08.15.16

GolfVacationsMag.com

Lake Geneva . . . It’s Always Been the Place for Golf

August 15, 2013

LAKE GENEVA, WI – Arguably one of the top golfing locations in the Midwest, Lake Geneva is known for its 22 beautiful courses that combine lush landscapes with inspirational challenges and earned bragging rights. Nowhere else in America’s Heartland is this outstanding variety and easy accessibility available almost year-round.

“When it comes to golfing, Lake Geneva is an unmatched destination for three of four seasons of the year,” said Grace Eckland, marketing & PR director, Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We uniquely accommodate serious players and competitors, as well as beginners, women and kids with various courses, lessons and special opportunities.”

Championship courses in the Lake Geneva Area were designed by some of the most prominent names in the game, including Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Trevino, Dye and Cupp. And Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler each have named several of the area’s courses among the best in the region and the country.

Golfers can choose from two tournament-quality 18-hole courses at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, or hit the links at any or all of the three championship courses at the Geneva National Golf Club. Abbey Springs Golf Course and Hawk’s View Golf Club, with a 4-1/2-star rating by Golf Digest, showcase rich, wooded beauty and mature vegetation.

Located among 275 tree-lined acres, Lake Lawn Resort’s championship golf course in Delevan is a historic masterpiece, first opened in 1921 and then spectacularly re-engineered in 1990 by renowned architect Dick Nugent, known for his work at Kemper Lakes.

The 27-hole public course at Evergreen Golf Club has been recognized as an outstanding value, and Country Club Estates, once a private golf course, facilitates a quick game over its nine hole, par 35 wooded, hilly terrain. And beginners, families and kids can enjoy a walkable par-3 experience on the Barn Hallow Course at Hawk’s View, or tee up on the 18-hole miniature golf course at Paradise Golf Park alongside cascading waterfalls.

Many courses also offer clinics, lessons and special tee times to meet the needs of individuals or for group outings. And when golfers hit the 19th, or 37th or 73rd hole, they can take advantage of the multitude of nearby accommodations, dining options and attractions that make up the Lake Geneva area.

Golf courses are open in summer, fall and spring to maximize playing time and take advantage of seasonal highlights.

About Lake Geneva
Nestled on the northeastern shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin, Lake Geneva has been a resort community since just after the Civil War when wealthy Chicago families discovered the site and began building summer homes there. Today, the elegant, often historic estates still ring the lake and can be viewed from the water or by foot via the 21-mile walking path that circles the lake.

Lake Geneva boasts a wealth of dining options and lodging choices with the latter ranging from luxury spa resorts to rustic inns to lovely B&B’s. The area also offers pristine nature areas and a wealth of attractions. For information on Lake Geneva, honored as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.lakegenevawi.com or call (800) 345-1020.

See more here.

08.04.16

The Resorter

Head PGA Golf Professional Kyle Kunash to compete in the Wisconsin State Open

Gand Geneva Resort & Spa’s Head PGA Golf Pro Kyle Kunash has qualified for the Wisconsin State Open. Kanas has had a great season, including the recent WPGA Match Play Championship where he placed second.

Kunst has over 10 years of experience as a PGA Pro and has completed all work experience for all three levels of the PGA/PGM program. He is also the 2004 winner for the Club Championship at the Golf Club of Illinois. The Washington State Open will take pace Aug. 15 to 17 at Black Wolf Run.

08.03.16

Hotels Magazine: Susan Terry on Recruiting

Recruiting Renewed

susan Susan Terry says hotels have an F&B staffing crisis, and she has a way to mitigate it.

Go beyond posting a job description and determine how to attract the right employees in the first place, says Terry, who joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, early this year as vice president of culinary and food & beverage operations after 25 years at Hyatt Hotels Corp. Where to start? Look at your social media streams—not as a customer, but as a potential employee. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn all offer insights into work culture. “What’s critical is that you tell a story they can connect with,” she says. Connecting might mean emphasizing not the company’s benefits policy but its recycling policy. The story is told visually as well. Being active on Instagram is critical, and not just to post photos of whimsically plated entrees. Prospective hires “want to see the real back of the house,” she says. “They want to see it raw and unfiltered so they have a sense of who these people are.” Terry says she has come to realize that on LinkedIn, she isn’t just touting her accomplishments. She is selling herself as a potential boss. “What’s evolved is the way I write it—it’s not corporate-speak. It’s Susan-speak.”

