03.01.17

The Resorter

03.01.17

HOTELSmag.com

03.01.17

The Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Ready for some hot action on the cold snow? Then look no further than the AMSOIL Championship Snocross National Series finale March 17 through 19 at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa’s Mountaintop Ski Hill. Watch the top racers in the world as they compete for season-ending prizes on a rough-and-tumble course featuring soaring hills, tight turns and plunging descents. See page 7 for additional details

12) Full Moon Hike with Clearwater Outdoor, 8 to 9 p.m. Hike through Big Foot Beach State Park, meet at the pavilion just past the ranger shack. Free to the public, no registration needed. Headlamp or flashlight needed. State park pass required.

14) “Our Town” at Young Auditorium,Whitewater. 7:30 p.m.; Tickets: $16 to $26. “Our Town” is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, written by American playwright, Thornton Wilder. It tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. Presented by the American Shakespeare

Center. Tickets may be ordered online, by phone at (262) 472-2222, or purchased in-person on the UW-Whitewater campus.

15)“Two Gentlemen of Verona” at Yo u n g Au d i t o r i u m, Whitewater. 7:30 p.m. show presented by American Shakespeare Center. Tickets are $16 to $26. This play is a comedy by William Shakespeare that deals with the themes of friendship and infidelity, the conflict between friendship and love, and the foolish behavior of people in love. Tickets may be ordered online, by phone at (262) 472-2222, or purchased in-person on the UW-Whitewater campus.

17-19)Nielsen Grand Finale of the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series The top professional snocross racers on the planet will invade Grand Geneva Resort and Spa for three days of hot snowmobile racing. See page 7 for additional details.

19) Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra presents Chamber Music

– 3 p.m. at Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 320 Broad St., Lake Geneva. If you enjoy hearing the LGSO as a full orchestra, you will love hearing its players in the context of a piano trio, string quartet, brass quintet, or woodwind quintet. Now in its fourth season, the Chamber Music Series features a few small ensembles in their own dedicated performances.

26) Pasta Bar Fundraiser at Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake

Geneva. Event features great prizes including a one-night stay at the Abbey

Resort, Champagne Brunch at the Grand Geneva, tickets to Magic Waters Waterpark, tickets to the She’d Aquarium and more. Seats are limited – pick up tickets ($25 in advance) at Geneva Lake Manor, Harpoon Willies or Pirates Cove.

26) Florentine Opera Company

presents “The Billy Goats Gruff,” 3 p.m. Tickets: $5 adults; $3 Children 2 to 11; younger than 2 are admitted free. The Florentine Opera has adapted this classic children’s story for today’s audiences, using the beauty of opera to tell a tale. Seating is right on the auditorium stage. Children will have the opportunity to ask the performers questions after the show and tour the set.

Tickets may be ordered online, by phone at (262) 472-2222, or purchased in-person on the UW-Whitewater campus.

29) World Music Showcase at Young Auditorium, Whitewater. 7:30 p.m. show, tickets are free for members and $10 for all others. Egyptian musicians Tarek Abdullah and Adel Shams El-Din will perform. Tickets may be ordered online, by phone at (262) 472-2222, or purchased in-person on

the UW-Whitewater campus. Although we attempt to provide accurate information regarding area events, dates and times may change or events may be cancelled. We suggest you verify details before you finalize

your travel plans.

Get Your Motors Running

Top snowmobile racers in the world ready to attack Grand Geneva course

Professional snowmobile racing’s premier racing series – AMSOIL Championship Snocross – will host three days of high-flying racing action in

Lake Geneva March 17 through 19, at the Grand Geneva Resort

and Spa. The Nielsen Enterprises Grand Finale will feature the best snowmobile racers in the world, including some local talent, competing for year-end championships. Locally, Wisconsin pro snowmobile racers Ross Martin, of Burlington, and Kody Kamm, of Kenosha, will be in the hunt

for the premier Pro Open class championship. Martin was sixth in the season-long points standings and Kamm was second prior to the finale. Other area racers in the Pro Open class include Brett Nastala of Edgerton (14th place) and Justin Broberg of Mukwonago (15th place). “AMSOIL Championship Snocross series’ grand finale at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is without a doubt one of snowmobiling’s marquee global events of the year,” said Carl

Schubitzke, ISOC president/race director said. “Lake Geneva is where we crown our champions. It doesn’t get any bigger than AMSOIL Championship Snocross at Lake Geneva. “And the conditions are going to be perfect this year for the world’s premier professional snowmobile racers.”

