Visit an Apple Orchard or Winery Next Weekend

                                                 

There are so many great activities to enjoy with your family and friends in the Fall.  Are you searching for a new tradition? Have you visited a local winery, pumpkin farm or apple orchard?  Many provide apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and sell freshly made deli and bakery treats. Our favorites are the fresh pumpkin or apple cider donuts!  The Apple Barn Orchard & Winery in Elkhorn is on our list every Fall.  Another favorite in Wisconsin is The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, Wisconsin near East Troy. It is open year round but in the Fall you can enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, pony rides, train rides on the "famous" electric trains, or visit the market for their delicious paper baked apple pies drizzled with caramel.  They give you a fork just in case you can't wait to take a bite in the car! Trust me, these are worth the drive. 

Support your Local Farm Stand this Fall

The pumpkin harvest is bearing its fruit and they are rolling in to your local farm stands and pumpkin patches by the wagon full!  We have been waiting with great anticipation. Our family will soon be spending the day visiting Pearcefarms in Wisconsin where we have been going for the past 20 years since buying our home here. Its family owned and run and it's by far our favorite farm stand to visit.  I enjoy buying my produce there in the summer months, along with fresh donuts, jellies, jams, salsas and more. We all take part in the corn maze and climbing the tower of hay stacks to achieve the goal of saying you made it to the top!

 Do you have a favorite farm stand?  Enjoy the weekend with your family & friends and thanks for stopping by Lakehouselyn.

Lake Geneva Shore Path

If you live or are visiting the Midwest the next few weeks, please take advantage of visiting the LakeGenevaWi area to explore nature at it's finest.  Not to mention great restaurants, hotels and shops.

One of the best attractions in the LakeGenevaWi area is the historic shore walk path that allows you to walk around Geneva Lake in it's entirety via lakeside.  The entire path is approximately 21 miles.  Bear in mind this is a foot path and there are some spots the path may have steep climbs or narrow crossing.  Native Americans used it as a rough trail more than a century ago. The paths face has become worn and a bit rugged, but it still shows beautifully after the years of walkers on this fine and precious gem.  If your mobility is limited, walk just a small distance and return.  You will still be able to share the true beauty the path has to offer. You have opportunity to walk in front of the oldest and most beautiful estates on Geneva Lake. Estate owners for the most part embrace walkers enjoying the trail. Some provide a comfortable bench, seat, or swing for the weary walker to seek a few moments of rest before moving on. You can actually feel their hospitality and love for the area with their act of kindness.  Such a true portrayal of the people of LakeGenevaWi.  

Our husbands enjoying sports talk along the way.  

Kaitlyn of sistersmarie loves the path. So does Lisa!

I made a friend along the way:)

We've almost made it to our destination! The view is majestic. Fitz loved the walk.  

Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy the moments! Thanks for stopping by today.

Make Your own Relish Tray Supper Club Style

I always include a sharp cheddar, port wine or horseradish cheese spread.

  One of our favorite supper clubs for 20 years is villagesupperclubdelavan that has been family owned on Lake Delavan since 1966.

We enjoyed this relish tray I made while entertaining at the lake house. It  contained sliced cheese, cheese spread, assorted crackers, fruit (I like grapes and sliced peaches), and my favorite is jarred fig spread found at your local supermarket. 

Our favorite booth at Anthony's Steak and Seafood House in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Fish Fry Night Fried or Broiled every Friday!

Our favorite Supper Clubs have a fireplace, dim lighting, and candles on the tables.

My husband and I love the Supper Clubs of the North woods.  The way the air smells, the way your stress leaves you when you cross over the state line.  And our love of Supper Clubs.    You know you are in a Supper Club when you are greeted by the owner(s) themselves as though you are life time friends.  

You can always count on a fish fry on Friday, prime rib on Saturday (king or queen cut are both abundant portions), steak and potatoes every day of the week, and the most serious cocktails you have ever tasted.  Supper Clubs are often open at 4:00 for dinner, perhaps dimly lit inside with comfortable booths and tables, usually overlooking a lake or the woods, and don't overlook the neon sign outside guiding the way and pulling you in with its charm.  

After you have ordered your cocktail, you are either invited to visit the relish bar OR a relish tray is brought to your table.  There is something for every one's tastes I guarantee.  The relish tray is served on vintage glass trays or in chilled serving pieces.  I found glass trays I use as relish trays at my favorite shop Angelushome in Walworth, Wisconsin.  Plan on spending an hour or two where you can count on locating a treasure or two. 

Make your own relish tray at home Wisconsin Supper Club style with any OR ALL of the following:

Melba toast, cottage cheese, chopped liver pate, cheddar cheese spread, rye Krisp crackers, radishes, celery sticks, crinkle cut carrots, beets, coleslaw, cherry tomatoes, baby gherkins, black olives, and always bread sticks in little wrappers.  The relishes vary from place to place.

