Tis the Season to Celebrate Christmas

Christmastime is here! Delavan is the perfect place to make treasured memories this holiday season.  From yummy brunches to Christmas Eve-Eve trivia– we invite you to join us in celebrating the season. Check out these holiday events happening just in time for Christmas:

Visit With Santa at Bradley’s Department Store |December 19th

Bring the kiddos to visit with Santa at Bradley’s Department Store. This will be his last visit to Delavan before the big day, so be sure to bring your letters and wishlists. Santa kindly asks guests to wear a mask when visiting. Stop by between 12pm and 2pm.

Dancing Horses Christmas Show | December 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th, and 31st

The Dancing Horses proudly presents a Christmas tradition once again this holiday season. Be dazzled by the Las Vegas style show featuring amazing equestrian choreography. The magic of the holidays comes to life with special appearances from the mini Unicorn and of course the big man himself. Tickets can be purchased online for $37.50.

Christmas Eve-Eve Trivia at Delavan Lake Store | December 23rd

Relax, unwind, and test your knowledge of Christmas Classics with the crew at Delavan Lake Store. Enjoy festive drink specials including the Merry Margarita Martini, Cranberry Christmas Sangria, and Peppermint White Russians alongside a jolly game of holiday movie trivia. The cheerful fun kicks off at 7pm.

Frontier Christmas Dinner | December 24th and 25th

Executive Chef Billings has crafted yet another delectable holiday menu at the Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort. Indulge in a three-course meal featuring Roasted Prime Rib, Maine Cold-Water Double Lobster Tails, Duroc Pork Chop, and Eggnog Mud Pie. Dinner is served both Christmas Eve (5 pm-10 pm) and Christmas Day (5 pm-9 pm). Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online via Open Table or by calling (262) 725-9155

Grand Yuletide Christmas Day Brunch | December 25

Celebrate Christmas Day with a bountiful brunch at the Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort. Enjoy classic brunch fare with new twists, carving stations featuring Prime Rib and Honey Glazed Ham, decadent Pastries, and Desserts galore. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (262) 725-9155. Brunch seatings will be available 10 am-2 pm.

For more holiday events here in Delavan, check out our Event Calendar at VisitDelavan.com. From all of us at Visit Delavan, may you have a safe and happy Christmas Season.

Celebrating Father’s Day In Delavan

June 21st is creeping closer and closer, which means you better start thinking about Father’s Day. Of course, you can go with the standard ties, watches and wallets, but if you want to stand out and show Dad how much you care, you’ll have to do better than that.

To help you out, we’ve searched Delavan high and low for the best gifts for Father’s Day. Whether he likes music, golf, or working on big home improvement projects, we’ve compiled a list of gifts and experiences to make this the best Father’s Day ever. 

Fine Dining with Dad: If the dads in your life have come to enjoy the finer things in life, treat them to a dinner at Delavan’s favorite casual fine dining establishment: Johnathan’s on Brick Street. Featuring fresh seafood, hand cut steaks, and much much more there is something to suit even the most discriminating pallets.  Book your reservations for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday today. 

Boating and Floating:  Enjoy a day on the lake with Dad! Take Dad for a day on the water with boat rentals from Lake Lawn Resort. Rent speed boats, pontoons, and fishing boats hassle and worry free. Rentals are offered to resort guests and the public and often sell out, so reserve your rental today at www.lakelawnresort.com.

Something He’ll Actually Use: If you can count on your hands how many trips Dad takes to the hardware store every weekend, consider getting him that power tool he’s been eyeing for months or a smoker to fulfill his barbecue pit masters dream, or even a whole system of smart lighting to finally replace those pesky bulbs that constantly burn out.  Shop our local TNT ACE Hardware to find the perfect gift he’ll use for years to come. 

A Hole in One:  If your dad is anything like mine, there is nothing he loves more than hitting the greens with his buddies.  This Father’s Day, get dad out and about all season long with the 2020 Lake Geneva Area Golf Trail  Passport. The Lake Geneva Area Golf Trail offers a wide range of play from family-friendly par-3 to challenging nationally ranked courses, there is something here for every level.  The 2020 Golf Passport is Dad’s ticket to the ultimate golf experience.  Each Golf Passport contains two certificates for Complimentary Greens Fees to be used in either the spring or fall in addition to a Buy One Greens Fee, Get One Free certificate for the summer.  That’s a total of 30 rounds of golf for $149.50.  Thats over $2,850 in savings! Order yours by calling (262) 728-6000 or by visiting lakegenevagolftrail.com (pssst…with the Golf Passport, Dad can golf at two courses right here in Delavan!)

