Category: Seasonal Fun

Four seasons of FUN!

7 Can’t-Miss Markets in Walworth County

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One thing Wisconsinites know well is how to cherish summer while it lasts. Between spending time at the lake, going to the county fair and enjoying concerts in the park, we tend to keep busy! One thing you’ll want to make time for, if you haven’t already, is scooping up some fresh produce and locally-made goods from a farmers market near you. Lucky for us, we have plenty of great markets right here in Walworth County!

1. Whitewater City Market

66468656_2308535599222742_8146837105427873792_n-1-e1565384700715.jpgLocated at the historic Train Depot, Whitewater City Market brings together local farmers, artisans, food cards, craft beer and local music every Tuesday from 4 – 7 pm. The market’s goal is to not only create a unique shopping experience, but also celebrate all things local. This marker offer free music, kids’ activities and boasts over 50 vendors!

2. Farmers Market – Lake Geneva

 

66280851_1361475207335452_4804286662811058176_n-e1565375715498.jpgEnjoy a huge variety of local produce, beautiful flowers and all sorts of goods from farmers and local vendors every Thursday at Horticultural Hall in downtown Lake Geneva. This market takes place from 8 am – 1 pm and runs May 2 – October 24.

3. Burlington Farmers Market

65079889_2352359128120792_7456544309437792256_o-e1565376156147.jpgFarm tables at this market are loaded with the region’s freshest, in-season fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, ciders, cheeses, pasture-raised meats and poultry, jams, preserves, cut flowers and nursery stock. Local food artisans bring fresh bread, prepared foods and other goodies. Burlington hosts its market every Thursday from 3 pm – 7 pm at Wehmhoff Square.

 

4. Delavan’s Fresh Market

65196047_10156642336409611_3452322840265621504_o-e1565376266258.jpgDelavan Fresh Market has fresh produce, local food vendors and artisan craftsmen. The market is located under the trees in downtown and right on Hwy 11. The Fresh Market is open on Thursday afternoons from 3 – 7 pm, June – September.

 

5. East Troy Farmers Market

gn_march_2019_farmers_market.jpegThe East Troy Farmers Market is currently celebrating its 11th year! This market features vendors selling staples like homegrown produce and flowers, but you can also find meats, honey, cheese, crafts and more. Note that the East Troy Farmers Market is held only on the first and third Friday of the month, June 7 – October 4. Click here to view their exciting schedule of events for the remainder of the 2019 season.

 

6. Saturdays on the Square – Elkhorn

65171849_1099016230304747_2955759088237019136_o.jpgSaturdays in Elkhorn are for Saturdays on the Square! Here, you can find a variety of vendors offering everything from handmade products to fresh, local produce. Every week, a different event, organization or activity is featured. Market-goers can attend every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm at Veterans Park in downtown Elkhorn.

 

7. Whitewater Farmers Market

17039032_1253452444703593_7993852971186123692_o.jpgThe Whitewater Farmers Market has been serving up fresh produce in the community for over 25 years! Open 8 am – 12 pm on Saturdays, this market features vendors with locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, preserves, hand-crafted items and more. This market runs from the first Saturday in May until the first Saturday in November and is located at the Winchester True Value.

 

For more information about events happening in Walworth County, go to www.visitwalworthcounty.com/events

 

 

 

Enjoy Wisconsin’s Premier Golf Destination: The Lake Geneva Area Golf Trail

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The Lake Geneva Area is Wisconsin’s premier golf destination. Home to some of the best championship courses in the Midwest, there are over 9 golf clubs with multiple courses cover Walworth County.

The Lake Geneva Area Golf Trail encompasses nine of those golf clubs ranging from family-friendly par-3 to nationally recognized courses. Features offered by the Lake Geneva Area Golf Trail make the trail a golfer’s greatest resource. Both the guide and the website bring together all the information you need to plan your next golf getaway.

World Class Golf. World Class Beauty.
All nine courses take great pride in their beautiful scenic landscapes and some even boast lakeside views. Discover the highlights of The Golf Trails’ participating clubs:

Abbey Springs Golf Club
Fontana, WI

Alpine Valley Resort
Elkhorn, WI

Country Club Estates Golf Club
Fontana, WI

Delbrook Golf Club
Delavan, WI

Evergreen Country Club
Elkhorn, WI

Geneva National Resort
Lake Geneva, WI

Grand Geneva Resort
Lake Geneva, WI

Hawk’s View Golf Club
Lake Geneva, WI

Lake Lawn Resort
Delavan, WI

LakeGenevaGolfTrailGuide

The Lake Geneva Area Golf Trail Guide is the ultimate tool to find out more about each club along The Golf Trail. You will find stats on over 243 holes and the courses that hold them within this guide.

