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 16, 2008

TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY…

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Williams Bay, WI

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working from the Keefe Real Estate office in the Abbey Resort and Spa, Fontana, Wisconsin.  Visitors and “locals” were arriving to view the production of Christmas with a Twist, presented by the Lake Geneva Theatre Company as part of the Abbey's holiday festivities. This reminded me of the wonderful history of live theatre in the Geneva Lakes area. 

Perhaps one of the oldest and most well-known theatre venues was The Belfry Theatre in Williams Bay.  During its heyday of summer stock productions, it claimed Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, and Gary Burghoff among its distinguished talent.  Unfortunately, the theatre is no longer viable, but its memory lives on.

Perhaps the newest addition to the performing arts scene in the lakes area is the Music by the Lake series presented at the Aurora University Campus, nestled on the shores of Geneva Lake, again, in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.  The concert series, originally produced in the 1950's and 60's featured such notables as Isaac Stern, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and John Denver.  Revived in 2001, productions showcase well-known artists from all musical genres, as well as aspiring opera and musical theatre artists from area colleges and universities, supported by an abundance of “local talent”.  In 2008, The Ferro Pavilion opened.  It “celebrates the beautiful surroundings of the campus and Geneva Lake while increasing the number of seats under cover.” If you've never experienced the performing arts “under the stars”, this should be your first stop!

The Lakeland Players perform in the historic Sprague Theatre in downtown Elkhorn, Wisconsin. 1300 people attended The Sprague's grand opening in 1928.  Built in the ornate architectural style of the times, it hosted silent movies, vaudeville acts and various radio and movie personalities.  In 1929 it even hosted the premiere of Tillie the Toiler, starring a local actress who had found fame in Hollywood.  Having fulfilled its purpose as a community movie house, in the late 1970's the theatre transitioned into a home for a vibrant community theatre troupe, The Lakeland Players.  Three productions are scheduled for 2009.

The Young Auditorium, located on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus is another theatrical gem. From the Russian Ballet, to productions such as The Little Mermaid, to student-faculty recitals, it “serves as a presenting organization for the performing arts and as an educational and cultural center enriching the lives of the campus and regional communities.” 

Whether you live in the Geneva Lakes area full-time, own a “get-away” retreat, or simple come to visit, be assured you'll be entertained!

Posted By: Janet Giovannetti