A Fine Tuning:  Do you have fond childhood memories of Dad strumming on his old guitar at family gatherings? Dig out that bad boy and have it tuned up at LSJ Music Company.  Whether it simply needs new strings or a complete restoration, LSJ is sure to please with their expertise. 

Big Boy Toys: Get Dad out on the big boy toy of his dreams this Father’s Day with One Powersports.  Between ATVs, go-karts, and jet skis, ONE Powersports LLC is the place to find big thrills at affordable prices.  Unleash his inner adrenaline junkie with a brand new Polaris Hammerhead at $300 off!

British Invasion: Was the soundtrack of your childhood filled with 60’s Brit Rock ala the Zombies, Rolling Stones, and the Beatles? Enjoy an evening of nostalgic music retrospective as the Belfry Theater presents British Invasion Years – Music of the 60’s June 26^th and 27^th. Groove together and make it a night neither of you will ever forget!  Get your tickets soon as this event is sure to sell out.

A Clean Kitchen: How many times have you heard grumbling coming from the other room about how messy Dad’s Kitchen is after a big family meal?  Skip the mess this Father’s Day and get your meal to go with Lake Lawn Resort’s Weekend Meals To-Go! Now you can get all of his favorites prepared perfectly and ready for pickup! Enjoy wings, wraps, salads, ½ pound burgers, ribs, award-winning fish fry, and even steak dinners! It’s fast and easy! arry out menu is available Fridays from 4:00pm – 9:00pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am – 9:00pm. Call 262.725.9137 to order!

Father’s Day Night Cap: If your Dad is anything like mine, he is always on the quest to find the best old fashioned in Delavan.  And to his standards, very few come close to the famous Delavan Lake Store Old Fashioned.  If Old Fashioneds aren’t quite his drink of choice, the Lounge Bar is fully stocked and offers a wide variety of local and regional beers, wines, and craft cocktails. 

We hope that your Father’s Day in Delavan is one just as amazing as your Dad is.  To all of the Dads, Grandpa’s, Uncles, and important men in your life, Happy Father’s Day!

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Enjoy A Socially Distant Day Out In Delavan

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been anxiously awaiting the day when we can all return to normal and resume our daily activities.  Maybe you’ve been missing shopping the streets of downtown, or dining on the decks of your favorite restaurants.

While we are still social distancing and following the recommendations of the CDC, we can still get out of our homes and enjoy a day out in Delavan with a few precautions.  Here are five activities to have the best socially distant day here in Delavan.

1. Search High, Search Low: Start your day with a little family competition in the fresh air with the Delavan Walldog Scavenger Hunt.  Use hints and clues to find all 20 Walldog Murals throughout Delavan.  Don’t forget to download the Kids’ Scavenger Hunt for the kiddos to play too!

2. Grab Some Lunch To-Go: After your scavenger hunt, refuel with some yummy lunch from your favorite Delavan Restaurants to-go! Be sure to check out our Distance Dining Guide to see participating restaurants and takeout menus.

3. Afternoon Tee: Once the afternoon rolls around, head out for a round of golf, the original socially distant sport. Book your tee times with Delbrook Golf Club or Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort.  Walk the greens or rent individual carts to ensure your safety.

4. Treat Yourself: A day out in quarantine always calls for a treat! Order out your favorite ice cream treat from Lopez’s Anchor In. Or if Italian pastries are more your style, pick up fresh cannoli from Riga-Tony’s Delicatezzi.

5. A Walk in The Park: To close out your day, take a sunset stroll through your favorite park, or venture out to a new one. With over 27 to choose from, you’re sure to find some picturesque views and a breath of fresh air. Just be sure to keep your six feet of distance between you and other park goers.

We hope our itinerary for a socially distant day out in Delavan inspires you to get out and enjoy some fresh air.  As always, we encourage you to stay safe and be well!

 

Celebrate Mom: Five Local Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is coming up soon! And even through quarantine may ruffle our traditions and change the way we celebrate this year, that doesn’t mean we cannot celebrate the leading ladies in our lives.  Show Mom your appreciation with these lovely gifts and goodies found right here in Delavan.

Brunch To-Go: Is your Mother’s Day tradition taking Mom out for a lovely brunch at her favorite restaurant? Bring brunch to her! Reserve your brunch to-go from Lake Lawn Resort. Their award-winning chef has prepared a great meal with delicious offerings and your choice of Prime Rib or Ham. The tempting culinary choices are sure to please the entire family and Mom doesn’t have to lift a finger!