When visiting the Lake Geneva area, check out anthonyssteakhouselg, villagesupperclub,  or .duckinndelavan.  The food is delicious, great libations, and you will find the diners local and friendly.  

Also, check out Millieschicago in Lincoln Park.  It will make you feel you are in the heart of the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  And yes, they serve a complimentary relish tray with a basket of warm rolls while you decide on your cocktail and meal choice.  Another great choice is Raymessteakhouse in Lisle, Illinois. 

~Happy Weekend~

Orchards and Wineries

Photo Apple Barn Orchard and Winery

Photo Apple Barn Orchard and Winery

Visiting pumpkin farms,  apple orchards and wineries are the perfect activity for the family on Fall weekends.  Many provide hayrides, corn mazes, wine and apple cider tastings, and did I mention sell these apple cider donuts pictured above.  Is there anything better to help say goodbye to the Summer and embrace Fall?  

Applebarnorchardandwinery in Elkhorn Wisconsin is a favorite of ours.  Once you visit their Country Store and Bakery, you'll never want to leave. Apple cider doughnuts, caramel apples, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (I'll be posting a recipe for these on a future date), apple pies, local honey, jams, salsas and unique gifts along with seasonal decor.  They typically produce 11 wines, with offerings of apple, pear, strawberry, cranberry wines just to mention a few.  Their website gives directions and details.

Another that will become a family tradition once you visit is ElegantFarmer located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin.  Years ago I was a chaperone on our daughter's class camp trip and while the students were busy with activities, I set out to find a bakery that sold cookies I could bring back for the students.  I discovered ElegantFarmer and have been going back every since.  Visit their website and check out the electric train schedule and check out the Fall colors.  They are famous for their delicious apple pies baked in a brown bag.  Did I mention they sell these pies drizzled with caramel if you like?  They give you a fork so you can head right out to the picnic tables and indulge.  Visit the doughnut shack located in the orchard for warm cider fresh doughnuts while you pick your own apples.  

All this talk has made me crave doughnuts!  Happy Weekend.  

What's your favorite Fall tradition? 

Exciting New Book of the Summer!

Photo courtesy of DanielleLincolnHanna

 Please meet Danielle Lincoln Hanna, an author friend of mine who has just completed her new suspense mystery called  Mailboat Book One.  The story is based in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. I was privileged to have been asked to be an early reader for Mailboat Book One.  It's the first time in years I have read an entire book of over 200 pages in one night.  I couldn't put it down and I recommend it as one of the best reads of the Summer. 

The book opens with Bailey Johnson who is employed for the Summer on the historic Lake Geneva Mailboat as a mail jumper on Geneva Lake. Bailey'a job is   jumping off the boat as it is moving to deliver the mail in the mailbox at the end of each lakefront mansion pier.  One day after tumbling into the lake, Bailey discovers a dead body under the water which is only the beginning of this suspense and action packed mystery. 

Mailboat One becomes available Monday, August 1st on Amazon.  In the meantime, please check out Danielle's webpage at daniellelincolnhanna for a sneak preview of Mailboat Book One.  Click on My Books at the top of Danielle's page, and download a free sample of Mailboat Book One.  You can also check out Danielle's Twitter page @DanielleLHanna.  I plan on ordering several copies to place in and share in my Little Free Library at my home.  

Here's an exciting opportunity to meet Danielle in Lake Geneva on the actual Mailboat which also happens to be celebrating it's 100'th birthday this year.  

Saturday, August 20th at 9am meet at lakegenevariviera on the beautiful shores of Geneva Lake for an actual Mailboat cruise, have lunch with Danielle in downtown Lake Geneva, hear how Danielle was inspired to write her suspense thriller by her visit a couple of years ago to Lake Geneva.  And you will receive an autographed copy of Mailboat Book One.  There are only five tickets available so please go to http://daniellelincolnhanna.com/mailboat-cruise-with-the-author for more information.  Ticket's are $100.00 pp.  

Have a great weekend and happy reading!  

Reflecting on the Seasons - It's Suddenly Summer

Our second home is in a Midwest location that suddenly transitions from serene Winter and Spring to bustling with crowds everywhere Summer!  Two weeks ago we could get a table at any restaurant without a problem and sometimes were the only couple or family in the entire restaurant.  Memorial Day weekend brings visitors to the area by the droves, arriving by train, car and a handful of private aircraft.  Two weeks ago, I was one of a dozen customers at our local supermarket.  Today, the parking lot and check out aisles were jammed with people frantically looking for food and drink to feed the many family members and friends they were having up once they had opened their cabins and lake homes for the Summer season.  Many part time home owners here close up their homes for the Winter, only enjoying them in the Summer months.  We have a 4 season home and for 19 years this year enjoy each and every season.  Naturally the Summer months bring the joy of boating, grilling, the walktalkandgawk path around lakegenevawi, the many festivals.  Neighbors venture out of their homes from a long Winter's hibernation to rediscover the joys of living in the same community and catch up on what we have all been doing the past few months.   

