December 31, 2008

Sale-ing into the New Year

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Williams Bay, WI

I used to be one of those “morning after Christmas” shoppers who jumped out of bed at the crack of dawn and drove with other like-minded buyers into the malls and onto Michigan Avenue in Chicago. No more. Several years ago I discovered the joys of a more relaxed way of post-holiday shopping here in Walworth County. Where I used to grab a travel mug filled with home-brewed coffee, I now enjoy a quiet cup of java at our local café’s. Whether it’s my favorite Chai Misto at the Lake Geneva Starbucks, or a fabulous steamed African Chai Soy misto at Tickled Pink in Williams Bay, or even a hearty brew from Caribou Coffee across from Geneva Lake, I no longer embark on my shopping spree with coffee stains down the front of my new sweater! First, a relaxed cup of chai or coffee; next, a few brief “hello’s” to neighbors and friends; finally, shopping!

My first stop is always The Cornerstone Shoppe & Artopia at the corner of Broad and Main in downtown Lake Geneva. I love the vast assortment of holiday décor items, sweet smelling Wickwood candles, artisan jewelry (not on sale, but beautiful), and great hostess gifts. The staff is incredibly good-natured and always helpful and don’t seem to mind the fact that I tend to “shop the sales”. I give them great P.R. because I think it’s definitely the place for unique gifts in a setting that’s welcoming and friendly. Next, I saunter over to the Overland Sheepskin Co Inc to peruse their quality assortment of fur and suede. Whether it’s a new coat, cozy sheepskin slippers for my husband, or just some “window shopping” for my January birthday, Overland makes me feel like I’m in Vail – not a bad place to be after the holiday. McCullough’s, on the corner of Broad and Geneva Streets, is an old-fashioned pharmacy and a new-millennium gift shop. Its sale is small, but you can find a few treasures there – so don’t miss it. McCullough’s is also a terrific source for Lladro porcelain figurines and Waterford crystal. Getting ready for a big New Year’s splash? Don’t miss Germaine’s on Broad Street where Germaine and her crew will help you find just the right outfit to ring in 2009.

In Williams Bay, Details in the Bay, is a small, not-so-well-kept secret filled with home décor and accessories with a definite French flair. Proprietress Joey Coleson has done an amazing job of collecting all of the trinkets, presents, and accessories we women love and placing them in this intimate and cozy setting. Details is located at the four corners intersection of Walworth and Geneva Streets, across from the fire house, tucked under Clearwater Spa. You’ll love seeking out treasures in the nooks and crannies here. Looking for more ideas on where to shop? Check out our local papers or email me at http://www.SellingLakeGeneva.com and I’ll fill you in on more of my “Sale-ing into the New Year” finds!

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 12, 2008

A Winter Wonderland in the Lake Geneva Area

Posted to Area Attractions & Events

After a fresh snow fall we are in a winter wonderland. The trees are flocked and there are new snowmobile tracks on the trails. Alpine Valley and Grand Geneva ski hills are open and the winter season has begun with a bang. If you are not an outdoor person try the shopping in downtown Lake Geneva. There are several places to stay with indoor pools for fun and relaxation. Feel free to contact me at 262-248-4492 for additional information.

Posted By: Jay Hicks



December 08, 2008

Winter sports in the Kettle Moraine State Forest

Posted to Area Attractions & Events

In a state full of natural wonders, one of its greatest treasures lies right at our doorstep. Beginning at Rt 12 near LaGrange and running northeast 100 miles is one of the Midwest’s most beautiful state forests, the Kettle Moraine. The Southern Unit is just a 15 minute drive from the Lake Geneva area, where the Nordic Trails offer 30 miles of scenic, groomed cross country ski (both traditional slide and skate skiing) and snow shoe trails. Choose among many loops with varying degrees of difficulty and distances of .7 to 9.2 miles. A warming facility, breathtaking snow-covered views, and well-marked one-way trails make it an exhilarating experience. A little farther north, close to Old World Wisconsin near Eagle, the McMiller Trails provide similar opportunities; both areas have mild trails suitable for novice skiers as well as challenging, steep trails for more experienced, adventurous skiers. While some enjoy a leisurely trek, stopping to take in the views and ambience, others lunge for speed with noses down and lungs burning from start to finish.

For those without skis or snow shoes, the LaGrange General Store on the corner of Hwy 12 and County H, two miles from the Nordic Trails, can rent you the equipment. Starting as an organic health food store and deli, it has expanded to provide ski, snow shoe, and bike rentals year round, new and used sales, accessories, and clothing. While you’re there getting your equipment, you can also pick up all the maps, trail passes and information, a steaming hot latte, and some energy snacks for your trek. Call (262)495-8600 or check out their website for more information on rental rates, trail maps, and locations at www.backyardbikes.com.

