July 30, 2009

Golf at Country Club Estates, Fontana, Wisconsin

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

Few would argue this has been a terrific summer in the Geneva Lake area, so when a perfect sunny afternoon presented itself, a colleague and I treated ourselves to nine holes of golf at Country Club Estates . Country Club Estates subdivision is located between South Shore Drive and County B in Fontana, and along with the golf course, has its own pier and beach on Geneva Lake. The semi-private golf course is well-maintained, affordable, and the rolling fairways and well-trapped greens make it challenging for all levels of play. Afterwards, we enjoyed a beverage and meal at Fischer’s in Lake Geneva. Watching the sunset on Geneva Lake from the outside deck was the perfect cap on an afternoon of sun, fun, and friendship.

Country Club Estates
Fischer’s

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



July 29, 2009

Pesche’s Greenhouse and Northwind Perennial Farm, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

I spent a lovely early afternoon celebrating a co-worker’s birthday at the home of a friend. While enjoying a beverage on her deck I was admiring her beautifully landscaped lawn and perennial beds. I enjoy gardening, but my skill hasn’t quite reached her level of perfection! Nevertheless, I was reminded of two wonderful gardening resources in the Geneva Lake area. The first, Pesche’s Greenhouse, is located on Highway 50, midway between Lake Geneva and Williams Bay. In addition to annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, furniture and gardening accessories, the greenhouse also features a lovely gift shop and floral department which has been the resource for hundreds of proms, graduations, weddings and the like.

Just north of the city of Lake Geneva, on Highway 120 is Northwind Perennial Farm, located in a charming rural location. Northwind, as the name implies, features perennial plants in a serene and sprawling garden showcase setting. In addition, the operation offers expert gardening advice, landscape design services, classes, antique shows, and other outdoor events.

I’ve been known to visit both gardening centers to walk among the beautiful plants simply to “recharge my batteries” – I highly recommend it!

Pesche’s Greenhouse
Northwind Perennial Farm

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



July 28, 2009

Bash on the Bayou at Kirsch’s French Country Inn on Lake Como

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva National, Janet Giovannetti

I’ve been recommending this wonderful summer Sunday afternoon entertainment to friends and visitors to the Geneva Lake Area, and I finally took my own advice this past Sunday. The Bash at Kirsch’s French Country Inn features a live band, dancing, and food and beverage service on the large deck and beachfront on Lake Como. This week’s featured Band was The Yard Dogs. There are five more Sunday afternoons scheduled, featuring Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys,Copperbox, and Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners.

There’s no better way to enjoy, the people, the lake, and the scenery. It’s the perfect end to a weekend “at the lake”.

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



July 24, 2009

Lake Como - Wisconsin, that is

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

Located directly north of Geneva Lake, Lake Como is smaller than both Delavan and Geneva Lakes, but that doesn’t diminish its appeal. At 950 acres and about 10’ deep, the lake affords great opportunities for boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing. Pontoon boats are particularly popular with those who prefer easy boarding and comfortable seating in order to enjoy a leisurely cruise with friends and family. On summer Sunday afternoons, Kirsch’s Restaurant at the French Country Inn, a fine restaurant and resort located on the south shore of Lake Como, sponsors its “Bash on the Bayou” featuring live bands. Patrons can take advantage of the outdoor seating and service, or, as many do, arrive by boat and listen to the entertainment from offshore. In addition to Kirsch’s, Mars Resort is also located on the south shore and features a lively “Wisconsin Supper Club” atmosphere featuring sandwiches, ribs and full dinners. And make sure you stay long enough to enjoy a beautiful summer sunset.

The Lodge at Geneva Ridge, Interlaken, and the Geneva National Golf resort surround the south shore and offer dining, accommodations, recreational opportunities and spa facilities.

Real estate surrounding the lake features affordable lakefront access through a community association on the north side along with a public beach and launch. For the most part, properties along the south side of the lake have private direct lake access and real estate prices reflect that difference.

Whether visiting for the day, renting for a longer time, or looking to purchase real estate, don’t overlook the many opportunities Lake Como offers.

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



July 24, 2009

Is the Walworth County Real Estate Market Recovering?

Posted to Janet Giovannetti

According to AP Real Estate writer Alan Zibel, data indicates the U.S. housing market has started to recover. He cites the following:

Sales of previously occupied homes rose for the third month in a row in June, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Home sales were up in all four regions of the country, beating economists’ expectations – the highest level since October.

The market share of foreclosures is down along with the inventory of homes for sale.

The median sales price was $181,000 in June, up from May, but still down about 15% from last year.

All real estate is local, and not every area is affected in the same way. But for the first time in a while, the overall picture is looking better. The Multiple Listing Service indicates in Walworth County there were 117 residential sales in June 2008 and 117 residential sales in June 2009. This follows the trend of the last 3 months where the change in number of sold listings in 2009 compared to 2008 has decreased from -22.7% to - 6.7% to 0. Since the beginning of the year, residential sales have steadily increased each month, from 32 in January to 117 in June.

Interest rates are low, first-time buyer incentives are still available and there are lots of properties to choose from. An investing adage states it is difficult to time the bottom of the market until its starts to rise. Is this your time to buy?

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



July 21, 2009

Evergreen Golf Club, Elkhorn, WI

Posted to Janet Giovannetti

Golfing! What a wonderful way to spend a beautiful summer day.

That is, of course, if you are 1) a good golfer and playing well, or 2) not a good golfer and playing well, or 3) playing poorly but you don’t care because ….

I had the good fortune yesterday to play in the Jane Payne Charmers Classic at Evergreen Golf Club, Elkhorn, Wisconsin. The annual fund raising event donates the proceeds to Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Care. The VNA provides home care, hospice, home medical equipment, IV therapy, flu shots and Lifeline services to residents in Walworth, Racine and Kenosha Counties.

In addition to the camaraderie of friends and family participating in the event, the Evergreen course itself offers 27 challenging holes, good food at the Bunker Bar and Grill, reasonable prices and a friendly knowledgeable staff. And, it’s easily accessible, located just north of Elkhorn on Highway 67.

Evergreen is one of the many golf destinations in Walworth County, but easily qualifies as one of the best. Even if you fall into the “you don’t care because.… “ category, remember; the summer is short. Play Golf!

For more information, click on the following links:

http://www.evergreengolf.com

http://www.co.walworth.wi.us/Human%20Services

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti