Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

The sky is the limit for romance at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, Romantic, Valentine's Day, Wisconsin

Fun heart-shaped opportunities and helicopter rides are all part of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Love is in the air in Lake Geneva, WI. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, a Marcus® Hotels & Resorts property, sets the stage for engagements, anniversaries, and weddings year-round with its beautiful 1,300 acre Wisconsin countryside campus and luxe amenities. While the AAA Four Diamond resort always offers guests several opportunities to make romantic gestures, Grand Geneva offers an even grander experience in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has announced the return of and new addition to its annual whimsical Valentine’s Day offer. During the month of February, those looking for a big romantic gesture can once again book a private helicopter to fly over the resort’s famous heart-shaped pond. Taking this romantic offer to new heights this year, the resort’s special Valentine’s package now includes a dedicated 7-10 minute heart-shaped fireworks display.

These special over-the-top moments in the sky are available through the resort’s “The Sky’s the Limit: Fireworks and Flight Romance Experience at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.” The package includes two nights of luxury accommodations in the award-winning resort’s largest suite, a helicopter ride for two over Grand Geneva’s famous heart-shaped pond and around beautiful Lake Geneva, a private chef-prepared brunch for two inside one of the resort’s igloos with unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and a $200 resort credit to be used towards relaxing WELL Spa + Salon treatments or cozy apparel from White River Gifts. New this year, a personally planned 7-10 minute fireworks display featuring an array of colorful shells, peonies, and hearts. You can’t put a price on love, but the cost of this special offer for sweethearts begins at $8,199.

To make Valentine’s Day weekend even more special, couples and foodie friends who enjoy fun culinary concepts can take advantage of the resort’s new Valentine’s weekend cooking class and dining experiences. On Saturday, February 10, Grand Geneva is hosting a full day of culinary experiences with its special Valentine’s Cooking Class and Dinner Experience at its acclaimed Ristoranté Brissago. Guests will engage in an afternoon Italian cooking class from 1pm-3pm CT with the resort’s Executive Chef Jonathan Gutierrez where they will learn how to prepare dishes such as Strawberry and Tomato Bruschetta, Pistachio Pesto Pappardelle, and Chocolate Tiramisu or a Tiramisu-inspired Cocktail, followed by a special private cocktail hour from 5pm-5:45pm. The evening continues with an exclusive 6-course dinner from 6-8pm featuring dishes such as Roasted Petite Filet and Shrimp, Stuffed Japanese Eggplant and Roasted Mushrooms, and Maca and Avocado Marshmallow. The price of this day-long romantic dining adventure is $250 per person and includes a complimentary couple’s gift bag.

Grand Geneva’s ChopHouse restaurant is also offering a special romantic dinner featuring limited-time dishes. Available February 13 through February 16, this 3-course dinner includes dishes such as Lobster Bisque, Cacao and Porcini Crusted Filet and Shrimp, Pan-seared Halibut and Oysters for $220 per couple.

Valentines who prefer a more low-key celebration can enjoy the resort’s “Love is Grand” package which includes sparkling wine and a $100 resort credit for a one night stay, and $200 resort credit with a two night stay – perfect for enjoying the spa and culinary offerings that Grand Geneva is known for.

For more information on packages, weddings, dining and more, visit grandgeneva.com

Grand Geneva Resort: Fall fun, frights, and culinary delights

Adventure, Golf, Resort, Resorts, Uncategorized, Wisconsin

More than a year-round destination for adventure, fun, and relaxation, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin should also be on every serious foodies list as well. That’s because, under the direction of Food & Beverage Director, Nelly Buleje and new Executive Chef Dustin Urbanik, this popular resort is dishing up exceptional seasonal flavors on their new fall menus.

From the resort’s popular elevated Saturday brunch which are focusing on such autumn delights as pumpkin pancakes and fall flavored mimosas to in-house made desserts like apple crumble to seasonal soups and sides such as lobster bisque with Maine lobster sherry, tarragon, lobster brodo, sourdough crisp and caviar; truffle creamed spinach with black truffle, mornay, and farmstead cheese; and rainbow carrots and parsnips with bourbon and maple glaze, the resort and its collection of restaurants are bursting with fall flavors.

There’s also an impressive new fall cocktail menu with selections like Wisconsin Apple Old Fashioned; Smoked Maple Mile; a White Pumpkin cocktail; Espresso S’MORES-tini; and more (check out the fun visuals here). By popular demand, the resort’s seafood boil and Midwestern prime rib roasts will run every Friday and Saturday through November 12.

In addition to the new fall flavors, here are some new autumn offerings and programming guests and families can expect:

Seasonal outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, an indoor pool and waterpark, horseback riding, championship golf, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and more.
One of the best ways to get around and explore the 1,300 acre-campus and beautiful Lake Geneva as well as Wisconsin’s scenic backroads is by the resort’s scooters and new this year, e-bikes. Rent one for a few hours or take a guided tour around the area with. The perfect way to spend an autumn afternoon with family or a group of friends (must be 18+, check out rules here).
Hayrides and waterslides! The resort campus is also home to Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. Both Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge offer guests on-site haunted hayrides, haunted barns, apple picking opportunities and seasonal packages. Check out Grand Geneva’s packages here; Timber Ridge packages can be found here.
Families will also enjoy new programming such as pumpkin painting; DIY caramel apples; excursions to Pearce’s Farm (local farm with fresh produce, kid’s activities and corn maze); and a Grand Escape – the resort’s very own pop up escape room.

