Don’t miss the 162nd Walworth County Fair, going on now through September 5th. Established in 1842, The Walworth Country Fair is one of the oldest state fairs in state of Wisconsin!

Below is a list of the highlights of this year’s fair:

Thursday, September 1st:
7:30pm - Badger State Tractor & Truck Pulls - Grandstand

Friday, September 2nd:
11am - Carnival Reduced Ride Prices – Midway until 6:00 pm
7:30pm – MONTGOMERY GENTRY– Grandstand

Saturday, September 3rd:
10am - Antique Car & Tractor Parade – Grandstand
12pm - Harness Races – Grandstand
7:30pm – RODNEY ATKINS – Grandstand

Sunday, September 4th:
12pm - Harness Races – Grandstand
7:30pm – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS – Grandstand

Monday, September 5th:
1:45pm - Demolition Derby - Grandstand
4pm - Demolition Derby - Grandstand
6:30pm - Demolition Derby – Grandstand

For a complete list of events for the 2011 Walworth County Fair, please visit: http://www.walworthcountyfair.com

The Cove of Lake Geneva is once again a proud sponsor of Southeastern Wisconsin’s ‘Beat the Heat’ program this summer!

‘Beat the Heat’ is a safe, controlled environment where all licensed drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 are given an opportunity to drag race against area police officers and their friends. ‘Beat the Heat’ takes place at the Union Grove Raceway on select Saturdays throughout the summer (see the upcoming races below).

Here’s what the program is about:

This program was originally designed to educate youth about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse while operating a vehicle, and has evolved into a program that keeps teens from illegally drag racing, which is equally as dangerous. So rather than street racing, this gives teens a safe and controlled environment to fulfill their need for racing at high speeds.

Here’s how it works:

Licensed drivers are invited to come out to the track on race day, where they will need to sign up. If you’re under the age of 16, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian with you the first time to get you signed up. Next, you will have your vehicle inspected to make sure it meets all the guidelines set by NHRA. If you’ve never raced here before, and want to learn a little more about what to expect, there will be police officers and other racers available to talk you through what to expect. Then it’s time to hit the track! Trophies are awarded at every race and awards are given to the top point earners at the end of the season.

Upcoming Races held from 11am to 3pm:

·         July 23^rd

·         August 6^th

·         August 13^th

·         August 27^th

·         September 24^th

For more information about ‘Beat the Heat’, visit www.sewbeatheat.org.

Looking for a place to stay while attending ‘Beat the Heat’? The Cove of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin’s premier all suite condominium resort and conference center, is located in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Cove offers spacious suites featuring flat screen televisions, fireplace, whirlpool tub, fully-equipped modern kitchen, and a private patio or balcony. The suites also feature free wireless internet, cable, and a DVD player. This Wisconsin luxury resort boasts a large indoor and outdoor heated pool, outdoor children’s pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, fitness room, sauna, even an arcade-styled game room for the kids. Summer activities include nightly ‘dive-in’ movies by the pool for the entire family, live music, poolside massages, full service tiki bar, and private cabana rentals. To make your reservation, visit www.cove-lake-geneva.com.

The Cove is very excited to once again be a sponsor of this great event, and we’ll see you at the races!

Concerts by the Lakefront

The place to be is Lake Geneva every Thursday night for Concerts by the Lakefront. The concerts take place in Flat Iron Park across from The Cove of Lake Geneva at 7pm. All you need to do is bring a blanket or chair to relax on as you enjoy a wonderful night of music by local musicians.

Farmer’s Market

Be sure to check out the Lake Geneva Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 8am – 1pm. The Farmer’s Market, at the Historical Hall, is within walking distance from The Cove of Lake Geneva and takes place until October.

EcoFair 360

This July 8^th through the 10^th learn all about the different ways of living green during EcoFair 360 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn! The weekend will consist of over 200 exhibitors, speakers, and demonstrations that will cover a variety of topics including ways to green our land and homes, how to green our tables with what we eat and how we cook, and how to invest in a green life. Plus, throughout the weekend you can see different alternative vehicles on display, learn how to install LED outdoor lighting, purchase outdoor furniture built from reused materials, learn about different green, cost effective home products, and so much more!

And don’t forget to bring your kids! The fair will be offering a special Kids Zone with activities gear specifically towards them, and you can even make a whole day out of the fair because they’ll be offering great food choices the whole family will enjoy with a menu full of items from local restaurants.