Grand Geneva is home to the Mountain Top ski area that will supply the snow-making equipment to create the racecourse, which will resemble a lunar-like surface, complete with massive jumps, fast- cornering berms and tricky rhythm sections, according to race organizers. “Our staff and guests look forward to the AMSOIL Championship Snocross event each year and we’re honored to continue to be the host property for such an incredible

event,” said Tom Mason, general manager of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. “Snocross is one of The Mountain Top’s premier events each winter season.”

The Lake Geneva event is the eighth and final stop of the national tour series for the 2016-17 season. The event will feature three full days of racing in a variety of classes – from juniors to amateurs to professionals. Practice runs and preliminary rounds will be run on all three days. The finals in many of the top classes will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at noon on

Sunday. General admission tickets are $25 per day or $40 for all three days. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Parking is $5. The International Series of Champions (ISOC) bills itself as the premier snowmobile race sanctioning organization in North America and sanctions national

AMSOIL Championship Snocross, in addition to affiliating with nine regional

circuits. Visit www.isocracing.com for more information, fan and racer memberships, schedule details and more. The Lake Geneva Grand Finale is

among 17 one-hour programs of the ACS races that will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is an award-winning all-seasons resort set on 1,300 acres in Lake Geneva. The property features 355 guest rooms; WELL Spa + Salon; two championship 18-hole golf

courses; The Mountain Top, a three-chair/18-run ski and snowboard facility;

62,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and three restaurants.

For more information, visit www.grandgeneva.com

If you go…

WHO: 150 of the world’s top snowmobile racers

WHAT: The final stop on the 2016-17 AMSOIL Championship Snocross national series

WHEN: March 17-19

WHERE: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva

TIMES: Opening ceremonies are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon on Sunday.

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $25 per day or $40 for the entire three-day weekend! Children 5 and under are free. Parking is

$5. Tickets are available at the gate and online at www.isocracing.com

MORE INFORMATION: www.isocracing.com or www.grandgeneva.com.

02.28.17

Hotel-Online.com

02.28.17

HospitalityNet.com

Brad Lyles has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark in Lake Geneva – WI, USA

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark are pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Lyles as director of sales and marketing. In his new role, Lyles is responsible for overseeing all communications, marketing and group sales initiatives to continue to attract leisure, business and group travelers to both properties. The award-winning AAA Four-Diamond resort, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, which also manages family favorite, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. “We are thrilled to welcome Brad back to the Grand Geneva team and look forward to his leadership and expertise in marketing and sales continuing to elevate both Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge,” said Steven Magnuson, managing director. “Brad’s extensive experience and result-driven goals align perfectly with the objectives of both resorts and we are excited to continue growing both properties with Brad at the helm.

” An established leader in the hospitality industry, Lyles most recently served at Marcus Hotels & Resorts as the corporate director of sales, producing more than $200 million in total revenues for the division and formalizing many processes and systems to streamline collective marketing efforts and maximize effectiveness. He also served as assistant director of sales at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa from 2012 to 2014 where he revitalized the wedding and sales efforts, resulting in the largest amount of weddings in the resort’s history. Lyles also worked in the sales team with Caesars Entertainment and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and served as associate director of sales for the Westin Grand Bohemian Resort in Orlando.

See more here.

02.27.17

MeetingsToday.com

Brad Lyles

02.25.17

NorthwestQuarterly.com

Get Out & Play! Ideas to Make the Most of Your Winter

BY NORTHWEST QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

Cabin Fever setting in? Feeling a little down from all those overcast days? Cheer up, sunshine! No matter if you enjoy the frigid outdoors or a cozy room with a fireplace, we’ve found some of the best quintessential Midwestern ways to enjoy the snowiest months of the year.

Stay and Play in Lake Geneva

A weekend escape to Wisconsin can be as simple as heading to Lake Geneva and its Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, where you’ll have easy access to 1,300 acres of outdoors activities. The resort features several restaurants, a 20-run ski hill, a spa and salon, an indoor waterpark and several hiking trails.

Special events this winter include Shred Fest, on March 11, when skiers can show off their moves with contests and races at the resort’s The Mountain Top ski slopes.

Stay-and-play packages are available all season, including:

Stay and Ski Free

Lodge at the resort between Sunday and Thursday and ski for free at The Mountain Top. Includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room, two lift tickets and a discount on spa service.

Paint & Sip Package

Enjoy a glass of wine while following a step-by-step painting tutorial. Spend one night in a deluxe guest room and receive two tickets to the painting event.

Waterpark Package

Gain access to Grand Geneva’s sister resort, Moose Mountain Falls at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. The 50,000 square-foot waterpark, located indoors, boasts two gigantic heated waterslides, a lazy river and tropical-style hot tubs. Package includes an overnight stay at Grand Geneva and four waterpark passes.