Searching for a great deal on golf this year? LakeGenevaGolfTrail.com is your online guide that will help plan the ultimate golf trip. Not only does it link to the course to schedule tee times, but you can view a full listing of special golf events, lodging, and special packages offered by clubs and local resorts. Or secure your greatest deal with the Lake Geneva Area Golf Trail Passport.

WCVB Golf Passport Cover

Each Golf Trail member course offers fantastic deals in the Lake Geneva Area Golf Passport. Each passport contains 27 rounds of golf: each club honors two certificates for Complimentary Greens Fees to be used in either the spring or the fall – 18 rounds of golf, as well as one certificate for Buy One Greens Fee, Get One Free to be used during the summer – 9 rounds of golf. Purchase yours today at lakegenevagolftrail.com/passport/ or at the Walworth County Visitors Center, 2375 E. Geneva St., Delavan, WI 53115

 

The Beer Barons of Geneva Lake

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You may know of Conrad Seipp and his 1888 summer cottage on Geneva Lake…Black Point Estate and Gardens.  After four generations enjoyed their summers on Geneva Lake, the family donated the property to the State of Wisconsin; it’s open for tours hosted by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Black Point Estate
Black Point Estate

The Seipp family is not the only Geneva Lake family that is connected to beer (just the one open for tours!)  To learn more about the “beer legacy” of Geneva Lake, join the Black Point staff for a beer tasting tour of the lake and Black Point Estate on July 20 or August 17th—go to the events page on blackpointestate.org for details.

Seipp was the largest brewer in Chicago for 30 years…and the largest in the U.S. for one year (1873) with many popular brands (Salvator, Columbia, Hollander, Pale Ale, etc.) 

 

Conrad Seipp
Conrad Seipp

The Seipp family was associated with at least three estates on the lake…the Lindens on the south shore is owned by the Madlener side of the family…and related to the Blatz family.

 

A son-in-law, Theis Lefens had an estate on the south shore, too.  He was Secretary and Treasurer of Seipp’s Brewery, and president of the United States Brewers’ Association in 1889-90.

The first establishment connected to Chicago beer was the Pishcotaqua Hotel on the north shore, near Williams Bay and Knollwood. The hotel pre-dated the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island by 7 years, and was of the same luxurious style, built as a temperance hotel…but unsuccessful for the first few years, until John Cook bought it.  He was the owner of the Union Brewing Company in Chicago. The remaining building is now known as Ara Glen.

The complex known as Forest Glen, and Villa Palatina (near Fontana), was owned by two Chicago brewers:  George Weiss sold his estate to Edward Uihlein in 1899. Edward operated the Chicago branch for Schlitz.  Fire destroyed the house in 1922, and the area was subdivided.

The Fairlawn mansion still exists…it was in the Wacker family until 1975.  Charles Wacker and his father were in the malting and brewing business. Known for Wacker Drive, Charles was instrumental in implementing Burnham’s Chicago Plan…which gave us Chicago’s lakefront parks, Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium, etc.

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Conrad Seipp Brewing Company in Chicago, IL

 

Ceylon Court, renamed for the Maytag family when they purchased the property has another beer connection.  Fritz Maytag, often called the father of craft brewing, bought Anchor Steam Brewing in San Francisco in 1965.  His grandfather was the last Maytag to own property on Geneva Lake.

So Seipp was the largest brewer on the lake at one time…but there are connections to Blatz, Schlitz, and Anchor Steam beer as well as connections with Wacker and John Cook.  Join Black Point staff on July 20 or August 17 to learn more of the beer story of Geneva Lake…and sample some great beers while you tour Black Point Estate and Gardens!

By Michael Rehberg

 

Walworth County: Food Festival Heaven

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What’s a summer in Wisconsin without meat on the grill, corn on the cob, and a cold beer in hand? It’s no secret that food has the power to bring people together whether it be a backyard BBQ or the Largest BBQ Festival in the state of Wisconsin. Walworth County is home to several summertime food festivals that will fulfill your foodie fantasies.

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Elkhorn Ribfest | Elkhorn, WI | Thursday, July 11 – Sunday, July 14, 2019

Part competition and part festival, Elkhorn Ribfest is a 4 day long barbecue lover’s dream. The Walworth County Fairgrounds hosts this enormous event that features world renowned BBQ professionals. These ribbers are competing for the title of Grand Champion and festival-goers even have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite! Once you’ve had your fill of mouth watering ribs, there’s still plenty of festival left to enjoy! You can take a stroll around artisan village and enjoy carnival rides. Not to mention, there’s no shortage of live entertainment. The festival features artists such as Bella Cain, Too White Crew, Cherry Pie, Hairbanger’s Ball and more. Free admission and free parking make this a fun, affordable event for all!