Sip Sip Rosé: With all the stress of the world, Mom deserves to relax with a good bottle of wine. Pick up a bottle from our favorite local vineyard, Staller Estate Winery.  With 14 artisanal varieties, Mom will surely find her new favorite.  Add a gourmet charcuterie tray to your order and pick it up curbside with ease.

Love In Bloom: Show her your appreciation with a beautiful hanging basket or succulent arrangement from Busy B’s Garden Center. Lasting longer than cut flowers, Mom can enjoy these plants for the whole season and beyond! Call (262) 749-3030 to place your order and arrange for pickup or delivery!

A Little Bling Bling: Does your mom love a little sparkle and glam? Find the perfect something with Utiger Jewlery.  Shop bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, and more perfect for showing your love and appreciation.  Schedule your in-store appointment by calling (262) 728-2011.

Gifts of Glee:Is Mom extra hard to shop for? Stop by Delavan Lake Store and browse their collection of gifts, locally made goodies, and festive gift crates perfect for both pampering and partying.  Or order online for curbside pickup!

Whatever your plans are for Mother’s Day, we hope it’s a relaxing one!  From all of us here at Visit Delavan, Happy Mother’s Day!

Six Tips For an Egg-cellent Easter at Home

Easter is on its way! While this year’s festivities will look a little different than we’re used to, we can still celebrate and create new traditions at home.  Here are six tips for making your holiday an “egg-celent” one.

1. Worship Online: Lots of churches are utilizing their online presence to lead worship services and bible studies while we are temporarily sheltered in place. Check out the churches below to find an online Easter service:

• Delavan Christian Reformed Church’s Facebook
• Delavan United Methodist Church Online Sermons
• United Church of Christ Facebook

2. Craft Up a Storm: Decorate your home with colorful Easter crafts to help lighten your spirits and get in the Easter spirit. Using supplies, you probably already have around your house, make egg carton chicks, cotton ball bunnies, and q-tip sheep for a fun-filled crafter-noon.  Check out this nifty idea guide for inspiration!

3. Bring the Egg Hunt to Your Backyard: If your family tradition was hunting for eggs in the annual Phoenix Park Easter Egg Hunt, your kiddos are probably super bummed about its cancellation. This year, bring the hunt to your own backyard.  Ramp up the stakes with clues, riddles, or even the coveted golden egg.

4. Cook a Special Easter Meal: A staple of the Easter holiday is gathering for a special meal.  Whether it’s an all you can eat brunch or a home cooked feast, keep your tradition alive.  Pick up ingredients on your next essential grocery run to Piggly wiggly to whip up all your favorite family recipes and a little something sweet to make a fun themed treat for the kiddos.  (We LOVE this recipe for no-bake peanut butter birds nests)

5.Wine-d Down: Planning for Easter can be stressful without a pandemic in the background. Pick up special bottle of champagne or wine from Staller Estate Winery (curbside of course) or Sonoma Cellars to relax with a special bottle of bubbly.

6. Order Out: If cooking isn’t quite your thing, consider ordering out and supporting a local business. Check with our distance dining page for a list of restaurants offering takeout services at this time.

Which of these tips will you be using to help make your Easter a hoppin’ one? Share with us in the comments below.  Happy Easter everyone!

Let the Walldog Scavenger Hunt Begin!

You’ve definitely seen them around town.  They are large, colorful and play a huge role in telling Delavan’s history. And while they’re still relatively new in town, they fit right in as if they’ve been here forever.  They are the Walldog murals of course!

The Delavan Walldog murals were brought to life in 2015 by a group of mural artists from around the country.  These artists create historical advertisements and pieces celebrating small town American history.

With over twenty murals across down, every age and era of Delavan’s history is represented in an active and unique style.   From its prudent beginnings, through Delavan’s Circus age, to modern day, the murals tell our town’s story in a way words cannot.

And while you’ve certainly seen them, have you ever taken a closer look? We invite you to take the Walldog Mural Tour and participate in the Walldog Scavenger Hunt. Put your seeking skills to the test and match each clue to the mural numbers on the map below based on the hints and clues provided.

With two different versions, this is an adventure the whole family can take part in.  Take on the challenge with the Adult Scavenger Hunt or enjoy the Kids Scavenger Hunt with your little ones.  When you are finished with your hunt, send your completed form to info@visitdelavan.com to be entered for a chance to win a prize. Winners will be drawn once a month!

 Download the Scavenger Hunt Map and Clues:

Scavenger Hunt Clues

Kids’ Scavenger Hunt Clues

Self Guided Walldog Tour Brochure and Map

Shamrockin’ Around Delavan

Its time to dig out your shamrocks and celebrate all weekend long, St. Patrick’s Day is finally here! The fun is just over the rainbow and you won’t have to search for a four leaf clover to find it.  Check out these festive events sure to get your (Irish) jig on.