So get off the couch and get in the groove…literally! Treat yourself to a winter weekend in Lake Geneva and head up to the Kettle Moraine for some skiing or snow shoeing. It will leave you invigorated, tingling, and feeling slightly self righteous afterward as you sip a hot beverage in front of a dancing fire. To look at available vacation homes or condos while you’re in town, give me a call at 262-949-7651, or email me at jsarton@keeferealestate.com. Now is a wonderful time to buy!

Posted By: Julie Sarton



December 05, 2008

‘Snow Where to Go? Visit Lake Geneva!

Posted to Area Attractions & Events

Gas prices have tumbled, making holiday driving more affordable and there’s still nothing like Christmas in the Country to make spirits merry and bright. A visit to Lake Geneva during the holiday season is just the remedy for the holiday shopping madness. Lake Geneva is less than a two hour drive from downtown Chicago and there’s plenty of holiday magic in the air! For starters, take a short jaunt up the winding drive to the Grand Geneva Resort. The resort’s annual “Christmas in the Country” festival of lights sparkles and glistens from dusk each and every evening through the New Year. While you are there, be sure to stop in the lobby of the Grand Geneva to see the holiday décor and warm up in front of the blazing fire. Downtown Lake Geneva, just a few minutes west of the Grand Geneva Resort, is festooned with lights and decorations. Meander through the quaint shops that line Main Street and you are certain to find just the right gift for that someone special on your list. Whether it’s a beautiful Irish sweater from Fleming’s, a yummy gourmet food and wine basket from Global Gourmet, stunning jewelry from China West, or a charming holiday gift from The Cornerstone Shoppe, you’ll be delighted with the selection and quality available locally.

Several pre- and post-holiday events should be red-lined in your datebook: Lake Geneva’a Annual Great Electric Christmas Parade features floats, bands, horses, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. It happens tomorrow, December 6th on Main Street in downtown Lake Geneva. The Festival of Lights runs this weekend as well, featuring holiday open houses in downtown shops, carriage rides, and a tree lighting ceremony in front of the Riviera Ballroom. Father Christmas has promised to stop by and Santa’s live reindeer will be flying in for a visit as well. Holidays keeping you too busy to visit before the New Year? Mark your calendar now for the Annual Winterfest which takes place the first weekend in February. Fantastical ice sculptures dot the lakefront – the work of a talented ice artists from all over the world – and the entire town turns out for this not-to-be-missed winter event. If you’re ready to make the move to Lake Geneva and its environs, call me at (262)745-3630 – or visit my website to access all Walworth county property listings 24/7. Some of the area’s happiest residents started out as visitors…now they get to vacation where they live!

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 05, 2008

Freeze For Life Fundraiser, Santa In Town – Lake Geneva Saturday Dec 12th, 2008

Posted to Area Attractions & Events

Ever felt the urge to water ski, wakeboard or wake surf the frosty waters of Lake Geneva in the middle of winter? I bet not, but if you do, or just like to see some crazy stunts while helping to raise money for the Kevin Waldeck Charitable Trust and the American Cancer Society, stop down to Lake Geneva’s Riviera Beachfront on Saturday, Dec. 6th 2008 between 10am – 4pm. For more information on how you can participate or donate click on http://www.freeze4life.com.

While you are in downtown Lake Geneva getting a start on holiday shopping and watching crazy stunts, you may want to bring the kids and camera along to shoot your own family portraits in front of Santa and Mrs. Claus at Keefe Real Estate’s downtown location (corner of Main St. & Center St., across from Starbuck’s). Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on location from 11am – 2pm Saturday, Dec. 6, 13th, & 20th.

I will also be partaking in the pre-holiday activities by hosting a Lakefront Open House at 463 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, Saturday, Dec. 6th from 12noon - 3pm (kitty corner from the Riviera).

Posted By: Mick Balestrieri



December 05, 2008

The Ice Man Cometh...and goes with the wind!

Posted to Area Attractions & Events

“ICEBOATING: the sport of sailing a specially prepared boat equipped with runners over ice.” A calm, methodical definition for a sport that its devotees consider the most exhilarating sport of all. When talking with an iceboater, words like “speed, addiction, adrenalin rush, invigorating, complex, and demanding” punctuate their speech. Their eyes light up and their body language twitches with excitement at the mere thought of flying across the ice, pushing the edge of control.