For more information about the daily activities taking place, visit www.ecofair360.com.

Country Thunder

Country Thunder is right around the corner, so make your reservations at The Cove today! This year’s event will take place on July 21st– 24th, 2010 in Twin Lakes, WI. Only 15 minutes away from The Cove of Lake Geneva!

Country Thunder is one of the Nation’s Premier Music and Entertainment Festivals offering off-the-chart music to thrilling amusements and unique merchant vendors. The action packed annual four-day music festival features over 20 chart-topping country music artists such as Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, Martina McBride, and Lady Antebellum.

To make your reservations, visit www.cove-lake-geneva.com.

The countdown is on to Florida’s biggest theme park opening in years! The opening of LEGOLAND Florida is coming this October 15, 2011!  So if you are looking for a great vacation for the LEGO fanatic in your life, this is one vacation you can’t afford to miss out on!

LEGOLAND Florida will be the biggest Legoland Park, offering a mix of over 50 theme park rides, and an array of shows and interactions including incredible Lego displays with exciting interactive features. This park is geared specifically for family with children between the ages of 2 and 12, giving them a place to let their imagines run wild.

For more information about LEGOLAND Florida, you can visit their website at www.florida.legoland.com.

When visiting LEGOLAND Florida, make sure to stay at Mike Ditka Resorts-Runaway Beach Club for a true home away from home experience in this beautiful condo/hotel Resort! And don’t forget to take advantage of discounted tickets to LEGOLAND Florida, through Mike Ditka Resorts!

Here are the top 8 reasons Isla Margarita is a true Vacationer’s Paradise:

1. Beautiful Beaches – Isla Margarita is the home to over 70 unique beaches. Those that top the list are Caracola Beach, Playa El Agua, Playa El Yaque, and Playa Caribe. Isla Margarita has even been named one of South America’s Top Beach Resort Destinations!

2. Historical Cities and Landmarks - Isla Margarita is home to many historical forts, churches, and museums. Some of the sites you must check out on your visit are: The Ruins of Caranta Fort, Francisco Narvaez’s Art Museum, and Porlamar Lighthouse.

3. Windsurfer’s Paradise - Windsurfing got its start on Isla Margarita due to the areas strong, warm winds and warm water, and has since become a windsurfer’s paradise. Isla Margarita is now recognized as one of the top five windsurfing destinations worldwide and is known by many as the ‘Capital of Windsurfing’.

4. Plenty of Water Activities - The crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea offer many water activities including boogie board rentals, ski boat rentals, jet ski rental, water skiing, wake boarding, boat charters, fishing boat rentals, kayaking, parasailing, canoeing, rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, and so much more!

5. Duty Free Shopping – Isla Margarita has been exempt of duties and taxes since 1975, thus providing tourists and residents with an excellent opportunity to acquire top brand name goods at no name prices. Be sure to check out the Sambil Shopping Complex, Galerias Fente, Jumbo, and the AB Commercial Center.

6. Adventurous Excursions – Excursions on Isla Margarita are definitely the best way to see the island, its surrounding areas, and overall, experience the enchanting beauty of the Caribbean. Be sure to check out these excursions: Los Roques, La Blanquilla, Coche, Cubagua, Araya, Canaima, Delta del Orinoco, and La Gran Sabana.

7. Delicious Local Restaurants - When visiting Isla Margarita, be sure you have a chance try a few dishes local to the island. Make sure to try Casa Caranta, El Pacífico, or Nikkei.

8. Tropical Weather - Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees, and although located in the Caribbean, it is not in the hurricane belt.

Still planning your family’s summer vacation? Be sure to check out all that Lake Geneva has to offer! Book your room at Geneva Hospitality’s The Cove of Lake Geneva in downtown Lake Geneva and you’ll be placed in the center of it all.