Nature’s Superheroes

As children around the region celebrate the release of “The Lego Batman Movie,” naturalists at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, in St. Charles, are introducing them to the superhero’s inspiration.

Superheroes of Nature, held on Feb. 24, encourages youngsters and their parents to learn about a few of the humble bat’s true superpowers, including:

Echolocation

These nocturnal critters have their own form of radar to help orient themselves. The bat emits ultrasonic sound that bounces off objects and returns to the bat’s ears.

A Pair of Wings

The only mammal capable of flying, bats have “wings” composed of a membrane that stretches from each hind legs to their claws.

Big Appetites

Bats eat a wide variety of insects and can consume about 3,000 insects in a single night.

* Source: University of Illinois Extension.

* Food and drinks will be served. Advance registration is required.

Quiet Weekend Getaway

Need to get away for a few days? Consider heading to downtown Beloit, Wis., where there’s an urban renaissance in the making.

Stay overnight at the Ironworks Hotel and you’ll get a good feeling for the city’s transformation. This boutique hotel, located downtown, is adorned with rustic chic decor and incorporates actual mechanisms from the factory that once operated across the river. Some of the luxury suites inside come with accents such as fireplaces and soaker tubs. Downstairs is the casual yet classy Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint, which offers a steakhouse menu and white linen tablecloths, in addition to views of the Rock River.

While you’re exploring downtown, keep in mind that Ironworks Hotel is an easy walk to several attractions, including:

Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar

Stuffed burgers with a distinctly Wisconsin appeal, like the Wisconsinite: a burger stuffed with beer, brats and cheddar, and topped with fried onions.

Beloit College

The private college boasts two museums: the Logan Museum of Anthropology, with artifacts from indigenous cultures, and the Wright Museum of Art, which displays an array of work.

Bushel & Peck’s

This cafe and grocer sells a variety of fresh, local and organic foods. Look for homemade preserves or enjoy sandwiches, soups and breakfast at the cafe.

Beloit International Film Festival

From Feb. 24 through March 5, catch some 100 indie films, most of them shown at venues downtown.

Explore the Animal Kingdom

Exciting things are happening at the Midwest Museum of Natural History, in Sycamore. Long known for its collection of mounted animals, this family-friendly museum is launching several new features this year. The Water World exhibit, open through March, introduces visitors to rare fish and collected specimens from the world’s waterways. Later this year, look out for the new Discovery Den, filled with interactive displays like Babies of the World, which has a sanitized playing floor so infants can enjoy some tummy time with mom and dad.

You’ll also meet a few of these fascinating creatures:

Blue-Tongued Skink

The museum’s downstairs level includes several live critters, most of which are rescued pets. The lizard nicknamed Spartacus is one such rescue, and he loves to show off his signature blue tongue – a flashy warning to would-be predators.

Polar Bear

Upstairs in the mounted collection, this polar bear shows off his many adaptations to the harsh Arctic climate. Did you know, for instance, that he has black skin hiding under all that fur?

African Bull Elephant

Affectionately called Ralph, this elephant is one of only 11 fully mounted elephants in the world, and is the largest in North America. He was 55 years old when he died, and you can see the hardships of life in his skull and tusks, which rest below his mount.

Make Some Maple Syrup

The above-freezing days and below-freezing nights common in late winter start to wake up the trees from their winter dormancy. As their sap begins to flow, our region’s maple trees are ripe for harvesting. Learn about the maple syrup production process every weekend from March 11 to 26, during the Lake County Forest Preserve District’s maple syrup program. Programs run every half-hour from noon to 2 p.m. at Ryerson Woods, in Riverwoods. Reservations are required and large groups are asked to call ahead.

During your hike, you’ll learn about the anatomy of trees, how sap is made and how it’s transformed into syrup.

Identify the Tree

Without their leaves, sugar maples are best identified by their branching pattern and bark. Sugar maples yield more sugar from their sap than other tree species.

Drill a Tap

Using a hand drill, bore into the tree’s xylem, a part of trunk that resembles a series of straws. The xylem delivers sap from the roots to the branches and new buds.

Tap the Tree

Insert a spile into the drilled hole. This small metal spout channels the steadily dripping sap into a bucket. Once the bucket is full, it’s time to make some syrup.

Evaporate the Sap

Sap is mostly water, so it must be boiled for several hours in a process that concentrates and caramelizes the sugars into syrup. About 40 gallons of sap make 1 gallon of syrup.

