December 02, 2009

Observing the Observatory in Williams Bay, WI - Wordless Wednesday

Posted to Theresa Larsen, Williams Bay, WI, Wordless Wednesday

Photo courtesy of Jen Bronenkant


Posted by:Theresa Larsen



November 11, 2009

Joe to Go: Where to Find the Best Java in Walworth County

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley, Williams Bay, WI

One of my early morning rituals is to sit on the sofa with my husband and talk about what’s going on in our lives while enjoying a great cup of coffee. Naturally, having my own personal “brewmaster” is great – but on the days he’s not “perky” you’ll find me enjoying an extra-hot, soy latte at any one of several area coffee shops. So, which “daily grinds” get my vote? That’s easy!

  • Tickled Pink Coffee Bar in Williams Bay (82 S. Walworth Ave) – My favorite for the Alterra coffee they serve as well as for the amazingly fresh smoothies. This place is a favorite with locals and seasonal residents alike. Free Wi-Fi, Children’s Story Hour (seasonal), Tickled Pink Princess Tea Parties (call to find out more 262-248-9330), great seasonal lunches – homemade soups/salads and panini.

  • Geneva Java in Lake Geneva(located in the lower level of 735 Geneva St) – This cozy, lower level café is the perfect place to hide out on those cold winter mornings. This café had its start years ago in a tiny space on Broad Street. The owners have changed several times, but the coffee is still delicious and steaming hot.

  • Deakin Isle in Elkhorn (on the square at 41 N. Wisconsin St.– If you love to browse while you sip a cup of fragrant tea or coffee, then Deakin Isle is the place for you. A wonderful assortment of giftware and accessories makes every trip worthwhile. Not the best place to sip your café, but a great place for a little pick me up if you’re in the area.

  • Caribou in Lake Geneva (833 E. Main Street) – The cheery staff (even at the crack of dawn!) and free Wi-Fi make this a favorite among locals. They always have a light and dark brew and their summertime frozen coffee drinks are over the top. A nice addition to the local scene.

  • Daddy Maxwell’s in Williams Bay – Although not purely a coffee shop, Daddy Maxwell’s is the place to go if you love rubbing shoulders with the local rainmakers. Their coffee cups are generous, deep, and constantly refilled. You’ll barely find a place to sit in the summer months, but the rest of the year is perfect…and their breakfasts are amazing!

What’s your favorite coffee shop in Walworth County? Post a comment with information about it (location, wi-fi, what makes it special) and I’ll include it in a future blog. In the meantime, I wish you a latte great moments!

Posted by:Janis Hartley



August 25, 2009

Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, Williams Bay

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

For me, Labor Day marks the end of the lazy days of summer and always serves to remind me of the things I’ve been meaning to do but haven’t yet done. I vow each spring to enjoy all the outdoor amenities the lakes area has to offer, and each fall I find I haven’t swum, hiked, boated, gardened, or just plain basked in the warmth long enough. I’ve just added one more item to my list.

This Friday, August 28th marks the last guided tour of the summer through the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay. Kishwauketoe is the Potawatomi Indian word for “sparkling waters”. In 1989, in response to threats of development, the Village of Williams Bay purchased this 230 acre parcel and created the conservancy to “insure the protection of this fragile (Geneva Lake) shore land-wetland area for future generations.” The natural filtration capability of the wetlands cleanses runoff waters and protects the “sparkling waters” of Geneva Lake.

Kishwauketoe has a variety of ecosystems and offers over 4 miles of groomed trails, a boardwalk and viewing pavilion to enjoy the flora, fauna, and all the sights and sounds nature has to offer. So bring a bottle of water, wear comfortable shoes and show up at 9:00 a.m. at the Highway 67 entrance. Enjoy!

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 10, 2009

Observe the Perseid Meteor Shower from Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay Wisconsin

Posted to Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

On Tuesday, August 11, Yerkes Observatory, located at 373 W. Geneva Street, Williams Bay, is opening its grounds and inviting the public to view the Perseid meteor shower from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. . Guides will also be available to point out the stars and constellations. A program for the blind and visually impaired will be presented concurrently. What better place to observe the wonders of the night sky?

