Lake Geneva Getaway Package Being Auctioned Off on Thursday, Dec. 11

by Ana Carolina Jorge

According to the Lake Geneva Visitor Center, other than the requirement to wear masks, it is basically business as usual around town. That’s great news for those of us tempted to bid on the Lake Geneva Getaway that will be auctioned off live at the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s Virtual Fundraiser Auction this Thursday, Dec. 10, from 7-8 p.m.

The small town of Lake Geneva, less than 90 miles from Chicago’s northwestern border, boasts a wealth of activities that conform to basic safety measures during this pandemic. The weekend stay at Bella Vista Suites in Lake Geneva affords an opportunity to get out of your own shelter for a couple of days, and seek out new pleasures for a change. The winning bidder will also get a bottle of wine from Studio Winery and a gift certificate to Tuscan Tavern and Grill.

With a privileged central location, Bella Vista Suites provides a number of amenities to enhance your Lake Geneva experience, including spectacular views of the park or the lake, fully equipped rooms, a private pier on Geneva Lake, a swimming pool and a spa.

While hunkered down safely in your Bella Vista condo, you will have numerous options to explore the town. The local tourist website lists the various attractions in the area: beaches, family activities, adventure, golf courses, orchards and farms, parks and nature areas, hiking, biking, camps, retreats, rentals (boats, bikes, scooters, classic cars), resorts, laser tag, paintball, winter activities, water parks, a Clue Room, even hot air balloon rides and a safari. Thrill seekers can take yet another short trip to the Milwaukee area and go skydiving.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lake Geneva, like most places, is under some restrictions that have affected local businesses and tourists. Wisconsin currently requires the use of masks indoors and in enclosed spaces. Outdoor bars and restaurants, taxis and ride-share vehicles, public transportation, as well as outdoor park structures, stadiums or bleacher seating and boats open to the public are all considered enclosed spaces.

Still, a visit to Lake Geneva promises to be memorable. The Geneva Lake Shore Path, a must see, is open--visitors are just asked to follow social distancing guidelines. The winter Ice Castles, according to the Chicago Tribune, will open for the winter 2020-2021 season with safety precautions.

Of course, certain activities, like the ziplines and the ski slopes are seasonal, but beautiful and calm lakeshore walks and scenic sunsets over the lake…those you enjoy any day of the year.

The Lake Geneva Getaway package is one of three offerings being auctioned off during the Zoom fundraising event on Thursday. In addition, a spectacular custom-framed, signed Tony Fitzpatrick print will go to the highest bidder, as will an opportunity to get a cooking lesson from world class author Vu Tran, along with a signed copy of his novel Dragonfish.

Ana Carolina Jorge is a recent graduate of DePaul University with a Master’s degree in Writing and Publishing, specializing in non-fiction writing. She is currently doing an internship with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.