Family Outing to Granite Peak

Why hibernate with the kids all winter when some of the Midwest’s premier ski slopes are a close drive from home? Granite Peak Ski Area, in Wausau, Wis., provides 75 ski runs, with options for skiers of all ages and skill levels, making it a popular choice for a drive-to family winter vacation. Keep an eye out for these late-winter attractions:

Family Festival Weekends

The most popular events all season, these select events appeal to skiers and snowboarders of all ages, with wagon rides, bonfires, fireworks and ski-and-stay packages. Festivals are held March 3-5 and March 31-April 2.

Spring Break for Families

Designed to fit any school’s spring break schedule, special lodge and lift ticket deals are available to families who want to enjoy some late-season skiing. Throughout March and April, Granite Peak provides petting zoos, scavenger hunts, costume contests for the kids and plenty of other entertainment. More details are online at skigranitepeak.com.

Spring Break for College Students

Both affordable and close to home, Granite Peak has several ski-and-stay packages and rentals available for college spring breakers – not to mention a lineup of music and live entertainment. Select hotels offer shuttle services for your group.

Take a Hike at Starved Rock

When the snow and ice settle in, the many miles of hiking trails at Starved Rock State Park, in Oglesby, Ill., lead you through amazing geologic and ice formations. Travel the low lands and explore the park’s 18 canyons, or stick to the high lands and spot bald eagles, which winter along the Illinois River. Or, explore everything on the guided hikes that depart from Starved Rock Lodge every weekend.

LaSalle Canyon

This canyon has one of the most stunning frozen waterfalls inside Starved Rock State Park.

St. Louis Canyon

This canyon is one of the best spots for a photograph.

Starved Rock Lodge

No matter what conditions Mother Nature delivers, hikers can cozy up at the historic Lodge and its Grand Hall fireplace, enjoy a meal at the dining room, or spend a night in the Lodge’s cozy accommodations.

Eagle Cliff

This high vantage point gives hikers a stunning panoramic view of the landscape and bald eagles in flight.

Wildcat Canyon

When conditions are just right, ice climbing is allowed inside the canyon. For the less-adventurous, two observation decks suffice.

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center

Located just across the Illinois River, along Dee Bennett Road, this lookout gives you an up-close view of the eagles and their hunting grounds.

Family Fun in Crystal Lake

No matter what the weather brings, Crystal Lake Park District is planning several indoor events geared toward multigenerational, family-friendly fun, including:

Mom/Son Luau

March 10-11, 6-8 p.m.

Grand Oaks Recreation Center.

For boys age 4-10 and their moms, these two evening dances include games and food, plus lots of dancing. Registration required.

Forts on the Courts

March 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Crystal Lake Racket Club.

Your team is given duct tape and cardboard, but it’s up to you to build and decorate your castle. Prizes go to the best design, fan favorite and most original. Registration required.

Ivy Ford Band

Feb. 24, doors open 7 p.m.

Park Place Banquet Facility.

This young Chicago-area musician is making waves on the local blues scene. Tickets: $10 at door. Cash bar available.

First Saturday

@ Colonel Palmer House

March 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Celebrate Women’s History Month and learn about Crystal Lake’s trailblazing ladies.

Visit the Nature Center

All season, Veteran Acres Park.

Tour the newly redesigned displays, search for geocached treasures or take a hike around the hilly terrain.

Play Your Luck at Potawatomi Casino

Get away to Milwaukee for a few days and experience Potawatomi Casino, one of the country’s largest tribally owned and operated casinos. Boasting nearly 1.1 million square feet, Potawatomi has a 19-story hotel, thousands of gaming options and endless entertainment. Here’s a sample itinerary to guide you:

Morning

Start off with a casual brunch at the Canal Street Cafe, which is all about comfort food. Top it off with a Bloody Mary at Bar360, located in the middle of the gaming floor. Afterward, test your luck at the Nest of Life bingo hall, where snacks are available in smoking or non-smoking sections.

Afternoon

Following lunch at another of the casino’s top-notch restaurants (Italian cuisine or Japanese?), take up a game of poker or play some of the nearly 2,500 slot machines. When you’re warmed up, head to the group gaming options, spread across nearly 100 table games. Certain games have a progressive wager, allowing players to make a side wager in a progressive jackpot.

Nighttime

Head to dinner at the award-winning Dream Dance Steak, which boasts a menu of steaks, seafood and more than 600 complementing wines. Then, head to the intimate Northern Lights Theater. March entertainment includes One Night of Queen and UFO/Saxon, though there’s free nightly entertainment at the Fire Pit Side Bar and Bar360. Wrap up the evening with a new game, like baccarat, before heading to your hotel room upstairs.