Irish Cocktail Experience – Friday March 13: You can’t celebrate St. Paddy’s day without a little spirit(s)! Delavan Lake Store invites you to imbibe in classic Irish cocktails and drink around the Ring of Kerry at their Irish Cocktail Experience.  Tickets will disappear as fast as a rainbow, so get yours today.  Sláinte!

Shamrock Shindig – Saturday March 14: Join Sonoma Cellars for their March tasting event featuring wines, craft beers, and Irish spirits for sampling.  Sip on brews from Good City, Anahpee Brewery, and O’so Brewing alongside monthly featured wines. Enjoy live music from Johnny B., yummy snacks, and some old Irish style fun!

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration – Saturday and Sunday, March 14^th & 15^TH: The Postscript Pub is the place to be all weekend long.  Let your ears savor the traditional Irish tunes while your taste buds enjoy a classic corned beef and cabbage feast or lamb stew.  Be sure to pair your meal with a frosty mug of green beer.

St. Paddy’s Day Party with South State – Saturday March 14: The Irish certainly know how to party, and so does the Watershed Saloon.  Rock out with South State as they play your favorite 80’s and 90’s hits.  Don’t miss out or you’ll be GREEN with envy!

Delavan Lions Club Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser – Sunday March 15: A local tradition lives on.  The 57^th annual Delavan Lions Club Corned Beef and Cabbage Fundraiser is back!  Dine in with all you can eat Irish fare or take it to go as carryout. Pick up tickets from Steinbrink’s Piggly Wiggly, Bradley’s, Noble Insurance, and The Village, or purchase them at the door day of.

The Brothers Quinn – Sunday March 15: Start St. Patrick’s Day week off right with The Brothers Quinn.  Cattails hosts the Folk Project alongside a slew of specials including free corned beef, shepherd’s pie, darts, pool, and $2 Guinness and shots Paddy’s.

St. Pawtrick’s Day Party – March 17: Your pups want to party too! Bring your doggos to the St. Pawtrick’s Day Party at Lollipups Pet Resort for doggy ice cream and a day of festive fun with your furry friend.

So go out and channel your inner Irishman or Irishwoman and have a shamrockin’ St. Paddy’s Day weekend here in Delavan.

All Aboard for the 13th Annual Delavan Train Show

Chugga-chugga choo-choo! All aboard! The Delavan Train show rolls into town once again Saturday March 21-Sunday March 22, 2020.  This two-day event brings the magic and lore of the railroads to life right here in in the heart of historic Downtown Delavan.  Join in on the fun as model train exhibits and layouts from all over the country set-up and turn the town into a depot of fun.

Begin your railway adventure at the Delavan American Legion Hall where you will receive a souvenir map and a “ticket” to be punched at each stop along the way! With layouts in many shops and buildings all around town, climb aboard the Trolley to make sure you see it all.

The Delavan Train Show has events and activities for kiddos and serious hobbyists alike all while boasting a small town festival atmosphere perfect for a family weekend. Admire the intricate layouts, learn about the history of the rails, complete an ‘I-Spy’ scavenger hunt, and even operate some of the trains.

This show features layouts in multiple scales and features some of the most intricate and exciting ones from both “big” national shows and local hobbyists.  Whether you’re just plain curious or an all-out aficionado this show is for you!

Admission is free and open to the public all weekend long. In addition to the trains, many great gift certificates and prizes will be given away to attendees. And if you get hungry, plenty of yummy treats will be available for purchase on-site.

Get a chance to see the only hobby where you can be the city planner, structural engineer, and the conductor all at the same time only at the Delavan Train Show.

Valentine’s Day Delights In Delavan

Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is coming up this Friday! Cupid has been hard at work planning the perfect day here in Delavan for you and your sweetheart.  From crafts, to romantic meals, to ballroom dance lessons, there is festive fun for everyone this February 14th.

Crafts

Do you love crafting almost as much as you love Valentine’s Day? Grab your glitter glue and pack your pens to join in on the fun! Aram Public Library is hosting Adult Crafts: Valentine’s Day Thursday February 13 with sessions starting at 5:30 and 6:30 pm.  All materials will be provided and space is limited, so we highly recommend registering early.  If working with greenery is more your style, join Busy B’s Garden for a Heart Wreath Workshop.  In this workshop you’ll use greenery and a little guidance to make a heart shaped wreath perfect for displaying on your front door.  Again, space is limited so stop in or call to reserve your spot.