Another aspect of corporate-speak to eradicate: meaningless job titles. “We post these crazy titles that are only relevant in our industry. What’s a Cook 1? Explain what the heck the job is and give them a few bullet points.” Bottom line: “If you want creative people, recruit creatively.”

Read The Full Article

08.03.16

TravelingMom.com

5 Reasons Lake Geneva’s Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is a Great Escape for Families

Posted by Kirsten Maxwell, Teaching TravelingMom | Aug 3, 2016

Located just ninety minutes north of Chicago and an hour southwest of Milwaukee, the town of Lake Geneva offers a welcome respite from the city crowds. Located on Geneva Lake, the town was the summer getaway for many wealthy Midwesterners including the Maytags, Wrigleys, and Schwinns. It continues to provide a weekend escape for many suburban families today. Lake Geneva is also home to the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, a luxurious property that offers year round family activities, making it one of our favorite accommodation choices in the area.

The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa opened in 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club, owned by the one and only Hugh Hefner, but today it is as family friendly as it gets. The expansive property includes 355 guest rooms, two championship golf courses, a wellness spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, horseback riding, access to the neighboring water park, and skiing in the winter. Families will have a difficult time knowing where to begin with so many activities and amenities available. Here are five of our favorites.

1. A CLUB FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

Whether you are traveling with an infant or a teen, Grand Geneva offers something for every age. The Grand Geneva’s motto, “Kids Are Grand,” really emphasizes the focus of their programming. Inside the main spa and fitness area is a childcare facility that cares for children under age 12. This would be a perfect option for parents working out, having a spa treatment, or playing a round of golf. Older children would enjoy the Kids Adventure Camp located in the Adventure Center at the base of the ski hill. Here they can sign up for half a day of fun outdoor activities (such as hiking and zip lining), arts and crafts, and snacks. When kids are done at camp, families might want to borrow bikes, take a hike, or rent archery equipment from the Adventure Center. They can also head back to the main pool for an afternoon swim. Kids can never say they are bored with all of these options.

2. MULTIPLE RESTAURANTS ON PROPERTY

A great resort has plenty of food options to choose from and the Grand Geneva is no exception. There’s a café and gelato spot in the lobby for quick bites. The Grand Café serves contemporary American cuisine and is a good spot for breakfast and lunch with outdoor seating for those coming from the pool or golf course. The Geneva Chop House is a typical steak house with an extensive wine list. Perhaps my favorite restaurant on the property is Ristoranté Brissago, a classic Italian restaurant serving pasta and other delicious dishes. Whichever restaurant you choose, kids will be happy with the large selection of choices to satisfy their palates.

3. AN EXTENSIVE EXERCISE FACILITY WITH AREAS FOR KIDS

As I mentioned above, there is a childcare area in the fitness center, but the facility also offers an indoor swimming pool, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, and a 35 foot rock climbing wall. While mom and dad exercise on the cutting edge cardio machines or take one of the aerobic classes, older kids can enjoy these amenities on their own. Younger children can use these areas with parents or with the childcare center (with the exception of the rock wall). A family could spend an entire day at the exercise facility if they wanted and never be bored.4. GRAND EXPERIENCESGrand Experiences are daily activities offered by the resort. Some are free, some are not, and they change seasonally. Families can enjoy activities such as bingo, Family Feud, a magic show, and making s’mores at the outdoor fire pit. Different days bring different experiences and I know our kids would love the ping pong tournament, movie night, and geocaching. There are also fun adult only experiences such as Mixology and Paint and Sip, if mom and dad want to leave the kids with an in room babysitter.

5. YEAR ROUND FUNThe Grand Geneva Resort and Spa offers many summer activities, but in the winter it’s equally inviting. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, and skating. The horse stables offer sleigh rides and the water park at sister property Timber Ridge is always open. The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva is a great place for beginners to learn how to ski and snowboard, and for families to spend time together. The place completely transforms from its summer hiking, biking, and archery area to a winter wonderland during the colder months.

The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is a great experience for families because they can entertain parents and children of all ages on their property. Families might realize they never need to leave because everything for the perfect vacation is on site. There aren’t many properties that go above and beyond to make kids feel special, but it obvious that Grand Geneva knows how to roll out the welcome mat for their young visitors.

08.02.16

Urban Milwaukee: Brian Frakes Juggles Four Kitchens

Urban Milwaukee recently featured Brian Frakes, the Executive Chef at the Pfister Hotel. Read about Frakes passion for his job and the people he serves.