To register, click here, or call Yerkes Observatory at (262) 245-5555 extension 810.

Click here for more information about the Perseids.


Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



August 07, 2009

Corn, Brats, Fireworks – Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Posted to Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

Twenty five years ago, the Williams Bay Lions club launched its fundraising event known as the Corn and Brat Roast. This year, the tradition continues August 7th, 8th, and 9th, featuring disc jockeys, dancing in the beer tent, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday evening. Several years ago the event was expanded to include Friday evening, which many people use as a starting point for anniversary, birthday, and reunion parties. Local farms, most usually Pearce’s, are the source of the delicious sweet corn which is soaked, grilled in the husk, dipped in melted butter and eaten off the cob. The Lions grill the brats, hamburgers and hot dogs, and the Williams Bay Lioness Clubs hosts a dessert tent where homemade goodies are sold – the perfect cap to a lakefront meal.

Village Administrator Bob Carlson, who resurrected the fireworks program in 1984, coordinates the donation efforts for the fireworks, ensuring the program is not a taxpayer expense. The Williams Bay Lions Club is the largest contributor, and the Corn and Brat Roast is the largest fundraising event for the Lions who, this year, are focusing on paying for a new scoreboard at the Williams Bay High School football field.

The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. today, resumes around noon on the 8th and 9th and concludes at 4p.m. on Sunday, or when the food runs out. Don’t miss it!


Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



May 11, 2009

Looking for Open Houses to visit in Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha Counties? Over 120 Homes to Visit!!

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Delavan, Geneva Lake Area , Theresa Larsen, Williams Bay, WI

Tri-County Open House Event - Sunday, May 17th, Keefe Real Estate is offering over 120 Open Houses to visit in the following areas:

Complete Open House List

Abbey Springs Linn
Bloomfield Randall
Brighton Richmond
Burlington Salem
Delavan Sharon
Elkhorn Sugar Creek
Fontana Twin Lakes
Geneva Walworth
Genoa City Waterford
LaGrange Whitewater
Lake Geneva Williams Bay

For more information on having your home featured in our next Open House event, please email info@keeferealestate.com or call 800-690-2292.

Posted by:Theresa Larsen



April 10, 2009

The Piers Are In – Can Summer be Far Behind?

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

I drove past the lakefront in the City of Lake Geneva today and noticed the municipal piers were in! I can be one of the most unobservant people, so, my immediate reaction (after joy) was to wonder how long they’d been there. It was a beautiful afternoon, so I decided to drive around the lake and check the state of the piers. It’s been said that the only things that are certain are death and taxes. Lakefront owners might also add to that list “putting in the piers”. I’m happy to report (if only for my own reassurance) that the piers are in the process of being installed even as I write. Williams Bay’s piers are in, Fontana’s piers are about half-way installed, and a quick check of the shoreline near Fontana indicates some associations’ piers are in, and some are not.



The piers are removed from the waters’ edge in the fall to avoid being damaged by the heaving of the ice as it freezes and thaws during the winter. Then, in an annual rite of passage, the skeletal piles of metal and wood are transformed into what some might call a thing of beauty.

So, is it too much to ask for the grass to turn green?

For more information on pier services, check the following links: www.austinpierservice.com
www.gageboats.com/pierservice.php
www.reedsconstructionllc.com

Posted By: Janet Giovannetti



February 06, 2009

Lake Geneva Boat Club

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Theresa Larsen, Williams Bay, WI

Don’t Own a Boat? Well, maybe you don’t have to…

Welcome to Shared-Boat Membership at Gage Marine and the Lake Geneva Boat Club, located in Williams Bay. This type of shared membership removes the hassle that can be associated with boat ownership as members show up and enjoy their time on boats owned by the Boat Club. (Yes, there is a variety of boats at your disposal). And, if you are considering purchasing a boat then a one-year membership is a smart way to experience boating and Geneva Lake prior to making the commitment.