Dining

Romantic dinners are the quintessential Valentine’s Day celebration.  If you’re stuck on ideas and looking for suggestions, we have a whole list of fabulous restaurants to choose from:

• The Waterfront Pub & Grill: Enjoy a special menu both Friday and Saturday evenings featuring lobster tail dinners, ribeye, and strawberry cheesecake in the relaxed lakeside environment The Waterfront Pub and Grill is known for.
• Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort: Chef John Billings has created a very special five-course gourmet meal to tantalize your tastebuds. Start with a glass of champagne and begin your meal with Chicago Stock Yard smoked hanger steak bites and a shaved fennel frisse salad, followed by your choice of decadent entrée, and finish with bourbon chocolate crème brulee, tuxedo strawberries, and a white chocolate mousse martini. Reserve your table today.
• Ol’Wisco Bar & Grill: As a tried and true local favorite, Ol’Wisco will not disappoint with their steak dinner! This Valentine’s Dinner Menu for Two includes a starter, your choice of hand cut ribeye or NY strip, dessert, and a bottle of wine for only $75.
• Johnathan’s on Brick Street: Treat yourself all weekend long at Johnathan’s on Brick Street! In addition to their regular menu, Chef Johnathan has prepared a sensational Valentine’s Day menu. Enjoy live music both Friday and Saturday night while you dine in their warm and romantic atmosphere.  Reservations are strongly encouraged as seating is limited Friday evening.

Special Events

Looking for some after dinner fun? Sonoma Cellars is hosting a Marvelous Mini Valentine Bash.  Here you can sample some sweet treats, pick up last minute lovelies, and sip on exquisite wines and exotic beers.  Or spend your evening dancing and romancing at a couples beginning ballroom dance class at Delavan Lake store. Close your evening by playing everyone’s favorite: The Not So Newlywed Game.  Whether you are newly married, just started dating, or have been married for fifty years, test your knowledge of your significant other and have some lighthearted fun.

So instead of stressing over V-Day plans this year, choose something fun from our list, and you and your sweetheart (or group of friends!) will be feeling the love in no time. And whether you decide to stick with the traditional dinner or venture out of your comfort zone this February 14, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

 

Sky Circus on Ice Takes Flight February 14th!

Think flying kites is just a summer activity? Think again! Join us for a fun-filled weekend of dazzling professional kite performances as the 7^th Annual Sky Circus on Ice comes to life over Lake Delavan February 14^th-16^th, 2020.

You’re invited to witness some of the greatest kite performers in the world bring the sky to life in vivid color against the backdrop of the wintry ice at Lake Lawn Resort. The weekend spectacle brings together teams from across the U.S. and Canada each boasting ginormous streaming kites, with some measuring over 80-feet in length!

The festivities are sure to be a flurry of fun starting Friday evening and continuing through Sunday afternoon packed as tightly as a snowball with activities including:

• Professional snow carving classes Saturday and Sunday from 1:30pm-3:00pm.
• All-Ages Kite Making Workshop in the Lake Lawn room at Lake Lawn Resort ongoing 10:00am-4:00pm for a fee.
• Arial Candy Drop sponsored by Andes Candies during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances.
• Kite Flying Lessons and other outdoor kite activities.
• The Grand Kite Launch sponsored by Gift of Wings both Saturday and Sunday.
• Indoor and Outdoor Kite Performances ongoing from 12:00pm-5:00 daily.
• Kids Mad Dash sponsored by Lake Geneva Country Meats where the first kids to register will receive a free kite.
• Daily performances by Connor Doran from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” all three days.
• Saturday’s TropRock concert featuring Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band at 8pm.
• And so much more!

Got an old kite lying in the garage at home? Bring it with you! Test your piloting skills against the gusty winter winds and gain valuable tips straight from the pros between performances.

If the outdoors aren’t necessarily your cup of tea, the long windowed hallways inside of the resort make for a perfect view of the show all while keeping you nice and toasty.  For those braving the cold, hot concessions and bonfire pits will be available to keep you warm inside and out.   

Event admission and performances are free and open to the public.  Parking will be available at Lake Lawn Resort, the Lake Lawn Airport, and  Downtown Delavan as well with a complimentary trolley running both Saturday and Sunday. Trolleys will make stops at:

• Lake Lawn Resort
• Super 8
• Downtown Delavan
• Comfort Inn and Suites.

So join us as we turn our eyes to the skies and celebrate Sky Circus on Ice with us here in Delavan.  We cannot wait to see you there.  For more information please visit visitdelavan.com.