5d192c6eae920.imageSteak Cookout | Elkhorn, WI | Wednesday, July 17, 2019

If you’re still hungry for more after Elkhorn Ribfest, the annual Steak Cookout at the Walworth County Fairgrounds shortly follows. Stop by for a delicious steak or burger hot off the grill from 4-7 pm and don’t forget to check out the bake sale! This event supports the Walworth County Junior Beef Members.

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Big Foot Lions Club Lobster Boil & Steak Fry | Fontana, WI | Saturday, July 27, 2019

Indulge at the biggest social event in Fontana! The fun begins at noon in Reid Park with live music and lighter fare such as hamburgers and hot dogs. Lobster and steak dinners will be served from 2-9 pm and all meals include boiled red potatoes, peas, boiled onions, buttered rolls and a dessert! Yum! There will be a children’s area set up and live entertainment from Al’s Blues Band, Mr. Myers Band and The Eddie Butts Band. Lobster dinner tickets are $38 in advance/$40 at the door and steak dinner tickets are $24 in advance/$26 at the door. All proceeds from the fundraiser go back to the public through contributions from the Lions Club. 

432-1.jpgCorn & Brat Days | Elkhorn, WI | Friday, August 2 – Saturday, August 3, 2019

Formerly known as Festival of Summer, this event kicks off a big month for corn and brats in Walworth County. Downtown Elkhorn will host artisans, vendors, bounce houses, and performances from local groups. Some of this year’s performers include the martial arts group Elkhorn Flying Dragons, Walworth County Cloggers, Toe to Toe Ballet and live music by The Amazing Farm Boys.

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Corn and Bratwurst Festival | Walworth, WI | Saturday, August 3, 2019

Join the Geneva Lake West Rotary Club for their 58th Annual Corn and Bratwurst festival! Held in Heyer Park, the fest will feature delicious roasted corn on the cob and beer brats from 11 am to 9 pm. Enjoy live entertainment all day and try your luck at the dunk tank for a chance to soak local celebrities! Tickets are $9 in advance or $13 day of.

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Corn & Brat Fest | Williams Bay, WI | Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11, 2019

Sweet corn and Wisconsin brats…a match made in heaven. The Williams Bay Lions Club is hosting this massive, 3 day event at Edgewater Park. There will be multiple raffles and live music from The Andrew Gelles Band, Rebel Grace, Katie Mack, and the Big Al Wetzel Band. Don’t miss the fireworks show on Saturday night!

darien_cornfest_201606-1024x576.jpgDarien Cornfest | Darien, WI | Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 8, 2019

We hope you’re still hungry for corn because these ears are FREE! The 59th Annual Darien Cornfest returns this September with live entertainment, carnival rides, a craft fair, tournaments, tractor pulls, fireworks, a parade, and more corn than you could ever dream of. This festival has it all and you won’t want to miss it. Enjoy free corn from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday & Sunday of the event!

 

Spring into Easter!

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Easter Egg Hunts, special Sunday Brunches and Easter activities to have fun with the entire family. From Sunday best to all-out outdoor Easter fun. Find all your eggs and make it an Easter you’ll never forget in Walworth County!

Easter Egg Hunts

April 13

April 19

April 20

April 21

Breakfasts & Brunches

April 13

April 20

April 21

Easter FUN!

April 13

April 14

April 20

April 21

For details and more events go to
VisitWalworthCounty.com!

The Finest Snowmobile Trails in Wisconsin

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Walworth County has 2800 miles of the finest trails that Southern Wisconsin has to offer. Virtually all trails are on private property and use is granted by the respective local owner. Maintenance, marking and grooming are performed by local snowmobile clubs.

Conditions – For Walworth County trail conditions, call 262-742-2664, Walworth County Snowmobile Alliance. The Snowmobile Alliance is in charge of  installing, maintaining & grooming snowmobile trails throughout the county.

Snowmobile Trail Pass – Wisconsin law requires those who use Wisconsin snowmobile trails to display either a Wisconsin registration or a Non-Resident Trail Pass (Annual). If the snowmobile is kept in Wisconsin, it must be registered in the State of Wisconsin. Non-resident Trail Passes may be purchased over the counter at authorized sales locations or by calling the Wisconsin DNR at 888-396-7436. Trail passes may also be purchased at the Walmart in Delavan.

Operators – Any person who has reached the age of 12 may operate a snowmobile. Any person born on or after January 1, 1985 is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety Certification course to operate a snowmobile on Wisconsin public trails and areas. DNR recreational safety specialists recommend that all snowmobile operators complete the safety course.

2016-17 Snowmobile Trail map
Trail Map – To receive a Walworth County Snowmobile Map, contact the Walworth County Snowmobile Alliance at 262-742-2664 or visit walworthcountysnow.com. Printed maps are also available at the Walworth County Visitors Bureau at 800-395-8687.

More Information – For more information go to http://dnr.wi.gov.

 

Check trail status here.