Have you started realizing you sound like your mother a little too often? This might mean it’s time for you and the kids to change things up a bit. Often a quick escape to fresh surroundings does the trick nicely.
“When everyone starts acting squirrely and I feel that ‘Calgon, take me away’ moment coming on, I know we all need to make an escape,” says Margie Karabas, a Wilmette mother of three. “We might pile in the car and head to the Shedd [Aquarium], or if I’m really feeling it, we’ll pack up and head to Lake Geneva.”
For Chicago and North Shore moms, the trip to the spring-fed Geneva Lake and its surrounding tourist towns is close enough to be convenient and promises a fabulous change of scenery that makes everyone feel as though they’re on a true vacation.
Karabas, who’s been coming up to “The Lake” for two decades, shares some family sweet spots — including Fontana Beach (for 5-star bathrooms and beach shop), Pie High Pizza (for family friendliness and superior Chicago pizza), Geneva Gifts (for kitschy souvenirs), Kilwin’s (ice cream heaven) and “we-can’t-get-out-of-town-without-stopping-here” Allison Wonderland (toys, toys, toys).
Parents and kids alike will love the huge range of family-fun activities the area has to offer — from paddle boarding, drop-in junior golf clinics and zip-lining to dancing horse shows, a magic theatre and museum.
Just a block from the pristine public beach, historic Riviera Pier and charming downtown, The Cove of Lake Geneva makes a strategic place to hole up happily during your family stay. Offering studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, this condo-hotel provides several spacious family-friendly floorplans — a far cry from the traditional and tight-fitting hotel room. Add to that the luxury of a kitchen, so if you’re watching your budget, you can pack cereals and snacks and splurge elsewhere.
Starting May 27, the Cove’s expansive outdoor pool complex opens with swimming and zero-depth designs plus a hot tub, Tiki Bar and poolside dining from Sprecher’s. Inside, there’s a Colectivo coffee bar for mom, an arcade for the kids and another pool and hot tub for everyone.
When planning a last-minute escape with the kids or your neighbors and their tribes, mid-week visits offer the best value and availability of suites. It’s always comforting to know there’s a scenic refuge nearby when a mental health day, week — or month — is needed.
Managed by Paloma Resorts, The Cove of Lake Geneva is a 222-suite condo-hotel in historic downtown Lake Geneva just steps from the shoreline. Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites feature kitchen, living room, fireplace, flat screen, whirlpool tub and patio/balcony. Amenities include indoor/outdoor pool complex, poolside dining, private cabana rentals, a Colectivo coffee bar, arcade, Sprecher’s Restaurant and 6,600 square feet of function space.
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