#LakeGeneva #MidwesternGem #GrandGenevaResort #MakeItGrand #AdventuresAwait #LiveLifeFully #BeLit #HorseBackRiding #IndoorRockClimbing #Karaoke #LakeShoreTrail #Fishing #GoodEats #SomethingLikeAFoodie
I cannot stress enough the importance of having the right people in your circle. I begin this post off with that truth because I am so grateful to my cousins for suggesting Lake Geneva to celebrate my birthday this year! Lake Geneva was on my "to go list", but I admit, I wasn't very aggressive in my plans to go there. But, thank God for the right connections and conversations! I went to Lake Geneva recently, and it was everything and then some!
I cannot stress enough the importance of having the right people in your circle. I begin this post off with that truth because I am so grateful to my cousins for suggesting Lake Geneva to celebrate my birthday this year! Lake Geneva was on my "to go list", but I admit, I wasn't very aggressive in my plans to go there. But, thank God for the right connections and conversations! I went to Lake Geneva recently, and it was everything and then some!
Let's start off with the basics. Lake Geneva is in Wisconsin, with plenty of lakes, good eats, jaw-dropping mansions, their fair share of resorts for guests to have exclusive experiences, and friendly residents. The town is very dog friendly too! The drive up from Chicago was not bad at all. There are quite a few noteworthy pit stops that one can make while en route ranging from shopping, to amusement parks, to state parks, and even activities for the more adventurous type (zip lining, indoor skydiving, etc).
I stayed at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, one of the many resorts that Lake Geneva has to offer. Without even going out into town the first day, there were plenty of options to enjoy. The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers reasonably priced horseback riding, indoor and outdoor pools, an adventure and fitness center, golf, a whole resort schedule of indoor and outdoor activities, a waterpark, a free petting zoo, a spa that is heavenly, and restaurants that have some of thee most delicious food!
For those traveling on a budget, let me say, there are a number of activities you can participate in for free simply because you are a guest. Now, don't panic when you see the prices of the food. It's well worth it! But of course, if you stay in any of the villas on the resort, you can bring your own food, and cook either inside your villa's room or use one of the outside grills. However, I believe everyone should have to eat at the Geneva ChopHouse on their bucket list--that's how good the food was! Plus, you dine with a great view of the golf course and a beautiful fountain. If you dine around 9 PM on Sunday, you'll have an outstanding view of the firework show the resort does every Sunday during the summer. As for those free activities, you can head over to the Timber Lodge's activities area and participate in Bingo games, karaoke, etc winning other freebies! My cousins and I went over there, got our Beyonce and Temptations on with karaoke, and won free tokens for the arcade, free pretzels with cheese, free cookies, and a free pop!
Now, let's chat about the spa... the first word I would use to describe it HEAVENLY! While granted, if you're on a budget, the paid spa services are pricey, but once again, it's WORTH IT!!! But if your pockets are singing a Teairra Mari's "I Ain't Got It", I understand. The jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, fitness room, full-size basketball court, and amazing three-headed shower are all available for you for free by you being a guest. Also, the relaxation lounge, I'm convinced, is where relaxation, meditation, and nirvana, and utopia all met up and made a baby for us to enjoy. Thoughtful touches the Well (that's the name of the resort's fitness center and spa) made were adding lemon and eucalyptus to the steam room; Himalayan salt to the sauna; in the relaxation lounges, lemon and lime infused water, perfect ice cubes, and fresh fruit are available; and a motivational hashtag to motivate guests: #MakeItGrand
The Well also offers tennis and indoor rock climbing for a small fee. I personally went for indoor rock climbing, and it was a great experience. You sign up for either 30-minute or 1-hour sessions. During that time your party (up to six) is there with a staff member for safety. This was so much better than the places I've been to before where you are climbing with a bunch of strangers or awkwardly waiting for someone to finish on their climb. They have different levels for the climbers, so whether you are a beginner, advanced, or a pro, they got something for you.
After we've used the grill for some delicious hot links and turkey burgers for lunch, had the Chop House for dinner, saw an impressive firework show, the next morning called for some fishing, exploring the shore trail, and kicking it with the fur babies. The men went off to fish near the Abbey Resort (about 20 or so minutes away from the Grand Geneva Resort). Us ladies took to the Lake Geneva Shore Path in downtown Lake Geneva (5 minutes away from the resort), and we definitely got a dose of motivation by way of multi-million dollar real estate right on the lake with private lake entrances leading to fabulous boats and even yachts. While getting our steps in, we were able to chat with the locals, snaps some photos, and have those tranquil moments taking in the beauty of nature by the lake. Then it was time for the fur babies after we walked a few miles of the trail, the men caught 9 fish, we were ready to ride the horsies on an old town road lol.
I must say, the stables were clean, better smelling than you would think, and the workers were so pleasant. We were given an opportunity to formally meet our horses before we hopped on and rode for 45 minutes. Throughout the trail, there were themes that we rode into, which I thought was an interesting and fun addition. After our ride, we went over to the petting zoo, which is free. There was an adorable donkey named Lil Jon, who was so sweet. Most people melted over the pony and the sheep, but yeah, I connected most with the donkey and the goats lol.
Now, after the stables, the rest of my party left to get back home, but I remained. Lake Geneva most definitely is a place that whether you are solo or a part of a group, you will enjoy yourself. This is the time that I went through the resort more slowly and was able to take note that this place is riddled with photo opportunities! So my trusty Bluetooth tripod and I got to work! Then, I went out into the town, met some locals with their fur babies, got ate up by mosquitoes, and enjoyed the breezes. If I could change anything about my trip, I would have brought more repellent. The mosquitoes were the ONLY downfall of the trip--a trip that was a full, three days. I truly could've stopped by the Walmart that wasn't even 5 minutes from the resort, but I didn't want to pull away from the experience much, so I have no one to blame but myself when I look down at my bites. When I returned home, I was like, "I had fun...the food was amazing...I'm definitely going back...pass the hydrocortisone, please!!!"
Overall, I highly recommend Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI for your next mini-getaway. It truly is a Midwestern Gem! Lastly, if you go for your birthday like I did, you are truly celebrated at the resort and offered freebies that range from cake, ice cream, champaign, and even full appetizers!
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