It is quite easy. Call Gage Marine to reserve your boat and time, arrive at the dock, jump in and hit the water! Wow. What else? Membership Options start at 3260/season with three other available packages and there are payment options. Another added benefit is the length of the season; May 1 through October1. What else? Full use of the Boat Club facilities – shower, changing rooms, cable TV and internet. Hmm. Convenience. Cost effective. Timely. For more information and to become a Shared-Boat Member please call Charlie Gary at : 262-245-5501 extension 5 or Web Site for Gage is : www.gageboats.com. Reservations are limited and being taken now!

P.S. Water safety is key to everyone on the Lake. Gage Marine can help you and your family with safety knowledge– a little or a lot.

Posted By: Margaret Canfield



December 31, 2008

Sale-ing into the New Year

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley, Williams Bay, WI

I used to be one of those “morning after Christmas” shoppers who jumped out of bed at the crack of dawn and drove with other like-minded buyers into the malls and onto Michigan Avenue in Chicago. No more. Several years ago I discovered the joys of a more relaxed way of post-holiday shopping here in Walworth County. Where I used to grab a travel mug filled with home-brewed coffee, I now enjoy a quiet cup of java at our local café’s. Whether it’s my favorite Chai Misto at the Lake Geneva Starbucks, or a fabulous steamed African Chai Soy misto at Tickled Pink in Williams Bay, or even a hearty brew from Caribou Coffee across from Geneva Lake, I no longer embark on my shopping spree with coffee stains down the front of my new sweater! First, a relaxed cup of chai or coffee; next, a few brief “hello’s” to neighbors and friends; finally, shopping!

My first stop is always The Cornerstone Shoppe & Artopia at the corner of Broad and Main in downtown Lake Geneva. I love the vast assortment of holiday décor items, sweet smelling Wickwood candles, artisan jewelry (not on sale, but beautiful), and great hostess gifts. The staff is incredibly good-natured and always helpful and don’t seem to mind the fact that I tend to “shop the sales”. I give them great P.R. because I think it’s definitely the place for unique gifts in a setting that’s welcoming and friendly. Next, I saunter over to the Overland Sheepskin Co Inc to peruse their quality assortment of fur and suede. Whether it’s a new coat, cozy sheepskin slippers for my husband, or just some “window shopping” for my January birthday, Overland makes me feel like I’m in Vail – not a bad place to be after the holiday. McCullough’s, on the corner of Broad and Geneva Streets, is an old-fashioned pharmacy and a new-millennium gift shop. Its sale is small, but you can find a few treasures there – so don’t miss it. McCullough’s is also a terrific source for Lladro porcelain figurines and Waterford crystal. Getting ready for a big New Year’s splash? Don’t miss Germaine’s on Broad Street where Germaine and her crew will help you find just the right outfit to ring in 2009.

In Williams Bay, Details in the Bay, is a small, not-so-well-kept secret filled with home décor and accessories with a definite French flair. Proprietress Joey Coleson has done an amazing job of collecting all of the trinkets, presents, and accessories we women love and placing them in this intimate and cozy setting. Details is located at the four corners intersection of Walworth and Geneva Streets, across from the fire house, tucked under Clearwater Spa. You’ll love seeking out treasures in the nooks and crannies here. Looking for more ideas on where to shop? Check out our local papers or email me at http://www.SellingLakeGeneva.com and I’ll fill you in on more of my “Sale-ing into the New Year” finds!

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 16, 2008

TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY…

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti, Williams Bay, WI

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working from the Keefe Real Estate office in the Abbey Resort and Spa, Fontana, Wisconsin.  Visitors and “locals” were arriving to view the production of Christmas with a Twist, presented by the Lake Geneva Theatre Company as part of the Abbey's holiday festivities. This reminded me of the wonderful history of live theatre in the Geneva Lakes area. 

Perhaps one of the oldest and most well-known theatre venues was The Belfry Theatre in Williams Bay.  During its heyday of summer stock productions, it claimed Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, and Gary Burghoff among its distinguished talent.  Unfortunately, the theatre is no longer viable, but its memory lives on.

