WLA Annual Conference 2004

Area Attractions

Autumn days in historic Lake Geneva will be a lovely respite from your daily routine. The WLA 2004 Planning Committee hopes each of you spends your off-conference time enjoying and exploring the city known since the late 1800's as “The Newport of the West”. We encourage you to extend your stay to the following weekend for ample time to really get acquainted with the area. (See page 19 and the center page of 2004 Official Visitor's Guide Lake Geneva in your registration packet for maps.) Your recreational options may include a leisurely stroll along the Geneva Lake Shore Path, a memorable meal with a view of Geneva Lake, a great bargain among the downtown shops, or a luxurious escape at the Grand Geneva spa, recently renamed “The Well.”

The moods of Geneva Lake are many and its beauty beckons, even on a cloudy day. If you are a hiker, you will especially enjoy the fall season by walking some portion of the Geneva Lake Shore Path. It runs over 22 miles along the perimeter of the Lake. Copies of “Walk, Talk and Gawk: A map and guide of the Geneva Lake Shore Path” may be purchased at The Breadloaf Bookstore, just across from the Lake Geneva Public Library on Wrigley Drive. For your convenience, this map is organized to guide you to various parts of the Lake Shore Path. The length of time and distance for each segment is indicated. Many people choose to begin their hike along the sidewalk at the lakefront side of the Lake Geneva Public Library and head west for an hour. To preserve the beauty of the path, no bicycles or skates are permitted. The path is for walking or jogging only. From this perspective, you will catch a glimpse of several estates and a gloriously refreshing panoramic view of Geneva Lake.

After you have sampled the culinary delights available through conference meals and at the three Grand Geneva restaurants, you may want to try one of our favorite spots to take out-of-town guests for lunch. The Geneva Inn's Grandview Restaurant, located past Big Foot State Park on South Shore Drive, is the site of another spectacular view. The simple ambience of a window seat overlooking the Lake and an elegant menu selection insures that you will feel you have gotten away from it all at last! Mention that you are attending the Wisconsin Library Association 2004 Conference and the restaurant manager promises you a complimentary dessert with the purchase of lunch or dinner. Reservations are suggested at 262.248.5680.  

Less than a five minute drive from the Grand Geneva west on Highway 50, shopping in downtown Lake Geneva on Main , Broad and Center Streets is fun in any season. Plan a few hours to explore shops, art galleries, and the Geneva Lake Museum; sample gourmet food, ice cream, fudge; and buy jewelry, souvenirs, t-shirts and clothes. In addition to the WLA store, the Lake Geneva 's charming selection of shops is another place to continue stress-free holiday shopping and find one-of-a-kind gifts. For more information about Lake Geneva restaurants and shops, go to www.lakegenevawi.com .

One more delightful escape is a few hours at the Grand Geneva's spa, The Well. As guests of the resort, you have already paid a $12.00 mandatory resort fee. This allows you to use the facilities of The Well which include a fitness room, a swimming pool, a whirlpool, and a steam room. You may also choose from Pilates, yoga, aerobic, and step classes scheduled throughout the day. It's wonderful to feel miles away from your responsibilities by lounging in the aromatherapy room after a swim or work-out. Court time for tennis and racquetball is additional and requires reservations. Although the spa is less busy during the week, appointments for spa services are encouraged in advance of your arrival at the Grand Geneva. Visit their website at www.grandgeneva.com or phone 888.392.8000 for a complete listing of spa services, treatments and packages.

In closing, the staff of the Lake Geneva Public Library look forward to meeting many of you. If you attend the Community Reads book discussion on Tuesday, November 2 at 6:30p.m., please plan some time before the discussion to walk-through our prairie-style building, designed by James Dresser, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Otherwise, it would be easy to add a stop at the Library after you walk the Lake Shore Path or shop downtown. We welcome your visit.

Should you have any questions during the week, please stop by the local arrangements table near conference registration. Our thanks to the Friends of the Lake Geneva Public Library who will staff the table and are eager to offer their assistance.

On behalf of the WLA 2004 Planning Committee, welcome to Lake Geneva and enjoy your stay!

Sincerely,

 

Andrea Peterson

Local Arrangements Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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