which is amazing) and rest your head at the mansion itself or just across the yard at the Carriage House & Stables, which is stunning.
Know of a great Lake Geneva hidden gem? Let me know your suggestions on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.