08.02.16

Successful Meetings: Wisconsin Offers Year-Round Meeting Attractions

Successful Meetings featured the chef’s tables at the Pfister and the InterContinental in its recent article on Wisconsin’s meetings and events venues. Read the full article here.

08.02.16

OnMilwaukee.com: The Pickleback pairs whiskey and pickle brine

OnMilwaukee.com recently featured Mason Street Grill’s newest cocktail, the Pickleback. This new drink combo is becoming popular throughout the United States, Canada, England and in Shanghai. Mason Street Grill’s Pickleback includes a shot of Jameson coupled with a shot of house-made pickle brine. “You don’t have to like whiskey, but you have to like pickles,” says Mason Street bartender, Joe D’Acquisto. To read the full article, click here.

08.02.16

NewsOK.com: Historic Skirvin Hotel undergoes $4.3M makeover

NewsOK.com recently featured the Skirvin Hilton Hotel on its news site. The Skirvin Hilton Hotel, widely considered the most important historic preservation victory in Oklahoma City’s history, is undergoing a $4.3 million “refresh”. To view the entire article, click here.

08.01.16

MeetingsToday.com

Midwest resorts are family-friendly stomping grounds

By: Beth Bartlett

August 2016

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Your attendees are thrilled about the resort picked for the conference, and in most houses there’s a growing refrain from their families: “I wish I could go, too!” With these six family-friendly resorts in the heart of the country, not only can attendees grant those wishes, but making them come true is a growing trend as families combine conference time with vacation time.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Touting itself as the home of “America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks,” it’s natural that Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is a slam-dunk for attendees and their families. Combine that with the amenities and timeless appeal of Africa, along with 750 rooms and suites and 100,000 square feet of meeting space, and it’s a perfect, year-round choice for relaxing, fun meetings. The authentic African theme goes beyond the decor. Even the coffee served is from hand-picked beans flown in from Rwanda.

Of course, splashing about isn’t the only thrill at Kalahari.

Kalahari also offers plenty of dry fun, including the 100,000-square-foot Indoor Theme Park, which features a ropes course, climbing walls, go karts, bowling, laser tag, hundreds of arcade games, a six-story Ferris wheel and more.
With all it has to offer, the resort is seeing a shift in meetings, according to Kevin Shanley, chief revenue strategist for the resort.

“The appeal of mixing work and play is only increasing,” he said. “We’ve found that when a meeting is held at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, it transforms from an obligation one family member has to attend to one the entire family gets to attend. In fact, when meeting planners host their meeting at Kalahari, it leads to an average 20 percent increase in meeting attendance, and average block pickup of 108 percent.”

Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Lake Geneva, Wis.
It’s all about going outside to play at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. Hiking, horseback riding, golf and skiing give families a perfect opportunity to let go of their phones and get active.

“Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is the only all-season destination of its kind in the Midwest,” said Lauren Vernick, director of group sales at the property. “There’s a variety of meeting space options at Grand Geneva—everything from the ski chalet to grand ballrooms to conference rooms. We also have a variety of recreational opportunities at the resort to incorporate into the meeting, as well as teambuilding activities.”

The resort opened the Adventure Center last fall, which offers resort and destination adventures throughout the year, including mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, slacklines and volleyball. In winter, the resort’s Mountain Top Ski Chalet offers three chairlifts and two carpet lifts, with professional ski instructors available for kids and adults, so everyone can enjoy the slopes. Grand Geneva’s sister property, Timber Ridge Resort, also offers the Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark for summer fun.

Grand Geneva constantly plans new programming for families, according to Vernick. Activities can range from bingo, family magic shows and Family Feud to teambuilding events like the Putt-Putt Challenge, Build-A-Bike program or an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt.

As for trends, Vernick sees groups “keeping it simple and hands-on.” She added that athletic trends that get people moving are popular, such as Amazing Race-themed activities.

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, Galena, Ill.
Secluded on 6,800 acres of the Galena Territory, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is a favorite for groups. In addition to 63 holes of championship golf and 23 miles of hiking trails, the resort also offers fishing on Lake Galena, plus a year-round pool that has a retractable roof for the warmer months.

