Everyone deserves a break now and again and what better way to reconnect with your partner than to escape the craziness of everyday life for a quick getaway? Just a few hours north, you’ll find one of Wisconsin’s best treasures — Lake Geneva
This picturesque community, nestled along the shores of Geneva Lake, is the perfect location for your next couples retreat! Here are a few ways to heat things up in Lake Geneva!
Heart-Racing Fun
Fancy a date in the treetops? Lake Geneva Canopy Tours & Outdoor Adventure Center offers a number of zip lining adventure options for lovebirds seeking an adrenaline rush. The facility, open year-round, sits on 100 acres and also features nine miles of trails for biking enthusiasts to enjoy as well as a high ropes excursion.
There are several different zip line tour options available. Some of the most popular for couples are the evening tours, which run 2½ hours in length; the famous fall Pumpkin drop — where participants race down a dual zip line and attempt to drop a pumpkin on a bull’s-eye for a prize; and a special tour package on Valentine’s Day.
Eric Wood, facility manager, says zip lining is a great date activity and he has witnessed several proposals in the trees. What makes a zip lining date so special, he says, is the uniqueness of it. “You are participating in a pretty unforgettable experience together… It will be something you both will remember for a long time.”
Take Your Relationship To The Next Level
A hot air balloon ride with the Lake Geneva Balloon Company may be the perfect way for couples to get a little closer.
Company owner and chief pilot John Trione, who has worked in the ballooning business for 17 years, says balloon rides are available until the end of October, or, weather and schedule permitting, the first couple of weeks in November.
The breathtaking sunrise and sunset balloon tours are a good way to rekindle the romance. Guests will enjoy gazing out across the picturesque scenery as they float across gently undulating farmland or Geneva Lake. All rides end with a champagne toast at the Lake Geneva Pie Company.
Wine And Dine Your Date
With secluded nooks and crannies, cozy booths and a dimly lit and romantic atmosphere, Tuscan Tavern & Grill is perfect for first or 50th dates. It also has been the site of a number of marriage proposals, according to Manager Rob Gurske.
The historic atmosphere of the Baker House lends itself to a romantic evening, as you dine and enjoy cocktails seated in wingback chairs, beside a glowing fireplace. For a special evening, reserve a private chef’s dinner where you can dine on four or five-course prix fixe dinners in the mansion’s parlour.
historichotelsoflakegeneva.com
Romance Beneath The Stars
Explore distant galaxies with a visit to Yerkes Observatory, located nearby in Williams Bay, just steps from Geneva Lake. Terkes is home to the largest refracting telescope in the world. Visitors can enjoy free tours (donations are encouraged) on Saturdays, in addition to special events throughout the year. Arrive early and explore the 77- acre grounds and take note of the beautiful architecture, including the 90-foot dome, dating back to 1897.
astro.uchicago.edu/ yerkes/index.html
Relaxation For The Senses
Heat things up with your partner when you book couples massage treatments at the Well Spa + Salon at Grand Geneva Resort. You will share a treatment room where you can customize your massage therapies and even add aromatherapy for a deeply relaxing escape.
Embers Terrace, outside the Geneva Chophouse (located on the Grand Geneva property), is a great place to grab a glass of wine and unwind further after your treatments. Come back the following day to enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, or sleigh ride (weather permitting) at Dan Patch stables, located near the entrance of the resort.
Serene Setting
For couples looking for a unique and secluded hotel stay at the end of the day, Lazy Cloud Inn is a welcome retreat. There are two locations of Lazy Cloud properties, Lazy Cloud Inn along Highway 50 in Lake Geneva, and a Lazy Cloud Bed and Breakfast located in Fontana.
The inn is unique in a number of ways – from the enchanting twinkle lights adorning the feminine-yet-rustic individually themed accommodations, to the double whirlpools in each room’s sitting area.
Owner Carol Tiffany says her properties offer one extra charm. “Most other hotels don’t allow bubble baths, but Lazy Cloud Lodge does,” she says. “We even provide the bubbles.”
Each room at Lazy Cloud Inn features a fireplace and most include private decks and patios, which beckon guests to partake in romantic dining under the stars or enjoy calming views of the woods or gardens. Tea candles, complimentary chocolate dipped strawberries, champagne and raspberry meltaway chocolates also add to the inn’s appeal.
With few TVs and a no-kids-allowed policy, couples will find the peace and solitude that may be absent from their typical routines.
This article originally appeared in the 2015 fall/winter issue of Experience Wisconsin magazine. The contents of this article were checked for accuracy when it was published; however, it’s possible some of the information has changed. We recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the destinations, attractions or restaurants mentioned in this article.
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