LAKE GENEVA — Mouthwatering steaks at the Geneva Chop House, Mediterranean specialties at Medusa Grill & Bistro and flame-roasted chicken at Popeye’s helped Lake Geneva win top honors for dining in the Best Towns in Wisconsin poll.
The poll, organized by the Wonders of Wisconsin committee, a group of state travel enthusiasts, asked nearly 3,000 online voters to rate dozens of towns (defined as a place with a population of 15,000 or less) in 20 categories.
Lake Geneva tied with Sister Bay, where goats graze on the sod roof at Al Johnson’s, for the designation of the Best Town for Dining with 565 votes apiece, besting Green Lake, New Glarus and Bayfield.
George Hennerley, executive vice president of the Lake Geneva chamber of commerce, said it’s not just about what the city has to offer but how much it has to offer.
“When you mention those other towns, great places (to eat) come to mind,” he said. “When you mention Lake Geneva, a bunch of great places come to mind.”
Hennerley said options for dining range from casual restaurants to upscale eateries. People even can pick up picnic foodstuffs at a local deli and watch the sunset over the lake, he said.
And while it didn’t capture top honors, Lake Geneva was named among the best places for a boating getaway (along with Pepin, Baileys Harbor, Eagle River and St. Croix Falls) and a romantic getaway (along with Bayfield, Fish Creek, Kohler and Chetek).
Hennerley said it’s no wonder the city made the short list of best towns for a boating getaway: Geneva Lake is known for its deep, blue waters, historical lakefront estates and beautiful sunsets.
But perhaps the only way to truly experience the lake is to be on the water, he said.
From tour boats to speedboats to sailboats to jet skis, people have a number of ways to recreate on the lake, Hennerley said.
“It’s just a matter of how you would like to enjoy your aquatic adventure,” he said.
Hennerley said the city long has been a destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Quaint bed-and-breakfasts, lakefront hotels and a luxury resort provide ideal settings for lovers, he said.
“You can sit out on the balcony and have a glass of champagne or walk along the lake and watch the sunset,” Hennerley said.
People have a lot of unique shopping, dining and recreation within walking distance from their lodging, too, he said.
Hennerley said it’s difficult to “brand” Lake Geneva because people come to the city for a number of reasons, whether it’s for a boating weekend, a romantic getaway or a family summer vacation.
“Our brand is quality,” he said.
BEST TOWNS IN WISCONSIN
Lake Geneva was named the best place for dining and was among the best places for a boating getaway and a romantic getaway. Brodhead was among the best places for a biking getaway.
Here’s how the local communities fared:
Best Town for Dining
1. (tie) Lake Geneva and Sister Bay—565 or 19.34%
2. Green Lake—540 or 18.49%
3. New Glarus—526 or 18.01%
4. Bayfield—339 or 11.61%
Best Town for a Biking Getaway
1. Sparta—942 or 32.25%
2. Two Rivers—469 or 16.06%
3. Boulder Junction—375 or 12.84%
4. Brodhead—364 or 12.46%
5. Plymouth—166 or 5.68%
Best Town for a Boating Getaway
1. Pepin—707 or 24.20%
2. Baileys Harbor—619 or 21.19%
3. Eagle River—588 or 20.13%
4. Lake Geneva—533 or 18.25%
5. St. Croix Falls—196 or 6.71%
Most Romantic Town for an Adult Getaway
1. Bayfield—593 or 20.30%
2. Lake Geneva—566 or 19.38%
3. Fish Creek—565 or 19.34%
4. Kohler—540 or 18.49%
5. Chetek—385 or 13.18%
For a complete list of the winners, go to www.wondersofwisconsin.com.