Ice boat design either places the steering mechanism on one of the two rear blade runners (“stern steerers”), or on the single front blade (“bow steerers”). Traditionally, iceboats are hand-built, according to specifications within the classes. Most of the stern-steerers racing on Lake Geneva today are older boats up to 55 feet long, loud on the ice, boasting sail areas of 250 square feet and more. The more contemporary bow-steerers are smaller, lighter, with much smaller sail areas, and have been clocked at 143 miles per hour and more.

Not only does the lake area of Walworth County historically have some of the best ice in the country for the sport, sometimes it has the only available ice in the country suitable for iceboating. The wind and the temperature here are often conducive to forming the perfect ice conditions. The bigger boats need 8-9 inches of thickness, while the smaller boats can operate on as little as 4 inches of ice. The ideal ice surface has a little texture to it for control, a wind speed between 5 and 25 miles per hour, and a minimum temperature of no less than 10 degrees. Ice boats on good ice will travel five to seven times faster than the speed of the wind. By December or sooner the small and shallow Lake Como is usually ready for iceboats, followed by Lake Delavan, and finally Geneva Lake in January. The timing is dependent on finding the perfect ice before heavy snow storms render it useless for the winter. The local Skeeter Iceboat Club in Williams Bay has a careful system of checking the ice conditions in different locations daily so that information is always available before anyone ventures out. The club also sponsors races weekly, and frequently hosts international, national, and Midwestern iceboat regattas; many spectators can be seen putting on their ice skates and visiting all the guest boats on the ice for fun.

So, if life seems a little too predictable and unexciting lately, think about suiting up and literally casting your fate to the wind on one of our lakes. You might find that stinging wind chills, the sound of blades ripping across the ice at high speeds underneath you, and the simultaneous tastes of fear and joy are irresistible!

Posted By: Julie Sarton



December 05, 2008

December is an Exciting Month in the Delavan Lake Area

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Delavan

December is an exciting month in the Delavan Lake area. With the holiday season upon us, there is a plethora of opportunity with parades and festive events. Here is a quick summary of some events you may want to consider.

December 6
Festival of Lights, located in downtown Lake Geneva, resident John Powers will read a holiday classic with a tree lighting ceremony in Riviera Park at 6 pm.

Community Caroling – There will be caroling in the Delavan Phoenix Park Band Shell at 6 pm.

Sharon Christmas Celebration – A tree lighting and reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas at Sharon’s Veteran’s Park. Starting at 6 pm.

Children’s Ornament Workshop – Held at the Lake Geneva Public Library, children ages 4 – 13 can create a holiday memory. Hours are 11 – 1.

Parades – There are two parades in the area on Saturday, December 6. The Elkhorn Parade starts at 1:30 pm and the Lake Geneva Electric Children’s Parade starts at 5 pm.

Posted By: Karen Pearce



December 05, 2008

Lake Geneva is Dressed for the Holidays

Posted to Area Attractions & Events

Lake Geneva is all dressed for the holidays. Festive trees line the streets of the downtown area ready to add atmosphere for the big parade. You can take a fun drive to see The Twelve Days of Christmas which are in lights and larger than life all along the winding entrance in to the Grand Geneva Resort. There are more whimsical illuminations along the way, including a Santa hitting a golf ball in to the hole on a green. A delicious looking display of creatively decorated gingerbread houses are judged and displayed in the hotel along with elves and candy canes throughout. Performances of a traditional story can be seen at the Chapel on the Hill or a Christmas comedy at the Abbey Resort. There is also a visit with Santa at the Keefe Real Estate downtown office with treats for the little ones. Lake Geneva is truly a wonderful destination for all ages during the cold winter days.

Posted by: Nancy Lehman Lael Vandenburgh



December 05, 2008

Fun Events This Weekend

Posted to Area Attractions & Events

This weekend has a few fun events for you and your family. Visit the towns that are host to other lake areas. Conveniently located with a driving time of less than 2 hours and just minutes from the Illinois border.

December 6th at 6pm the place to be is downtown Burlington, WI. Don’t miss the Burlington Holiday Parade. Dress warm! Bring the kids, make it a night out. Not too far from Burlington’s downtown are Browns Lake (396 acres with depths up to 50 feet) and Bohner Lake (135 acres with depths up to 30 feet). Both are all motor lakes and during the winter season these lakes offer ice fishing.

Just up the street in Kenosha County is Silver Lake. The American Legion is hosting a holiday from 12 pm - 2 pm on Saturday December 7th. All age groups are welcome. Across from the American Legion is beautiful Silver Lake, this body of water is 464 acres with a depth of 43 feet.

These all motor lakes are filled with summer fun and winter festivities. Because the lakes are so affordable they are enjoyed by both the primary and second home owner.

Posted By: Mary Petersen