Share on facebook
Share on pinterest
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

What to do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin | A Day Trip with What Riva Wore

Lake Geneva has always had a soft place in my heart. My family grew up with a cottage in Delevan, which is about 15 minutes away, but Lake Geneva was always my favorite. With the city being an hour from both Milwaukee and an hour and a half from Chicago, it’s the perfect place to go for a quaint weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day outside, shopping, dining, or spa services, Lake Geneva has it all.

Where to Eat | Oakfire

This Italian restaurant is not only one of my favorite restaurants in the Lake Geneva but is of all time. Oakfire offers a large variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and pizzas. Their attentive service and fast Neapolitan style pizzas are not to be missed while visiting Lake Geneva. The restaurant features locally grown ingredients and even FLIES their mozzarella cheese in from Italy! The approach to simplicity is seen with their fluffy crusted pizza from their pizza oven.

Not only is the food fresh, delicious, and authentically Italian, the views are some of the best in Lake Geneva. Oakfire has two patios, both facing the lake with, probably, the best views you can get. Soak up the summer sun with a cocktail in hand. Oakfire is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week.

What I ate.

Zucchini Pizza. Zucchini, Arugula Pistachio Pesto, Bufala Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Olive Oil, Lemon

River Valley Mushroom Gnocchi. Hand-made Gnocchi, River Valley-Baby Bella Mushrooms, Thyme Cream Sauce, Green Onion, Sherry, Shaved Parm, Crispy Pancetta

Margherita Di Bufala. Imported Bufala Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino Romano, Olive Oil

Margherita. Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino Romano, Olive Oil

Where to Shop | SoHo Boutique

Now, you all know I am a huge fan of SoHo Boutique, previously Stephanie Horne Boutique. I have been shopping with her since 2005. I saved up for this chic bracelet that Nicole Richie wore back in the day and have had it ever since. Stephanie’s approach is fashion is simple: she offers quality brands at an approachable price, mostly all under $100.

SoHo Boutique has a handful of locations including the Historic Third Ward, Naperville, and, now, Lake Geneva – located right on the main drag of Main Street. You have to visit Soho for their premium denim collection and high-quality apparel. 

What to Do.

The Candle Mercantile.

Imagine a handcrafted candle you created all by yourself. You know what you scent you like, but you just can’t find it. That’s where The Candle Mercantile comes to the rescue! You go through the store, pick up to three scents you like, and the experts recommend the recipe to you. From there, you mix and pour your own candle! Did I mention you can be sipping a glass of wine while doing this? Once your candle is poured, you can enjoy the space or walk through downtown Lake Geneva and come back to pick it up. The Candle Mercantile also offers custom room spray, body spray, diffusers, and a set of wax tarts.

Take the Ghost Walk

I went on the Lake Geneva Ghost Walk a few years ago and it was fascinating. Not scary – unless you count the squirrel jumping out of the tree at a dramatic point of a story – but it was so interesting. The tour is a great way to hear history of Lake Geneva, but you also get a good work out because the tour is about a 1.5 mile walk. There are no people jumping out at you, just a fun, historical walk guided by an educated leader. 

Visit the Grand Geneva

Even if it is just for a walk around their property, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is as beautiful as the name promises. No matter the time of year, there are gorgeous decorations on the property. My favorite time to visit is during the holidays. They have one of the largest decoration setups in Wisconsin. Coming up this year is their 12 Days of Christmas drive-through light show. 

Walk Main Street

There are tons of restaurants, salons, shops, and bars to hit up. Not to mention it’s so fun to see the history of the town. The main drag has architecture you’ll love and – my favorite – the vintage tiled entrances are still intact. 

Where to Get a Buzz

Boxed & Burlap is one of my absolute favorite coffee shops. I would be lying if I said I haven’t traveled to the Lake Geneva area JUST to visit the cozy spot, located in Delevan. Their fresh bakery items and delicious drinks are great, but my absolute favorite part is the main coffee shop building. Their first and second level are cozy and quaint. Their atrium off the main room is full of natural light throughout the year. Just off the coffee house is their rustic barn, perfect for a wedding. The Batten House (with the famous ‘Coffee’ painting) is a charming space for a shower or workshop.

A huge thank you to Sonya Kammes for the beautiful photos and an amazing day! If you are looking for lifestyle, editorial or branding photos, I highly recommend Sonya!

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Her wardrobe is an eclectic mix of patterns and colors as a result, varying greatly with each season. Needless to say, Riva Treasure is always on trend and on the lookout for new additions to her closet.

Leave a Reply

Subscribe to the blog!

More Posts

Unexpected Compliments.

Compliments from strangers. Why is that those compliments feel the most genuine? Probably because they are. I find myself admiring or what my husband would

Read More »

Riva Treasure

My name is Riva Treasure.  I’ve created this blog to share my personal style and my daily outfits. I love styling and mixing unexpected pieces. You can find me in a $20 blouse with a $1300 bag. Don’t ask me my logic! 

Subscribe to the blog!

instagram-bw

Currently obsessed

Close Menu

Let's Be Friends!

Follow along for fashion, styling, and lifestyle tips!