Play in the Forest Preserves

The 28 properties maintained by McHenry County Conservation District provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor play this winter. If you enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling, you’ll find it in the forest.

Festival of the Sugar Maples

Learn about the history and process of maple sugaring and sap collection on March 4, 5, 11 and 12, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, in Marengo. On your way out, pick up a spile and learn how to tap your own trees.

Evening Hike & Ski

Explore the woods just after dusk with an evening hike or cross-country ski at Pleasant Valley, in Woodstock, and Hickory Grove Highlands, in Cary. Trails are lit by solar lantern and are open until 9 p.m.

Snowshoe Rental

Whenever there’s more than 5 inches of snow, hikers in Glacial Park, in Ringwood, can stop by the Lost Valley Visitor Center to rent a pair of snowshoes. Equipment is available for men, women and children for just $10.

Winter Camping

It’s camping as you’ve never done before. Bring your tent to Thomas Woods, in Marengo, and stay overnight while enjoying the quiet winter woods and access to the trails. Reservations for individuals or groups must be made 10 days in advance.

Family Night

Spend an evening with the family at Glacial Park, where you’ll enjoy games, activities and a night hike, all in search of night critters and their calls.

Challenge the Mountain

Wilmot Mountain is showing off its new face this winter. The beloved ski slope, located on the Wisconsin border near Chain O’Lakes, underwent a $13 million renovation last summer that brought several improvements, including new lifts, a transformed base lodge and new terrain park features. Meals can be found at the new Walt’s Tavern, named for the man who founded Wilmot Mountain in 1938.

Events including the terrain park competition and the Slush Cup end-of-season bash provide extra reasons to visit. And, no matter the weather, crews are armed with 56 new snow guns to keep the hills powdered.

While you’re at Wilmot, be sure to check out these activities:

Terrain Parks

Two expanded terrain parks boast a combined 40 features, with lots of rails, jumps and boxes. Use the new double high-speed rope tows for a quick ascent.

Kids Lessons

Young skiers now have a dedicated place to learn and practice the sport. Sign up the kiddos for full-day lessons, where they’ll be supervised by instructors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inside the Burton Riglet Park, Wilmot instructors teach the art of snowboarding to kids ages 3 to 6.

Tubing Hill

Jet down Wilmot’s 22 tubing lanes, which stretch for 1,000 feet. Hop on the conveyor belt with your provided tube and do it all over again.

See more here.

02.23.17

Chicago Tribune: Chicago hotel offers $20.16 rate for Cubs home opener

Chicago Tribune featured the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown by Marriott’s special rate in honor of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series Championship. Guests can book at room for only $20.16 for the Chicago Cubs opening day games on April 10 and 11, to coincide with the team’s 2017 home opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 10. Read more here.

02.16.17

Nicole Battelle VanHook is new artist-in-residence at Cornhusker Marriott

02.15.17

NorthwestQuarterly.com

Creative Cocktails to Get You Through the Cold

BY LINDSEY GAPEN, ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR // WINTER 2017

Heat up your winter with some of these unique cocktails, which can be found only in our region.

Barrel + Rye, Geneva

B+R Old Fashioned

A whiskey signature drink with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Simple Syrup, Angostura bitters and Regan’s Orange Bitters

Da Baffone Cucina Italiana, Crystal Lake

Italian Margarita

Amaretto di Saronno, Tequila, Triple Sec and Sour

Bonus: Try the Bloody Caesar, made with proprietor Camille Giangrande’s own special ingredients.


La Tasca Tapas, Arlington Heights

Cranberry Mojito

Bacardi Limón, fresh lime, mint leaf, sugar, a splash of soda and a touch of Rose’s Cranberry Infusion Twist

Public House of Woodstock, Woodstock

Orange-Cranberry Moscow Mule

Orange vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice and ginger beer

Epicure Bistro, Barrington

Epicure Martini

Malibu rum, Bacardi rum, St. Germain liqueur, Crème de Cassis liqueur, griottines

Francesca’s by the River, St. Charles

Salted Caramel Kiss

A mix of salted caramel vodka and Rumchata in a martini glass drizzled with caramel and a melted caramel and sea salt rim

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva

Woodsman Martini

Woodford Reserve Bourbon sweetened with Wisconsin maple syrup, balanced with orange bitters and garnished with a twist

Shakou Sushi, Barrington

Fire & Ice 

Ty Ku jalapeno-infused Soju, mango puree, passion fruit puree, and fresh lime juice finished with a spiced rim

See more here.