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Geneva Trip Guide
What to do
U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition (414) 332-2188; usnationals.org
Where to eat
Gino’s East of Chicago Chicago-area visitors hankering for hometown flavor will fid it inside the Harbor Shore of Geneva Lake hotel. The pizza always pleases; the salads are great, too. (262) 248-2525; ginoseast.com
Popeye’s of Lake Geneva Try the all-you-can-eat fish fry. (262) 248-4381; popeyesonlakegeneva.com
Where to stay
The Cove of Lake Geneva This lakefront option has an indoor pool that’s a hig with kids and a cash breakfast bar with muffins and coffee. (800) 770-7107; coveoflakegeneva.com
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa Northeast of downtown, choose a room or suite; enjoy golf and excellent restaurants, as well as an updated Well Spa. (800) 558-3417; grandgeneva.com
For more information: Lake Geneva Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 345-1020; lakegenevawi.com
More frosty fun in the region
Several places within an easy drive of Chicago hold free annual snow and ice festivals. Unpredictable weather can alter events, so call ahead to confirm schedules.
Rockford (mid-January) The winner of the Illinois Snow Sculpture Competition (90 miles northwest of Chicago) goes on to compete in Lake Geneva. High school teams also compete for top awards. While in Rockford, check out the Burpee Museum of Natural History, or get a burst of spring color in the nearby Sinnissippi Greenhouse. (815) 987-1600; rockfordparkdistrict.org
St. Joseph, Michigan (mid-February) This lakeside city (90 miles northeast of Chicago, on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore) becomes a winter playland during the Magical Ice Carving Festival. An ice-carving competition with 15 artists is the main attraction during the fest, which also features a magician and a chance for adults to take advantage of specials in the shops and to try some Michigan wines at a tasting. If you’re inspired by the ice carvings but want to warm up, check out the art on display in the many local galleries. (269) 985-1111; sjtoday.org
Downers Grove (mid-February) Twenty-five miles west of Chicago, an Ice Sculpture Festival features nearly three dozen contenders vying for cash prizes. Their works of art line Main Street. The family-oriented festival includes kids’ activities and food (630/725-0991; downtowndg.org