Like many resorts, the key to Eagle Ridge is outdoor fun in any season, including ice skating and snowshoeing in winter. The resort also provides a vast array of programming for kids and adults, including poolside craft classes, scavenger hunts and Cork and Canvas classes, which were added by popular demand and feature painting instruction and wine and cheese. The staff can also set up off-site horseback riding adventures at the Shenandoah Riding Center, or hot-air balloon rides showcasing the pristine beauty of the Galena Territory.

screen-shot-2016-09-15-at-6-00-16-pm

07.24.16

PaperBlog.com

The Grand Escape – Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva

By Chicago Genie @ChicagoGenie

You can almost feel the stress melt away as you drive up the winding road to this award-winning AAA Four Diamond all-season resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Just 80 miles from Chicago, Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is like a million miles from Michigan Avenue. After all, this was once home to the Playboy Club Resort and they knew how to cater to guests’ every whim.

This Frank Lloyd Wright inspired-property features 355 guest rooms and suites, all which include private balcony or patio with gorgeous views of the resort’s lake and golf courses. Grand Geneva boasts a state-of-the-art WELL Spa + Salon; three-chair/18 run ski hills and snowboard facility; award-winning restaurants, two championship golf courses, tennis, horseback riding and an indoor water park.

Pampering and heart pumping at WELL

There is literally so much to do at WELL Spa and Salon, well, you could, literally, spend the entire day here. Get pampered from head to toe with a variety of relaxing and therapeutic treatments for body, hair and nails. I recommend the WELL Spa Facial to leave your skin feeling nourished and smooth. Or, try a Farmhouse Fresh massage or Aromatic Back Treatment. New is their Toes on Tap Pedicure, which puts your hands on a Wisconsin Spotted Cow Beer, while your feet soak in a bath of citrus and hops. Play tennis, take a spinning class and then head to the workout area. Are you game for the 35 ft. climbing wall? Enjoy yoga or Pilates? Keep up your routine on the latest fitness equipment or do laps in the indoor pool.

Exquisite dining overlooking the rolling hills

The resort offers several dining venues from a quick bite to an exquisite meal. Ristorante Brissago is like a slice of Italy in the Midwest, named one of the top five romantic restaurants in Wisconsin by Open Table. Start your meal with imported Bufalo Mozzarella and vine-ripened tomatoes or Truffle Sachetti. The Handmade Guitar String Pasta (Tagalitelli com L’Aragosta Lemirandi), was the most unique pasta dish I’ve ever enjoyed. Also recommended is the Beef Tenderloin (Filletto Di Manzo). A grand way to experience the best of Brissago is their Chef Selected Four Courses for $44.

Geneva Chop House is their signature steak and seafood restaurant which serves dinner and Champagne Sunday Brunch. Feast on prime cuts of steak or veal with sumptuous sides. Recommended is the Roasted Beet Salad, Linz Heritage Reserve Rib Eye or Salmon with Red Quinoa and Crispy Kale.

Grand Experiences make memorable escape

The resort has developed a series of Grand Experiences throughout the day and night that vary with the seasons to make your stay that much richer. I tried the DYI Spa Souvenirs and came home with facial scrubs and bath bombs! Paint and Sip, Playboy History with a Twist, Tasty Pastry, Lawn Scrabble and Mixology are just a few of the good times awaiting you.

Adventure Center has it all

No matter what the season, there’s always something fun going on at the Adventure Center. Winter brings 18 hills of skiing, or cross country or hiking the winding trails. Come summer, enjoy a guided hike, mountain biking, play disc golf, sand volleyball or try your arm at archery.

Splash!

Bring the family to Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark on the grounds of the Grand Geneva and take off down the Moose Mountain Falls. Or float down the lazy river. Large accommodations are perfect for families, complete with kitchen and one or two bedrooms. Swim out to the outdoor pool, soak up the sun or hang out in the arcade room. Then enjoy all the other amenities of the resort.

Cruise the lake
Walk downtown Lake Geneva and grab an ice cream cone or shop in one of the many boutiques. Take a ride on Lady on the Lake or hire a private boat from Lake Geneva Cruise Line to show you around. Hop on the U.S. Mailboat Tour and see how mail is delivered to the homes on the lake. Ooh and ahh over the mansions that line the shore and learn about the famous millionaires like the Wrigley’s and Pritzker’s who’ve made Lake Geneva their summer home for generations. (CruiseLakeGeneva.com)

Embers Terrace under the stars
At night, hang out at the Embers Terrace with its outdoor fireplace and comfy lounges. It’s the perfect place for dessert like Make Your Own S’mores as you gaze up to the starlit skies and plan your next escape to the Grand Geneva!

For reservations and packages, call 800.558.3417. www.grandgeneva.com, www.timberridgelodge.com

See more here.