What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
One service that’s unique to the area is our complimentary shuttle, which transports guests and groups from anywhere from a 10-mile radius and into downtown Lake Geneva, Wis. We’re the only property in the area that offers this too.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
We have two popular bars on site that are particularly great for groups. The first is the Helm and guests love that it’s more of an intimate cocktail lounge. It’s open on Friday and Saturday nights and features Tom Stanford, a classic pianist. A more casual bar on site is the Waterfront Restaurant. The menu features Matthew Whiteford’s LOVE YOUR BBQ – he’s an award-winning pit master and he can be seen all summer long during our weekly “Burnin’ Down the Docks” every Sunday afternoon.
Both Fontana and Lake Geneva, Wis., are bustling with great restaurants and bars. One of the newest spots in town is Pier 290 – just 10 minutes from The Abbey and they offer a full lunch and dinner menu and people love their new heated outdoor bar as well. Gordy’s Boat House Bar & Restaurant and Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn are two other hotspots within walking distance of The Abbey.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Absolutely! The beauty of Lake Geneva is that guests can enjoy the 21-mile walking path that is more than 100 years old and a little adventurous as the terrain changes throughout the 21-mile course – sometimes concrete, limestone, dirt, gravel or grass. What’s best, if guests of The Abbey aren’t looking for a long walk, they can simply turn back or they can call the shuttle for pick-up.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
Given that The Abbey’s the only full-service resort on the lake, I always recommend taking advantage of seeing Lake Geneva’s U.S. Mailboat Tour, which was featured on the TODAY Show and CNN. The U.S. Mailboat is the only marine mail delivery of this kind in the United States. One agile mailperson jumps off and back on the boat to deliver the mail to approximately 60 homes around Lake Geneva. It’s amazing. For astronomy enthusiasts, the world’s largest refracting telescope is located at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. The facility is the home of the department of astronomy and astrophysics of the University of Chicago. They offer free public tours and group tours can be arranged as well.
What is an unusual request from a group you’ve had?
The most unusual group request was to find a place to land a helicopter because we don’t have a helipad. With a little help from a few staff members, Mike Ditka (former coach of the Chicago Bears) was able to land his helicopter right on the harbor lawn the last time he stayed with us.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
The Fontana Grill can typically accommodate last-minute group requests. The restaurant boasts a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has vegetarian and gluten-free options. From a quality breakfast to the finest seafood and steaks, even foodies find themselves satisfied after a meal at the Fontana Grill. My favorite menu item is the Kurobua Pork Chop with truffle whipped potatoes. The peach glaze is a perfect combination of sweet and savory.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
The Abbey’s Activities Department has a selection of team-building events and activities called “Abbey Group Pursuits.” Dozens of companies, associations, nonprofits and others have taken advantage of the opportunity to create engaging and experiential events. Some of these including the Abbey Regatta, Bike Building Breakthrough, Egg-citing Egg Drop, Sailing Synergy, Olympics Overdrive and more. The Activities Department can customize a team-building event based on the group’s needs and goals. To learn more, just call 262-275-9080 or visit www.theabbeyresort.com.
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