Keep an eye on the Wisconsin Fall Color Report for optimal leaf-looking opportunities.

Photos courtesy of Grand Geneva Resort.

Trip Stack Trend: Charming small Midwest towns make great summer destinations

Golf, Wisconsin

Bloomington, Indiana. Photo courtesy of Visit Bloomington.

With many eager to use those unused vacation days and ready to travel again, travelers are turning towards trip stacking: booking several trips and experiences over a set of vacation days. And one of the best ways to do this? With a classic American road trip, of course.

With major cities such as Indianapolis and Chicago topping the lists of places to visit in the Midwest, there are several other stop-worthy, under-the-radar cities and destinations that pack a full punch of culture, arts, outdoor experiences, and culinary offerings. Among them, Bloomington, Indiana (3.5 hours from Chicago & 1 hour from Indianapolis) and and Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI (1.5 hours from Chicago & 45 minutes from Milwaukee).

Photo courtesy Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

While the city of Bloomington and a stop at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI are perfect side trips on any Midwest trip, they also warrant their own getaway. But for those trip stacking and making stops, here are a few of the many reasons to add these destinations to your Midwest road trip itinerary:

WHY BLOOMINGTON?

That Lake Life.

For those looking for a lake vacation, Bloomington is home to the 10,750-acre Monroe Lake, Indiana’s largest land-bound body of water. Monroe Lake offers visitors everything from boating, beaching, biking, fishing, hiking, campgrounds, and more. It’s one of the Midwest’s best kept secrets for lake getaways.

Bloomington is a foodie-destination worth getting in the car for. This small Midwest city has a global dining scene and is home to over 350+ restaurants. Check out Bloomington’s most iconic restaurants here.

And during the summer, one of the best ways to experience Bloomington’s eclectic atmosphere is dining al fresco on the patio of a local restaurant. With over 100 eateries offering outdoor dining during the warmer months, there are an abundance of choices.

Some of the Midwest’s best art & cultural attractions can be found in Bloomington. From renowned museums, A-list comedy clubs, to historic artwork and artifacts, Bloomington is rich in culture. Check out some of the top attractions here.

For fireworks: Bloomington is one of the best Midwest spots for fireworks and Fourth of July festivities. The city offers several free, public firework displays.

Bloomington has a nightlife scene. The bars and restaurants stay open later in Bloomington than most Midwest cities! Check out underground vibes such as The Root Cellar Lounge, one of Bloomington’s best hidden gems, located in the basement of FARMbloomington.

Under the radar wine destination

In addition to being a cool foodie town it’s great for winos as well. It’s home to the award-winning Oliver Winery, Indiana’s largest and oldest winery, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Bloomington is also home to five breweries, all of which are located in the downtown area. Grab a beer at Function Brewing, The Tap, Switchyard Brewing, Upland Brewpub, or Bloomington Brewing Company (BBC) — for your own beer tasting experience, The Tap, Function, and BBC are all located within a five-block stretch of one-another.

WHY GRAND GENEVA?

Get Outside

Situated on 1,300 acres in the woodlands of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Grand Geneva is an award-winning AAA Four-Diamond resort located 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee. The hotel has been welcoming guests for more than 25 years, offering some of the finest facilities, accommodations, and dining experiences in the Midwest. The iconic resort has always offered dynamic recreation for guests looking for an escape (or the perfect pit stop), including outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and scooter excursions — in addition to the resort’s two championship 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor pools. Guests also enjoy the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, award-winning Well Spa + Salon, and expansive fitness center.

For fireworks.

Every Sunday through Labor Day weekend, resort guests enjoy a dazzling Sunday fireworks display. But for those looking to celebrate July 4, Grand Geneva also offers one of the grandest fireworks shows. Guests who stay in a Lake View room can enjoy the fireworks show from their private balcony or patio, while all resort guests can view the show from the resort’s hillside.

Get golfing

This Lake Geneva golf destination is especially known for its two championship golf courses. At over 7,000 yards featuring massive sand traps and prominent water features, the magnificent Brute course is one of the most challenging layouts in the Midwest is considered one of Wisconsin’s best golf courses.

The Highlands is a Scottish-inspired, links-style course, complete with a beautiful landscape of scenic hills, wide open fairways, trickling creeks and lush foliage. This Lake Geneva golf course was originally designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus and transformed in 1996 by Bob Cupp. Need to brush up on skills? The resort launched new weekly clinics this year.

Privacy with the perks of a hotel.

For guests seeking a more private getaway, The Villas at Grand Geneva offer luxury vacation rentals with spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, and kitchens. Guests have access to additional resort amenities, including a pool and an outdoor fire pit area reserved for the exclusive use of Villa guests.

A culinary hotspot

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is home to several award-winning restaurants and cafes. Guests enjoy several different dining experiences including Wisconsin steak dinners, seafood boils, over the top brunches, and more.

And there’s a waterpark

Nestled within the sprawling resort campus, is Grand Geneva’s sister-property, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark – an all-suite family resort featuring one of the Midwest’s top waterparks.

While in Lake Geneva

Grand Geneva’s concierge can help arrange some of the city’s best experiences such as Lake Geneva Cruise Line, Lake Geneva Balloon Company, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures and more. The resort also offers discounts for guests on select local attractions.

Visit Lake Geneva