Weekend Getaway in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

some of my favorite spots to sip, eat, and shop in the area...

Images via Pinterest

Lake Geneva has been a happy place for my family for decades. I’ve been going to my parents’ cute yellow cottage since I was a little girl, and now I get to take my husband and sons with me to enjoy the magic.

The Lake Geneva area has many little towns; including Fontana, Williams Bay, the town of Lake Geneva itself, Lake Delavan, and Lake Como. My parents’ cottage is in the Fontana area, which is walkable to a number of restaurants, bars, the Abbey Marina, and is steps from the lakefront. While I know Fontana best, I frequent the other towns and lakes in the vicinity.

If you are planning a weekend getaway to the area this summer, check out my list below. These are some of my favorites but the list is by no means comprehensive.

Stay

Maxwell Mansion, Lake Geneva: A boutique hotel which features a historic mansion and carriage house. The property also has a speakeasy, pool, gardens, and is a stone’s throw from downtown Lake Geneva. It is perfect for a girls weekend or a weekend getaway with your partner.

Coffee Shops

Boxed & Burlap, Lake Delavan: A great coffee shop where you can get breakfast sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and tea. It is worth the short drive!

Coffee Mill, Fontana: There are two Coffee Mill locations in Fontana, one of which is right off the lake and only open during the summer season. Every morning, I start my day with a cold brew from here and a long walk on the lakefront path.

Green Grocer, Williams Bay: If you follow me on TikTok you know I love a speciality grocery store - and that is exactly what Green Grocer is! They have a coffee shop inside that serves Colectivo Coffee. Another location is coming soon as of May 2025!

The Porch, Lake Geneva: Located inside Brick & Mortar, a home decor shop. It has coffee, wine, and small bites.

Images via Kathryn Sefer

Eat / Sip

Blue Heaven Ice Cream, Fontana: We head here often for a little post-dinner treat in the summer. Amongst the rotating menu, my favorite flavors are: Coconut Almond Bliss, Iced Latte, and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Geneva National, Lake Delavan: The resort has six different restaurants on the property. My favorites are Hunt Club and the Paloma Cantina.

Green Grocer, Williams Bay: If you love a speciality grocery store you must go to Green Grocer. It has a coffee shop and deli inside. I pop in there to grab groceries, homemade items, and sandwiches for the weekend!

Little Bar, Fontana: They have great thin crust pizza, available for dine-in or takeout. I usually do takeout and bring it back to the house to enjoy with salad and wine on our porch.

Jonathan’s On Brick, Lake Delavan: This is hands-down the best steak and wine place in the area. We celebrate birthdays and special date nights here.

Mars Resort, Lake Como: 10 minutes from Lake Geneva, you must go here for cheese curds, cocktails, and their Friday Fish Fry. It has an old-school Wisconsin vibe.

The Village Supper Club, Lake Delavan: This is located on the shore of Lake Delevan and recently completed a major renovation. Sit out on the back deck overlooking the lake for happy hour or dine inside the new space. Top notch!

To Do

Walk the Lake Geneva Shore Path: The path is public and located around the entire lakeshore with many entry points. While I have never walked the whole path, it is ~20 miles and takes 8 to 10 hours to walk. I usually walk on it for about an hour or until I get my ten thousand steps!

Rent a boat for the day: The lake is beautiful, and if you are up in the summer for multiple days you should rent a boat (and captain) for the day. Check out Gordy’s for rentals.

Visit Pearce’s Farm Stand: I think I may be Pearce’s Farm Stand’s number one fan. I leave with boxes of goodies, fresh produce, jams, dips, and flowers. It is open July through October. Some of my favorite items from the farm stand are their fresh salted butter, peanut butter cookies, corn salsa, beer cheese dip, pumpkin bread, flowers (and so much more!).

Shop in downtown Lake Geneva: During weekend getaways with girlfriends, I always suggest walking around downtown Lake Geneva to visit all the clothing and home decor shops.

Listen to live music at Gordy’s or Chuck’s, Fontana: Chucks and Gordy’s are located next to each other on the lake in Fontana. While you won’t find me here past 8pm any longer, I love stopping by for lunch, where I listen to live music and grab a burger and beer. Both places have outdoor seating overlooking the water.

Go to the Lake Geneva or Fonata public beaches: Both beaches are open to the public and are perfect places to spend the day, especially if you have young kids! My toddler loves playing in the sand and water at the Fontana Beach. Both beaches have lifeguards and snack stations.

Please feel free to share yours favorite places in Lake Geneva below!