Perhaps the newest addition to the performing arts scene in the lakes area is the Music by the Lake series presented at the Aurora University Campus, nestled on the shores of Geneva Lake, again, in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.  The concert series, originally produced in the 1950's and 60's featured such notables as Isaac Stern, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and John Denver.  Revived in 2001, productions showcase well-known artists from all musical genres, as well as aspiring opera and musical theatre artists from area colleges and universities, supported by an abundance of “local talent”.  In 2008, The Ferro Pavilion opened.  It “celebrates the beautiful surroundings of the campus and Geneva Lake while increasing the number of seats under cover.” If you've never experienced the performing arts “under the stars”, this should be your first stop!

The Lakeland Players perform in the historic Sprague Theatre in downtown Elkhorn, Wisconsin. 1300 people attended The Sprague's grand opening in 1928.  Built in the ornate architectural style of the times, it hosted silent movies, vaudeville acts and various radio and movie personalities.  In 1929 it even hosted the premiere of Tillie the Toiler, starring a local actress who had found fame in Hollywood.  Having fulfilled its purpose as a community movie house, in the late 1970's the theatre transitioned into a home for a vibrant community theatre troupe, The Lakeland Players.  Three productions are scheduled for 2009.

The Young Auditorium, located on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus is another theatrical gem. From the Russian Ballet, to productions such as The Little Mermaid, to student-faculty recitals, it “serves as a presenting organization for the performing arts and as an educational and cultural center enriching the lives of the campus and regional communities.” 

Whether you live in the Geneva Lakes area full-time, own a “get-away” retreat, or simple come to visit, be assured you'll be entertained!

Posted By: Janet Giovannetti



November 26, 2008

Homes in Williams Bay, WI

Posted to Williams Bay, WI

With so much to offer—gorgeous lake views, outdoor recreation, a tight-knit community and fabulous amenities—Williams Bay is a great choice when looking for homes in the Geneva Lake area. Whether you are relocating permanently, or searching for a vacation retreat, the real estate market has the perfect Williams Bay property for you. Williams Bay real estate includes a nice selection of spacious condominiums and single family houses, some of which are within steps of the Geneva Lake shore. Buyers can choose from modest cottages to grand estates, or they can choose from a selection of vacant lots and look into custom homebuilding in Williams Bay. No matter what type of home you are looking for, the Williams Bay real estate market has what you need to start your life in this wonderful Geneva Lake community.



November 26, 2008

Williams Bay, WI

Posted to Williams Bay, WI

The village of Williams Bay is one of southeast Wisconsin’s most popular vacation and relocation hotspots. Located on the west shore of the beautiful Geneva Lake, Williams Bay possesses small town charm mingled with casual sophistication—a combination that attracts thousands of people to come relax and enjoy the village’s many amenities and the surrounding natural beauty of the area. From swimming Geneva Lake’s clear blue waters to snowmobiling the gently rolling hills offshore, residents and visitors can pick from an array of fun and exciting outdoor activities in Williams Bay all year round. The village boasts a well-kept lakeside park and beach—Edgewater Park—as well as a community recreation center and the 230-acre Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, which offers over 4 miles of trails through woods, creeks, and wetlands. Williams Bay residents have access to the local George Williams Golf Course—one of the oldest public courses in Wisconsin—and they are also within minutes of the Abbey Springs Golf Course in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake or the Geneva National Golf Club on Lake Como.

Aside from its recreational opportunities and gorgeous Geneva Lake scenery, Williams Bay is also well-known as the home of the George Williams campus of Aurora University, located on the west side of town. This private, 4-year liberal arts institution is well-respected within the community, and contributes not only high quality education, but cultural enrichment as well. One of GWC’s most beloved events is the Music by the Lake summer concert series, which brings a variety of national performers to Williams Bay each year. The George Williams campus also sponsors 19 athletics teams called the Spartans—giving Williams Bay residents a chance to show their team spirit at home games throughout the season.