1. Walk Lake Geneva’s 20 mile lake path around Geneva Lake or enjoy one of Lake Geneva’s other walking paths or hiking trails.
2. Enjoy shopping at unique downtown boutiques.
3. Treat your children to an exciting day at the petting zoo or fishing at the local fishery.
4. Play a round of mini golf at one of the Lake Geneva mini golf locations.
5. Enjoy a day on the Lake by renting a boat or jetski from one of the many boat rental locations.
6. Take a boat tour of the Lake by Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Enjoy the Ice Cream Social Tour, US Mail Boat Tour, or a variety of others.
7. Spend the day at Lake Geneva Beach. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
8. Relax by the pool at The Cove of Lake Geneva while your kids enjoy the children’s pool and weekend children’s activities.
9. Enjoy a round of golf at one of Lake Geneva’s many golf courses.
10. Join The Cove of Lake Geneva every Saturday for ice cream socials as we help raise money for the ‘Give Kids the World Foundation’.
11. Enjoy a unique view of Lake Geneva by parasailing above Geneva Lake.
12. Spend the day fishing on Geneva Lake. You can even hire a fishing service to show you the best fishing locations.
13. Visit one of the many museums, not only located in Lake Geneva, but around Geneva Lake as well.
14. Treat yourself to a spa day at one of the local spa locations.
15. Treat your family or loved on to a night of live entertainment at one of the area’s theaters or music venues.
16. Spend an afternoon at an orchard picking berries or enjoy a wine tasting at the local winery.
17. Plan your next meeting at The Cove of Lake Geneva and make use of the versatile meeting spaces, perfect for any group size. After your meeting, stay and enjoy a day or weekend in Lake Geneva. For successful meeting strategies, visit http://www.cove-lake-geneva.com/lake_geneva_meetings_sms.html
18. Enjoy one of the area’s local festivals or fairs including, Chocolate Fest or Venetian Fest which is located in the park across from The Cove.
19. Play a fun, competitive game of tennis at one of Lake Geneva’s many tennis courts or enjoy The Cove of Lake Geneva’s on-property tennis court.
20. Treat your children to a day at one of the area’s wonderful parks, most offering playgrounds for the kids!
21. Take a horseback ride on some of the wonderful trails in the Lake Geneva area.
22. Enjoy your night bowling at Lake Geneva Lanes, or cosmic bowling on weekend nights!
23. Let your adventurous side shine on the new Lake Geneva’s Aerial Adventures Challenge Course and Zip Lines.
24. Treat your family to one of Wisconsin’s #1 attractions: The Dancing Horses Theatre Show.
25. Enjoy Lake Geneva’s beautiful scenery from above on a hot air balloon or airplane ride.
26. Have a train fanatic in your family? Treat them to a train ride on East Troy’s Electric Railroad.
27. Travel around town and experience the area in style; rent a scooter, segway, or scoot coupe!

For more ideas and information about Lake Geneva activities, visit The Cove’s website at:

 www.cove-lake-geneva.com.

 Receive exclusive offers by booking ONLY through the Official Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club Website including; daily drink specials at the Tiki Bar, FREE shuttle service to the Disney theme parks, 24/7 ON-SITE check-in and front desk services, use of the on-site indoor basketball court, plus many more! Don’t be fooled by the rest! This is the ONLY website endorsed by Coach Mike Ditka himself! Other management companies at Runaway Beach Club have tried to take advantage of the Coach Ditka winning name and fool guests into thinking they are affiliated with Coach Mike Ditka!.....THEY ARE NOT! We go to a great deal of expense and effort on a monthly basis to assure we meet and exceed guest’s expectations, as well as promoting the Resort using Mike Ditka’s name. Other management companies are trying to take advantage of OUR efforts, don’t let them!

Stay with the best and don’t be fooled by the rest! Take advantage of exclusive offers that can only be given by our company! Please make sure to book your stay on the ONLY Official Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club website www.MikeDitkaResorts.com.

Also by booking with us, you are automatically entered in to our Exclusive Mike Ditka Autographed Football Giveaway Contest! Please see our website for official rules and details.

When traveling with children, your hotel room will most likely get a lot of use due to naps, changing clothes, meal and snack times, etc. At the same time, you will also want to book a hotel room that is close to activities, as children tend to get worn out more quickly with lots of transportation, and you will want them fresh for the activities you have planned.

Below are a few kid-friendly features you should look for when booking your room:

• Large rooms that will give your kids enough room to move around and play.
• A separate seating area away from the beds/bedrooms that will allow the adults a place to hang out while children nap.
• Kid friendly restaurants that are onsite, or within walking distance, to avoid having to get kids in and out of the car, which can sometimes be a hassle within itself.
• A pool and/or other kid friendly amenities such as organized children’s activities.
• Free wireless internet, as it’s a great and quiet way for you to be entertained while your children are asleep.
• A refrigerator that will come in handy for storing drinks and refrigerated snacks.
• A kitchen that can be used to cook meals and snacks. This is also a plus because your family will save money by not having to eat out at every meal.
• A location which is within walking distance to markets, restaurants, coffee shops, etc., to pick up quick essentials.

