My wife and I met in Lake Geneva at a tiny bar called Hogs & Kisses on New Years Eve in 2003. Though it’s become a staple in our yearly travel, we were both vacationing there for years before we met each other. Over time things change, but here are some of our favorite stops en route to Lake Geneva from Chicago. No matter which direction you are coming from, you can still hit these spots along the way.
- Stop and shop at Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets before you head into Lake Geneva. It’s a nice halfway point from the city where you can take a break, use the facilities, and grab some new outfits for the weekend. Heck, you can even grab yourself an Auntie Anne’s Pretzel if you’d like.
While your there grab some gator gear, and don’t forget to pick up some thin hoodies from Lacoste for your friend Adam. There’s a Ralph Lauren nearby that can be hit or miss as well, and the Under Armour is usually a hit as well.
- Dazzle at the amount of alcohol and the low prices of Woodman’s. Grab your New Glarus and Karben4 here instead of at your next stop where the prices get exorbitant. Also, pick up any groceries you might want for your hotel in Lake Geneva as they are half the price here and you’ll find a WAY better selection.
- Split a sandwich at Mars Cheese Castle, get the German potato salad, and belly up to the bar there for a Central Waters draft. Don’t be afraid of the spreadable cheese and Ritz crackers that float around the bar, rather embrace it. The Brat Stop is nearby and is always a great choice as well, but this is usually a Sunday lunch stop on the return trip home.
- Grab a Spotted Cow at Champ’s Sports Bar & Grill and challenge your friends to some hoops! Start your day here or finish off the night in style here, but don’t stay too long or the atmosphere will suck you in.
- Make your way over Topsy Turvy Brewing for a fresh craft beer, either outside on the patio, or inside the peaceful confines of a beautifully remodeled church. Maybe pray to the sun gods for good weather while you’re there.
- For one of the best meals in Lake Geneva hit Next Store Pub. It’s some of the best pizza you’ll have in your LIFE time! The cheese curds are great too and they have a ton of food that appeals to kids. Don’t forget to take home a few bottles of their hot sauce, it’s the bomb-dot-com, and could make a great Christmas gift…for your friend Adam.
- Grab a drink and dance the night away at Hogs & Kisses. It’s small but oh-so-fun. The tiny dancefloor is enlarged by a giant mirror that runs along the back wall and seems to suck everyone in. But, as The Tubes say, “Just don’t fall in love!” There’s a lot of pheromones floating around this small space, and once upon the wooden platform I’ve seen many a couple come together.
- Don’t forget to get your chocolate from Kilwin’s, and yes, WAIT in the line. Patience is a virtue. When you get back to the hotel, you’ll be happy you have a chocolate-covered rice crispy treat and mint chocolate chip fudge, trust me. You’ll open that white bag and revel in the smell as you realize most food options are now closed save for pizza,
- if you can get up early enough, hit Joni’s Diner, it will take you back to the 60’s, which could be a good or bad thing. But the breakfast is otherworldly, and double up on the hash browns. Maybe there’s a chocolate shake, or black cow, in your future? Yes, that’s a “diner” style breakfast! My daughter had a shake here and I was super jealous when it arrived at the table. That’s how good it looked in those original Y-shaped milkshake glasses.
- If you feel like getting out of town (like ten minutes away) head over to Turtle Lake and check out this cute little restaurant on the water. You won’t believe it’s really back there, just follow Waze, and you’ll think you were transported to a new dimension or county. Turtle Lake Tap & Grill has the friendliest vibe, and you’ll have more privacy than you would in LG.
Enjoy your journey, and have so much fun! Please comment below with any fun spots I might have missed and any corrections.
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