Doesn't it seem we have just taken down our Christmas trees and decorations?  The lakes ice gradually melting, the pier companies barges suddenly appear placing piers around the 21 mile lake in their rightful homes.  My Lillies of the Valley show their beautiful and fragrant faces in our backyard woods every May, and then it's here.  Summer!  

I find myself shopping for foods to grill instead of slow cooker meals.  The outdoor furniture comes out of storage, cleaned off and placed in it's rightful places on the patio.  In the Midwest, our seasons seem shorter, and some years it seems Spring has gone missing and the days of gentle rains are fewer, being replaced with severe storms and weather warnings.  Often I am asked why I live in the Midwest and why not make the move where weather and temperatures are predictable.  As appealing as it sounds, I would find it hard to give up the anticipation of changing colors in the Fall, the coziness I feel when watching the snow fall with a cup of hot cocoa in my hand in the Winter, and waiting and watching for the pier company to put in the piers on the lake, knowing Summer is around the corner.  

Hello Summer! 

Do you have a favorite Season? 

Tree House Project Complete!

Here is the unveiling of the latest project at the lake house! I am so proud of my husband and son for working together to build this magnificent tree house! The part I cherish most is when it's painted next week by my husband and father, it will hold the footprint of 3 generations of the wonderful men in my family. The photo on the top right is my husband in the planning stages last summer.  This involved countless hours of teaching himself carpentry and endless visits to Menards.

The happiness and screams of joy when our grandchildren saw this for the first time was priceless! They shouted, "Thank you Papa, this is the best tree house ever!" ... That makes it all worth the hours of work.

Do you have a tree house or a special project that means a lot to you? 

Tree House Tips

 Camp Wandawega Tree House

My husband has been in serious planning stages of a tree house at our lake home for our youngest family members, and by serious planning I mean constantly studying designs on the Internet and reading various books over the past few years.

When I first approached him about the idea, I should have known he would take the job very seriously...So serious, that when it is finished, I am fairly certain we will be able to reside in it full time :) We are now entering the execution portion of the planning phase and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

The tree house above is located at Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin and it's just gorgeous.  It is actually built around the tree instead of using the actual tree for support which I love. We've learned that a tree house doesn't need to harm the tree and here's how you can ensure that:

1.  Use light yet strong materials over heavier materials.  This will impact the tree less.

2.  Figure out ways to keep tree house materials up in the tree without impending the tree's growth.  Use as few nails as possible so you don't pierce the tree trunk.  Rely on rope and knotting techniques.  Look for natural supports within the tree so you can lean the tree house on those rather than cutting branches or digging into part of the tree.

3.  Instead of hammering a ladder into the tree trunk, use a rope ladder. Bit more challenging but a lot more fun.

4.  If possible, build the tree house around the tree branches, but support it independently on its own legs or stilts.  

Do you have a tree house or future plans for building one?  Would love to hear your ideas.  

Thanks for stopping in and have a great weekend.  

See you for Grill Tuesday!

                                                                        LakehouseLyn

I love Autumn!

                                                AUTUMN IS A SECOND SPRING WHERE
                                                         EVERY LEAF IS A FLOWER       "Albert Camus"                                         


September and October opens up a new portfolio of brilliant color and reintroduces new venues of family fun.  I will post a couple of links soon for some of my favorite fall activities.  Years ago my family discovered one of Lake Geneva's premier resorts, The Grand Geneva,  has a horse stable that features fun activities throughout the year.  They have added an incredible corn maze for the family to enjoy as well as The Haunted Hayride which has become a "must do" for us each fall.  SO much fun but has definitely gained popularity over the years so I strongly suggest getting there early as the wait can be long.  They have a big bonfire going at all times for you and your family to gather around and makings for s'mores can be purchased at the refreshment stand.  It certainly helps pass the time while you wait your turn for the awesome haunted hayride!  By the way, Dan Patch Stables accepts no credit or debit cards.  Cash and personal checks only!  Put it on your calendar and let me know what you think!http://danpatchstables.com/  ......... Till next time!

Local Points of Interest

In our family room at the lakehouse, I keep a large basket with updated local magazines, menus from the restaurants in the area, coupons, maps, and articles from places of interest that we think our guests would enjoy.  I always try to include the newspapers from the area which lists Friday Fish Fry locations (a must do in Wisconsin or Minnesota), where you can rent boats, kayaks or jet-skis or names some fun places to shop!

The Waterfront in Delavan, WI - Great Fish Fry

The Village Supper Club in Delavan, WI