Overall, whatever your budget, you should look for an accommodation in a central location that is close to attractions and offers easily accessible transportation or is so close to attractions, no transportation is needed.

If you are planning a summer vacation this year to Lake Geneva and are looking for a hotel which encompasses the above features, but sure to check out The Cove of Lake Geneva at www.cove-lake-geneva.com.

Below are some great activities you and your family will enjoy during your visit to Mike Ditka Resorts…and most importantly, they’re free!

-Check out the Old Town Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Complex where your whole family is sure to find fun every day of the week. However, be sure to visit on Saturday nights where you’ll enjoy the largest weekly car cruise in the United States, the ‘Saturday Nite Cruise’, which features a great array of over 300 classic cars. Plus, the weekend also includes live entertainment!

-Stop by the historic Kissimmee area and check out the old Courthouse located here, that just happens to be the oldest courthouse that’s still in use in the State of Florida! Then travel to the downtown area to see the Kissimmee Sculpture Experience, where each year different artists submit their work and a dozen pieces are selected to line the streets. Next, head to Lakefront Park and be sure to check out the Monument of States along the way.

-Head to St. Cloud, also named “The Friendly Soldier City" for the thousands of Civil War veterans who relocated here in the early 1900s, where you can spend the day strolling the streets, shopping, dining, and “people watching” in the many different antique stores, shops, waterfront parks, and restaurants.

-If you love nature, be sure to check out Osceola County which has the largest population of nesting Bald Eagles in the continental U.S. It’s also one of the country's few re-introduction sites for the endangered Whooping Crane. The best place to spot these birds is at Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve, the Osceola County Environmental Center, and in the Wildlife Management Areas of Bull Creek, Prairie Lakes, Three Lakes, and Triple N Ranch.

-Like to fish? Be sure to spend some time fishing the lakes of Kissimmee, which are famous for their views and abundant amount of bass. Lake Tohopekaliga, located in downtown Kissimmee, is known to fishermen around the world and is a great place for boating, birding, and picnicking along the water's edge. Also, be sure to head over to East Lake Toho in St. Cloud for a full day worth of free fun, where your family will be sure to enjoy relaxing on the beach, playing on the playground, and fishing from several lakefront fishing spots including a fishing pier.

Above the Waters: Windsurfing

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort offers guests a multitude of water activities but nothing will ever be more popular in this area then windsurfing. Windsurfing, which got its start on Isla Margarita due to the areas strong, warm winds and warm water, has become a windsurfer’s paradise. Isla Margarita is now recognized as one of the top five windsurfing destinations worldwide and is known by many as the capital of windsurfing.

Playa El Yaque is the most famous windsurfer destination on Isla Margarita and attracts more and more windsurfers annually. The shallow waters here provide the perfect conditions for both the beginning windsurfer and the more advanced surfer practicing maneuvers and tricks.

Even if you are not a windsurfer, Playa El Yaque is a great destination to experience and you will definitely enjoy a great show. You may even be lucky enough to catch a professional windsurfer practicing for the Professional Windsurfing Association competitions which take place on this beach each year.

Below the Waters: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Isla Margarita, home to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, offers some of the best Caribbean scuba diving and snorkeling locations in the area. The two most popular snorkeling and dive locations close to Isla Margarita are Los Frailes and Isla Cubagua.

Los Frailes is a group of about five small uninhabited rock islands that are ranked as the absolute best diving place around the island. Its location provides the presence of large sea nutrients, which make it a place of great biological diversity.

The main attraction at this location is the abundant and diverse underwater life. Visibility may fluctuate between 6 to 20 meters (18 to 60 feet), depending on the season and the day’s conditions. Los Frailes also offers small platforms, canyons, and smaller caves for exploring.

Isla Cubagua is one of the sister islands of Isla Margarita and is a popular location due to the wreck of a sunken ferry divers can explore. The cars of the ferry are still intact and provide an excellent photo opportunity. This location is truly recommended if guests are looking for adventure.

What also makes this location interesting is the diversity and abundance of fish. Massive schools of Grunts, Grouper, and Trumpet Fish become background for more exotic species including the Bannerfish, the Vieja (a Sea Bass species found only in South America), and Electric Rays hiding in the sand.