Longing for a romantic weekend getaway? Look no further than Lake Geneva, a popular lakeside town that is only a 90 minutes away from Chicago. Boasting beautiful breathtaking views, Lake Geneva offers couples a perfect midwest winter retreat. My boyfriend and I experienced the small town post-holiday season and it was incredible. Whether you’re from Chicago or just visiting, planning a couples getaway to Lake Geneva can be both exciting and adventurous.
In this blog post, I’ll provide you with the best tips on how to plan a romantic weekend getaway to the lakeside of Lake Geneva.
Overview of Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a small lakeside town located just north of Chicago in Wisconsin. The town is the perfect quick getaway for a summer or winter trip, especially for couples. In Lake Geneva, you can experience winter activities like skiing and tubing, relaxing at a resort spa, or experiencing local events in the downtown area. Winter months in Lake Geneva are relatively cold, with the temperatures dropping to a freezing 35°F (2°C) across 5,000 acres of crystal lake waters. When packing, I highly recommend bringing plenty of layers, your favorite snow boots, and your chicest cold-weather gear to endure the winter temps.
Choosing Your Accommodation
When planning a romantic getaway for two, there were a few things that I wanted to keep in mind. It was important that my boyfriend and I could have everything at our fingertips. We wanted the flexibility to move as we wished without rushing our time together. For us, staying at a resort that had everything from food to entertainment on-site was the perfect answer!
Lake Geneva has an incredible array of luxury hotels and resorts to choose from, each offering incredible amenities, spas, restaurants, pools, and entertainment centers. For our trip, we booked an overnight stay at The Abbey Resort. The Abbey is Lake Geneva’s only full-service resort offering 90 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and unique activities.
Upon our arrival, we were cheerfully greeted by the valet and front desk staff. Our room was located on one of the main levels of the massive resort, which was situated near the bars, restaurants, and even the pool! Guest rooms, suites, and fully equipped villas at The Abbey each include a shared balcony or patio. For our room, we had a cozy king-bed suite that overlooked the snow-covered harbor and beautiful grounds. It was very serene and romantic.
Once we checked in, we proceeded to explore and take advantage of the many accommodations on site. We booked a couples massage, at the Avani Spa. The modern spa is a state-of-the-art, adult-only space with a large pool, steam, sauna, and salt therapy rooms. These experiences were great to enjoy after a long week, and drive from the city. After our late afternoon of relaxation, we got dressed and indulge in fresh farm-to-fork dining at the 240 West. Once we finished up with dinner, we decided to explore the hotel grounds and visit the Immersion Entertainment Center where we played arcade and interactive games. After a few rounds of activities, we decided to hit Bar West at the hotel for a nightcap before turning it in for the evening.
Our time at the Abbey, was amazing! They have plenty of packages and seasonal experiences that make planning a quick trip to Lake Geneva easy and fun. I would highly recommend The Abbey to couples who want a quick romantic stay.
Participating in Winter Activities
The surrounding area of Lake Geneva has plenty of winter activities to enjoy. If you are looking for a winter adventure, make your way to Wilmot Mountain, which offers, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing easy, accessible, and affordable. Or you can head over to Alpine Valley or Grand Geneva which offers skiing and snowboarding, from beginner runs to professional-level trails. If you are looking for a more mellow activity, check out the iconic Ice Castles or head downtown and take a walk by the lake. These activities may be cold-weather dependent so be sure to visit the individual websites before making your way outdoors.
Shopping and Things to Do
Downtown Lake Geneva has plenty of shopping and things to do. The downtown area is very walkable offering one-of-a-kind shops, breweries, unique dining, and more. We took the time to explore downtown and not rush our experience. Along the way, we met some really cool locals who made the experience that much magical. My favorite shops from the trip included The Cheese Box, The Bottle Shop, Upscale Consignment, Queen Bee, and Delany Street Mercantile.
If you need a quick bite, there is no shortage of options. We decided to pay a visit to Joni’s, a neighborhood diner with a long history, old time atmosphere, and great quality food. My boyfriend and I sampled items from their breakfast and lunch menu and throughly enjoyed our food.
Conclusion
Our couples trip to Lake Geneva was not only romantic, but relaxing as we experienced an agenda free and fun weekend in the small town. With this guide, you can plan the perfect romantic stay with ease and leave with cherished memories. From finding the right accommodation and participating in winter activities, to enjoying area shopping and things to do, Lake Geneva has all you need for a cozy and romantic winter getaway.
Share your own tips and experiences for planning a romantic winter retreat to Lake Geneva in the comments below.
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