This weekend Hayden and I celebrated one year of engagement by exploring the beautiful Lake Geneva! It was our first time visiting in the summer, and we can totally see why it’s such a popular tourist destination. We enjoyed lakefront dining and a cozy suite while relaxing and celebrating all that we have been through and all that’s to come!
STAY
Stay at Maxwell Mansion for ultimate luxury! This boutique hotel is gorgeous and takes even the smallest details into consideration.
We stayed in a Stable Suite with the coolest steam shower. The pet-friendly rooms are located in the Carriage House and the fee is $55/night (-which includes a gift for your dog!).
DRINK
The Maxwell Mansion has 2 incredible bars on site. Visit The Apothecary* for great vibes and an opportunity to explore the first floor of the mansion. There are so many cool nooks and booths to post up in to enjoy one of their cocktails. Pups can’t come into the mansion building, but there’s plenty of patio space out back where you and your furry friend could enjoy a drink or two.
Next, find the Speakeasy*. You can visit Maxwell Mansion on Instagram to try to get the password, but good luck finding your way into the place! The prohibition theme is alluring, and they have lots of cards and games to relax with.
Magpies has a super cool patio with a giant fireplace, 3 sets of bag boards, and a dog-friendly area!
EAT
We ate some delicious pizza and fried ravioli at Oakfire. Their lower patio is dog friendly, but there is also an upper patio that gives great views of the boating action on Lake Geneva.
Popeyes is right downtown across from the Rivera Fountain. They have a beachy cocktail menu, the best shrimp and lobster bisque, and are known for their outdoor rotisserie. Their massive patio is dog-friendly.
Head over to Lake Como to get your supper club fix at Mars Resort*. Grab an old fashioned and a seat on the beach while you wait for your table.
Last but not least is Pier 290*. Our dinner reservation there was definitely a highlight of our romantic weekend. It’s fine dining right on the water. The food was great– especially their French onion soup and cobbler!
FUEL
Inspired Coffee is a gem in downtown Lake Geneva. Not only do they have great coffee, a dog-friendly patio, and savory scones, they also have an awesome mission that is helping change the conversation around disability.
EXPLORE
Play a round of golf at The Brute course at the Grand Geneva*! Hayden loved this course and found it challenging in all the right ways. He also recommends their bloodies! While Hayden was golfing, I took a walk along a section of the Lake Shore Path. It’s a 21 mile long trail that goes all the way around the lake and through the backyards of the incredible mansions. You get to see them up close and they are MASSIVE! The path is dog-friendly, but make sure you are paying attention, as the terrain changes often. I recommend hopping on the trail at the library.
Next, I took a Lake Geneva Cruise Steam Engine to Black Point Estates*. This historic 13 bedroom summer home was built in 1888 and is still stunning today! After you soak in the history and beauty of the home and gardens, jump back on the boat and enjoy a cocktail as you cruise back to town.
Be sure to add Lake Geneva to your summer bucket list to check out all it has to offer!
*=Not Dog-Friendly
If you need other dog-friendly trip ideas, check out our Bayfield guide here!