Chicago in the summer is magical, but sometimes it feels so good to get out of the city. On a recent weekend, I escaped the busy pace of the Chicago summer and headed to the Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for a 24-hour getaway.
The sprawling resort that was the original Playboy Club has become a complete travel destination with several accommodation options, six restaurants, horse stables, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a golf course, tennis courts, rock climbing walls, and even hills for skiing in the winter. It’s biggest selling point might be that it is just a 90-minute drive from Chicago, making it an ideal destination for a quick getaway.
I joined a group of eight other Chicago bloggers on a mini press trip where we got a taste of the many activities and dining experiences that the Grand Geneva has to offer. We started with lunch at Links Bar & Grill. We sipped mimosas and bloody marys, and feasted on fried cheese curds and sandwiches.
Some of the ladies on the trip had never tried a fried cheese curd, and it was the perfect way to welcome them to Wisconsin. The curds we so good that we had them at lunch the next day too.
After lunch, we took the Grand Geneva’s trolley over to the ski hill where they set up archery in the summer.
Archery is something that I had never tried before, and it was more challenging than I anticipated. Lots of arrows ended up in the grass.
It was a hot day, so we were excited to head to the pool for a pool party. We were all staying in the villas at the Grand Geneva which have their own pool.
The Grand Geneva staff prepared pitchers of Peach Sangria, Margaritas, and Mojitos and some snacks for us. I loved the Peach Sangria it was a perfect cool refreshing drink to have on a hot day.
We floated around the pool (it was the perfect temperature), sipped cocktails, and enjoyed the beautifully warm sunny day for a couple hours until it was time to get ready for dinner.
That night we had dinner at Geneva ChopHouse an elegant restaurant specializing in steaks and seafood. The menu focuses on steakhouse classics and executes them wonderfully. I dined on a blue cheese crusted filet and indulged in several side dishes including super creamy mashed potatoes and creamed spinach.
A bunch of the bloggers ordered the twin lobster tails, which looked wonderful. For dessert, the Grand Geneva sent out platters of cakes so that we could get a taste of everything. I especially enjoyed the carrot cake!
The next morning I had an incredible massage. Followed by breakfast in bed. It was such a luxurious way to start a Monday morning, and the week ahead.
It was a fantastic quick trip and I was sad to see it end. I loved the accommodations, and I felt right at home at the Grand Geneva. I wish I could at stayed longer, and I definitely joked about moving into my villa permanently.
I stayed in one of the new villas at Grand Geneva, and loved that it was a mini home away from home! Each villa is its own little home, with lots of beautiful flowers at the entrance, a kitchen, sitting area, and a terrace overlooking a large lawn and pool. I stayed in a one bedroom villa, but studios, 2, and 3 bedrooms are also available. Lucky for you, Grand Geneva is offering my readers 30% off toward their stay at one of the villas between now and December 31st (there are some blackout dates)! Just use the code: THEKITTCHEN and book here.
This post was created in partnership with Grand Geneva. The opinions expressed are my own.
What I Wore:
photos 1, 5, 12, and 14 by Ryan Rivas Photo, photos 7 and 9 by Melissa Ferrara.
Betsy Glenn
Sunday 27th of August 2017
We almost stayed at the Grand Geneva this past November but the prices were too high for the weekend we were looking at. Might have to do another Lake Geneva weekend this fall and use that coupon code!
Jenn Lake
Wednesday 16th of August 2017
The post looks AMAZING! The property is so beautiful, and it's so fun to see you capture it through your lens.