Gas Tank Getaways: Spend a day exploring Lake Geneva's small town charm

Lake Geneva is a small town with lots of attitude. The lake is a major attraction, but that's not where the fun stops in this little town. 
The unique and quaint shops in Downtown Lake Geneva draw hundreds of people every summer weekend, and no matter what you're looking for, you're likely to find it here. There are antique and art shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, gift shops, specialty food stores and places to pick up something special for the children (whether they have two or four legs) in your life. 
Take a break at one of Lake Geneva's coffee shops (including a Starbucks, if you just HAVE to have an afternoon Frappuccino) or step up to the counter for an old-fashioned treat at Kilwin's ice cream and candy shop.

Where: Lake Geneva is in Walworth County, a short drive off Highway 43.  

When: Times vary, depending on what you're in the mood for.

How much: Free to go, costs vary depending on what you choose to do.

Special treat: While the city of Lake Geneva has a lot to offer, there's an awful lot of lake scenery that you can't see from land. The Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers great ways to see the mansions and other scenery from the water. 
There are champagne brunch cruises and luncheon cruises for those looking for an upscale experience. Other tours offer guided views of portions of the lake and highlights of the whole body of water.  Expect to spend between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the cruise you choose.
For an out-of-the-ordinary experience, choose the U.S. Mailboat Tour. Lake Geneva is one of very few places in the country where mail is delivered by boat. About 60 homes on the lake receive mail by boat, and the mail delivery person must leap off the boat while it is moving, deliver the mail, grab out-going items, and get back on board before the boat passes by.
Prices vary from $11-$50 for children and from $22-$60 for adults.

More info: See what it takes to be a delivery person on the mail boat in this Fox 11 story.
Explore Lake Geneva business and restaurants on Yelp.